Hatteras Inlet lies well off the Waterway, on the eastern edge of Pamlico Sound. This narrow, unstable seaward passage cuts the southern reaches of Hatteras Island and the northern strands of Ocracoke Island. For years and years, we’ve been advising that no-one attempt to make use of this inlet channel without very specific local knowledge!

NC – CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Hatteras Inlet Channel Buoy 12B (LLNR 28732.2) and Hatteras Inlet Channel Buoy 12C (LLNR 28732.3). Shoaling may be restricting the channel width. Strong winds and falling tides may make safe navigation critical. Chart: 11555.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Hatteras Inlet

Emerald Isle Bridge crosses the Waterway north of Bogue Inlet at statute mile 226, west of unlighted daybeacon #42.

NC – AIWW – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND– NC SR 58 BRIDGE (CEDAR POINT TO BOGUE BANK) – BRIDGE FENDER REPAIR
Mariners are advised that Marine Contracting Corporation will be replacing the fender system at the Emerald Isle Bridge on SR 58 Bridge over the AIWW mile 226.0 between NC 24 and Emerald Isle, NC beginning the week of 14 MAY 2012 through 31 OCT 2012. There will be a tug, a crane barge, and a deck barge moored in the area, will periodically cross the channel, and will obstruct a portion of the channel while operating below the bridge. During periods of severe weather and/or sea conditions the floating equipment will be relocated elsewhere out of the waterway and display all required navigational lights. The crane barge and tug will monitor VHF channels 16 and 13. Mariners are requested to stay clear of the equipment, exercise extreme caution, and produce no wake when approaching, passing, and leaving the area. Chart: 11541.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Emerald Isle Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Emerald Isle Bridge

Emerald Isle Bridge connects Cedar Point to Bogue Banks and lies between markers #42A and #44.

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND- (CEDAR POINT TO BOGUE BANK)
Mariners are advised that Marine Contracting Corporation will be replacing the fender system at the Emerald Isle Bridge on SR 58 Bridge over the AIWW mile 226.0 between NC 24 and Emerald Isle, NC beginning the week of 14 MAY 2012 through 31 OCT 2012. There will be a tug, a crane barge, and a deck barge moored in the area, will periodically cross the channel, and will obstruct a portion of the channel while operating below the bridge. During periods of severe weather and/or sea conditions the floating equipment will be relocated elsewhere out of the waterway and display all required navigational lights. The crane barge and tug will monitor VHF channels 16 and 13. Mariners are requested to stay clear of the equipment, exercise extreme caution, and produce no wake when approaching, passing, and leaving the area. Chart 11541

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Emerald Isle Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Emerald Isle Bridge

Southern Shores, NC is a northern Outer Banks community, north of Kitty Hawk. To reach Southern Shores by water, you must cruise through shallow, southern Currituck Sound, north from the Wright Brothers Memorial Bridge. This route is used primarily by shallow draft vessels. Daymarker # 7 is part of the entrance channel into the Southern Shores Harbor.

NC – PAMLICO SOUND – SOUTHERN SHORES – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 1-2 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Southern Shores Daybeacon 7 (LLNR 31300). Chart: 12205.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Southern Shores

The Alafia River entrance channel from Hillsborough Bay is heavily used by commercial vessels coming to and from a large fertilizer facility which lines the river’s northern banks. HOWEVER, cruising craft also make use of this passage to access several anchorages (see links below) and Inter Bay Moorings, a marina and repair yard facility on the upstream side of the river’s westernmost 28-foot fixed bridge.
From the description below, it looks like a major dredging operation is starting on the river’s approach cut as this is being typed. ALL Tampa Bay – Hillsborough Bay mariners bound for Alafia River, should proceed with the greatest caution.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigation Alert for these waters while dredging operating are in progress.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY-HILLSBOROUGH BAY-ALAFIA RIVER: Dredging Operations.
Goodloe Marine, Inc. will commence dredging operations on or about April 15, 2012 on the Alafia River. Operations will begin at N 27 50 49.9/ W 82 26 26.3 and progress to the east to the turning basin at Mosaic docks N 27 51 25/ W82 23 22.8 between Alafia River Buoy 2 (LLNR 23250) and Alafia River Daybeacon 16 (LLNR 23320). There will be numerous buoys, anchors, pipelines, barges and other equipment located within the channel and outside the channel limits. All equipment will be lighted and the hydraulic Dredge “TENACIOUS” can monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13. Operations will continue until approximately August 1, 2012. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area and pass the dredge and equipment at a slow speed and proceed with caution throughout the channel. Project point of contact is Mr. Ben Goodloe at 813-355-7494. Chart 11416

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Alafia River Interior Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Alafia River Spoil Island Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Alafia River Bird Island Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Inter Bay Moorings

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Alafia River Entrance Channel

Atlantic Beach Bridge (SR 58) crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 206.5, west of unlighted daybeacon #3A.

SAFETY BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – BRIDGE REPAIRS
1. FENDER REPAIRS ARE IN PROGRESS THROUGH JULY 11, 2012 AT SR 58 BRIDGE, ACROSS AIWW MILE 206.7, IN ATLANTIC BEACH NC.
2. TO FACILITATE REPAIRS, A CRANE BARGE REDUCES THE AVAILABLE HORIZONTAL CLEARANCE IN THE NAVIGABLE CHANNEL FROM 90 FEET TO 60 FEET. FOR VESSELS REQUIRING THE FULL CLEARANCE, A 30-MINUTE ADVANCE NOTICE IS REQUESTED TO REMOVE THE BARGE FROM THE CHANNEL TO SAFELY NAVIGATE THROUGH THE BRIDGE. THE CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR CAN BE CONTACTED ON VHF-FM CHANNELS 13 OR 16.
3. MARINERS ARE URGED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION AT SLOW NO WAKE SPEEDS.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Atlantic Beach Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Atlantic Beach Bridge

Kings Bay Submarine Base lies on the west side of the AICW’s run through Cumberland Sound and just north of the GA/FL state line. Approximate completion date of the project detailed below is June 1, 2012.

GEORGIA-FLORIDA-CUMBERLAND SOUND-FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY: Dredge Operations (UPDATE).
Cottrell Contracting Corp has commenced dredging operations at Kings Bay Submarine Base, from Cumberland Sound Lighted Buoy 37 (LLNR 6915/37765) to Kings Bay Light 62 (LLNR 7040). Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, pipelines, barge, booster, buoys, cables, derricks operating wires and other related equipment. The dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables attached to anchors from the dredge and pontoons. Buoys are attached to the anchors so they may move as the dredge moves. Submerged lines should be avoided. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution when approaching, passing, and leaving the dredge plant. The dredge “LEXINGTON” will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. Dredge operations will be conducted (24) hours a day, (7) days a week with an approximate completion date of June 1, 2012. Fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work; a slow “NO WAKE” speed is advised of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to passing. Further information contact Mr. Benjamin Cottrell (757) 547-9611. Chart 11503

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Kings Bay Entrance Channel

New River channel markers #16 and #17 are not part of the Waterway, but lie just to the west of marker # 72B in the Waterway. The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. This intersection was dredged in April, 2010, and, as of now depths in the Waterway are still not a major concern on these waters.

NC – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – NEW RIVER CHANNEL – SHOALING
An ACOE survey conducted 15 March, 2012 indicates shoaling to a depth of 4.4 ft MLW between New River Channel Daybeacon 16 (LLNR 29750) and New River Channel Light 17 (LLNR 29760). Chart: 11542.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

The Alfred Cunningham Bridge connects New Bern and James City crossing the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. The bridge normally opens on demand, responding on Channel 13.

NC – NEUSE RIVER-TRENT RIVER – BRIDGE CLOSURE
Mariners are advised that the US 70/Alfred Cunningham Bridge across Trent River, mile 0.0, at New Bern, NC will remain in the closed position to vessels on Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 8 a.m. though 8:30 a.m., to accommodate the “Cyclist Goin Coastal” charity event. The Bridge in the closed position has a vertical clearance of 14 feet at MHW. Mariners able to pass under the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time and the bridge is able to open for emergencies. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution. Chart: 11552.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cunningham Bridge

This channel dredging will occur southeast of Gadsden Point, northwest of Apollo Beach and south of the Alafia River Channel.

FLORIDA-TAMPA BAY- HILLSBOROUGH BAY (CUTS A + C) AND ALAFIA RIVER: Dredging Operations.
Orion Marine Construction Inc will commence dredging operations in the Hillsborough Bay and the Alafia River on or about April 9 until approximately July 1, 2012.
Between Hillsborough Bay Lighted Buoys 10 to 31
Longitude: (Start) 27 48 13.7314 N, Latitude -82 27 52.5882 W
Longitude: (Middle) 27 48 42.4213 N, Latitude -82 26 53.5882 W
Longitude: (Stop) 27 53 53.0000 N, Latitude -82 26 21.3353 W
Alafia River
Longitude: (Start) 27 50 42.4068 N, Latitude -82 26 41.2325 W
Longitude: (End) 27 51 20.1865 N, Latitude -82 23 23.215 W
The project will involve the Hydraulic Cutter Suction Dredge “JERI-B”, Tenders: Gator and Jay-Jay. A mechanical clamshell Dredge “DRAVO”, Tenders: Miss Shirley and Erin P. The Dredge “JERI-B” will operate 24/7, cell phone 904-412-8496. Floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline associated with dredging operations will be utilized. Pipeline and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. Floating and submerged pipeline will be utilized from the dredge to the authorized dredged material discharge area. The pipeline path will be outside of and perpendicular to the navigation channel. Buoys with “Danger Submerged Pipeline” will mark the submerged line as required by Coast Guard regulations. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. VHF – FM Channels Monitored: channels 12, 13, 16 and working channel 1. Project POC Mr. Jared Rackley, Project Manager cell (904) 868-9498.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Start of Dredging

We have had numerous earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about shoaling along this “Problem Stretch” section of the AICW, south of Swansboro, but most of these reports have centered on the waters just north of marker #61. According to the notice below, cherry picked from the latest Notice to Mariners, it appears further shoaling has now occurred at markers #60 and 61A.

NC – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – BOGUE INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 4.5 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 60 (LLNR 39217) and Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 61A (LLNR 39223). Chart: 11541.

We passed this area today 3/27/12 on a rising mid tide and had no problem with our 5’5” draft sailboat. High tide +2.66 feet, low tide .43 ft.
Captain RL

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

This shoaling seems to lie at the southern end of Radio Island between marker #22 and marker #2 at the south end of the main channel leading from Beaufort Inlet into the Beaufort waterfront. Fortunately, most of us will be able to cruise through 9-foot MLW depths without a problem, but this report does signal that these waters will have to be carefully watched for future shallowing!

NC – BEAUFORT HARBOR – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 9.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Beaufort Harbor Channel Warning Daybeacon A (LLNR 34811). Chart 11545

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Daybeacon A

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Beaufort Municipal Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Beaufort, NC Waterfront

Recent Local Notices to Mariners and our own on-site observations have reported severe shoaling in Oregon Inlet passage. This passage is NOT recommended for ANY mariner without very specific, up to date, local knowledge, and, even then, only for those piloting shallow draft vessels of less than 4 ft. We have had a Navigational Alert set for this inlet since June of 2011.

NC – CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 7.0ft MLW has been reported 60 yards east of the Bonner Bridge in the center of the channel. Shoaling to a depth of 8.5ft MLW is reported 100 yards east of the center span of the bridge. The lowest depth observed is between Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 28025) and the center span of the Bonner Bridge at 5.0ft MLW. Chart 12204.

Mar 27, 2012
Shoaling to a depth of 3.5 feet MLW has been reported between Oregon Inlet Channel buoy 21 (LLNR 28070 and Oregon Inlet Channel Buoy 21A (LLNR 28073) and extending approximately 20 yards into the channel. Chart: 12204.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Oregon Inlet Bridge

The Gallants Channel – Grayden Paul Bridge (US 70 in Beaufort, NC) is off the Waterway and this proposed construction would affect those southbound cruisers making use of the Gallants Channel to visit the Beaufort waterfront. The period of construction and its completion is not indicated in the proposal.

NC – AIWW (NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND) MOREHEAD CITY HARBOR CHANNEL – BEAUFORT INLET – BEAUFORT
(GALLANTS) CHANNEL – PUBLIC NOTICE
All interested parties are notified that an application from the North Carolina Department of Transportation has been received by the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District for approval of a proposed replacement of the US 70/Graydon Paul Bridge, at mile 0.1, over Gallants (Beaufort) Channel, in Beaufort, between Radio Island and Michael J Field, Carteret County, NC. The project involves a new high-level fixed bridge on a new alignment and improving US 70 to a multi-lane facility. The proposed vertical clearance will be 65 feet, above mean high water; with a horizontal clearance of 100 feet between pile bents. Comments will be received for the record at the office of Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-5004. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address attention (dpb) no later than April 5, 2012. A copy of Public Notice 5-1256, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by calling (757) 271-1016 or by viewing at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=pnBridges. Chart: 11541

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gallants Channel

We have plotted the Lat/Lon position given in the message below, cherry picked from the latest Local Notice to Mariners, and it appears that the described construction is taking place on the canal-like portion of the Okeechobee Waterway between Clewiston and Moore Haven, probably near charted “Liberty Point.” And, notice that this construction is ongoing until October of 2014.
All mariners navigating the OKWW between Clewiston and Moore Haven should be on the lookout for the below described construction vessels, and pass this equipment with minimum wake.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY-LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Cofferdam Construction.
Odebrecht Construction has commenced cofferdam construction to facilitate culvert replacement on the Okeechobee Waterway at 26°48”56”N, 81°0’34”W from January 2012 until approximately October 2014. The waters of the Okeechobee Waterway adjacent to Herbert Hoover Dike and Culvert 1A will be partially obstructed due to construction activities. Recreational and commercial boaters are asked to use extreme caution when navigating through this section of the waterway between the Alvin L. Ward park boat ramps and Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp boat ramps. Vessels involved Barge = Mobro 203; Push Boat = The Badger. Vessels will monitor VHF-FM channel radio frequencies 13 and 16. Further details contact Odebrecht Construction Mr. Eric Garcia 305-965-9199. Signs and navigational markers will be in place before the construction area to instruct mariners to reduce speed and use extreme caution. Chart 11428

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Okeechobee Waterway Between Clewiston and Moore Haven

State Road 312 Bridge-crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 780, south of the Waterway’s intersection with the San Sebastian River. This fixed span normally has a 65-foot vertical clearance.

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – ST SIMONS SOUND TO TOLOMATO RIVER – AMELIA RIVER BRIDGE
Gemstone Contracting has advised this office that they will start painting the East Bound SR 312 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 780.0, Lake City, St Johns County, Florida on March 26, 2012. This work will reduce the vertical clearance of one half of the bridge by four feet. This work is expected to be completed by July 11, 2012. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11489

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For SR 312 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the SR 312 Bridge

Recent Local Notices to Mariners and our own on-site observations have reported severe shoaling in Oregon Inlet passage. This passage is NOT recommended for ANY mariner without very specific, up to date, local knowledge, and, even then, only for those piloting shallow draft vessels of less than 4 ft. We have had a Navigational Alert set for this inlet since June of 2011.

NC – OREGON INLET – HERBERT C. BONNER BRIDGE – VERTICAL CLEARANCE REDUCTION
The vertical clearance on the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge will be reduced to 61 feet MHW from 05 March until 15 June, 2012 due to a platform above the navigational span for painting and repairs. Chart: 12204.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Oregon Inlet Bridge

This Local Notice to Mariners explains the changes to the NOAA radio broadcasts zones and is too lengthy to post here. For details on the 24 new zones, please follow the link below.

CHANGES TO THE BROADCAST OF WEATHER FORECASTS FOR THE OFFSHORE SW NORTH ATLANTIC, CARIBBEAN AND GULF
OF MEXICO EFFECTIVE APRIL 03, 2012
Effective Tuesday April 3, 2012 at 200 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) or 1800 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) of the National Hurricane Center will reconfigure its marine zones for the offshore waters in the Caribbean and SW North Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. The existing nine (9) zones will be
reconfigured into twenty-four (24) zones This greater number of zones will result in a number of improved products and services. For further information see: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/notification/scn11-40marine.htm

This welcome dredging is occurring in a perennial “AICW Problem Stretch” between Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and Snows Cut.

NC – AIWW – NEW RIVER TO CAPE FEAR RIVER – CAROLINA BEACH INLET – DREDGING
The Dredge WILKO will be dredging in the AIWW at Carolina Beach Inlet from 23 February until 15 March, 2012. A floating rubber and submerged pipeline will traverse Carolina Beach Inlet to the south of the inlet and will be marked with buoys. The dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARY and MISS CINDY will monitor VHF-fm Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the
equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other
attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 11541.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Carolina Beach Inlet/AICW Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch