1. BAY RIVER DAYBEACON 6 (LLNR 33420) FOUND MISSING AS REPORTED. SET TRUB MARKED “6” AT POSITION: 35-09-25.651N, 076-40-44.045W (35°9.4275N / 076°40.7341W, 35.157125 / -76.678901) . CANCEL AT//291749Z OCT 26//
BT
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 33420 District: 05 lat/lon: 35.157127,-76.678917 Desc: Bay River Daybeacon 6
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
The Coast Guard just made a U-turn, lit up the blue lights and called you on the radio. Here is exactly what happens next.
Capt. Chris Caldwell walks through a Coast Guard boarding step by step, from the first hail to the receipt in your hand.
In this episode of the Southern Boating podcast, training captain and Southern Boating & Yachting contributor Capt. Chris Caldwell breaks down what to expect when the U.S. Coast Guard asks to board your boat.
He covers how the boarding crew approaches, the questions they ask about passengers and firearms, why they open the engine room and lazarette first, and the paperwork and placards they expect to see, including the Navigation Rules handbook for boats 12 meters (39.4 feet) and longer.
He also explains the most common violation he sees (expired flares), why life jackets must carry U.S. Coast Guard approval, what to say and what not to say, and how a simple pre-departure checklist keeps a boarding short and friendly.
00:00 Intro 00:22 Where the Coast Guard can board you 00:55 The wave, the U-turn and the blue lights 01:53 Head count and firearms questions 02:48 Engine room, lazarette and the safety inspection 03:26 The Navigation Rules handbook (39.4 feet and up) 04:06 Pollution placards and the waste plan 04:46 Your documentation number 05:35 The boarding report and the “gold sheet” 06:18 Why they pick your boat 07:18 Big events and holiday weekends 08:10 Is there anything they cannot do? 08:23 The federal requirements booklet 08:54 Life jackets: USCG approval matters 09:43 Dewatering devices 10:20 The most common violation: expired flares 11:06 What to say and what not to say 11:30 A friendly boarding in Charleston Harbor 12:13 Your pre-departure checklist 12:52 Capt. Chris’s background 13:33 “Owning the boat” 13:55 Ask Captain Chris on YouTube
CHICAMACOMICO CHANNEL BUOY 2A (LLNR 32053) AID REPORTED MISSING. CANCEL AT//291309Z OCT 26//
BT
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 32053 District: 05 lat/lon: 35.603879,-75.497647 Desc: Chicamacomico Channel Buoy 2A
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Thu Oct 22, 2026 06:30
Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic
The latest briefing for the western Atlantic is attached, updated for powerful low pressure off of the east coast.
Sustained winds to storm-force will occur along and near the track of the low. Sustained winds to hurricane-force are now expected to develop Thursday night beginning near about 40N66W, with areas of hurricane-force sustained winds continuing into early Friday near the track of the low as the low moves farther east of the area.
The next scheduled briefing will be an update on Thursday, OCT 22, by noon EDT.
If there are any questions email ncep.opc.idss@noaa.gov
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Wed Oct 21, 2026 11:45
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic
The latest briefing for the western Atlantic is attached.This update covers the re-development of storm-force winds associated with the area of low pressure E of North Carolina. Winds will increase to 50 kt with gusts to 65+ kt heading into Wed in the NW and W quadrants of the low with seas building to 25+ ft. There is a 40% chance this system may acquire subtropical or tropical characteristics in the next few days.
If there are any questions email ncep.opc.idss@noaa.gov
The next scheduled briefing will be Wednesday, OCT 21, by noon EDT or 1600 UTC.
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Tue Oct 20, 2026 11:45
Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic
The latest briefing for the western Atlantic is attached, updated for strengthening, meandering low pressure off of the east coast, with areas of storm-force winds. For this long-duration event, mariners should monitor later forecasts, including from the National Hurricane Center, and execute avoidance now as needed.
The next scheduled briefing will be an update Tuesday, October 20, by noon EDT.
If there are any questions email ncep.opc.idss@noaa.gov
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Mon Oct 19, 2026 15:00
Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic
The latest briefing for the western Atlantic is attached, updated for strong, meandering low pressure off of the east coast, with areas of storm-force winds. For this long-duration event, mariners should monitor later forecasts, including from the National Hurricane Center, and execute avoidance now as needed.
The next scheduled briefing will be an update Monday, October 19, by noon EDT.
If there are any questions email ncep.opc.idss@noaa.gov
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Sun Oct 18, 2026 09:00
Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic
The latest briefing for the western Atlantic is attached. This update covers the developing East Coast storm system, which is expected to reach storm-force with winds up to 50 kt, gusting to 60 kt and seas building to 25-27 ft. Impactful conditions will continue through much of the week as the low becomes trapped by strong high pressure over the Canadian Maritimes.
If there are any questions email ncep.opc.idss@noaa.gov
The next scheduled briefing will be Sunday, OCT 18, by noon EDT or 1600 UTC.
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 0 District: 07 lat/lon: 38.517803333333,-79.06959 Desc: Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Sat Oct 17, 2026 14:00
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
1. THE FOLLOWING AID TO NAVIGATION HAS BEEN RELOCATED. A. OREGON INLET BUOY 24 (LLNR 28077) RELOCATED TO APPROXIMATE POSITION 35-46-18.041N, 075-33-17.721W (35°46.3007N / 075°33.2954W, 35.771678 / -75.554923) . CANCEL AT//291920Z OCT 26//
BT
This email was sent to curtis.hoff@CruisersNet.net using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20528 · 800-439-1420
*** THIS DIV IS AUTOMATICALLY HIDDEN WHEN DISPLAYED – INFO FOR DEBUGGING PURPOSES *** ***MANUALLY DO: FIX TITLE, EXPIRE DATE, CATEGORIES, ENABLE SOCIAL POST *** 0: llnr: 28077 District: 05 lat/lon: 35.772026,-75.555044 Desc: Oregon Inlet Buoy 24
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Thanks for sharing this CoastalReview piece. The title sums up something that applies to fishing along the coast more than any gear choice: the water usually tells you what is happening if you watch it. Diving terns and pelicans, nervous bait on the surface, or a slick on an otherwise rippled area are all signs that fish are pushing bait, and noticing them a few minutes earlier than everyone else often makes the difference between a good day and an empty cooler.
For cruisers who fish from the boat while traveling the ICW, tide and current are probably the most useful things to keep an eye on. Moving water around creek mouths, inlet edges and oyster bars tends to concentrate bait, and the last couple of hours of a falling tide can be especially productive. Keeping a simple log of tide stage, water temperature and where fish were found makes those patterns much easier to repeat on the next trip through.
One thing worth adding is that paying attention also means watching the weather, especially with a storm forming in the Gulf right now. Fall fishing can be excellent ahead of a front, but conditions change quickly in open sounds and near inlets. It is worth checking forecasts and having a clear plan for when to head back before the wind builds.
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A LONG-TIME CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12 in Great Bridge, VA. If you have wood damage or need a few modifications with the interior or exterior of your boat, Atlantic Yacht Basin has the team to fix it right.
I have used them many times for both repairs and short-term storage during my ICW trips. AYB has a great location and can perform any repairs you may require.
Chesapeake Restaurant Week October 12th – 18th Explore Chesapeake’s vibrantculinary scene. Participating restaurants are serving a variety of offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from $15 and up increasing by $5 increments.
Click here to discover more about Chesapeake: events, things to do, restaurants, trip planner and more!
Everything you need is within steps of the waterway!
Click here to download a walking map of the Great Bridge Village. Click here to download our Visitor Passport for our Waterway Guests.
Stock up on provisions at the Kroger grocery store. Enjoy a meal at one of our partner restaurants: Lockside Bar & Grill (casual waterfront dining), Woody’s Raw Bar & Grill (casual waterfront dining) or Vino Italian Bistro (upscale Italian). Or, shop in our locally owned shops, chic boutiques and funky retail shops, antique dealers, national retailers and premium outlets.
Feel free to contact us for personal assistance. No request is too small or impossible. Hello@GoChesapeake.net 757.296.3404 GoChesapeake.net
Marker 12 Pop-Up Happy Hour & Dinner Excursions
The popular Pop-Up Happy Hour hosted by GoChesapeake is held on Tuesdays and Fridays in May and October. Learn more »
Visitor Passport
The Visitor Passport is your guide to dining, shopping, events and experiences. Pick up your copy at the dockmaster’s office or download a digital copy from the GoChesapeake website. Download a copy »
GoChesapeake Waterway Concierge Services
Let us help you make your visit memorable and uniquely yours. No request is too small or impossible. Contact us today with your request! Hello@GoChesapeake.net or 757.296.3404 – Option 1
A Kroger Supermarket is located in the Great Bridge Shopping Center providing our waterway guests convenient, one-stop shopping within steps of the waterway. Learn more and get hours >>
A Community of Partners Devoted to Supporting Our Waterway Guests
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