GEORGIA – ST. SIMONS SOUND: Shoaling

Post storm surveys by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) indicate the presence of shoaling in the St. Simon’s Entrance Channel between St Simons Sound Entrance Lighted Buoy 8 (LLNR 6070 [31°5.6203N / 081°19.2441W, 31.093672 / -81.320735]) and St Simons Sound Entrance Lighted Buoy 14 (LLNR 6100 [31°6.9531N / 081°21.5703W, 31.115885 / -81.359505]). The shoaling encroaches from the northern side of the channel with least depths of 30’ present. Mariners are advised that the entrance to St. Simon’s Sound is provided by a maintained channel with a 38 feet project depth. The entrance is, otherwise obstructed by dangerous, shifting shoals, which form a bar that extends for a distance of 5.5 miles offshore. Mariners should exercise caution when operating in the St. Simon’s Entrance Channel and reference Coast Pilot Volume IV for additional information regarding shoaling and
voluntary navigation safety guidelines intended to minimize the risk of collision or grounding in the Port of Brunswick. Seasonal Operations and Maintenance Dredging expected in the St. Simon’s Entrance Channel between December 2022 and March 2023. This MSIB lift the vessel draft restriction established in MSIB 24-22 for the Port of Brunswick. Mariners are encouraged to review post-storm survey results and comply with the voluntary navigation safety guidelines regarding meeting and passing as provided in Coast Pilot Volume IV for the Port of Brunswick.