A Daily Publication of the New Orleans Board of Trade

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.

Starting this hurricane season, COTP New Orleans will transition from paper to electronic forms for all MHCPP hurricane reporting forms. Electronic reporting will expedite our ability to gather and distribute time-sensitive information. These electronic forms are for reporting to the COTP New Orleans only and shall not be used for any party or entity in another COTP Zone. All COTP New Orleans MHCPP hurricane forms can be accessed using the QR Code below or at https://linktr.ee/secnolahurricanereporting. Please provide feedback or issues experienced to SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil.

Furthermore, the COTP emphasizes the importance of properly maintaining and securing your equipment during hurricane season. Important hurricane-related information will be provided to the maritime community, as needed, through Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs), Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNMs), and industry-wide emails.Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) Annual Hurricane Operation PlansIn accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 165.838, all floating vessels are prohibited from entering or remaining in the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, Harvey Canal, and Algiers Canal, while the RNA is enforced. However, all facilities that have vessels intending to deviate from the requirements and remain within the RNA during the enforcement period shall develop an Annual Hurricane Operation Plan and provide a copy to the COTP as prescribed within 33 CFR 165.838(e)(1). Guidance outlining the requirements for the Annual Hurricane Operation Plan can be found in enclosure (6) of the Sector New Orleans MHCPP.Mariner Distress CommunicationsMariners are reminded that while operating in the VTS Lower Mississippi River Area, all VTS Users are required under 33 CFR 161.12 (d) to notify the VTS of any marine casualty, pollution incident, defect or discrepancy to an aid to navigation, hazardous condition, improper operation of vessel equipment required by 33 CFR 164, or a hazardous vessel operating condition. A hazardous condition is any condition that may adversely affect the safety of any vessel, bridge, structure, or shore area or the environmental quality of any port, harbor, or navigable waterway of the United States. VTS Users should notify the VTS on VHF Channel 05A, 12, or 67 or via phone at 504-365-2514. Mariners are encouraged to review 33 CFR 161.12 and the VTS LMR user guide to ensure reporting requirements are being met. The VTS LMR User Guide can be found on Homeport at https://homeport.uscg.mil/missions/ports-and-waterways/vessel-traffic-services/vts-lower-mississippi-river/user-guides.For further information, contact:Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545Vessel Traffic Service (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 12 or 67Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.milSector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch: (504) 365-2370 or FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil

Lower Mississippi River Bridges Air-Draft Calculations:

​The above clearances were calculated this morning using gauge readings provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. As a guide the pilots require at least an additional 3 feet of clearance for the Vessel's Air Draft.  The individual pilot assigned to the vessel will make the final determination of the vessel's allowable clearance.  Actual clearance should be verified when ordering pilot services. 
 

NOAA PORTS INFORMATION:
To Access the NOAA Ports System for the Lower Mississippi River, go to the following link: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports/index.shtml?port=lm

National Information:
Marsec Level – 1

VESSELS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS: