When the Carrollton Gauge reads 12 feet and rising, the following operating requirements will be in effect:
1. For barge fleets located between MM 88 and MM 240 AHP, additional high-water requirements are found in 33 CFR 165.803(m).
2. For all other barge fleets (below MM 88), a Safety Zone in accordance with 33 CFR 165.20 or other Traffic Control Measures may be established to enhance the safety of barge fleets. The 33 CFR 165.803 regulations requiring stricter barge fleeting standards on the LMR may be extended to include all barge fleets in these areas.
3. Downbound vessels planning to transit Algiers Point are prohibited from towing on the hawser without prior permission from Vessel Traffic Service LMR.
The following operating requirements remain in effect:
1. As per 33 CFR 161.65, the Governor Nicholls traffic light, Gretna Harbor traffic light, and Westwego traffic lights are energized. The Governor Nicholls Navigation Light and Gretna Navigation Light are extinguished.
2. As required by 33 CFR 165.810(b)(3), tows are prohibited from transiting VTS special areas by a vessel with insufficient power to permit ready maneuverability and safe handling (unable to maintain an average speed of at least 3 MPH (2.6 knots).
3. For all vessels operating in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) below Mile Marker (MM) 233.9 Above Head of Passes (AHP), including South Pass and Southwest Pass, additional high-water requirements are found in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.810.
4. All Deep Draft vessels to include Ocean-going Towing vessels should have three means to hold position unless moored to shore or a mooring buoy.
5. Downbound Ocean-going Towing vessels towing on the hawser should consult with the appropriate pilot association to determine the need for assist tugs.
6. Towing vessels should review MSIB Vol XIX, Issue 007, “Towing Vessel Safety Advisory During High Water,” issued 15 January 2019 for additional provisions.
This MSIB supersedes Volume XXIV, Issue 024, “Carrollton Gauge at 8 Feet and Rising.”
For further information, contact the following:
Vessel Traffic Service (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 11 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
