The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port New Orleans, under the authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, will establish a moving safety zone around the Fete-Dieu Du Mississippi Flotilla. The moving safety zone will extend for 2 miles around the M/V KNIGHT HAWK. This safety measure is necessary to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with a moving flotilla of vessels and the potential for marine traffic congestion on the Lower Mississippi River.
This safety zone will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on August 14, 2024 and 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on August 15, 2024. Mariners can expect the New Orleans Harbor area, from Mile Marker (MM) 92.7 to MM 95.7, to be closed from approximately 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on August 15, 2024.
All vessels are prohibited from entering the safety zone unless they have been granted permission by the Captain of the Port New Orleans, the designated representative, or the pilot onboard the M/V Knight Hawk.
1. The pilot onboard the M/V KNIGHT HAWK will be directing the movement of the flotilla. The M/V KNIGHT HAWK will have AIS activated to identify the general location of the flotilla. The pilot will be monitoring VHF CH 67 and 69.
2. Vessels that have made suitable passing or overtaking arrangements with the pilot may enter this safety zone in accordance with those agreed upon arrangements.
3. Moored vessels or vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area may remain in their current moored or anchored position while the flotilla transits the area.
4. Barge Fleets or vessels working a fleet may continue their current operations while the flotilla transits the area.
All vessels requesting permission to enter or transit through these safety zones are required to make arrangements via the contact methods listed above. Each request to transit through the safety zone will be evaluated and permitted on a case-by-case basis.
For additional information, contact the following:
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545
Vessel Traffic Service (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 11 or 67
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or WWMNOLA@uscg.mil
MSU Baton Rouge Waterways Management: (225) 298-5400 x230 or MSUBatonRougeWWM@uscg.mil
