Heads Up – Here are some recent waterway changes! Updated January 21, 2008 (Look for NEW) See entries for ICW miles 472.0, 480.0, 490.0, 497.0, 501.0, 501.3, 502.0, 511.0, 515.0, 516.0 Chesapeake Bay, Mile 38.4, Patapsco River NOTE – Cruisers are asked to disregard the entry for the private marina on Back Cove off Stony Creek. The marina has been sold to a new owner and he has specifically requested that boaters not land their dinghies there to go ashore. At present there is no easy access to shore from this anchorage and it should be used only for overnight anchorages in a protected harbor. (October 23, 2006) ICW, Mile 0.4, Norfolk, Elizabeth River NOTE – New supermarket in Norfolk near Waterside Marina. The Market at Harbor Heights is at the corner of Tazewell and Boush streets. It just opened the end of Sept. 2007. it is 7 blocks from the Waterside marina, ferry terminal, dinghy docks. (Oct 2, 2007) ICW, Mile 7.3, VA, Dismal Swamp Canal The Dismal Swamp Canal Route is closed until further notice due to low water conditions on Lake Drummond. The Ablemarle and Chesapeake Canal Route remains open. For additional information contact the Welcome Center, 1.877.771.8333 (October 31, 2007) ICW, Mile 8.8, Virginia Cut, Steel Bridge NOTE – Effective July 31, 2006 the operating hours will change to the following: Opens only on the hour from 6AM to 6PM. Monday to Friday (excluding federal holidays) will not open 8AM and 5PM. On request overnight. (July 20, 2006) ICW, Mile 28.3, Pungo Ferry The huge chunk of debris that the cruise ship Spirit of Nantucket reportedly struck last Thursday has been removed from the waterway, and after a Corps of Engineers survey of the depths in the area, the Coast Guard has reopened the waterway to all traffic. ICW, Mile 131.6, Dowry Creek Capt. John Church reports that the Daybeacon “15” has been replaced. Capt. Church passed through this area a few days ago on a delivery. (October 28, 2007) ICW , Mile 131.6, Dowry Creek It has been reported that Daybeacon “15” has been pushed over and is below the surface of the water and not visible. In addition, a vessel reportedly struck the submerged daybeacon and sunk. (October 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 209.0, Peletier Creek The DREDGE MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at Peletier Creek Channel from 15 January until 31 March, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. Chart 11541 (January 17, 2008) ICW, Bogue Sound, Bear Inlet to Browns Inlet The DREDGE RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at Bear Inlet to Brown Inlet from 15 January until 31 March, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. Chart 11541  (January 17, 2008) ICW, Mile 238.0, Browns Inlet This report came into us today. Marker 61A is way off station? when we were there this afternoon.? Several sailboats and one Grand Banks went aground.? This is just by Browns inlet and about a mile North of the Onsolw Beach Bridge.? The way we? passed the marker was to enter the Browns inlet to the east of the Marker 61A then slowly feel our way almost to Marker 63.? You have to completely leave the ICW for about 50 yards.? It was a heck of a sight as boat after boat tried to take 61A to port and ran into 3 feet of water even though we were all on the radio trying to explain how to get by the misplaced marker.? After we passed the Onslow bridge a tow boat US came along and? stayed there directing traffic.? The Onslow Bridge is barely working it takes forever for it to swing open so be careful and don't rush in while he is opening.? The tender thinks they are going to do a major repair later this year. George Deferver 41 "Robert E. Wynns" (October 7, 2007) ICW, Mile 278.0, Figure Eight Island The DREDGE LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at Figure 8 Island from 08 January until 20 January, 2008. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. Chart 11541 (January 17, 2008) ICW, Mile 278.1, Figure Eight Swing Bridge Mariners are advised that the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, North Carolina will be closed to vessels each day beginning November 1, 2007 until January 31, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. to facilitate sandblasting and painting operations. In addition, commercial vessels openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling (910) 686-0635 or via marine radio on Channel 13. The available vertical clearance in the closed to navigation position is approximately 20 feet above Mean High Water. (September 26, 2007) ICW, Mile 278.1, Figure Eight Swing Bridge In addition to the closure mentioned in the post above, the Figure Eight Swing Bridge will be closed again to vessel each day from February 1, 2008 until February 29, 2008, from 6:00 pm to 9:30 am, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Commercial vessel openings will be provided at night is at least three hours notice is given. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet above MHW. Vessel able to pass under the closed span may do so. (December 14, 2007) ICW, Mile 280.5, Mason Inlet Figure Eight Island, NC. Dredging operations are underway in Mason's Creek and at the creek mouth in the ICW. The dredge Lexington will be conducting dredging. Avoid swingwire anchor bouys, and contact dredge operator on channel 16 for more information. (December 3, 2007) Courtesy David Sneeden ICW, Mile 293.9, Carolina Beach Inlet CAUTION – Shoaling reported on the red side of the channel at the point where the Carolina Beach Inlet joins the ICW. Favor the green side near G155 and G155A. Depths less than 4' reported on the red side and only 6' on the green side. (October 30, 2006) ICW, Mile 295, Snows Cut The Coast Guard proposes to make the following aids to navigation changes in the AIWW/New River to Cape Rear River: 1. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Front Light A (LLNR 39830). 2. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Rear Light A (LLNR 39835). 3. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Front Light B (LLNR 39840). 4. Discontinue Snows Cut Range Rear Light B (LLNR 39845) 5. Establish New River-Cape Fear River Light 166 (LLNR 39830) at 34-02-58.272N, 077-55-33.060W, Q R. 6. Establish New River-Cape Fear River Daybeacon 168 (LLNR 39840) at 34-02-58.272N, 077-55-33.060W, Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the address on the LNM cover sheet: attention D5 (dpw) Mr. Tom Flynn or by calling 757- 398-6229 no later than January 01, 2008. Chart: 11534. (November 13, 2007) ICW, Mile 297.1, Carolina Beach State Park CAUTION – The channel into Carolina Beach State Park has shoaled to 4.0' MLW. (Sept. 2007) ICW, Mile 370.9, Socastee Bridge NOTE – Back on restricted openings: Opens on the ¼ and ¾ hour. Very slow opening. ICW, Mile 377.3, Bucksport We have received a report from the sailing vessel North Bound that the anchorage (listed on page 37 of the Anchorages Guide) behind the island at marker R36 is no longer satisfactory due to poor holding conditions and submerged obstructions. In addition, the Bucksport Marina has expanded/renovated and a portion of their new floating docks extends into the former anchorage area. The report also stated that the marina provides exceptional service and the restaurant good food. Finally, the nearby grocery store is no longer operational and the bus service discontinued. (November 6, 2007) ICW, Mile 383.5, Murrells Inlet Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Murrells Inlet Buoy 26. This inlet is open to the ocean only and is not used by ICW traffic. Local knowledge is required. (September 19, 2007) ICW, Mile 415.0, Esterville Minim Creek & Duck Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated Oct. 2007 indicates shoaling just below Minim Creek. Depths as low as 6 feet occur first on the red buoy side of the channel then on both sides south past G "5". Depths then increase, however, favor the red buoy side to FG "7". Approaching G "9" depths again decrease to less than 10 feet all the way to FR "12". In the vicinity of G "9" favor the red side as depths of 7.5 feet were found on the green side. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 418, North Santee River A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling in the North Santee River. Approaching FR "18" depths on the red buoy line drop to less than 9.0 feet and in the vicinity of FR "18" are reported to be 5.7 feet. Favor the green buoy line where depths are reported to be 10 feet or better. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 419.0, Four Mile Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 7.5 feet on the green buoy line just north of mile 419.0. Favor the red buoy line. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 429.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of approximately 9 feet south of G "33" for about a quarter of a mile. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 430.0 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling just south of Jeremy Creek at G "35A". Depths are reported to be under 9 feet in the entire channel. Favor the red buoy side as depths on the green side drop to 5.5 feet. The condition continues past G "37" then depths increase to approximately 6.5 feet on the green buoy side and will be approximately 8.0 feet on the red. Conditions improve slightly for a short distance once past Mathews Creek, then depths of 7.5 feet to 9.5 feet will be encountered until past FR "40". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 448.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to depths of 8.0 - 11.0 feet just prior to FG "89". Past FG "89" depths on the green buoy side decline to 6.5 feet. Favor the red line which will average about 10.0 fet to R "90". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 452.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling in the vicinity of R "100". Depths on the green buoy line are reported as between 8.5 and 10.0 feet until R "102". South of R "102" depths on the green buoy line are between 5.8 and 8.0 feet until Copahee Sound, just past G "103". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 460.0 A US Army Corps of Engineers Curvey dated October 2007 indicates that channel depths, beginning at G "117A", are below 8.0 feet. South of G "117A", the green buoy line is reported to be between 2.9 feet to 6.0 feet until Inlet Creek. The red buoy line has water depths of approximately 7.5 feet. South of G "119" conditions improve and depths return to 9.0 feet and above (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 490, Wadmalaw Sound (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth as low as 6.5 feet MLLW in the channel between markers R"82A" and FG"83" just prior to mile 490.0. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 497.0, Dawho River (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to on the green buoy side of the channel to a depth as low as 3.5 feet MLLW between FR"110" and G"111". Depths on the red buoy side shoal to approximately 8.5 feet MLLW. (January 21, 2008) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling on both sides of the channel to depths as low as 7 feet MLLW between markers G"119" and G"121, just south of mile 497.0. (January 21, 2008)  A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 5.5 feet MLLW on both sides of the channel between markers G"113" and G"117" January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 501, Dawho River Shoaling has been reported in the Dawho River between Dawho River Buoy 113 (LLNR 34960) and Dawho River LT 115 (LLNR 34965). A depth of 6FT at Mean Low Water was found. (November 15, 2007) ICW, Mile 501.3, North Creek (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths of 7.7 feet MLLW on both sides of the channel just beyond the overhead power line south of the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge. Depths return to normal just prior to R"132". (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 502, North Creek (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 8 feet MLLW beginning at FG"135" and ending just prior to FG"143" in Watts Cut. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 511.0, Fenwick Cut (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling in the vicinity of marker R"162A" as follows: to a depth of 5.2 feet MLLW on the red buoy side and 7.1 feet MLLW on the green buoy side. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 515.0, Rock Creek (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 5.7 feet MLLW on the red buoy side of the channel beginning at marker R"176" and continuing to just prior to the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff. Depths on the green buoy side do not go below 8 feet MLLW. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 516.0, Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows severe shoaling in the vicinity of marker FG"177". Depths of 2.3 feet at MLLW are shown on the green buoy side of the channel. Do not cut this turn short. There is plenty of depth on the red buoy line. (January 21, 2008) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling in the entire channel to depths of below 9 feet MLLW along the route between markers G"177" and G"181". Favor the red buoy side as the water is a bit deeper. At G"181" depths on the green buoy side improve for a bit. then the channel shoals to depths as low as 6 feet MLLW until just prior to FR"184". At this point depths drop below 6 feet MLLW and as low as 4 feet MLLW on the green buoy side until you are in the Combahee River. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 515.2, Rock Creek Caution- Low water (6’) has been reported while in the range. Also at marker # 184 mile 518.2, it has been reported 5’ at low tide. Try to take these passages during a rising tide. (January 22, 2007) ICW, Mile 453.0, Copahee Sound CAUTION – Based on USACOE report dated May 26, 2006 the ICW has shoaled to 5.7' MLW on the green side of the ICW near R102. Favor the red side for 9.8' MLW. (August 17, 2006) ICW, Mile 472.0, Elliott Cut (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth of 8 feet MLLW on the green buoy side of the channel in the vicinity of mile 472.0. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 480.0, Stono River (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth of 5.9 feet MLLW on the red buoy side just past FG"39" and continuing below 9.0 feet MLLW until just past G"41". In addition, shoaling to a depth of 5.6 feet MLLW occurs on the green buoy side of the channel just prior to G"41" but then improves. Just prior to G"45" the green buoy side again shoals to a depth of approximately 8.5 feet MLLW and dontinues until past G"45". Favor the red buoy side of the channel. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 552 to 713, South Carolina and Georgia. CAUTION: It is important to note that in all the shoaling reports listed below that when we refer to the green side we are referring to the eastern quarter of the channel and not just right up against the green marker. Likewise, the red side refers to that quarter of the waterway west of the center line, and not just right up against the red markers. The center is the middle half of the channel. All soundings reported from mile 552 to 713 below are based on the USACOE report dated August 9, 2007. Only those portions that are below authorized project depth are listed. The good news is that most of this area has a 7-8' tide and with careful planning most vessels can traverse this area without problems except at or near low tide. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 568.5 to 569.9, Ramshorn Creek Shoaling on the red quarter (7.5’ MLW) and green quarter (7.0’ MLW) from G37 to G39. Stay in the center channel (10.0’ MLW). (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 572.2 to 572.6, Walls Cut Shoaling on the green quarter and center channel (9.0’ MLW) from R42 to R44. Favor the red quarter (10.0’ MLW). (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 573.3 to 576.0, Field’s Cut. Shoaling on the red quarter (6.0' MLW) and center channel (6.0' MLW) from R48 to R50. Green quarter has also shoaled (6.5' MLW). (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 576.0 to 576.4, Elba Cut. Shoaling (4.5' MLW) on the red quarter of the channel from R2 to R4. Favor center (8.0' MLW) and green quarter of channel (8.0' MLW). (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 576.4 to 576.7, South Channel, R 4 to R6 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 579.5 to 580.8, Causton Bluff, G25 to R30 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 580.8 to 582.8, Thunderbolt, R30 to G35 Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 13.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 585.5 to 589.0, Skidaway River, R40 to R46 Depths are 12.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 10.5’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 589.0 to 591.0, Isle of Hope, R46 to G53 Depths are 10.0’ MLW, 12.0’ center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 591.0 to 594.0, Skidaway Narrows, G53 to G71 Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 13.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 592.9, Skidaway Narrows Bridge. NOTE: Clarification of the opening schedule. Restricted: Monday to Friday from 7-9AM opens only on the hour (7,8, and 9AM) and from 4:30-6:30PM opens only hourly on the half hour (4:30, 5:30, and 6:30PM). On request at all other times. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 594.0 to 597.0, Burnside River, G71 to G79 Depths are 11.0’ MLW. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 597.0 to 601.4, Vernon River, G79 to G87 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 601.4 to 602.4, Hells Gate, G87 to R92 Depths are 6.0’ MLW red quarter, 2.0’ MLW center channel, 0.0’ MLW green quarter. Follow temporary markers. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 605.9 to 608.5, Florida Passage, R98 to R102 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 6.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 619.0, Walburg Creek. NOTE: A typo error occurred when entering the waypoint for the turn into Walburg Creek from St. Catherine’s Sound. The waypoint should be N31º 42.63 and W81º 08.20. (November 14, 2006) ICW, Mile 640.0 to 642.9, Creighton Narrows, G153 to G157 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 649.5 to 651.4, North River, R178 to R182 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 651.4 to 653.0, Rockedundy River, R182 to R190 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 8.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 653.0 to 656.4, Little Mud River, R190 to R198 Depths are 3.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 4.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 656.4 to 660.1, Altamaha Sound, R198 to G213 Depths are 6.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 7.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 660.1 to 661.9, Buttermilk Sound, G213 to vicinity DM216A Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 661.9 to 662.1, Buttermilk Sound, vicinity DM216A Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 7.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 662.1 to 664.5, Buttermilk Sound, vicinity DM216A to G223 Depths are 2.0’ MLW red quarter, 5.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 664.5 to 670.4, MacKay River, G223 to G237 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 680.9 to 685.9, Jekyll Creek, R 2 to G25 Depths are 2.0’ MLW red quarter, 5.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 685.9 to 695.6, Alternate route to bypass St Andrew Sound. Depths in the center channel range from 5.0’ MLW to 9.0’ MLW with the lowest depth in Umbrella Creek between RA6 and RA14. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 658,9 to 687.1, Jekyll Sound, G25 to G29 Depths are 11.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.5’ MLW center channel, 10.0’MLW green quarter. November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel and green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 705.0 to 708.0, Cumberland Sound, R66 to R80 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel and green quarter. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 708, Cumberland Sound The Camden County Sheriff reportedly has a patrol boat active in this area and has boarded boats for a safety and ID check. Make certain you have your gear together . (November 2, 2007) ICW, Mile 729.0, Nassau Sound CAUTION: Day mark R46A has been removed by the USCG. Turn at R46 in Nassau Sound. (December 2, 2006) ICW, Mile 729.4, Nassau Sound CAUTION: Day mark R46B at the entrance to Sawpit Creek has been changed to Day mark R46A. (December 2, 2006) ICW, Mile 731.0, Nassau Sound Island, NOAA Chart 11489 We have received a report from the S/V Cygnus (draft 4’ 3”) concerning this anchorage which is listed on page 76 of the Anchorages Along the ICW Book, 12^th ed... The charted depth east of R”48” is seven feet, however, severe shoaling has occurred and at low tide the bottom at the entrance is exposed. Several vessels attempting to enter at mid-tide were unable to do so and Cygnus ran aground. This anchorage will be delisted in the next edition of the anchorages book. (November 29, 2007) A report received today states that the anchorage was dry at low tide. (January 16, 2008) ICW, Mile 735.0, Ft. George River, NOAA Chart 11489 We have received comments from cruisers that due to reported shoaling this anchorage may not be useable. If you have specifics, please email SkipperBob@att.net. (January 16, 2008) ICW , Mile 840, Ponce De Leon Inlet A vessel drawing 5 feet reported touching bottom in the channel marked by temporary buoys just north of mm840 about 1 hour before high tide on November 2, 2007. (November 7, 2007) ICW, Mile 840, Cruising report Here is a very detailed on-site report from a vessel that has just transited this area. Many thanks to Bob and Judy. “I’ll provide the info heading southbound, since that is what a great number of snowbirds will be doing this time of year. Leaving Dayton (southbound) the shoaling starts just after marker “70” as the ICW turn to the west at a junction with the body of water leading to Ponce Inlet. Before passing “70” locate the temporary green and two reds that are visible at that point. Make sure you observe the colors – green on the port, red on the starboard. The first temporary red is “2”, then temporary red “2A” and a temporary green “3A” (not a pair, but out there together). The next daymark is “4” after passing the temporaries; head more or less to “4” (don’t cut the corner too much when the waterway bends back around to the left). Once you get past the temporaries and “4” everything is back to normal. Following the marked route, we didn’t see less than 8.5 feet at 1030 on Friday, November 23, 2007 (not sure of the state of the tide in that area at that time).” Bob McLeran and Judy Young MV Sanderling Defever 41 Trawler ICW, Mile 845.0, George Musson (Coronado Beach) Bridge THE CAPTAIN OF THE PORT JACKSONVILLE ADVISES ALL MARINERS THAT THE NAVIGABLE CHANNEL IN THE VICINITY OF THE SR 44 BRIDGE IN THE INDIAN RIVER WILL BE PARITALLY CLOSED ON ONE SIDE WHILE REPAIRS TO THE BRIDGE COMPLETED. RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT ON JANUARY 7 UNTIL JANUARY 24, 2008 FROM 5:00 A.M UNTIL 5:00 P.M. TO ARRANGE FOR SAFE PASSAGE CONTACT THE BRIDGE TENDER BY VHF-FM CHANNEL 16 WITH AT LEAST 2 HOUR NOTICE FROM MARINE TRAFFIC FOR A BRIDGE OPENING OR FOR PASSAGE THAT REQUIRES THE FULL CHANNEL WIDTH IN ADVANCE OF EXPECTED TRANSIT. ALL MARINE TRAFFIC SHOULD TAKE CAUTION WHEN PASSING THROUGH THIS PORTION OF THE INDIAN RIVER. Sincerely, Michael Lieberum Seventh Coast Guard District Bridge Branch Operations Section (December 9, 2008) ICW, Mile 995.9, Hobe Sound Bridge The 12^th Edition of the Anchorages Along The ICW Guide lists this bridge on page 89 as having restricted hours from November to January. This no longer applies. The bridge now opens on demand all year. (November 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1048.2, Camino Real Bridge The opening schedule for this bridge is now every 20 minutes starting on the hour. The 12^th edition of the Anchorages Along the ICW states every 30 minutes. (December 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1064.1, Las Olas Municipal Marina The mooring fee is now $30. The 12^th edition of the Anchorages Along the ICW states it is $20. (December 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1066, Port Everglades The US Coast Guard proposes to amend the anchorage regulations for Port Everglades.  The proposal would eliminate the portion of the anchorage closest to the coral reef areas, expand the portion of the anchorage further from the reefs, and limit the amount of time that a vessel could remain in the anchorage area to a maximum of 72 hours unless prior permission has been obtained from the USCG Captain of the Port. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 21. (October 29, 2007) ICW, Miles 1082.6 – 1089.0, Miami Beach Just a reminder that Miami Beach has an ordinance that restricts anchoring to 7 cumulative days in a 30 day period. We received a report from Carl and Carrie Butler aboard Sanctuary that the marine police are very diligent in enforcing this regulation. In an emergency or if dangerous weather conditions exist you may request an exception. Sanctuary also reported that new owners of the Wash Time Laundromat at 14^th Street and Alton Road will provide pick up service on Collins Canal. Call them at 305-672-7110. (December 29, 2007) ICW, Mile 1134.1, Jewfish Creek Drawbridge Due to work on the new Jewfish Creek Bridge, the existing drawbridge will open on demand except that from 7 am to sunset the bridge will open only on the hour and half-hour. This restriction will be in place through April 30, 2008. In addition, due to installation of steel girders on the new bridge, the contractor anticipates that the channel may need to close during the evenings of February 6^th and 7^th, 2008. (January 18, 2008) ICW, Mile 1149 & 1153. CAUTION: Shoaling has been reported from day marker 64 south of Pigeon Key and 76A & 78 south exit of Cowpens Cut. Locals say Wilma moved the mud around and it is best to hug the markers. (Feb, 2, 2007) Florida West Coast, Lake Okeechobee, stage report The lake stage on January 16 was 10.06 NGVD providing a navigation depth of 4.02 feet for Route 1. Route 2 remains closed and the Franklin and St. Lucie locks remain on a restricted operational schedule. (January 17, 2008) Florida West Coast, Lake Okeechobee, crossing report We crossed Lake Okeechobee Saturday ( Nov 17^th ed.) in our 43' Hatteras draft 3'5". We made the entire crossing dead slow, stayed in the middle of the channel, and never touched bottom. The Corps of Engineer minimum reported depth was 4.21 feet Saturday, but the minimum depth we encountered was 5.1 feet. We stopped at Roland Martin's Marina to fuel up before proceeding across and found Jim to be very helpful. He pointed out the shallowest spots, primarily around Rocky Reef, as well as a submerged rock just south of the mid channel marker. We did stir up some mud backing out of the fuel area but again, never touched bottom. Perhaps we were just lucky. At any rate, I would suggest that a Lake Okeechobee crossing could be successfully completed provided vessel draft does not exceed 3.5 feet, speed is kept at idle and a course in the middle of the channel is maintained. I would strongly suggest stopping at Roland Martin's if your draft permits, or at least calling them to get the latest channel updates. Bill & Kathleen Root M/V Elnita Florida West Coast, Lake Okeechobee Note-The W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie Locks continue to operate on a restricted schedule. One lockage in each direction will occur at 10:00am and 3:pm daily. The lake stage for October 18 was 10.07 feet NVGD providing a navigational depth of 4.01 feet for route 1. Route 2 remains closed. (October 25, 2007) http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm Florida West Coast, Mile 5.0, Matanzas Harbor. NOTE. Matanzas Inn now manages the mooring field in Matanzas Harbor (239-463-9258, VHF-16). The inn is located near the west end of the bridge at red 2. Mooring rates are $13/day or $260 per month. The inn offers free internet in the office, inside/outside restaurant, dinghy dockage, trash disposal and free pump out. (November 27, 2006) Florida, West Coast, Mile 131.8, Belleair Causeway Bridge Thanks to Jim Stroh for this report. The vertical bridge clearance published on NOAA Raster Chart 11411-2 (updated: 05/15/2007) indicates a 21ft vertical clearance. Passing through the Intracoastal Waterway (northbound) on January 1, 2008, the tide was 1.39 ft below MHW as checked on NOAA’s website. In theory there should have been at least 22.3 ft of vertical clearance (21 feet as indicated on chart + 1.39 ft for tide differential). However, there was only 16.5 ft according to the scaled ruler on the bridge bumpers. I recommend mariners requiring specific clearances not the ruler readings and depending on required clearances needing bridge lift take not of bridge operational hours. (January 17, 2008) Gulf Coast ICW, mile 158.2 East, Orange Beach NOTE. The Marina at the Wharf (251-980-1350,G,D,P) has opened at mile 158.2 on the south side in a protected basin. This 210 slip marina provides 15 slips as free day docks while you shop or dine in a village atmosphere at the individually owned and/or brand name shops, boutiques and restaurants. (July 10, 2006) Lake Michigan, Hammond, IL NOTE. Hammond Marina (219-659-7678) will close on October 1, 2006 and remain closed until May 1, 2008 while undergoing extensive renovation. Loss of about 1,000 slips in the Chicago area during this time will increase the already crowded situation. Be sure to plan ahead when arriving at Chicago. (September 1, 2006) NOTICE: The information presented on this web site should not be used for navigation. Mariners should have the latest charts and USCG Local Notice to Mariners on their vessel when cruising. The information on this web site was correct when first obtained, but may change with time as waterway shoaling moves, new obstacles move into the waterway, etc. The information is provided only to alert you to possible problems or changes in the waterway; not as an aid to navigation.