Seasonal Ice Procedure Status Update (Change 12)

***CHANGES IN BOLD FONT***

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:

***Vessels which do not meet the requirements for specific areas as listed below may request a waiver from the Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay. Those vessels should submit a request via email to secdelbaycc@uscg.mil detailing their need for a waiver and their intentions for transit. Waiver requests will be granted on a case by case basis.***
• Only steel hull vessels may operate in the Delaware River upriver of Rancocas Creek.
• Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted without needing to stop, back off, and ram the ice.
• When ice is present:
o Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is adequately moored.
o Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times.
o 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.

Mariners are advised that, due to ice, a significant amount of buoys have been reported missing or off station in the Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port Zone. The Captain of the Port urges mariners to refrain from utilizing floating aids as a primary means of navigation.

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.

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.