Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a series of VTS measures for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 0 to MM 2 Above Head of Passes (AHP). These measures are needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the removal of a temporary submerged discharge line for Hopper Dredge Disposal Area (HDDA) dredging operations and are in effect with the following provisions:
- January 23, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time: all vessels are prohibited from transiting between MM 0 – MM 2.0 AHP
- (Back-up Date) January 25, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time: all vessels are prohibited from transiting between MM 0 – MM 2.0 AHP
For questions or status updates, mariners should contact the on-scene vessel:
- Dredge CAPT FRANK (MM 0 to 2.0 AHP) on VHF-FM channel 67 or 71 or at (985) 237-5014
Vessels transiting to or from north of MM 214 should consider ongoing revetment operations and river closure from 0600-1900. The average transit time for ships from MM 214 to MM 0 AHP is approximately 15 hours. Vessels should consult their attending Pilot Association for recommended transit times.
Vessels intending to arrive or depart the Mississippi River on the day of a closure must arrive at Pilottown (outbound) no later than 6:30 a.m. or Southwest Pass Entrance Light (inbound) no later than 5:00 a.m. on the morning of the closure.
For additional information, contact:
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 12, or 67
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or Secnola-wpm@uscg.mil
