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 18-16]

July 21, 2016

CHRISTINA RIVER – WILMINGTON HARBOR ANNUAL DREDGING

The Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the dredge ESSEX along with support equipment, including tender boats ROBBIE R, HILTON HEAD, AMERICAN EAGLE and PUSHER 11, commenced dredging operations at Wilmington Harbor on the Christina River, in Delaware on July 16, 2016. The operator is scheduled to continue dredging operations until September 30, 2016. All mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, booster, floating pipe, pontoon pipes, submerged pipelines, barges, derricks, and operation wires around the dredge. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the dredge and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors, some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on either sides of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Rules of the Road when approaching, passing, and leaving the area of operations and remain a safe distance away from all dredging related equipment. Locations of floating and submerged pipelines will be broadcasted for the safety of vessel traffic during the project.

Owners and lessees of fishnets, crab pots, and other structures that may be in the vicinity of operations must remove all equipment that could potentially interfere with dredging operations. Dredging operations are being carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; the operator is standing by on VHF channel 13 and 16 for passing arrangements. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passing. For any emergencies, Norfolk Dredging, dredge ESSEX superintendent can be reached at (757) 285-2133. For further information, contact Norfolk Dredging Company, Post Office Box 1706 Chesapeake, VA 23327 or call (757) 547-9391.

If you have any questions regarding the content of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4814.




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