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 VTS Measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 02 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 04 AHP. This Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with silting in the deep water channel in the vicinity of Cupits Gap.

Effective 2030 on Saturday, January 05, 2019, this Measure is in effect with the following provisions:

Sea-going deep draft vessels from MM 02 to MM 04 AHP:
Restricted to a maximum allowable freshwater draft of 44 feet.
One-way traffic, with no meeting or overtaking of vessels with drafts 40ft and above.

Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting this area.

For further information, contact:

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 11,12, 67