Official notice regarding the increase in maximum recommended loading draft on the Bar Pilots’ route is attached.

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 draft in fresh water greater than Forty-Three feet (43 feet).

This draft recommendation, which may be increased or decreased at any time as conditions warrant, becomes effective at 1000 hours CST on April 11, 2019.

Nothing in the recommendations should be construed as limiting a pilot in the exercise of their judgement.