As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge reading 30′ and predicted to rise, the Captain of the Port of New Orleans has issued a safety advisory for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile Marker (MM) 219 Above Head of Passes (AHP), to MM 240 AHP.

The following are recommendations for the advisory:

Wilkinson Point LMR MM 232-237:

1. It is recommended that line-towing companies and tow operators use towing vessels with a horsepower to barge ratio of 240hp per barge. A maximum of 36 barges per tow is authorized for southbound transit from Wilkinson Point (MM 232 to MM 237 LMR). Empty barges may be calculated at 1/2 the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement.
2. Owner / Operators are reminded to ensure towing vessel inspections are completed before heading southbound through the Highway 190 bridge at Wilkinson Point, as per 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 164.80.
3. Line-towing companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.

Port Allen Lock LMR MM 219-229:

1. All tows greater than 600′ (excluding the towboat) are recommended to employ an assist vessel of at least 1200hp when entering and exiting the Port Allen Lock.
2. All other Canal Tows exiting the Port Allen Lock intending to turn northbound are recommended to use an assist vessel. All other tows should proceed southbound and then top around at or below MM 221 prior to heading northbound.
3. Companies should consider staffing vessels with the most experienced crews.
4. Towing vessels are recommended to catch a headline when entering the Port Allen Lock.

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XVIII, Issue 091 Safety Advisory: MM 219 to MM 229 AHP LMR (30′ and falling).

For additional information and official documentation, see the attached MSIB.