Seasonal Ice Procedure Status Update

In accordance with 33 CFR 160.111 (c) the Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that 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 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 north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has imposed a steel hull restriction on the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal.
• Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted 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.
• Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood 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.

The COTP may set ice conditions for any safety zone described in title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 165.550, or a portion thereof, requiring vessels to meet the restrictions. Vessels must have the proper hull type and an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements imposed.

Please refer to our internet website for current ice condition information by visit https://homeport.uscg.mil/ and choosing Delaware Bay from the Port Directory drop down. Ice condition updates will be located in the Safety Notifications section under Safety Alerts. Ice condition information can also be obtained by calling the Sector Delaware Bay Ice Line at (215) 271-4995.

Vessels, marine facilities, and marinas are asked to keep the Coast Guard informed of any major ice developments. A voluntary Facility Information Sheet has been posted in Homeport for use by waterfront facilities. Please send any reports to secdelbaycc@uscg.mil.

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.



S. E. Anderson
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay

This release has been issued for public information and notification purposes only.