MSIB XXIV-035

1. 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 decommissioned naval vessel USS KIDD, while towed in transit on the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), between the Port of Baton Rouge, mile marker (MM) 230 and the Southwest Pass Entrance Lighted Buoy “SW”. The moving safety zone extends from bank to bank encompassing one half-mile ahead and one half-mile astern of the vessel. This safety measure is necessary to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with congested maritime traffic on the LMR and the maneuverability of the vessel as it is towed. The zone remains in effect during the entire transit of the vessel, from 12 a.m. on April 30, 2024 through 12 a.m. on May 02, 2024.
2. All vessels are prohibited from entering the safety zone unless they have been granted permission by the Captain of the Port New Orleans or the designated representative.
   1. For the Safety Zone, the designated representative will be the Pilot directing movement of decommissioned naval vessel USS KIDD under the authority of the master.
   2. Vessels that have made suitable passing or overtaking arrangements with the pilot onboard the vessel USS KIDD may enter into 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 vessel USS KIDD transits the area.
   4. Barge Fleets or vessels working a fleet may continue their current operations while the vessel USS KIDD transits the area.

For additional information, contact the following:
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2278
Coast Guard MSU Baton Rouge Waterways Management: (225) 298-5400 x231
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67