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

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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

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

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.

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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

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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

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 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

This notice is a concern for captains that pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed vertical clearance of 65 feet. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (US 17) crosses the Cape Fear River well off the AICW in downtown Wilmington, NC, a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
The opening restriction, outlined below, means that those who pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed clearance, will be effectively barred from the downtown Wilmington City Docks, and Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, between March 1 and May 31 of this year, unless the three hours notice procedure, briefly outlined below, is instituted!

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER
Mariners are advised that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation at the Cape Fear Memorial (vertical-lift) Bridge, at mile 26.8, across Cape Fear River, at Wilmington NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on May 31, 2012; except that vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulation set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.
Chart 11534

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

Recent Local Notices to Mariners and our own on-site observations, the 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 – BRIDGE REPAIRS
Mariners are advised that steel repairs, cleaning and painting operations will be performed from March 5, 2012 through June 15, 2012 at the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge across Oregon Inlet, at mile 0.9, in Dare County, NC. To facilitate the work at Span 145, the navigation channel, a decking platform will reduce the available vertical clearance to approximately 61 feet, above MHW. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart :12204

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

Big Foot Slough, the primary conduit from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke, one of the North Carolina coastline’s most popular ports of call, was last dredged in June of 2011. Shoaling is slowly beginning to reappear.

NC – OCRACOKE INLET – BIG FOOT SLOUGH – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 5.0 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Big Foot Slough Channel Daybeacon 10B (LLNR 29070.1). Chart: 11555.

Shoaling on the east side of Big Foot Slough is pretty much a constant situation, particularly in the area of red markers 8, 10, and 12. It isn’t unusual to see shore birds wading only a few feet outside of the channel, and when I was last there the shoal area encroached 15-20 feet into the channel and was quite visible at low tide. I presume the sustained winds from Irene only made the situation worse.
As a “local” who goes out to Ocracoke several times a year, and has a sailboat with 5’6″ of draft, I hold to the center of the channel, or favor the green markers when entering or leaving Ocracoke by Big Foot Slough.
Rick Brass

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on Big Foot Slough Channel Near Marker #10B

We just received a warning about marker #81 from Terry on M/V Orient Moon and now the warning is a Local Notice to Mariners. This area has been a problem stretch for some time. Dredging is scheduled to begin December 1, 2011.

NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER TO LITTLE RIVER – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Cape Fear River- Little River Buoy 81 (LLNR 40340) extending into the channel. Chart: 11534

Saw 12 feet of water at Red 80A three hours after low tide. Channel width between Red 80A and Green 81 was about 75 feet. Dredge was not in place but located just south at a staging area.
2 Dec 2011
Dick aboard M/V Emerald Lady

Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 07:54:02 -0500
Subject: Shallotte Inlet
From: Frank Graves
To: cruisersnet@triad.twcbc.com
We passed through yesterday about mid-tide. Very well marked with more than 10 ft. depth.
Frank Graves aboard a/v Ciao!

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

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Highway 158 Bridge crosses the Dismal Swamp AICW Route at Statute Mile 51, in the heart of downtown Elizabeth City. This is a continuation of construction begun earlier this fall and navigation on the Dismal Swamp Canal route will not be affected.

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – NORFOLK TO ALBERMARLE SOUND – PASQUOTANK RIVER – BRIDGE
CONSTRUCTION: Week 45/11
Mariners are advised that the southern Pasquotank River Bridge, mile 50.7 at Elizabeth City will be raised and locked in the open position for demolition of the bascule spans. The work will take place from the road and nothing will be in the waterway. Workers will stop for boat traffic to proceed through the bridge. The northern bridge will operate as usual. A temporary work bridge will be installed on the southwest side of the southern bridge. The temporary work bridge will not be in the navigational channel at any time and will remain in place throughout the replacement bridge project. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution. Chart : 12206.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Highway 158 Bridge

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We have received comments and Local Notices to Mariners about the increased shoaling in both these inlets, so this closure of the inlets is no surprise. Please note that removed markers are in the inlets, NOT the intersections with the Waterway, and will not impact AICW navigation.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 40/11
The Coast Guard is planning on temporarily discontinuing the aids to navigation within New Topsail Inlet and Lockwood
Folly Inlet. Severe shoaling to less than 3.0 feet MLW and well below charted depths have been recorded. As a result, no safe navigable channel in either inlet exists. The aids to navigation will be restored once dredging operations have been completed or depths have improved to support a safe transit. Charts: 11541, 11534.

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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The Location of Lockwood Folly Inlet