MSIB XXII-053

The Captain of the Port New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile Marker (MM) 0.0 to MM 167.5 above Head of Passes (AHP) as a result of low water conditions. This safety advisory is needed to protect vessels and mariners from hazards associated with low water, including possible shoaling and decreased channel widths. This safety advisory is effective immediately with the following provisions:

Industry Navigating and Operating on the LMR

a. Commercial vessel operators shall be aware of falling river conditions and monitor USCG safety broadcasts announcing known navigation trouble spots.
b. All mariners should review facility docking procedures for low water conditions prior to arriving at the facility.
c. Mariners are advised of the increased possibility of shoaling and should use extreme caution while transiting. If shoaling is experienced or discovered, please notify the Sector New Orleans Command Center.
d. All mariners are advised to promptly report missing aids to navigation to the Sector New Orleans Command Center.

For further information, contact:

Vessel Traffic Service (24 Hour): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM channels 05A, 12, or 67
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545
Sector New Orleans Facility Compliance Branch: (504) 365-2370
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil