Port MARSEC Level 1
Local Time – GMT -5
Maritime Operations Committee
Maritime Exchange Navigation Group
The Maritime Exchange is forwarding the following USCG MSIB for your information.
MSIB 03-24 PHILADELPHIA TO SEA MAINTENANCE DREDGING (UPDATE 1)
The Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners of maintenance dredging being conducted in Marcus Hook Range and Marcus Hook Anchorage (No. 7) on the Delaware River from February 4, 2024 through approximately April 30, 2024.
Safety zone one includes all the waters within a 250 yard radius of all associated dredge equipment operating in or around Marcus Hook Range.
Safety zone two includes all the waters of Marcus Hook Anchorage (No. 7) found in 33 CFR 110.157 (a) (8).
Vessels wishing to transit through safety zones one and/or two may do so if they can make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge CHARLESTON, in accordance with the Inland Navigational Rules in 33 Code of Federal Regulations Subchapter E via VHF-FM channel 13 or 16 at least one hour prior to arrival.
Vessels desiring to anchor within Marcus Hook Anchorage must obtain permission from the COTP at least 24 hours in advance, at 215-271-4807. The COTP will permit one vessel at a time on a “first come, first served” basis in the upper portion of the anchorage, with preference given to those vessels greater than 650’ in overall length. The maritime public will be notified of any changes to vessel traffic patterns or availability of Marcus Hook Anchorage via subsequent updates to this MSIB and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
Normally, Marcus Hook Anchorage is a 48-hour anchorage; however, vessels will not be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 12 hours during this time.
Vessels that require an examination by the Public Health Service, Customs or Immigration authorities will be directed to an anchorage for the required inspection by the COTP. Vessels are encouraged to use Mantua Creek Anchorage (No. 9), Naval Base, Philadelphia Anchorage (No. 10), and Deepwater Point Anchorage (No. 6) as alternatives.
If there are any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin or expectations of the Captain of the Port, please contact (215) 271-4807.
Draft information
37’ - 40’ outbound from Packer Avenue including Beckett Street
- Use reference station Philadelphia.
- Vessels may sail 3 hours before low water and up until 1.5 hours after low water at Philadelphia.
37’ - 40’ outbound from Paulsboro
- Please use reference station Marcus Hook.
- Vessels may sail from Paulsboro 1 hour before low water up until 3 hours after low water at Marcus Hook.
37’ - 40’ outbound from Marcus Hook (anchorage or berth)
- Please use reference station Marcus Hook.