16-MAY-2024

 

Owners, Agents, and Terminal Operators,

 

In January of this year, the Sabine Bank Channel Pilots embarked on a three-month helicopter trial that has proven the long-term viability of conducting pilot transfer operations via air. This successful trial concluded in the second week of April, marking a significant milestone in our operations. During the trial, a few essential things were noticeable:

•  Pilot transfer operations by helicopter occurred in conditions that would have been less safe or impossible by boat alone. We transferred over 60 pilots by hoist in heavy weather conditions(Force 6 or greater) that would have otherwise been difficult or dangerous.

•  The helicopter improved pilot boarding time accuracy. Many of the boardings by helicopter happened on time or earlier than scheduled. More than half of the pilot boardings by helicopter were earlier than planned or within five minutes of the expected boarding times. Given the challenges of terminal construction traffic and winter weather, this gain in time increases the efficiency of the waterway.

•  Feedback from the captains of several ships involved with pilot transfer by helicopter underscored the enhanced safety this method provides for the ship and its personnel. The ship personnel do not need to venture outside the ship's handrails to rig a pilot or accommodation ladder. If rigging a ladder is required, it can be done within inshore waters where additional emergency assistance is closer. Safety data does not usually capture the number of times a person does not have to go outside the handrails to rig a pilot ladder. Still, it's clear from the mariners' comments that helicopter operations are preferable and safer for the ship’s crew.

•  Pilots who boarded the vessels by helicopter reported significantly less fatigue than when they boarded by boat. On a typical day, the transit to and from the offshore boarding station in Sabine Pass is about an hour's boat ride. When the wave heights increase, it can take much more time, and that additional time carries a physical toll. However, with the helicopter service, pilots reported a higher state of readiness and attentiveness upon arrival to the ship's bridge. This reduction in fatigue benefits the pilots and enhances the safety and efficiency of the entire operation, making it a win-win situation for all stakeholders. 

 

We have been presented with the opportunity to continue this helicopter service, and it's in the best interest of vessels, industry, and pilots to move forward now. 

 

Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association's published tariff was amended during the trial, and a transportation fee of $2480 per pilot was assessed. This fee was based on a three-month contract, but only a small portion of that was 24-hour service. Helicopter service will be offered 24-hours moving forward, and the transportation charge will increase to $3225 per pilot, a change that we want stakeholders to be aware of. 

 

We plan to resume helicopter service on May 22, 2024, and run until December 31, 2024.   

 

The Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association is working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Coast Guard to determine when the Sabine Bank Channel extension will be charted and buoyed. The target date to commence service on the channel extension is January 1, 2025. We hope to initiate a long-term helicopter service contract in December.

 

Your support is crucial as we move forward with this service. We value your input and welcome any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Wesley Moore

Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association

409-515-4240

 

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2024 Channel Closures

Jan 05th – 0905 Pilot service suspended due to high winds / rough seas
Jan 05th – 1630 Pilot service resumed
Jan 12th – 0230  Pilot service suspended due to poor visibility
Jan 12th – 0900 Pilot service resumed
Jan 12th – 1030 Pilot service suspended  offshore due to high winds
Jan 12th – 2000 Pilot service resumed
Jan 15th – 1600 Pilot service suspended due to freezing temps and icy road conditions
Jan 16th – 1400 Pilot service resumed
Jan 18th – 0430 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Jan 19th – 0600 Pilot service resumed
Jan 22nd – 1904 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Jan 24th – 1000 Pilot service resumed
Feb 02nd – 0900 Channel closed above Port Arthur turning basin to remove sunken vehicle
Feb 02nd – 1600 Channel open
Feb 10th – 0445 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Feb 10th – 1030 Pilot service resumed
Feb 10th – 2100 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Feb 10th – 1530 Pilot service resumed
Feb 11th – 1900 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Feb 11th – 2330 Pilot service resumed
Feb 22nd – 2310 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Feb 23rd – 0600 Pilot service resumed
Feb 27th – 0145 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Feb 27th – 0900 Pilot service resumed
Feb 27th – 2130 Pilot service limited to one way traffic due to fog
Feb 28th – 0300 Pilot service resumed two way traffic
Mar 02nd – 1730 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Mar 03rd – 1000 Pilot service resumed
Mar 03rd – 1740 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Mar 05th – 1200 Pilot service resumed
Mar 08th – 0550 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Mar 08th – 2200 Pilot service resumed
Mar 14th – 0245 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Mar 14th – 1100 Pilot service resumed
Mar 14th – 2130 Pilot service suspended due to fog
Mar 15th – 1100 Pilot service resumed
Mar 21st – 1145 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Mar 22nd – 0600 Pilot service resumed
Apr 09th – 2035 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Apr 10th – 1030 Pilot service resumed
Apr 27th - 0500 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Apr 28th - 0900 Pilot service resumed
Apr 28th - 2200 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Apr 29th - 1030 Pilot service resumed
May 18th – 0045 Pilot service suspended due to fog
May 18th – 0230 Pilot service resumed
May 18th – 0440 Pilot service suspended due to fog
May 18th – 1130 Pilot service resumed
Jun 18th – 1905 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Jun 19th – 0600 Pilot service resumed
Jun 19th – 1430 Pilot service suspended due to high winds/seas
Jun 20th – 1100 Pilot service resumed

General Channel Restrictions/Info

*   Max Safe Draft 40ft FW
*   Air Draft above Valero Terminal – Less than 136ft for passing 3 fixed bridges
*   800ft wide channel from 29/30 Buoy to Texaco Island
*   400ft wide channel from Texas Island to Port of Beaumont
*   “SB” Buoy is located at Lat. 29-25N Lon. 93-40W
*   Navigational Charts NOAA 11341, 11342 & 11343 cover the entire waterway
*   Sabine Pilots www.sabinepilots.com