This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XXII, Issue 025 Carrollton Gauge at 12 Feet and Falling.
When the Carrollton Gauge reads 9 feet and falling, the following measures will be in effect:
1. In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 161.65, the Governor Nicholls Harbor Traffic Control Light, Gretna Harbor Traffic Control Light 97, and the Westwego Traffic Light 102 will be de-energized.
The harbor traffic control lights are located at: Governor Nicholls Light, Mile Marker (MM) 94.3 Above Head of Passes (AHP), Left Descending Bank (LDB) (LLNR 13855/34770); Gretna Light, MM 96.6 AHP, Right Descending Bank (RDB) (LLNR 13880/34795); and the Westwego Traffic Light, MM 101.4 AHP, RDB (LLNR13950).
2. The Governor Nicholls Navigation Light 94 and the Gretna Navigation Light 97 are operating properly.
The following measures are no longer in effect:
3. In accordance with 33 CFR 160.111 (c), the COTP has determined that during periods of high water, unless moored to a shore side facility or mooring buoys, all deep draft vessels must have three means to hold position. An example would be two fully operational anchors and the propulsion system. Should a vessel lose an anchor or suffer a propulsion casualty, and the vessel does not have redundant capabilities available, such as aft anchors or two main engines, then a third means of holding position could be via tug assist.
4. All vessels, facilities, and vessel agents planning to warp a vessel should consult with the appropriate pilot association prior to warping.
5. All cargo transfers authorized in designated anchorages, as noted in 33 CFR 110.195, are required to submit a Notice of Midstream Transfer form for review 48-hours prior to commencing transfer operations within the Captain of the Port New Orleans (COTP) zone.
Midstream cargo transfers may be conducted at the designated anchorages within the New Orleans COTP zone as defined by 33 CFR 110.195(a), with exception of the General Anchorage (MM 90.1 – 90.9 AHP) and the Quarantine Anchorage (MM 90.9 – 91.6 AHP). This requirement does NOT affect:
a. Vessel-to-vessel transfers, which take place at a Coast Guard regulated facility.
b. Bunkers or delivery of ships stores.
c. Cargo operations, which take place in a designated and established mid-stream, buoy system.
For further information, contact the following:
Vessel Traffic Service (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 12, or 67
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545
Sector New Orleans Facility Compliance Branch: (504) 329-2370 or FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
