LOUISIANA MARITIME ASSOCIATION (LAMA)
Morning Report
Monday, November 21, 2011
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/ntas.shtm
No Threat Advisory Issued.
Key Navigation Issues
Algiers Point Closed to Navigation – UPDATE!!
Due to restricted visibility caused by fog; all navigation at Algiers Point is closed as
of 0355 local, this morning November 21, 2011.
Previous Closures:
The same area was closed:
Yesterday from 1754 until today at 0050 this morning, and
Yesterday from 0045 to 1011 local.
HPL Bridge Navigation Issues:
Update
The Main Channel Span will be closed Tuesday, November, 22th, from 7am-4pm.
The Main Channel Span is proposed to be closed Tuesday, November, 29th, and Thursday,
December, 1st, from 7am-4pm.
MTI will require a Minimum Wake 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday.
Monday, November 21st, through Sunday, December 4th, MTI will place one 32’ x 120’ spar
barge on the Alternate Channel side of Pier II. This barge will reduce the horizontal
clearance of the Alternate Channel span by 32’.
Monday, November 21st, through Sunday, November 27th, one platform will be stored at Pier
I (LC1-LS0) and one platform will be stored at Pier II (LS0ˈ -LC1ˈ ).
Monday, November 28th, KMTC will require Air Draft restrictions for moving Span 2
Platform towards Pier 1(LC1-LS0).ˈ
Monday, November 28th, through Sunday, December 4th, both platforms will be stored at
Pier 11 LS0ˈ -LC1
- 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.
- MTI will require a Minimum Wake from 7am through 7pm, Monday through Saturday.
Operational Advisories and Restrictions Now In Place.
USCG
MSIB Volume XI Issue 100: LOW WATER SAFETY ADVISORY - LMR MM 167 TO MM 303 2011
14 October
1. As a result of the Baton Rouge Gauge reading 10 feet and with it expected to continue
to fall, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory from MM 167 to MM 303, Lower
Mississippi River (LMR). This safety advisory is needed to protect vessels and mariners
from hazards associated with low water, including possible shoaling and decreased channel
widths.
2.
Industry Navigating and Operating in the LMR
A. Commercial vessels are recommended to reduce loads and/or barges, to reduce
their draft and enable them to navigate through trouble areas.
B. Pilots and Masters of Oceangoing vessels should review the facility's
docking procedures prior to arriving at the facility.
C. All vessels should transit in the charted navigational channel to the
greatest extent possible.
D. Towing companies should consider staffing vessels with their most
experienced crews.
3.
Movement of Vessels in the Vicinity of 81 Mile Point (MM177-179, LMR)
A. In accordance with 33CFR165.810 (g), all vessels moving or intending to move
in this area must complete the appropriate check-in procedures with VTS New Orleans prior
to transiting.
B. Mariners are also advised of the increased possibility of shoaling in this
area and should use extreme caution while transiting.
------------Other Dredge Ops
Dredge Borinquen at MM 99.7 AHP extending over 1000' off the LDB standing by on Ch 67 and
69 VHF FM one way traffic is recommended for large tows and ships.
Dredge Charlie G. starting dredging operations at 0700 today at MM 101.9 AHP RDB standing
by on Channel 67 VHF FM.
For more information contact VTS New Orleans on Ch 12 VHF FM or 504-365-2514
------------MSIB Volume XI Issue 109 - SALVAGE OPS ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER MILE MARKER 190.4 TO MILE
MARKER 191.1 – November 8, 2011
This bulletin is to notify mariners of ongoing salvage operations of the M/V ESTEEM
SPLENDOUR in the vicinity of White Castle Anchorage, Mile Marker (MM) 190.4-191.1
LMR. The salvage operation will be in effect until further notice and should not impede
safe navigation. All vessel traffic is requested to maintain the slowest safe speed when
transiting the area to minimize wake.
While the salvage operations are taking place, mariners may check-in with the pilot
onboard the M/V ESTEEM SPLENDOUR on VHF channel 13 or 67.
------------MSIB Issue 108 - SAFETY ZONE MISSISSIPPI RIVER MILE MARKER 230 TO MILE MARKER 234 –
November 9, 2011
The Captain of the Port New Orleans has implemented a Safety Zone on the Lower
Mississippi River (LMR) to safeguard a diving and salvage operation in the proximity of
Mile Marker (MM) 233 LMR. The Safety Zone will extend the entire width of the river from
Mile Marker (MM) 230 to MM 234. The Safety Zone will be in effect beginning Friday,
November 11 from the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until the diving and salvage
operations are complete. All vessel traffic shall maintain a 200' wide berth of the
salvage operations during transit. All vessel traffic shall maintain the slowest safe
speed when transiting the Safety Zone to minimize wake.
While the Safety Zone is in effect, the Captain of the Port New Orleans has also
implemented temporary check-in points at MM 237 for southbound vessels and MM 229 for
northbound vessels. On Friday, November 11, mariners must check-in with the M/V MISTER P
on VHF channel 67 or 88a or via telephone at 225-454-8411.
------------MSIB Issue: 110 - Security Zone - Escorted Vessels, Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker
90 to Mile Marker 110 - November 9, 2011
The Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans, under the authority of the Magnuson Act, 33
CFR sections 165.30 and 165.33, has established a moving security zone 300 yards on all
sides of vessels being escorted by one or more Coast Guard assets or other federal,
state, or local law enforcement assets clearly identified by lights, vessel markings, or
with agency insignia between Mile Marker (MM) 90 and MM 110 Lower Mississippi River
(LMR). A vessel may request permission of the COTP New Orleans or the on-scene Coast
Guard or enforcement agency asset to enter the security zone. If permitted to enter the
security zone, a vessel must proceed at minimum safe speed and must comply with the order
of the COTP New Orleans, or the on-scene asset. No vessel may enter the inner 50-yard
portion of the security zone closest to the vessel being escorted. On-scene Coast Guard
or enforcement agency assets may be contacted on VHF channel 16 or VHF channel 67. The
security zone will be in effect beginning Thursday, November 10 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00
p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2011.
While the Security Zone is in effect all vessels transiting between MM 90 and MM 110,
including those less than 300 gross tons, should report their cargo to the Vessel Traffic
Center (VTC). Also, any vessels entering and departing the Algiers, Industrial, or
Harvey locks are requested to report cargo to the VTC one hour prior to transiting the
locks. The Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Center will facilitate safe passage and can be
contacted on VHF 12 or (504) 365-2230 for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recent Worldwide Piracy Reports
None to report.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BAR Pilots
Operational Area – SWP to Pilot town
Normal Operational Draft - 45' Freshwater.
Current Restrictions in Place
Maximum recommended draft for all vessels in Southwest Pass is 46 feet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Crescent Pilots
Operational Area – Pilot town to Mile 90 AHOP
Normal Operational Draft - 47' Freshwater
Current Restrictions in Place
The Pilots have a recommended draft of 46 feet for Crescent Pilots' operating territory
from Pilottown to mile 104.7 AHP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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
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
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.
iII. 24MAR11 Waterway Status - Navigation Advisory Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker
216.5 LDB- Amended
Manhattan Construction Company is conducting construction operations in the vicinity of
mile marker 216.5 Lower Mississippi River on the LDB.

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 35 to 50 yards from
channel on the LDB.
All vessel traffic is advised to use caution and maintain
from the LDB when transiting the area.
Manhattan Construction Company and the towing vessel MISS
monitoring and may be contacted through VHF Channel 67 or
541-1711 for further information.


the tree line towards the
a distance of 100 yards
VIRGINIA will be
via telephone at (281)
Upcoming Scheduled Events of Interest
LAMA Board Meeting and Membership Conference – Thursday, December 15, 2011, 2-6 pm at the
Airport Hilton Hotel, 901 Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062.
NOTE: Please RSVP to Christine Titus at (504) 833-4190 or
christine.titus@louisianamaritime.org
Lower Mississippi River Conditions
1. Southwest Pass Tides
Tides for Southwest Pass starting with November 21, 2011.
Day
M
21
21
High
/Low
Low
High
Tide
Time
2:26 AM
6:08 PM
Height
Feet
0.5
1.4
Sunrise
Sunset
6:26 AM
5:01 PM
Moon
Time
Rise
Set
2:20 AM
2:10 PM
% Moon
Visible
25
Tu
22
22
Low
High
3:14 AM
6:24 PM
0.2
1.7
6:26 AM
5:01 PM
Rise
Set
3:27 AM
2:53 PM
16
W
23
23
Low
High
4:07 AM
6:58 PM
0.0
1.9
6:27 AM
5:01 PM
Rise
Set
4:35 AM
3:41 PM
8
Th
24
24
Low
High
5:02 AM
7:42 PM
-0.2
2.0
6:28 AM
5:01 PM
Rise
Set
5:45 AM
4:34 PM
2
F
25
25
Low
High
5:58 AM
8:29 PM
-0.3
2.0
6:29 AM
5:00 PM
Rise
Set
6:52 AM
5:33 PM
0
Sa
26
26
Low
High
6:56 AM
9:18 PM
-0.3
2.0
6:30 AM
5:00 PM
Rise
Set
7:56 AM
6:35 PM
0
Su
27
27
Low
High
7:52 AM
10:05 PM
-0.3
1.9
6:30 AM
5:00 PM
Rise
Set
8:53 AM
7:40 PM
3
M
28
28
Low
High
8:46 AM
10:48 PM
-0.2
1.7
6:31 AM
5:00 PM
Rise
Set
9:43 AM
8:43 PM
9
Tu
29
29
Low
High
9:32 AM
11:24 PM
0.0
1.5
6:32 AM
5:00 PM
Rise 10:26 AM
Set 9:43 PM
16
W
30
30
Low
High
10:05 AM
11:44 PM
0.2
1.3
6:33 AM
5:00 PM
Rise 11:04 AM
Set 10:41 PM
25
Th
1
1
Low
High
10:16 AM
11:02 PM
0.4
1.0
6:34 AM
5:00 PM
Rise 11:38 AM
Set 11:36 PM
35
F
2
2
Low
High
9:41 AM
7:44 PM
0.5
0.9
6:34 AM
5:00 PM
Rise 12:10 PM
44
2. River Stages, Bridge Air Gaps, Lock Status
TODAY'S RIVER STAGES
Change From
River Mile (AHOP)
Today's Stage
Previous 24 Hrs
Red River Landing
302.4
21.86
0.60
Baton Rouge (Port Allen)
228.4
8.76
0.32
Donaldsonville
175.4
4.85
0.10
Reserve
138.7
3.64
(0.04)
Bonnet Carre
127.1
3.31
(0.15)
New Orleans (Carrollton)
102.8
2.71
(0.24)
Alliance
62.5
1.29
(0.33)
Venice
10.7
1.98
(0.41)
NOTE:
Surface
(MPH)
2.2
1.4
River Velocities are reported on the PORTS Screen. Baton Rouge=Port Allen; NOLA=First Stre
Bridge Name
River Mile (AHOP)
Reference Gage
Max Vertical
Today's
Clearance (ft.)
Reading
Crescent City Connection Lower
95.7
Carrolton (NOLA)
171
Crescent City Connection Upper
95.8
Carrolton (NOLA)
171
Huey P. Long
106.1
Carrolton (NOLA)
149*
Hale Boggs - Luling
121.6
Reserve
158
Gramercy
145.9
Reserve
164
Sunshine Bridge
167.4
Donaldsonville
171
Baton Rouge I-10
229.3
Port Allen (BR)
174
Baton Rouge Hwy 90/Railroad
233.9
Port Allen (BR)
111
* Note that the HPL Bridge Official Vertical Clearance is 151 feet.
However due to the construction of rails underneath the roadway the clearance is temporarily red
Today's Lock Status
Last Update as of Nov:
Lock Name
Status
Max Queue (HR)
Head (Feet)
Day
Time
Algiers
Open
3
0.2
20
0706
Harvey
Open
1
1.9
20
0613
Inner Harbor Navigation Canal
Open
2
0.8
20
2253
Port Allen
Open
1
6.6
21
0714
3. Weather Forecast:
MIDDLE GULF BETWEEN 85W AND 90
330 AM CST MON NOV 21 2011
TODAY AND TONIGHT
N OF 25N E TO SE WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS
SUBSIDING TO 3 TO 5 FT. S OF 25N NE TO E WINDS 15 TO 20 KT. SEAS
4 TO 6 FT.
TUE AND TUE NIGHT
SE TO S WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 4 TO 6 FT.
4. Today’s LMR PORTS Screen (Includes HPL Air Gap Sensor Reading AND River Velocities).
Lower Mississippi River PORTS, NOAA/NOS 2011-11-21 08:01 CST
----------------------------Water Levels (above MLLW)--------------------------Carrollton-LWRP
1.1 ft, Steady Pilottown
0.6 ft, Steady
Pilots St. East
1.0 ft, Steady
--------------------------------------Winds------------------------------------Spd Dir Gusts
Spd Dir Gusts
Pilottown
3 kn
E
4 Pilots St. East
8 kn ENE
9
----------------------------Air and Water Temperature--------------------------Air
Water
Air
Water
Carrollton-LWRP
61 °F
Pilottown
72 °F
63 °F
Pilots St. East
71 °F
65 °F
-------------------------------Barometric Pressure-----------------------------Pilottown
1023 mb Rising
Pilots St. East
1023 mb Rising
-----------------Air Gap/Bridge Clearance (above water surface)----------------Huey P. Long Bridge
147.7 ft, Stdy.
Crescent City
167.1 ft, Stdy.
------------------Currents (F)lood, (S)lack, (E)bb, towards °T-----------------Spd
Dir
Spd
Dir
Port Allen
1.4 kn (E), 182.0°T First Street Wharf
1.0 kn (E), 60.0°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'
that any vessel that has an air draft
the Reserve Gage] to contact VTS NOLA
NOBRA Pilots in the navigation of the
6.
buffer zone for reporting purposes. They are asking
measurement that falls within 10' of [158.4 less
with the vessel information.
This will aid the
bridge.
LMR River Stage Predictions
Note: The following River Stage Predictions are provided by the ACOE.
This information is updated as received.
Update Posted Here: Nov 18, 2011
Here are the latest river stage predictions from the USACE. The LMR at New Orleans is
predicted to rise almost a foot and a half from 3.2' up to 4.6' over the next 10 days.
7.
LMR River Crossings Surveys
Note: The following River Crossings Surveys are provided by the ACOE.
This information is updated as received.
Update Posted Here: Nov 21, 2011
specific crossings.
-
Note:
Column 4 provides the date of survey for the
Please see the attached file for the latest controlling depths at the Mississippi River
Crossings.


Areas highlighted in yellow indicate depths of 50’ or less.
Areas highlighted in red indicate depths below 45’.
This updates survey depths at Granada and Bayou Goula.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Capt Ron
Ronald W Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.)
President
Louisiana Maritime Association (LaMA)