SECTOR COMMANDER
U.S. COAST GUARD
SECTOR DELAWARE BAY
1 WASHINGTON AVE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147
TEL: (215) 271-4800
FAX: (215) 271-4833

MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN

[MSIB # 38-15]
November 20, 2015

COMPLETION OF DREDGING IN MARCUS HOOK RANGE AND PEA PATCH ISLAND ANCHORAGE SAFETY ZONE FOR NEW CASTLE DREDGING

Dredging operations have been completed in Marcus Hook Range and all submerged pipeline has been removed. Marcus Hook Anchorage is re-opened completely for anchorage purposes. Norfolk Dredging will proceed downriver to New Castle Range to place submerged pipeline in preparation for dredging scheduled from November 20, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Submerged pipeline and dredging equipment will be placed within the boundaries of Pea Patch Island Anchorage No. 5. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone within the waters of Anchorage No. 5 for the duration of the dredging project. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless vessels obtain permission from the Captain of the Port or make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge ESSEX per this rule and the Rules of the Road (33 C.F.R. Subchapter E). The dredge ESSEX will be operating in New Castle Range, working from north to south, starting on the west side of the channel in the vicinity of the southern end of Pea Patch Island. Mariners are cautioned to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment.

Traffic should contact the dredge ESSEX at least 1 hour prior to passage. The Dredge ESSEX will monitor channel 13 and 16 and can be contacted at 757-353-0455. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and operate at a minimum steerage speed to reduce wake when transiting the area.

Any questions should be directed to the Coast Guard Command Center at (215) 271-4807 or VHF-FM channel 16.



B. A. COOPER
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay