MSIB 01-19

PHILADELPHIA TO SEA DREDGING MAINTENANCE PROJECT

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the Coast Guard is establishing two safety zones to facilitate the Philadelphia to Sea Dredging Maintenance Project. Dredging operations will be conducted in the Delaware River from January 15, 2019 through May 31, 2019. Operations will be conducted in Marcus Hook Range, followed by Marcus Hook Anchorage (No. 7), New Castle Range, and Deepwater Point Range.

Safety zone one includes all the waters within a 250 yard radius of the dredge ESSEX and all associated dredge equipment operating in or around Marcus Hook Range, New Castle Range and Deepwater Point Range. Vessels are advised to ensure safe passage by contacting the dredge ESSEX 1 hour prior to arrival. This safety zone will be in place for the duration of the dredging project.

Safety zone two includes all the waters of Marcus Hook Anchorage No. 7 found in 33 CFR 110.157 (a) (8). Safety zone two will be in place only during the time the dredge ESSEX is conducting dredging operations in Marcus Hook Range and Anchorage No. 7, near Marcus Hook Range. Pipe laying operations will begin on or about January 15, 2019 and dredging will commence within three days. Vessel requesting to transit Marcus Hook Range shall contact the dredge ESSEX on VHF FM Channel 13 or 16, at 1 hour prior to arrival. Vessels shall then transit around the dredge project, utilizing Marcus Hook Anchorage, while operating at the minimum safe speed necessary to maintain steerage and reduce wake. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless vessels obtain permission from the COTP or make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge ESSEX per this rule and the Rules of the Road (33 C.F.R. Subchapter E).

Vessels desiring to anchor within Marcus Hook anchorage must obtain permission from the COTP at least 24 hours in advance, at (215) 271-4807. The COTP will permit one vessel at a time in Marcus Hook anchorage on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Initially, while the dredge ESSEX is working in Marcus Hook Range, only the southernmost portion of the anchorage may be utilized. The maritime public will be notified of any changes to vessel traffic patterns or availability of Marcus Hook Anchorage No. 7 via subsequent updates to this MSIB and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. Normally, this is a 48 hour anchorage; however, vessels will not be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 12 hours during this time. Vessels that require an examination by the Public Health Service, Customs or Immigration authorities will be directed to an anchorage for the required inspection by the COTP. Vessels are encouraged to use Mantua Creek Anchorage (anchorage #9), Naval Base, Philadelphia Anchorage (anchorage #10), and Deepwater Point Anchorage (anchorage #6) as alternatives.



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