MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

[MSIB # 09-12]

August 31, 2012

NEW CASTLE RANGE DREDGING OPERATIONS

The Captain of the Port Sector Delaware Bay advises all mariners that annual maintenance dredging in New Castle Range is expected to commence on or about September 1, 2012 and continue through October 31, 2012. In order to facilitate this dredging, notice is being given that Pea Patch Island Anchorage (Anchorage #5) will be closed to all vessels for anchorage. Additionally, the upper portion of Reedy Point South Anchorage (Anchorage #3) will be closed to vessels for anchorage so that vessels transiting the area may utilize the upper portion of Reedy Point South Anchorage to safely navigate around the dredging project.

Mariners are cautioned that a combination of floating and submerged pipeline will be used. The dredge ESSEX will be standing by on channels 13 and 16 VHF-FM or can be contacted via cell phone at 757-353-0455. Traffic should contact the dredge 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. Dredge operations are expected to continue 24 hours per day, until the completion of the project. Mariners are urged to use caution when transiting through the affected area and to stay clear of the dredge, booster, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. Questions about the dredging or resulting anchorage closure should be directed to the Waterways Management Department by calling (215) 271-4889 or (215) 271-4851.