Effective immediately, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has ordered the enforcement of the Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – East described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.838 as follows:
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) from Mile Marker (MM) 22 East of Harvey Locks (EHL), west on the GIWW, including the Michoud Canal and the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC), extending north ½ mile from the Seabrook Flood Gate Complex out into Lake Pontchartrain and south to the IHNC Lock
Vessels shall evacuate RNA-East as soon as possible. The IHNC Lake Borgne Surge Barrier and Seabrook Floodgate Complex are anticipated to close at 12:00 pm local time on Thursday, October 8, 2020.
Mariners are reminded that the IHNC lock and St. Claude Avenue Bridge are closed; the GIWW Alternate Route has been established via the Baptiste Collette Bayou Channel, through Breton and Chandeleur Sounds, as well as to and from the eastern reaches of the near its intersection with the Gulfport Ship Channel. Mariners using the GIWW Alternate Route should be aware of shoaling found in the vicinity of Buoy 22 (mile 1.7) in Baptiste Collette; refer to https://hydrosurvey.mvn.usace.army.mil/navpgs/n_outlets_at_venice.asp for the updated USACE survey of the area.
All vessels shall make immediate preparations to evacuate the RNA if not moored at a facility with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan.
Port partners and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may quickly progress through port conditions as the situation develops, so vessel evacuations from the RNA should be completed as soon as possible.
If unable to comply, vessels shall contact the Waterways Management Division at SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil or (504) 365-2280 with the mitigating efforts they will take while remaining within the RNA.
Attachments:
1) RNA FACILITIES with AHOP – 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report Form – submit via email to SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
For additional information, contact the following:
Waterways Management: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128 or D8DPBALL@uscg.mil
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802
