MSIB 01-19 UPDATE 1

PHILADELPHIA TO SEA DREDGING MAINTENANCE PROJECT (UPDATE 1)

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the Philadelphia to Sea Dredging Maintenance Project has completed dredging operations in the Marcus Hook Range. Dredging operations have commenced within the southern portion of Anchorage No. 7 and will continue through May 31, 2019. Traffic patterns within Marcus Hook Range have returned to normal, however, the below safety zones remain in effect.

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. 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. While the dredge ESSEX is working in the southernmost portion of Marcus Hook anchorage, only the northernmost 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