Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a series of VTS measures for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 48 to MM 52 Above Head of Passes (AHP), Right Descending Bank (RDB). This measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with multiple dredging operations and will be in effect with the following provisions:
Beginning June 13 and continuing until further notice:
· Mariners should coordinate passing arrangements with the on-scene dredge vessels M/V J.S CHATRYand M/V VIRGINIA WOOD on VHF channel 16 or 67.
· Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed.
· Point Celeste Anchorage, between MM 49.8 to MM 51.5 is closed to all vessels. The most northern portion of the anchorage – approximately 2,000’ – remains open for use. Vessels seeking to anchor in this part of the anchorage shall coordinate with the on-scene dredge, M/V J.S. CHATRY on VHF channel 16, 67 or (985) 237-5041 to coordinate passing and/or anchoring arrangements.
It is expected to re-open most of Point Celeste Anchorage to navigation in September 2023. Updated MSIB will be issued at that time.
Updates and/or changes to the published schedule will be broadcast via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
For further information, contact the following:
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12 or 67
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280, SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2545
