A Daily Publication of the New Orleans Board of Trade

1. In addition to the requirements contained in 33 CFR 161.13, the following measures apply to vessels transiting through or within the Algiers Point VTS Special Area:
   1. No vessel shall enter or get underway without prior approval of the VTS and must abide by any direction or measures issued by the VTS.
   2. A vessel awaiting a VTS direction to proceed must keep clear of other vessels transiting.
   3. Vessels shall not enter the Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists, as defined in 33 CFR161.2, without prior approval from the COTP.
   4. Vessels shall not meet, cross, or overtake any other vessel in the Special Area without prior approval from the VTS. If the VTS approves the maneuver, before executing the maneuver, vessels shall communicate on the designated bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency intended navigation movements and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements.

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Downbound Ocean-going Towing vessels towing on the hawser should consult with the appropriate pilot association to determine the need for assist tugs..
5. Towing vessels should review MSIB Vol XIX Issue 007 titled Towing Vessel Safety Advisory During High Water, issued 15 January 2019 for additional provisions.

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:

VESSELS SCHEDULED TO DEPART IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS: