All,

Fog continues to affect navigation on the LMR.  SWP continues to be ’socked in’. Forecasts indicate fog will continue to affect navigation on the LMR for the next several days. The fog has shutdown USACE dredging and survey operations for a couple of days. Accordingly, areas of known shoaling where dredging was taking place have not been dredged. And without current surveys, there is uncertainty of actual water depths. Added to this, shipping on the LMR remains at high levels with available anchorage and dock space limited.
Given these factors, the Pilots are planning the following operations:
1.  There is no change in the current draft restrictions.

• CRPPA Draft Restriction – 45’ Suggested Maximum Draft/One- Way Traffic – (Click here).
• BAR Pilot – SWP Draft Restriction – 44’ Recommended Maximum Freshwater Draft From SWP Sea Buoy to MM 1.5 AHOP – (Click here)

2.  Priority is to move vessels ready to sail first to make room in anchorages and at docks/terminals.

3.  Vessels drafting under 41’ will sail first.

4.  Then once pilots on those vessels confirm there are no issues, pilots will begin taking deeper draft vessels. 

That is the plan at this time.More information will be provided as received.

Sincerely,
Ronald W. Branch, CAPT. USCG (Ret.) 
President
Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA) 
Ron.branch@louisianamaritime.org  
Desk:  (504) 899-5535
Cell:   (330) 760-0786
Website:  The Watch Stander