SECTOR COMMANDER
U.S. COAST GUARD
SECTOR DELAWARE BAY
1 WASHINGTON AVE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147
TEL: (215) 271-4807
FAX: (215) 271-4833

MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

[MSIB # 14-15]
March 4, 2015

SEASONAL ICE PROCEDURES
ICE CONDITION II: Removal of Steel Hull Restrictions on the Delaware Bay, the New Jersey coast South of Shark River, and the Delaware Coast.

The Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that Ice Condition II has been modified to remove steel hull restrictions on the Delaware Bay, the New Jersey coast south of Shark River, and the Delaware coast. There have been reports of ice formation that may impact navigation throughout the COTP zone. All masters, ship agents, 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 and its tributaries.
•Steel-hulled only vessels with a 1,500 minimum shaft horsepower and with integral or recessed keel hull coolers or upper and lower cooling intakes may transit the C & D Canal.
•The Salem River remains closed due to a potential threat to navigation.
•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.
•Mariners are cautioned that buoys may become extinguished or dragged off station and minor lights and day beacons may become destroyed due to ice.
•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, or discrepant Aids. 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) 271-4889 or the Situation Unit Controller at (215) 271-4807.



K. MOORE
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay