MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

[MSIB # 03-14]
January 09, 2014

SEASONAL ICE PROCEDURES
Reported Ice Formation South of Trenton, NJ and
Additional Restrictions for Ice Condition II


The Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that a reported ice jam, located approximately 1 mile south of the Trenton-Morrisville (U.S. Route 1) Bridge on the Delaware River, has caused portions of the river to back up and flood. When the aforementioned ice formation breaks, immediate river depth and current changes are likely to occur, potentially affecting the navigability of the Delaware River. Mariners are advised to take any necessary precautions to ensure that safety is maintained while anchoring, mooring, or navigating in the Delaware River. Although Sector Delaware Bay will release a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) once the ice formation breaks or if significant changes occur, mariners are advised to maintain situational awareness while operating in the Delaware River. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and City of Trenton Office of Emergency Management are presently monitoring the ice jam and will be available for contact at (610) 562-3003 and (609) 989-4000 respectively.

In addition, increases in ice levels in the Delaware River have prompted additional restrictions for waterway use. In addition to the previous restrictions noted on MSIB # 02-14, only steel hull vessels may operate in the Delaware River and its tributaries North of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and within the Chesapeake and Delaware (C & D) Canal.

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 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.






Benjamin A. Cooper
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard
Alternate Captain of the Port