The problem: the charted shoal west of flashing daybeacon #8 has been building farther to the south and east. The markers have been moved accordingly. Some non-updated electronic charts will take you too far west as you approach the gap between #7 and #8.
More recently, the latest edition of chart 11553, as of 10/8/12, shows the infamous magenta line passing west of newly installed marker #8A. DO NOT follow the magenta line, through this stretch, as is often the case along the AICW.

The solution: BE SURE TO PASS MARKER #8A TO ITS EASTERLY SIDE, AND IGNORE THE PLACEMENT OF THE MAGENTA LINE ON CHART 11553, WHICH SHOWS THE LINE PASSING WEST OF THIS AID TO NAVIGATION.
Do NOT blindly follow your chartplotter. WATCH FOR NEW, UNCHARTED AIDS TO NAVIGATION AND CAREFULLY STAY TO THE CORRECT SIDE OF ANY SUCH MARKERS YOU SPOT, BASED ON THEIR COLOR!

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Northern Mouth of the Alligator River

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch

Intersection of AICW and Browns Inlet
Statute Mile 237, North Carolina AICW

The Problem: The AICW waters from the Waterway’s intersection with shallow Browns Inlet to a point just north of the Onslow Bridge, have been shoaling badly for only the last several years. Happily, this Problem Stretch was dredged in late 2012!

The Solution: As of mid-January, 2013, depths are not a problem at this AICW Problem Stretch, due to the recently completed dredging project. HOWEVER, it is likely that shallow depths will reappear here by mid to late 2013. Monitor the SSECN carefully for updates, and proceed through this stretch of the Waterway with caution, observing carefully any new or relocated markers.

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Browns Inlet!

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”

The Problem: Even though this problem stretch was dredged in late 2012, as of May, 2013, shoaling is beginning to reappear at the four way intersection with New River and New River Inlet, in the vicinity of markers #72A and #72B.

The Solution: For the moment, favor the “red” (northern) side of the AICW channel between markers #72A and #72B. Watch for relocated markers or temporary, uncharted markers placed to warn of new encroachments by the surrounding shallows. Captains piloting vessels which draw more than 5 feet would be wise to time their passage for mid to high tide.

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying the Intersection of AICW, New River and New River Inlet

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”

The Problem: This AICW Problem Stretch is being dredged in May of 2013.

The Solution: Upon completion of the May, 2013 dredging project, depths should not be an undue concern at this intersection until shoaling begins to reappear, which it inevitably will! Watch for notices here on the Cruisers’ Net, and be on the alert for any new, temporary markers placed to warn of encroaching shallows.

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Carolina Beach Inlet

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”

The Problem: This problem stretch was last dredged in late January – February of 2012. As of the summer, 2013 cruising season, MLW depths have deteriorated to 4.5 feet at MLW, in a portion of the marked channel

The Solution: Time your passage through these waters for mid to high tide, PARTICULARLY IF YOUR VESSEL DRAWS 5 FEET OR MORE, and be sure to read remarks from your fellow cruisers about navigating these waters, linked below!

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of AICW and Lockwoods Folly Inlet

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”

The Problem – This problem stretch was dredged in late January – February of 2012. In the summer of 2013, we are receiving consistent reports of MLW severe shoaling near marker #81! This worst of this shoaling is taking place on the ocean (southern and southeastern) side of the Waterway channel.

The Solution – Time their passage through these waters for mid to high tide, and take note of any new, uncharted or relocated markers, particularly #81, placed to warn of the shoaling reported above. For the moment, favor the red/mainland (northern and northwestern) side of the passage, passing close by marker #80A, when traversing the stretch between markers #80 and #82.

Click Here For Updates and To See What Your Fellow Cruisers Are Saying About the Intersection of ICW and Shallotte Inlet

Click Chartlet Below To Open A Chart View Windows Zoomed to the Location of This AICW Problem Stretch”