MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

[MSIB # 04-13]
January 24, 2013

SEASONAL ICE PROCEDURES
Ice Condition Two

The Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that Ice Condition Two has been set. This means there have been reports of ice formation through out the COTP zone. 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 north of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.
• Vessels already moored along the Delaware River should frequently check to ensure the vessel is adequately tied up.
• In areas where ice is present, but less than 2 inches, vessels must have a propulsion system with a minimum of 1000 horsepower, and 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.

• 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 Sector 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 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 regarding the contents of this bulletin or the expectations of the COTP, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4814 or the Situation Unit Controller at (215) 271-4807.