Submit Your Own Navigation Updates

Name: 

EMail: 

Type Your
Update Here:

Are you a current Waterway Guide subscriber? Yes No


Enter code: 

CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE BAYS UPDATES

31 August 2010

MD: Brewerton Channel approach to Baltimore, dredging

Although this really doesn't impact the travel of pleasure craft, you will want to be observant of this operation and how it impacts commercial traffic and your position in the channel.

The dredges ATLANTIC and VIRGINIAN will be conducting dredging operations in the approaches to Baltimore in the Brewerton
Channel/Tolchester Range to Courthouse Point from 03 September until 31 December, 2010. The dredges will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and
16. It is requested that all traffic call 30 minutes prior to passing the dredges. Tugs and scows will transport dredged material to the Pooles
Island Disposal area.All transiting vessels are asked to proceed at a NO WAKE speed when passing the dredge. Mariners are cautioned to stay
clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine
construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables,
attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. 

MD: Patuxent River, "Are you talking to me?"

Mariners are advised that U. S. Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland will conduct noise generating test events on the middle
Chesapeake Bay during the month of September 2010. Operations include a large, single naval helicopter conducting flights to assess the
capability of a helicopter-mounted sound system during day and night environmental conditions. Although only one flight per day is anticipated,
both day and night flights are required. Vessel operators might notice increased noise levels during these flights. The planned helicopter test
flights will be conducted over the Chesapeake Bay, four nautical miles offshore of NAS Patuxent River. Voice announcements and sounds will be
broadcast during the test flights. The sound system is designed to address an urgent operational need in support of the Global War on Terrorism
and provide a low-cost solution that will allow naval units to communicate with vessels not equipped with a radio and with vessels, whose operators
might not understand English. NAS Patuxent River takes all precautions to lessen the impact on the community of these testing activities. For
more information, call telephone number 1-866-819-9028. Charts: 12264, 12270

VA: Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, AIWW mile 5.8, bridge work

McLean Contracting will be constructing new cofferdams, pile driving and excavating in the construction of the new Gilmerton Bridge (Rt. 13
Bridge) from September until July 2012. Tug boats and assisting vessels will monitor VHF-FM Channel 13. Mariners are requested to transit with
caution, a NO WAKE speed and contact the assisting tug if necessary. Chart: 12253.

VA: Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, dredging

Ed Note: This is a "No-Wake" and very congested area. Use extra caution.

The dredge F. J. BELESIMO will be conducting dredging operations in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River at the Southgate Annex of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard from 13 September, 2010 until completion. The tug CINDY J will transport spoil material to the Craney Island Disposal Facility via the scows EDDIE CARROLL and SEI 2000. The dredge and tugs will monitor VHF-FM channels 13, 16 and 67. All transiting vessels are asked to proceed at a NO WAKE speed when passing the dredge. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. 

VA: Rudee Inlet, shoaling

Shoaling has been reported on both the inbound and outbound edges of the Rudee Inlet channel. The shoaling begins inside the east tip of the
south jetty and extends westward to the turn basin. Mariners are advised to remain in the center of the channel. Chart: 12208.

MD: Eastern Shore, Wicomico River, dredging

The dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Wicomico River from Wicomico River Channel Light 10 (LLNR 23750) to
Wicomico River Channel Light 38 (LLNR 23900) from 30 August until 10 November, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. All
transiting vessels are asked to proceed at a NO WAKE speed when passing the dredge. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster,
floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations.

Ed Note: This is from Great Shoals to Parrots Wharf.

........................................................................................................................

26 August 2010

VA: Portsmouth, Elizabeth River, AIWW mile 5.8, Gilmerton Bridge, emergency repairs

MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT ELECTRICAL REPAIRS WILL BE CONDUCTED
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010 AT THE GILMERTON LIFT BRIDGE AT ATLANTIC
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY MILE 5.8, IN CHESAPEAKE, VA. TO FACILITATE
REPAIRS, THE DRAWBRIDGE WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPEN ON SIGNAL FOR VESSELS
REQUIRING AN OPENING EVERY TWO HOURS FROM 6 A.M. TO 10 P.M. THE
DRAWBRIDGE WILL CONTINUE TO OPEN ON SIGNAL AT ANY TIME FOR COMMERCIAL
VESSELS CARRYING LIQUEFIED FLAMMABLE GAS OR OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
AND FOR COMMERCIAL CARGO VESSELS, INCLUDING TUGS, AND TUGS WITH TOWS
WITH AT LEAST TWO HOURS NOTICE GIVEN TO BRIDGE OPERATOR AT (757)
545-1512 OR VIA MARINE RADIO ON CHANNEL 13. MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST
THEIR TRANSITS ACCORDINGLY AND EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE
AREA.

........................................................................................................................

24 August 2010

MD: C & D Canal, Chesapeake City Anchorage, dredging completed

The project has been completed. See cruiser's comment here.


The dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the C & D Canal at Chesapeake City Anchorage Basin from 27 June until 20 August, 2010. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the
channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.
Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. Chart: 12277.

........................................................................................................................

17 August 2010

MD: Pocomoke River, bridge closure

Painting operations on the S12 (lift) Bridge in Snow Hill require that the bridge remain in the closed position from 7am September 8 until and including 7pm October 8, 2010. Vessels requiring an opening will not be able to transit.

VA: Little Creek Harbor, dredging

The bucket dredge WEEKS 551 will be conducting maintenance dredging operations in Little Creek Harbor at the Naval Amphibious Base and Entrance Channel from 26 August, 2010 until 31 January, 2011. The dredge and tug KATHERINE will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Dredge material will be transported via scow barges 258 and 259.

VA: Portsmouth, Elizabeth River, AIWW mile 5.8, Gilmerton Bridge, construction

A 35 foot construction deck barge will be moored to the west side fendering system of the Gilmerton Bridge from August 17 August until December 30, 2010. The barge will obstruct part of the navigable channel under the bridge but will not interfere with the bridge operation. The tug BESTY will be tending the barge and will monitor VHF-FM Channel 13 and will be available to move the barge if necessary for transiting traffic. The bridge tender may be contacted on channel 13 or at (757) 545-1512. Chart: 12253.

........................................................................................................................

27 July 2010

MD: Choptank River, Cambridge Creek, bridge painting

Cleaning and painting operations on the MD795 Lift Bridge over Cambridge Creek at Cambridge, MD are scheduled to begin August 1 and continue through October 31, 2010. During this time the bridge will remain in the open position. Horizontal clearance will be reduced to approximately 40 feet for the passage of vessels.

........................................................................................................................

13 July 2010

VA: Elizabeth River, Southern Branch, AIWW mile 2.8, bridge work

McLean Contracting Company, on or about August 1, 2010, will begin driving test piles in conjunction with the construction of the new Jordan Bridge in the Southern Branch-Elizabeth River.
A. Test Pile 20-(Light E) at 38 48 29.2101N, 076 17 26.6104W , Fl Y 4s.
B. Test Pile 21-(Light F) at 38 48 30.0438N, 076 17 22.2435W, Fl Y 4s.
Chart: 12253.

Ed Note: This should not have any affect on marine traffic. 

........................................................................................................................

29 June 2010

MD: Patuxent River, underwater archaeological work

Mariners are advised that the U.S. Navy and Maryland Historical Trust are conducting diving operations in the upper Patuxent River starting on or about July 10, 2010 and continuing through approximately August 10, 2010. During that time, up to five barges will be anchored nights and weekends on the west bank of the upper Patuxent River, located about one mile north of the MD Route 4 Bridge near Upper Marlboro, Maryland. All activity is anticipated to be within 75 feet of the Patuxent River's west bank, outside the main channel at the river's center. The barges used during the project will be marked and lighted. The project area is off limits to the public during the work except by guided tour. Interested mariners may contact the State of Maryland work vessel on scene via Marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM, if necessary. Chart 12264.

DE: Rehoboth Beach, Indian River Inlet, bridge vertical clearance reduction

Mariners are advised to take caution when approaching the construction site of the new DE SH-1 Bridge over Indian River Inlet, Mile 0.2, in Rehoboth Beach, DE. A Form Traveler will be moving along the bottom of the new bridge reducing the vertical clearance beneath the Traveler to approximately 14 ft. above MHW until February 28, 2011. Do not navigate under the Form Traveler. The remainder of the waterway shall be
open to navigation with a vertical clearance of 35 ft. Chart : 12216.

........................................................................................................................

22 June 2010

VA: Thimble Shoal Channel, lost U.S. Navy unmanned submersibles

The Captain of the Port of Hampton Roads advises all mariners that three unmanned underwater vehicles belonging to the U.S. Navy have been lost in the vicinity of the Thimble Shoal Channel between the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The vehicles are black , non-explosive torpedo shaped objects, sixty inches long and are designed to float on the surface. All mariners are requested to report any sightings of these vehicles to the U.S. Coast Guard at 757-638-6635 or VHF-FM channel 16. Chart: 12245.

........................................................................................................................

09 June 2010

Delaware Bay, Delaware City Mooring Basin, dredging

The Delaware City Mooring Basin and shoaled areas in the Delaware City Branch Canal will be dredged from 01 June until 01 September, 2010. A hydraulic dredge and tender will be on scene and monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the
location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7)
days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. Chart: 12277.

........................................................................................................................

01 June 2010

VA: York River/Mobjack Bay, Goodwin Thorofare, discontinued nav aids

Due to shoaling in the Goodwin Thorofare Channel, the Coast Guard can no longer safely access and mark the channel. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Norfolk District has indicated that that there is no proposed funding for maintenance dredging of this waterway in the near future. If dredging is accomplished in the future the Coast Guard will re-evaluate marking this federal navigation project. Until that time the Coast Guard will discontinue the following aids to navigation:
A. Goodwin Thorofare Light 10 (LLNR 13340).
B. Goodwin Thorofare Light 12 (LLNR 13345).
C. Goodwin Thorofare Light 13 (LLNR 13350).
D. Goodwin Thorofare Daybeacon 14 (LLNR 13355).
E. Goodwin Thorofare Daybeacon 15 (LLNR 13360).
F. Goodwin Thorofare Light 16 (LLNR 13360).

........................................................................................................................

24 May 2010

MD: C & D Canal, Chesapeake City

We were anchored in the Chesapeake City basin and talked to the City Personnel about the inlet. They said there is scheduled dredging to the entrance of the basin and around the city docks in June of 2010 hopefully before canal days,, if not shortly after.

Richard Lassman

Ed Note: Canal Day is June 26, 2010

........................................................................................................................

14 May 2010

MD: Eastern Bay, South River, Parish Creek, dredging completed

This project has been completed.

The dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in Parish Creek from 10 March until 15 April 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.

VA: Little Wicomico River, dredging completed

This project has been completed.

The dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the Little Wicomico River from 22 February until 04 March, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures
in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. Chart: 12233.

MD: Smith Island, dredging completed

This project has been completed.

The dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations on Smith Island in the West Entrance Channel between the jetties and continuing to Levering Creek, Rhodes Point to Tylerton, Tyler Ditch, Big Thorofare and Twitch East Entrance Channel from 23 January until 25 April, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.

........................................................................................................................

13 May 2010

VA: Rappahannock River, Queens Creek, nav aids change

On or about 31 May, 2010 the following aids to navigation changes will occur in Queens Creek due the completion of dredging operations:
a. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon A (LLNR 14815) to Daybeacon 1.
b. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon B (LLNR 14820) to Light 2, Fl R 2.5s.
c. Discontinue Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon C (LLNR 14823).
d. Queens Creek Submerged Jetty Warning Daybeacon (LLNR 14825) to Warning Daybeacon A.
e. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon D (LLNR 14835) to Daybeacon 4.
f. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon E (LLNR 14840) to Light 5, Fl G 4s.
g. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon F (LLNR 14845) to Daybeacon 6.
h. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon G (LLNR 14850) to Daybeacon 7.
I. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon H (LLNR 14855) to Daybeacon 8.
J. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon J (LLNR 14860) to Daybeacon 9.
K. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon K (LLNR 14865) to Daybeacon 11.
L. Queens Creek Channel Warning Daybeacon L (LLNR 14870) to Daybeacon 12.
Chart: 12235.

........................................................................................................................

27 April 2010

MD: Patuxent River, GPS Navigation Signal Testing

THE GPS NAVIGATION SIGNALS MAY BE UNRELIABLE FROM 03 MAY 10 - 30 DEC 10, 0800Z - 2300Z DUE TO TESTING ON GPS FREQUENCIES USED IN SHIPBOARD NAVIGATION AND HANDHELD SYSTEMS. GPS SYSTEMS THAT RELY ON GPS, SUCH AS E-911, AIS AND DSC, MAY BE
AFFECTED WITHIN A 17 NM RADIUS OF POSITION 38 15.7N 076 26.03W. DURING THIS PERIOD GPS USERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY GPS SERVICE OUTAGES THAT THEY MAY EXPERIENCE DURING THIS TESTING VIA THE NAVIGATION INFORMATION SERVICE (NIS) BY
CALLING (703)313-5900 OR BY USING THE NAVCEN'S WEB SITE'S GPS REPORT A PROBLEM WORKSHEET AT WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV.

MD: Poplar Island, dredging

The dredge RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Poplar Island at the Southwest Borrow Area from 20 April until 06 July, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.

MD: Poplar Island Harbor, dredging

The dredge JENNI LEA will be conducting dredging operation in the Poplar Island Personnel Pier Channel from 03 May until 01 June, 2010. A floating and submerged pipeline will run westerly within the Poplar Harbor Harbor and parallel to the existing Personnel Pier Channel to the Upland Disposal Site and will be marked with buoys and flashing yellow lightes in accordance with Coast Guard regulations. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.

VA: Salt Ponds Channel, shoaling

Shoaling has been reported in the Salt Ponds Channel. Mariners are requested to transit this area with caution. Chart: 12222.

........................................................................................................................

13 April 2010

MD: Havre de Grace, Susquehanna River, aids to navigation change

On or about 05 June, 2010, Fishing Battery Light will be discontinued. Chart: 12274.

VA: York River and Mobjack Bay, Davis Creek, shoaling

Shoaling to a dept of less than 3.0 feet MLW has been reported between Davis Creek Channel Light 2  and Davis Creek Channel Daybeacon 4.  Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting this waterway. Chart: 12238.

........................................................................................................................

02 April 2010

VA: James River, Pagan River, dredging completed

After several years of pleading and begging with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Pagan River has been fully dredged to a minimum draft of 8 feet. For all you boaters who were concerned with the draft at Bob Shoals, worry no more! A McClean Contracting crane spent 120 days on the Pagan River this winter and removed over 300,000 cubic yards of dredge material from the river!

Ed Note: Visits to the historic town of Smithfield are possible once again by deeper draft vessels.

........................................................................................................................

10 March 2010

MD: Chestertown, Chester River, mile 26.8, S213 bridge

Effective April 3, 2010, mariners are advised that the Coast Guard is changing the drawbridge operation regulations of the S213 Bridge, at mile 26.8, across Chester River at Chestertown MD. The final rule allows the bridge to open on signal if at least six hours notice is given and would provide for the reasonable needs of navigation, due to the anticipated infrequency of requests for vessel openings of the drawbridge.
A copy of Public Notice 5-1178, which describes the changes in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6222. Chart: 12272.

........................................................................................................................

03 March 2010

MD: Poplar Island, dredging

The following should have no impact on recreational vessels crusing Poplar Island Narrows.

The dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations at Poplar Island in the Southwest Borrow Area from 25 February until 06 July, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. A NO WAKE transit is requested from all vessels in the area. Chart: 12270.

........................................................................................................................

19 February 2010

VA: Hampton, Salt Ponds & Back River, new "No Wake" Zones

The City of Hampton has established the following "NO WAKE" daybeacons:

A. Salt Ponds "NO WAKE" Daybeacon A at 37-03-48.75N, 076-16-58.90W, white square with orange border/circle.
B. Salt Ponds "NO WAKE" Daybeacon B at 37-03-47.10N, 076-16-58.66W, white square with orange border/circle.
C. Back River Southwest Branch "NO WAKE" Daybeacon A at 37-04-47.07N, 076-19-44.79W, white square with orange border/circle.
D. Back River Southwest Branch "NO WAKE" Daybeacon B at 37-04-42.41N, 076-19-43.62W, white square with orange border/circle.

........................................................................................................................

14 February 2010

VA: Proposal to discontinue sound signals on lower bay

The Coast Guard is soliciting comments on discontinuing and removal of the following sound signal:
a. Chesapeake Channel Junction Lighted Buoy CY (LLNR 7130)
b. Chesapeake Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 46 (LLNR 7315)
c. James River Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 55 (LLNR 12120)
d. York River Lighted Bell Buoy 19 (LLNR 13498)
e. Tangier Sound Lighted Bell Buoy 9 (LLNR 23275)
In your comments, please address the impact this proposal may impose on your operation. Also; include, in your correspondence the means you are using to navigate this waterway any electric sensors used while transiting the Chesapeake Bay. Send comments not later than 16 March, 2010 to:
Commander (dpw)
Fifth Coast Guard District
431 Crawford Street, Rm.100
Portsmouth, VA. 23704
Attn.: Albert Grimes
Or email to: Albert.L.Grimes@uscg.mil

........................................................................................................................

03 February 2010

VA: Rappahannock River, Broad Creek, dredging completed

2/3/10

Dredging of the channel to a depth of 9' by 150' has been completed. The navigation aids will be reset within a week. Dozier's Regatta Point, home of Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob Publications, is located on Broad Creek.

1/16/10

The dredge JENNI LEA will be conducting dredging operations in Broad Creek from 11 January until 15 February, 2010. The dredge will be assisted by the vessels MISS LEANNE and DANNY JOE. A submerged and lighted floating pipeline will carry the dredge material to the beach area. The dredge and tugs will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16.  A slow NO WAKE speed is requested of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to passing. Chart: 12235.

........................................................................................................................

28 November 2009

VA: Virginia Inside Passage, shoaling

11/28/09

Shoaling to a depth of less than 1.0 foot MLW has been reported between VIRGINIA Inside Passage Light 214 (LLNR 6350) and Virginia Inside Passage Light 226 (LLNR 6420). Mariners should use exercise caution when transiting this waterway. Chart: 12224.


2/17/09

Shoaling to a depth of 2 feet MLW has been reported between Virginia Inside Passage Light 180 and Great Machipongo Inlet North Channel Junction Light NC. Use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart: 12210.

........................................................................................................................

16 November 2009

Piankatank River, Jackson Creek, shoaling

Don't get near marker G"5". Shoal building out. Hug R"10" because shoal on south side is growing toward channel. Catamarans beware....it's that close.

John Cummins
M/V Duetto

........................................................................................................................

01 August 2009

MD: Oxford, mooring balls in "The Strand" anchorage

While cruising on the Chesapeake during July 2009 and visiting Oxford I observed approximately 12 mooring balls in the anchorage off The Strand which reduces the amount of available space for anchoring substantially. All of the balls are occupied. I was informed by several marina personnel that the moorings are private and were placed there by local residents. The town officials are now attempting to determine what action needs to be taken to control the placement of mooring balls and preserve space for vessels that desire to anchor in the area. The anchorage in Town Creek at this time was clear of mooring balls.

Ted Stehle
Good Times

........................................................................................................................

11 May 2009

VA: Virginia Inside Passage, hazard to navigation

There has been a report of an uncharted submerged obstruction approximately 20-25 feet channelward from the Virginia Inside Passage Daybeacon 240.  Chart: 12224.