MSIB XXI-045

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XXI, Issue 044 Carrollton Gauge at 8 Feet and Rising.

When the Carrollton Gauge reads 9 feet and falling, the following measures will be in effect:

1. In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light, Gretna Harbor Traffic Control Light 97, and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 will be de-energized. The harbor traffic control lights are located at: Governor Nicholls Light, Mile Marker (MM) 94.3 Above Head of Passes (AHP), Left Descending Bank (LDB) (LLNR 13855/34770); Gretna Light, MM 96.6 AHP, Right Descending Bank (RDB) (LLNR 13880/34795); and the Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4 AHP, RDB (LLNR13950).
2. The Governor Nicholls Navigation Light 94 and the Gretna Navigation Light 97 are operating properly.

The following measures will no longer be in effect:

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. It is recommended that tows exiting the Algiers and Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) locks contact Vessel Traffic Service.
5. All vessels, facilities, and vessel agents planning to warp a vessel should consult with the appropriate pilot association prior to warping.
6. 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.

For further 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 Facilities Compliance Branch: (504) 329-2370
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management:  (504) 365-2280