MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN
[MSIB # 13-14] February 04, 2014
SEASONAL ICE PROCEDURES
Ice Condition II: Removal of Horsepower Restrictions
The Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that Ice Condition II has been modified to lift horsepower restrictions in the C & D Canal. There is no longer a minimum horsepower requirement for vessels. Steel hull restrictions remain in effect. All masters, ship agents and owners and operators of all vessels, marine facilities and marinas should review and adhere to the following Ice Condition II procedures for the Delaware River and its tributaries, the Delaware Bay, and NJ and DE coasts:

• Only Steel hull vessels may operate in the Delaware River north of Reedy Point, in the Schuylkill River, in the Salem River, and within the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal.
• Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted through the ice without needing to stop, back off and ram the ice.
• Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is adequately moored.
• Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times when ice is present.
• Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure that the sea chests are kept clear.
• Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
• The COTP Delaware Bay may establish additional requirements for specific geographic areas of the COTP Zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.

Please refer to our internet website for additional information regarding ice operations within the Sector Delaware Bay zone at http: www.uscg.mil/d5/sectDelawarebay. Updates to ice conditions can be heard by calling the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Ice Hotline at (215) 271-4995. Mariners are also requested to keep the Coast Guard informed of any major ice developments. If you have any questions, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4814 or the Situation Unit Controller at (215) 271-4807.

Posted by Scott Anderson