MSIB 23-17 PHILADELPHIA TO SEA DREDGING MAINTENANCE PROJECT

COMPLETION OF DREDGING IN DEEPWATER POINT RANGE AND PEA PATCH ISLAND ANCHORAGE SAFETY ZONE FOR NEW CASTLE DREDGING

The Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the maintenance dredging operations in Deepwater Point Range have been completed.

The dredge ILLINOIS will begin pipe laying operations in Anchorage 5, southeast of Pea Patch Island on September 6, 2017. Dredging operations will begin in New Castle Range upon completion of pipe laying operations. The following safety zones will be in place during this time.

Safety zone one includes all the waters within a 150 yard radius of the dredge ILLINOIS and all related dredge equipment. Vessels are advised to ensure safe passage by contacting the dredge ILLINOIS one hour, as well as 30 minutes, prior to arrival. This safety zone will be in place for the duration of the dredging project.

Safety zone two includes all the waters of Pea Patch Island Anchorage No. 5 found in 33 CFR 110.157 (a) (6), where submerged pipeline will be located causing a hazard to anchoring vessels. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless vessels obtain permission from the Captain of the Port or make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge ILLNOIS per this rule and the Rules of the Road (33 C.F.R. Subchapter E).

Mariners are cautioned to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution and operate at a minimum steerage speed to reduce wake when transiting the area.

Any questions should be directed to the Coast Guard Command Center at (215) 271-4807 or VHF-FM channel 16.



S. E. Anderson
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay