MSIB XXI-008

When the Carrollton Gauge reads 8 feet and rising, the following operating requirements will be in effect:

1. In accordance with 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light 94, the Gretna Harbor Traffic Control Light 97 and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 are energized.
2. The Harbor Traffic Control Lights are located at: Governor Nicholls Light, MM 94.3, AHP, LDB, LMR (LLNR 13855/34770), Gretna Light, MM 96.6, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR 13880/34795), and Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4, AHP, RDB, LMR (LLNR13950).
3. The Governor Nicholls Navigation Light 94 and the Gretna Navigation Light 97 are extinguished while the Traffic Control Lights are operating.
4. Downbound vessels: Check in with Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (call sign “New Orleans Traffic”) no lower than Huey P Long Bridge, MM 106.1, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS), and the Marlex Terminal, MM 99.0, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS).
5. Upbound vessels: Check in with “New Orleans Traffic” no higher than the Algiers Canal Forebay, MM 88.0, AHP (SHIPS), Industrial Canal, MM 92.7, AHP (SHIPS and TOWS), and Crescent Towing Smith Fleet, MM 93.5, AHP (TOWS).
6. In accordance with 33 CFR 160.111 (c), the COTP has determined that during periods of high water, unless moored to a shore side facility or mooring buoys, all deep draft vessels must have three means to hold position.  An example would be two fully operational anchors and the propulsion system. Should a vessel lose an anchor or suffer a propulsion casualty, and the vessel does not have redundant capabilities available, such as aft anchors or two main engines, then a third means of holding position could be via tug assist.
7. It is recommended that tows exiting the Algiers and Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) locks contact Vessel Traffic Service.
8. All vessels, facilities, and vessel agents planning to warp a vessel should consult with the appropriate pilot association prior to warping.
9. All cargo transfers authorized in designated anchorages, as noted in 33 CFR 110.195, are required to submit a Notice of Midstream Transfer form for review 48-hours prior to commencing transfer operations within the Captain of the Port New Orleans (COTP) zone.

Midstream cargo transfers may be conducted at the designated anchorages within the New Orleans COTP zone as defined by 33 CFR 110.195(a), with exception of the General Anchorage (MM 90.1 – 90.9 AHP) and the Quarantine Anchorage (MM 90.9 – 91.6 AHP). This requirement does NOT affect:

1. Vessel to vessel transfers which take place at a Coast Guard regulated facility.
2. Bunkers or delivery of ships stores.
3. Cargo operations which take place in a designated and established mid-stream buoy system.

Anyone wishing to conduct vessel to vessel cargo transfers not specifically exempted as noted above, should submit a MidStream Transfer Notice form to Facilitiesnola@uscg.mil.

Attachment: (1) Midstream Transfer Notice form – submit via email to Facilitiesnola@uscg.mil.

For additional information, contact the following:

Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 12, or 67
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours):  (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Facility Compliance Branch: (504) 329-2370
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management:  (504) 365-2280