Captain Jones passes along a warning of obstacles along the AICW’s trek down Alligator River at Statute Mile 99.5, north of the Alligator/Pungo Canal .

Came through here [Green 33 and 35] on 11/3/11 and saw a huge stump to the right of the channel. Stay close to Green and then go straight and you will avoid this snag.
Ken Christian

The only other item was many stumps in the Alligator River between 33 and 35 green. I did not see any but most other boats either hit one or saw one. I hit one last year and bent a blade. It was announced on 22 by CG. We have 59 x 46 5 bladed Rolla props so what we hit was significant. I never saw anything and we were watching.
Captain Ted Jones

If anyone can answer Captains Mark and Emily’s question below, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

I was just wondering if any of the reporting captains had any guidance on how to avoid the stumps? If they are submerged, it would seem the only way to avoid them would be a better description of where they are. Or, did I miss a post somewhere?
Thanks,
Mark & Emily Little
M/V Grand Adventure

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the AICW/Alligator River Where Underwater Stumps Have Been Reported

Oregon Inlet is the northern-most inlet in North Carolina and is an important passage for the Outer Banks’ famed charter fishing fleets and commercial fishing vessels between Pamlico Sound and the briny blue.The shoaling is found astride the center span of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge. It should be noted that the presence of STRONG tidal currents and constantly shifting shoals over the years have prompted Cruisers’ Net to recommend that this inlet NEVER be used by cruising craft.

The Coast Guard is reporting severe shoaling to 3ft. under the center span of the Oregon Inlet bridge. Both power and sail boaters should take notice!
http://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-warns-mariners-of-shoaling-at-oregon-inlet-nc/2011/02/25/
Captain George Barr, Manteo Waterfront Marina

More from Captain Barr:
The USACE just completed the survey on the 23rd. I help out at the Manteo Waterfront Marina and heard the security call on the VHF and checked it out. Also note that there is a pdf of the survey available here :
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/MANTEO-OREGON/Oregon_Inlet/oi_bridge.pdf
which shows just how bad it is if you just zoom in on the center span of the Bonner bridge.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 09/11
An Army Corps. of Engineers survey conducted 15 February, 2011 indicates shoaling to a depth of 5.0 feet MLW on the west side of the Bonner Bridge. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. Chart: 12204.

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

Hatteras Inlet is well off the Waterway in Pamlico Sound. This narrow, unstable seaward passage cuts the southern reaches of Hatteras and 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 to a depth of 4.0 feet MLW has been reported between Hatteras Inlet Buoy 10A (LLNR 28726.1) and Hatteras Inlet Buoy 10B (LLNR
28726.2) Chart: 11555.

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

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.

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

The Flashing Red 6sec marker (charted on 11554 as #4) at Gum Point, NC is located some 3.5 nautical miles southeast of Pamlico River/Bath Creek intersection. This could be a real problem for mariners piloting their vessels on the Pamlico River after dark. Let’s hope the USCG get this light fixed SOON. If anyone hears or observes that #4′s light is again working, PLEASE share that info by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.

For anyone heading west on the Pamlico River, the red marker at/near Gum Point (across from PCS Phosphate) is out. It has been out for at least 2 weeks.
Capt. Lynn Lewis

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Hard By Marker #4 (with the extinguished light) on Pamlico River

The North Carolina coastline has LOTS of Broad Creeks. One time, I counted thirteen.
The Broad Creek referred to here cuts off the combined track of the AICW and Neuse River, near St. M. 173.5, and leads upstream to several good anchorages, and the well protected dockage basin of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, River Dunes Marina.
WATCH OUT for the missing markers reported below by Captain Lancaster. Hopefully, these will be replaced soon, but for the moment, the Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigation Alert for these waters!
Also, note Bobbi’s report of debris following the passage of Hurricane Irene!

Claiborne,
We have just returned from a weekend on the boat…thought I would let you know of two things we saw…there are two markers gone from the Broad Creek area off the Neuse in NC…one is at the mouth of the creek and the other is the second marker ( marker 4) in the creek. This is a popular anchorage for cruisers so those coming in need to be careful entering the creek…the marker missing at the mouth is a green one and in a rather shallow area…if you do not keep the remaining post to your port side you risk a grounding.
The other thing we witnessed was all the debris…lots of plastic stuff floating…trashbins, plastic buckets, big sheets of plastic ( large enough to be a sail which I first thought it was), limbs, and submerged trees. We picked up all that would fit in the cockpit of our boat, but there is obviously much more waiting to get caught on props or for someone to ram into.
Now is the time to keep your eyes more than ever.
Thanks,
Bobbi Lancaster
SV Kokopelli

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Near the Mouth of Broad Creek, Hard By the Missing Markers Reported Above

The Gallants Channel – Grayden Paul Bridge (US 70 in Beaufort, NC) is off the Waterway, and these repairs will only affect those cruisers set on making use of the Gallants Channel – Russell Slue Channel route to rejoin or leave the AICW, north of Taylor Creek and Beaufort. Captains will still be able to enter and exit the Beaufort region and access both the Beaufort Municipal Docks and Town Creek Marina (plus the popular anchorage on Taylor Creek and those on Town Creek) via the deep, reasonably well marked channel that connects Taylor Creek to Beaufort. Inlet. Of course, this is a bit like going around your thumb to get to your little finger for southbound AICW vessels, and mariners bound for points north from Beaufort. Fortunately, these bridge repairs are slated for completion before the spring, 2012 transient season gets fully underway. .

NC – BEAUFORT HARBOR – GALLANTS CHANNEL BRIDGE – FENDER REPLACEMENT
Mariners are advised that the fendering system protecting the U.S. Highway 70 Grayden Fall Bridge across Gallants Channel in Beaufort, will be replaced from January 2, 2012 to March 31, 2012. A 40’ x 70’ spud barge and crane will be positioned in the area throughout the work. Mariners are cautioned that the barge will work directly under the bascule spans in the center of the channel from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. during portions of the project. Mariners are advised to contact Intercoastal Contracting, Inc. via VHF-FM channel 16 or at (910) 675-9215 at least 40 minutes in advance if transiting the area. Chart: 11545.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Town Creek Marina

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

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Taylor Creek – Beaufort Waterfront Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Town Creek Outer Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Town Creek Inner Anchorage

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

The Morehead City/Newport River Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 204, immediately north of the Morehead City Turning Basin and south of unlighted can buoy #39.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week of 15/11
Mariners are advised that bridge maintenance work will be conducted in the main navigation channel at the US 70/High Rise (fixed) Bridge, at AIWW mile 203.8, across Newport River in Morehead City, NC, beginning at 6 a.m. on June 30, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on August 20, 2011. To facilitate the work, a containment system will reduce the available vertical clearance by four feet, from 65 feet to 61 feet, above mean high water. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart 11545
Gregory Waverly, Directory of Bridges

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Morehead City Newport River Bridge

Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Newport River Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Morehead City/Newport River Bridge

We do not know the tide stage as the Pipers approached the Morehead City/Newport River bridge, but we have to assume they were at or near an extreme high tide. Where even a few inches matter, Captain Piper made exactly the right decision by trusting the clearance board and taking an alternate route. The Morehead City/Newport River Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 204, immediately north of the Morehead City Turning Basin and south of unlighted can buoy #39.
Note that southbound sailing vessels wishing to skirt the fixed bridge in question must enter the Gallants Channel through the Russell Slue Channel departing the AICW between markers #29 and 30.

Submitted on 2010/12/07 at 11:11pm
According to the height board on this bridge on 11/27/2010 clearance can be much less than the charted 65 feet. We witnessed a reading of approximately 63 feet as we approached this bridge. Having a mast height of 63′ 6″ we backtracked to Gallants Channel and went through the bascule bridge. Depth of water must be influenced by wind as well as tides.
Captain Charles Piper

It seemed to us that there were fewer clearance boards/gauges on our southbound trip this fall than on our northbound trip this spring.
Captain Larry Shick

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Morehead City Newport River Bridge

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Morehead City/Newport River Bridge

The dredging project described below refers to work in the Beaufort Inlet, NOT along the Waterway’s path through Beaufort/Morehead City region. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for the waters of Beaufort Inlet, where the dredging is taking place.

NC – BEAUFORT INLET – DREDGING
The Hopper Dredge MCFARLAND will be conducting dredging operations on the Morehead City Bar from 14 January until 10 February, 2012. The dredge 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 aremarked 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: 11543

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

Thanks to Skipper Chris Caldwell for this warning about the missing flashing green marker #65. We are establishing a “Navigation Alert” at the one-time position of #65.

Cruising News:
MM 243 or so just before Miles Hammock, Lighted marker 65 is missing as of today 9-23-11. One of the navy boats on patrol informed us that it was recently hit and broke off below the water surface. He suggested we proceed with caution as it may be just below the water.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Mile Hammock Bay

Skipper Jim’s grounding occurred just north of the fixed Topsail Island Bridge in a long straight stretch south of the New River Inlet. Even though this is the first report of shoaling in this area we’ve had, use caution!

Wednesday April 20 at 4PM we were transiting south near MM 253 (Alligator Bay) when we hit bottom within 50 feet of Green 23 (draft just under 5′). A spoil area just to the right is shown, but it appears the spoil materials have migrated back into the channel. Be aware of this spot in your travels.
Skipper Jim aboard MV “Still in the Mood”

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

Masonboro Inlet at Wrightsville Beach intersects the AICW at Green Marker # 129, where Shinn Creek makes into the Waterway. Over the years, there has often been a bit of shoaling here.

Just north of green can 129 we found 8.5 feet at 1:14 PM, approx 3 feet above MLW.
Captain Jane Tigar

I can confirm 4′ MLW depths in the stretch between 128 and 129. 10/21/2011
Capt. Larry Shick

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the intersection of the AICW and Shinn Creek/Masonboro Inlet

The “channel” described in the message below leads from Cape Rear River marker #41, south and southeast until it rejoins the path of the AICW at marker #162A, just west of Snows Cut’s westerly mouth. In years past, this passage was navigable, but shoaling on its southernmost leg, northwest of #162A, has changed the status of this cut to “dinghies only.”
Coming south from Wilmington, Manfred is not the first cruiser to be tempted to try this shortcut channel to avoid going the extra 5 miles south and then northeast to rejoin the Waterway just west of Snows Cut. The three legs of the channel are charted at 11ft, 10.5ft, then 2ft!! Manfred is absolutely correct when he recommends this shortcut only to “zero” draft vessels.
We are declaring a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Navigational Alert for this so-called channel!

Cruising News:
Cape Fear River Shoal
Following the ICW from south to north, between St M 300/ St M 295 in the Cape Fear river. An excursion to Wilmington NC was made. Coming back to the ICW, from Wilmington, a small channel is marked from G41“ to ICW R 162A“ leading to the ICW, east of the main river channel.
At marker „1“ we were on ground, showing 3 ½ feet, 2 hours after high water. Calculating back to high water at this day, the depth would be only 5 ½ feet. This passage can not be recommended at any time, only boats with “no” draft may use it with excessive care.
Manfred Rausch
SV Balimara, Bonn Germany

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Channel Running from Cape Fear River Marker #41 to AICW Markers #162A

The Isabel Holmes Bridge (Hwy133) lies north of the northernmost Wilmington Turning Basin in the northeast Cape Fear River and has a closed vertical clearance of 40ft. Wilmington, NC, off the AICW, is a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
Looks like what’s going on here is that this bridge will not open during the winter months, and this schedule will continue into the spring of 2012. With a 40-foot closed vertical clearance, most powercraft will not be affected, but that does not hold true for sailcraft trying to access or leave SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUSIERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, which lies just north of this span.
Of course, with 3-hour advance notice, the bridge can be opened (see below), and the very good and competent people at Bennett Brothers can certainly arrange for such an opening for their customers!

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER – NORTHEAST CAPE FEAR RIVER – BRIDGE RESTRICTIONS.
Mariners are advised that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation at the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, mile 1.0, across Northeast Cape Fear River, at Wilmington NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to vessels requiring an opening from 7 a.m. on January 16, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on April 30, 2012; except that vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5774 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. In closed position to vessels, the available vertical clearance is approximately 42 feet, above mean high water. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 117.829 (a).
Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so at anytime and should exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart :11537 .

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina

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

The dredging operation described below will be active in the Cape Fear Inlet below Southport, just south of where the AICW turns west out of Cape Fear River, and will affect only traffic in the inlet, not traffic in the Waterway.

NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER ENTRANCE – BALDHEAD ISLAND – DREDGING Week 2/12
The Dredge MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the Cape Fear River Entrance at Baldhead from 16 January until 31 March, 2012. The dredge wil 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: 11537.

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

This is the first we’ve heard about Waterway shoaling a the three way intersection of the AICW, Little River Inlet and Calabash Creek. Even though Captain Garrus’ note below refers to “transiting inlet,” the markers he mentions make clear that the he is really speaking about the AICW channel. Follow the link below for a look at this juncture of waters on chart 11534!

Subject: Little River Inlet [AICW Intersection]
Cruising News: Transited inlet northbound on 4/6/10 approx 40 min before low tide. R2-G119-G117. Stay middle to R2 then favor green quarter at G119-G117. . Lowest waters seen were 9′. Be aware of mud flats on north side of G117/G119.
Jim Garrus

Claiborne,
We found the following on April 8, 2010 at approximately 10:40 AM EDT:
With 0.8 above MLW at six minutes before low tide the lowest we found was 7.2 feet near Red 2. Depths were mostly in the 9 foot and better. We did favor green side so can’t provide soundings for mid channel.
Jane Tigar

Subject: ICW at Little River Inlet Intersection
Cruising News: We were heading S. on the ICW on 3/26/2010. Around 12:15, we arrived at marker 119, the north side of the intersection. Upon heading to ICW marker red 2 w/yellow triangle, we contacted the ground. As we had little way, we simply eased off and tried to find a path through, but, could not. A marine officer happened by and said we should have no problem. We eased in behind him at minimum way and grounded in rock. While this is not the point of the posting, he did not lend any assistance. In fact, after he cleared the shallow area we were following him through, he hit full throttle. Nice. The actual point is why in the world could we not pass? I am not a new captain and our boat drafts 39″. No one reported any issues. It is my understanding shrimpers, etc. go through there without issue. Had I been traveling at speed….Please provide insight as this has me troubled.
Robert McCoy

We attempted to enter the Calabash Creek anchorage in the fall of ’09. Only room for one or two boats. Unable to be comfortable with our 4 1/2′ draft anywhere outside the channel.
Nils Pearson aboard Fairwinds

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Section of the AICW/Little River Inlet/Calabash Creek Intersection