LOUISIANA MARITIME ASSOCIATION (LAMA)
www.louisianamaritime.org
Morning Report
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/ntas.shtm
No Threat Advisory Issued.
Key Navigation Issues
Fog Conditions
Algiers Point Navigation – Current Status: Open to Navigation.
Southwest Pass Navigation – Current Status: Open to Navigation
NOTICE
Lower Mississippi River Traffic Restrictions MM 11-12 Below Head of Passes (BHP)
- Beginning today, Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm local, Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel
Company will be conducting dive operations to recover a broken dredge arm from the M/V DREDGE
WHEELER at MM 11.8 BHP.
- Due to operations, no vessels with a draft greater than 25 ft will be permitted to transit between MM 11-12
BHP.
HPL Bridge Navigation Issues
There are no navigation closures at the HPL Bridge construction site scheduled for the week of April 2nd or
April 9th.
- For the week of April 2nd, KMTC will continue the retrofit work in Span 2, but will maintain at least 500' of
clearance within the navigable channel at all times.
- KMTC will require a Minimum Wake 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday.
- Monday, April 2nd, through Sunday, April 15th, both platforms will be stored at Pier 2. Clearance between
the platforms and Pier 1 will be 615'.
- All vessels with an air draft in excess of 120 feet and intending to transit the Huey P. Long Bridge are
required to notify the Vessel Traffic Service at least two hours in advance of arrival.
- Air draft is defined as the maximum vertical height of a vessel reported in feet when it will reach the Huey P.
Long Bridge site at MM 106 AHP.
Operational Advisories and Restrictions Now In Place
USCG
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 28: CARROLLTON GAUGE AT 12 FEET AND RISING
– 29 March 2012
The Carrollton gauge indicates a Mississippi River stage of 12 feet on the rise.
1. In accordance with 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light 94, Gretna Harbor
Traffic Control Light 97 and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 remain energized.
2. The Harbor Traffic Control Lights are located at: Governor Nicholls Light, MM 94.3, AHP, LDB, LMR
(LLNR 13855/34770), Gretna Light, MM 96.6, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR 13880/34795) and the Westwego
Traffic Light, MM 101.4, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR13950).
3. The Governor Nicholls Light 94 and the Gretna Light 97 are not operating.
4. Downbound vessels check in with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (call sign "New Orleans
Traffic") not lower than Huey P Long Bridge, MM 106.1, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and the Marlex Terminal,
MM 99.0, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS). Upbound vessels check in with "New Orleans Traffic" not higher than
the Algiers Canal Forebay, MM 88.0, AHP (SHIPS), Industrial Canal, MM 92.7, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and
Crescent Towing Smith Fleet, MM 93.5, AHP (TOWS).
5. Towing downstream on a hawser between Julia Street (MM 95.3) and Desire Streets (MM 93.5) is
prohibited without an assist or tail vessel without permission from COTP New Orleans. COTP permission may
be requested to and granted by VTS LMR.
6. Title 33 CFR 165.803, Paragraph (M) requires stricter barge fleeting standards on the Lower Mississippi
River.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) 365-2230 Coast Guard Sector
New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2543 Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways
Management: (504) 365-2280
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 21: High Water Safety Advisory: LMR MM 219 to MM
229 – 14 March 2012
As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 25 feet and expected to continue to rise, the COTP New Orleans
has issued a Safety Advisory from MM 219 to MM 229, Lower Mississippi River (LMR). The following are
recommendations for the advisory:
Port Allen Lock:
A. It is recommended that Canal Tows 600 feet in length or greater, excluding the length of the towing vessel,
use a Private Assist Vessel with a minimum of 1000 horse power when entering and exiting the Port Allen
Locks.
B. Canal Tows exiting the Port Allen Locks intending to head northbound are recommended to proceed
southbound and then top around at or below MM 226 prior to heading north.
C. Owner / Operators are reminded to ensure towing vessel inspections are completed before entering the RNA
as per 33 CFR 165.810 (f).
D. Companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.
E. Towing vessels are recommended to catch a headline when entering the Port Allen Lock.
F. Vessels will be put on queue for lock turn when their tow is built and may remain in the area in which their
tow was built until it is time for lock turn.
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 22: Carrollton Gauge at 8 Feet on the Rise – 14 March
2012
As a result of the Carrollton Gauge reading 8 feet and rising, the Algiers Point VTS Special Area Operating
requirements are in affect:
1.
In accordance with 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light 94, Gretna
Harbor Traffic Control Light 97 and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 have been energized.
2.
The Harbor Traffic Control Lights are located at:
Governor Nicholls Light, MM 94.3, AHP, LDB, LMR (LLNR 13855/34770),
Gretna Light, MM 96.6, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR 13880/34795), and the
Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR13950).
3.
The Governor Nicholls Light 94 and the Gretna Light 97 are not operating.
4.
Downbound vessels check in with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (call sign "New
Orleans Traffic"):
Not lower than Huey P Long Bridge, MM 106.1, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS), and the
Marlex Terminal, MM 99.0, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS).
Upbound vessels check in with "New Orleans Traffic":
Not higher than the Algiers Canal Forebay, MM 88.0, AHP (SHIPS),
Industrial Canal, MM 92.7, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS) and
Crescent Towing Smith Fleet, MM 93.5, AHP (TOWS).
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue: 25 High Water Safety Advisory LMR MM232 to MM237
– 21 March 2012
As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 28 feet and expected to continue to rise, the COTP New Orleans
has issued a Safety Advisory from Mile Marker (MM) 232 to MM 237, Lower Mississippi River (LMR). The
following are recommended based on the current gauge reading:
Wilkinson Point:
A. Line-towing companies and tow operators are recommended to use towing vessels with a horsepower ratio
of 240 hp per barge and a maximum of 36 barges per tow for southbound transit around from MM 232 to MM
237 LMR, which includes Wilkinson Point. Empty barges may be calculated at 1?2 the horsepower
requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Vessels in queue
currently transiting southbound with 36 barges or more may continue their transit but are requested to contact
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge at 225-281-4789.
B. Towing vessels with 8000 hp are allowed to push a 35 barge tow makeup (400 hp less than requirement
stated above).
C. Owner / Operators are reminded to ensure towing vessel inspections are completed before entering the RNA
as per 33 CFR 165.810(f).
D. Line-towing companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge: (225) 298-5400
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge CDO: (225) 281-4785
Coast Guard Sector Command Center New Orleans (24 hours): (504) 365-2200
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN Volume XII, Issue 29: Waterway Status – Navigation Advisory Lower
Mississippi River Mile Marker 228-229 – 26 March 2012
This MSIB replaces the information release in MSIB Vol. XII Issue 23.
T. E. Iberson Construction Company is conducting construction operations in the vicinity of LMR MM 228 to
229 on the RDB. All vessel traffic is advised to proceed at the slowest safe speed when transiting through the
area so as to minimize wake. Construction equipment may extend out 100 yards from the existing dock. All
vessel traffic is advised to use caution and maintain a distance of 50 yards away from construction operations
when transiting the area.
T. E. Iberson Construction Company and the towing vessel MARK K will be monitoring and may be contacted
through VHF Channel 69 or via telephone at (985) 870-0585 for further information.
For further information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge: (225) 298-5400
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge CDO: (225) 281-4785
Coast Guard Sector Command Center New Orleans (24 hours): (504) 365-2200
------------------------------------------------------------------Recent Worldwide Piracy Reports
The Senior Watch Officer from the Office of Naval Intelligence has provided the following advisory:
1. ONI assesses with high confidence that Somali pirates possess both the intent and capability to increase
operations in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea during the seasonal
monsoon transition period, expected to occur from late March through May 2012. During the seasonal
monsoon transition period, sea states are expected to be between 3-5 feet, ideal for operating attack skiffs in
open ocean waters. Rain will occur mostly in the form of isolated thunderstorms and brief showers. Fog is also
forecasted to occur frequently.
Pirates continue to be armed with assault rifles and RPGs; the use of heavier weaponry in the future cannot be
discounted. Somali pirate attack groups in some cases will increasingly probe merchant vessels to determine if
weaponry is aboard a potential target. If weapons or armed guards are spotted, the pirates will likely seek out
another nearby transiting vessel and repeat the observation process. Generally speaking, many pirate attack
groups will conduct an attack on a vessel after observing a lack of weaponry or armed guards. Pirates remain
capable of operating in excess of 1200nm from the Somali coast for weeks at a time leveraging the use of
motherships. Vessels previously hijacked and being held at anchor for ransom could, at times, also proceed to
get underway for the purpose of conducting mothership operations. Overall, all vessels operating in the region
are considered potential targets.
Vessels operating in the region are encouraged to implement Best Management Practices and report pirate
activity to the appropriate authorities, to include the UKMTO.
Please share with vessel owners, operators and charterers.
------------------------------------------------------------------BAR Pilots
Operational Area – SWP to Pilot town
Normal Operational Draft - 45' Freshwater. (See temporary restrictions below)
Current Restrictions in Place – Updated January 2, 2012
Maximum recommended draft for all vessels in Southwest Pass is 44 feet.
On December 31, 2011 Capt Mike Lorino, President of the BAR Pilots provided the following information:
"Due to channel conditions, Bar Pilots are lowering the draft to 44ft fresh water in their operating
territory effective Monday, January 2,2012."
Important Note from BAR President Captain Mike Lorino – Posted March 13
As a result of the lack of federal funding for dredging during the past year, the Bar Pilots membership had to
reduce the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT in Southwest Pass. The decision to reduce the loading draft
was given careful consideration by the Bar Pilots and was the subject of much discussion and debate amongst
the Bar Pilot membership. Our membership recognizes the complications and difficulties that a reduction in
draft causes your principals in using our River system. Because of this, the Bar Pilot membership has worked
closely with industry on vessels that were loaded to our recommended draft in the event that the
RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT decreased before arrival here. As has always been the case, vessels are
only moved through Southwest Pass if the Bar Pilot for the vessel believes that it can safely be transited.
I regret to report that some vessels have not complied with the above accommodation that the Bar Pilots
have made. We are aware that some vessels are arriving inbound after loading to a deeper draft than our
recommended draft. Moreover, and more disturbing, there are an ever increasing number of vessels being
loaded on the River for outbound transit OVER the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT.
Yesterday, an agent for an outbound vessel asked whether the Bar Pilots would move a vessel with a 44.4’
draft. Later it was learned that the vessel was actually loaded to 45.6’ with knowledge that the recommended
draft was 44ft. The vessel was then trimmed by the master to 44.8’ but still requested transit through
Southwest Pass over the 44ft. draft limitation. This evening the vessel was denied transit and is heading back to
the dock to discharge cargo that should have never been loaded. There is no excuse for this to occur.
Therefore, as of today, any inbound or outbound vessel more than 1 inch over the Bar Pilot
RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT will not transit Southwest Pass. The only exception to that policy will be
in the event that there is a lowering of the RECOMMENDED LOADING DRAFT and a vessel is already in
transit. In this instance, the Bar Pilots will evaluate it upon arrival and, if it can safely be transited, the Bar
Pilot membership will try to accommodate that vessel.
Mike Lorino, Jr.
Associated Branch Pilots
------------------------------------------------------Crescent Pilots
Operational Area – Pilot town to Mile 90 AHOP
Normal Operational Draft - 47' Freshwater (See temporary restrictions below)
Current Restrictions in Place – Updated March 20, 2012
As of March 19, 2012 at 1431 Hours (Local) the CRPPA have changed their recommended draft to:
45 feet for the Crescent Pilot operating territory from Pilottown to Venice.
46 feet for Crescent Pilots' operating territory from Venice to mile 104.7 AHP.
On February 19, the Crescent Pilots provided the following information:
"After reviewing the surveys and channel conditions in the vicinity of Cubit's Gap, the Crescent River Port
Pilots have increased the recommended max draft in their operating territory to 45' effective immediately.
Thank you. Regards, Mark Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, CRPPA
----------------------------------------------------------------NOBRA Pilots
Operational Area – Mile 90 to Mile 233.5
Normal Operational Draft - 47' Freshwater up to Mile 180 AHOP and 45' Freshwater from Mile 180 to 232.1
AHOP
Current Restrictions in Place – None.
1. Vessels transiting up to and including MM 180 AHP will be restricted to 47' or less; and
2. All vessels transiting above MM 180 AHP will be restricted to 45' or less.
---------------------------------------------------------------LMR Federal Pilots
Current Restrictions in Place – As below.
In reference to the above NOBRA Pilot operating restrictions; Captain Steve Paquette, President of the Federal
River Pilots reports the Federal Pilots are making operational decisions on a case by case basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------Reports of Marine Incidents and Safety Advisories
Affecting Navigation on the LMR
i. The Coast Guard has released a precautionary notification regarding vessel transits in the vicinity of
Fukushima, Japan. The message is as follows:
In the event a vessel bound for a U.S. port transits within the 'cautionary area' described as a 50 mile (43
nautical miles/80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (37°N, 141°01'E) the U.S. Coast Guard
recommends the vessel's master submit transit information, including the date and total time within the
cautionary area, to the cognizant U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port using the comment block in the routine
submittal of their 96-hour Advanced Notice of Arrival.
ii. CBP Statement Concerning Radiation Monitoring of Travelers, Goods from Japan
To address radiological and nuclear risks, CBP employs several types of radiation detection equipment in its
operations at both air and sea ports, and uses this equipment, along with specific operational protocols, to
resolve any security or safety risks that are identified with inbound travelers and cargo.
--------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Scheduled Events of Interest
1. CY 2012 Tentative Dates for USCBP Quarterly Agents Meeting



May 17, 2012
August 15, 2012
November 15, 2012

February 21, 2013
Continuing every third month on the Third Thursday of the month.
2. USCG Industry Day – April 13, 2012 – Dillard University – Registration at 0830; Presentations begin at
0900.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to LTJG Roberto Lopez via email at Roberto.lopez@uscg.mil or
(504) 365-2284..
--------------------------------------------------------------Today's Lower Mississippi River Conditions
1. Southwest Pass Tides
Tides for Southwest Pass starting with April 3, 2012.
Day
High
Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset
Visible
Tu 3
Low 3:42 AM 0.3 6:45 AM Set 4:17 AM 79
3 High 9:01 PM 1.0 7:17 PM Rise 4:14 PM
W
4
Low 3:56 AM 0.5 6:43 AM Set 4:55 AM
High 10:14 AM 0.7 7:18 PM Rise 5:19 PM
Low 3:06 PM 0.5
High 11:10 PM 0.9
88
Th 5
Low 3:31 AM 0.7 6:42 AM Set 5:35 AM
5 High 9:29 AM 0.9 7:18 PM Rise 6:25 PM
5
Low 4:38 PM 0.3
94
4
4
4
F 6
6
High 9:25 AM 1.2 6:41 AM Set 6:16 AM
Low 5:56 PM 0.1 7:19 PM Rise 7:33 PM
98
Sa 7 High 9:49 AM 1.4 6:40 AM Set 7:00 AM
7
Low 7:11 PM -0.1 7:19 PM Rise 8:42 PM
99
Su 8 High 10:27 AM 1.6 6:39 AM Set 7:49 AM
8
Low 8:27 PM -0.2 7:20 PM Rise 9:51 PM
98
M 9 High 11:12 AM 1.7 6:38 AM Set 8:42 AM
9
Low 9:44 PM -0.2 7:21 PM Rise 10:57 PM
93
Tu 10 High 12:03 PM 1.7 6:37 AM Set 9:40 AM
10
Low 10:59 PM -0.2 7:21 PM Rise 11:59 PM
86
W 11
11
77
High 12:56 PM 1.7 6:35 AM
7:22 PM
Set 10:42 AM
Th 12 Low 12:09 AM -0.2 6:34 AM Rise 12:54 AM
12 High 1:52 PM 1.6 7:22 PM Set 11:44 AM
67
F 13 Low 1:10 AM 0.0 6:33 AM Rise 1:43 AM
13 High 2:52 PM 1.4 7:23 PM Set 12:45 PM
56
2. Today's River Stages, Bridge Air Gaps, Lock Status
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------River Stages
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bridge Air Gaps
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lock Status
Information not available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Today's Weather Forecast:
430 AM CDT TUE APR 03 2012
TODAY AND TONIGHT
N OF 26N SE WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 4
FT. S OF 26N E TO SE WINDS 15 TO 20 KT. SEAS 3 TO 5 FT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Today’s LMR PORTS Screen (Includes HPL Air Gap Sensor Reading AND River Velocities).
Lower Mississippi River PORTS, NOAA/NOS 2012-04-03 07:43 CDT
----------------------------Water Levels (above MLLW)--------------------------Carrollton-LWRP
10.7 ft, Steady Pilottown
1.6 ft, Steady
Pilots St. East
1.4 ft, Rising
--------------------------------------Winds------------------------------------Spd Dir Gusts
Spd Dir Gusts
Pilottown
5 kn NE 9 Pilots St. East
16 kn ESE 20
----------------------------Air and Water Temperature--------------------------Air Water
Air Water
Carrollton-LWRP
66 °F Pilottown
70 °F 67 °F
Pilots St. East
73 °F 66 °F
-------------------------------Barometric Pressure-----------------------------Pilottown
1013 mb Rising Pilots St. East
1013 mb Falling
-----------------Air Gap/Bridge Clearance (above water surface)----------------Huey P. Long Bridge 137.7 ft, Stdy. Crescent City
158.3 ft, Stdy.
------------------Currents (F)lood, (S)lack, (E)bb, towards °T-----------------Spd
Dir
Spd
Dir
Port Allen
*** kn ( ), ***°T First Street Wharf 3.3 kn (E), 59.0°T
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------5. Information Regarding Hale Boggs (Luling) Bridge Air Gap
Luling Bridge Cable Repairs – Reduced Air Draft:
The LULING “HALE BOGGS” BRIDGE is undergoing cable repairs thru the summer, 2012.
The work on the Luling Bridge will focus on one side at a time leaving the other half of the bridge available for
unobstructed navigation at the bridge's stated height of 158.4 less the Reserve Gage.
The NOBRA Pilots are requesting a 10' buffer zone for reporting purposes. They are asking that any vessel that
has an air draft measurement that falls within 10' of [158.4 less the Reserve Gage] to contact VTS NOLA with
the vessel information. This will aid the NOBRA Pilots in the navigation of the bridge.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6. LMR River Stage Predictions
The following River Stage Predictions are provided by the USACE.
The Information is updated as received.
This update posted on: April 3, 2012 Updated
The LMR at New Orleans is predicted to fall approximately 1.8' over the next ten day, from 12.1' to 10.3'.
7. LMR River Crossings Surveys
The following LMR River Crossings Surveys are provided by the USACE.
The information is updated as received.
This update posted on: March 30, 2012
Capt Ron
Ronald W. Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.)
President
Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)
rwbranch@earthlink.net
Ron.branch@louisianamaritime.org
Desk: (504) 899-5535
Cell: (330) 760-0786