The BAR Pilots have implemented a maximum recommended freshwater draft of 44 feet effective at 10:00 am (local) this morning.

Official notice is attached.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

RE: SOUTHWEST PASS, RECOMMENDED TRANSIT DRAFT

The Bar Pilots for the Port of New Orleans recommend that vessels transiting Southwest Pass from the Sea Buoy (Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy “SW”) to Mile 1.5 above Head of Passes should not have a deep transit draft in fresh water greater than Forty-Four feet (44 feet).

This draft recommendation, which may be increased or decreased at any time as conditions warrant, becomes effective at 1000 hours CST on January 31, 2019.

Nothing in the recommendation should be construed as limiting a pilot in the exercise of their judgment.