RETURN TO SEASONAL ICE ALERT


The Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay is notifying mariners of the return to Seasonal Ice Alert for navigation on the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, all existing tributaries, and the New Jersey and Delaware Shores and Inner Coastal Waterways.

Mariners observing any ice conditions are asked to report them using the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Ice Reporting Form located on the unit’s website at:
http://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-5/District-Units/Sector-Delaware-Bay/

Conditions continue to be favorable for the formation of ice. Mariners are advised to maintain awareness of the following guidelines.

• When ice is present:
o Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted without needing to stop, back off, and ram the ice.
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 can also report conditions to the CG Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (215) 271-4807.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4889.



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