MSIB XX-086

VTS Advisory – Shoaling MM 145 – 148 AHP LMR

Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS LMR), in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Advisory for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 145 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 148 AHP.  This advisory is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with shoaling in the area between Gramercy Bridge MM-145.9 and Grand View Anchorage MM-147.

Effective immediately, a VTS Advisory is in effect establishing one-way traffic, no meeting or overtaking, between ocean-going vessels with drafts exceeding 38 ft. and all other vessels, between MM-145 to MM-148.

The U.S. Government Hopper Dredge BAYPORT will be working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to restore the channel depth. The Dredge can be contacted on either VHF channel 16 or 67. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution.

This VTS Advisory will remain in effect until the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completes the dredging operations, approximately August 8, 2020.

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, 12, 67