Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11,
has established a VTS Measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 02 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 04 AHP.
This Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with silting in the deep water channel in the vicinity of Cubits Gap.

Effective 1300L, Saturday, January 05, 2019, this Measure is in effect with the following provisions:

* Sea-going deep draft vessels are restricted to a maximum allowable freshwater draft of 42 feet, with one-way traffic for drafts 40 feet or greater.
Vessels with less than 40 ft draft may meet or overtake in the area (MM 2-4) at the pilots’ discretion.

Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting this area.

For further information, contact:

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 11,12, 67

Tony Marinelli, Watch Supervisor
U.S. Coast Guard
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River
200 Hendee Street, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70114
504-365-2514