Channel Closure, Delaware River, Deepwater Point Range

Mariners are advised that a portion of Deepwater Point Range, in the Delaware River, between Delaware River Lighted Buoy 22 (Light List Number 2925) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 24 (Light List Number 2945) will be closed to vessel traffic from 12:50 PM to 3 PM on June 15, 2026, due to the installation of submerged dredge pipeline in the channel. The Dredge Charleston will be notifying mariners one hour before the closure via VHF radio channel 13. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 5 or via phone at (757) 508-2326. Mariners are reminded to heed the direction of the on-scene vessels and transit the area with caution.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location of the channel closure.

Dredging Operations, Delaware River, Deepwater Point Range

Mariners are advised that the Dredge Charleston will be conducting dredging operations on the red side of the channel, in the Delaware River, in Deepwater Point Range, between Delaware River Lighted Buoy 22 (Light List Number 2925) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 24 (Light List Number 2945) on June 14, 2026. Additionally, the dredge will have floating dredge pipeline behind it blocking the green side of the channel. All vessels must contact the Dredge Charleston a minimum of 2 hours prior to transiting the area to make passing arrangements. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 5 or via phone at (757) 508-2326. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution.

12JUN2026 - Crane Loading - Port of Wilmington

All mariners are requested to transit the Delaware River between Delaware River Lighted Buoy 29 (Light List Number 2995) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 30 (Light List Number 3020) at the slowest safe speed to maintain navigation and minimize wake due to barge loading operations at the Port of Wilmington Auto Berth.

MSIB 16-26 - Hurricane Seasonal Alert

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay, is setting Hurricane Seasonal Alert on June 1, 2026. Seasonal Alert will remain in effect through November 30, 2026, unless otherwise established. All vessels, facilities, and marinas are asked to take adequate precautions and review the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Port Hurricane Contingency Plan, and their individual Heavy Weather Plans.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin or expectations of the Captain of the Port, please contact the Waterways Management Division at (206) 815-6688, option 3, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For after-hours inquiries, contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (833) 453-1007.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

New Castle Range Closure - May 25, 2026

Mariners are advised that a portion of the New Castle Range in the Delaware River will be closed to vessel traffic from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on May 25, 2026, due to the removal of submerged dredge pipeline in the channel. The Dredge Charleston will be begin pipeline removal operations south of Pea Patch Island between Delaware River Lighted Buoy 13 (Light List Number 2740) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 15 (Light List Number 2830). The Dredge Charleston will be notifying mariners two hours before the closure and every 30 minutes during, until operations are complete. All vessels transiting the Delaware River are requested to contact the Dredge Charleston prior to transiting to make passing arrangements. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 5 or via phone at (757) 272-4918. Mariners are reminded to heed the direction of the on-scene vessels and transit the area with caution.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location where the dredge pipeline installation operations will be conducted.

New Castle Range Closure - May 15, 2026

Mariners are advised that a portion of the New Castle Range in the Delaware River will be closed to vessel traffic from 5:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. on May 15, 2026, due to the installation of submerged dredge pipeline in the channel. The Dredge Charleston will be begin pipeline laying operations south of Pea Patch Island between Delaware River Lighted Buoy 13 (Light List Number 2740) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 15 (Light List Number 2830). The Dredge Charleston will be notifying mariners two hours before the closure and every 30 minutes during, until operations are complete. All vessels transiting the Delaware River are requested to contact the Dredge Charleston prior to transiting to make passing arrangements. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 5 or via phone at (757) 272-4918. Mariners are reminded to heed the direction of the on-scene vessels and transit the area with caution.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location where the dredge pipeline installation operations will be conducted.

Cherry Island Range Closure - May 12, 2026

Mariners are advised that a portion of Cherry Island Range in the Delaware River between Delaware River Buoy 31 (Light List Number 3025) and Delaware River Buoy 33 (Light List Number 3035) will be closed to vessel traffic on May 12, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. due to the removal of submerged dredge pipeline in the channel. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 5 and 13 or via phone at (757) 508-2326. Mariners are reminded to heed the direction of the on-scene vessels and transit the area with caution.


*Please see the attached chart that details the location where the dredge pipeline removal operations will be conducted.

Moshulu Fireworks Display - May 12, 2026

A barge-based fireworks display is scheduled to occur on the Delaware River adjacent to Penns Landing in Philadelphia, PA. The fireworks display will be from 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026. A safety zone will be in effect for the duration of the fireworks display to include all navigable waters within a 500-foot radius of the fireworks barge located at approximate position latitude 39°56`30"N, longitude 75°08`17"W. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or official on-scene patrol. Mariners may contact official patrol on-scene via VHF radio channel 16.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location of the barge.

Reedy Point Anchorage Closure, May 2, 2026

Mariners are advised that the North End of Reedy Point Anchorage, south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Entrance will be closed to vessel traffic from May 2, 2026 through May 9, 2026, to allow for the safe transit of vessels entering or exiting the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal during dredging operations in New Castle Range. The closure will be located north of Delaware River Lighted Wreck Buoy WR10 (Light List Number 2635) and Reedy Island Anchorage Buoy A (Light List Number 2641) and end at Reedy Island Anchorage Buoy B (Light List Number 2643) and Delaware River Lighted Buoy 11 (Light List Number 2720).
*Please see the attached chart that details the location of the closure of the North End of Reedy Point Anchorage.

Submerged Mooring Buoy, Upper Delaware River, Riverview Range

A submerged mooring buoy, approximately 18 inches in diameter has been reported in the Upper Delaware River, in Riverview Range, approximately 22 feet inside the green tow of the channel, in approximate position latitude 40°07.4783`N, longitude 074°49.6600`W, approximately 320 yards downriver from Upper Delaware River Channel Buoy 57 (Light List Number 4065). The buoy was reported fully submerged, just below the surface of the water. The submerged mooring buoy has been marked with a red buoy. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting the area.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location and of the submerged mooring buoy.

Bulkhead Shoal Channel Closure, April 28, 2026

Mariners are advised that the entrance of Bulkhead Shoal Channel in the Delaware River will be closed to vessel traffic from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on April 28, 2026, due to the installation of submerged dredge pipeline in the channel. The Dredge Charleston will be begin pipeline laying operations north Of Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Light 2 (Light List Number 2755), continue just south of Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Junction Lighted Buoy CD (Light List Number 2745), and finish in the vicinity of Delaware River Lighted Buoy 13 (Light List Number 2740). The Dredge Charleston will be notifying mariners two hours before the closure and every 30 minutes during, until operations are complete. All vessels transiting the junction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the Delaware River are requested to contact the Dredge Charleston prior to transiting to make passing arrangements. The Dredge Charleston can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 5 or via phone at (757) 508-2326. Mariners are reminded to heed the direction of the on-scene vessels and transit the area with caution.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location where the dredge pipeline laying operations will be conducted.

A submerged abandoned anchor and anchor chain have been reported in Anchorage 2, northwest of Artificial Island, in the Delaware River, in approximate position latitude 39°30`26.1" N, longitude 75°32`49.7" W. The abandoned anchor is at a depth of 66 feet, charted depth. Mariners are requested to refrain from anchoring in this area and use extreme caution when transiting the area.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location.

Submerged Object in Delaware River, Mifflin Range

A submerged object approximately 3 feet long by 3 feet wide and 5 feet high, has been reported in the Delaware River in Mifflin Range, approximately 250 feet inside the green toe of the channel, in approximate position latitude 39°51.7229‘N, longitude 075°13.7106’W, approximately 425 yards downriver from Delaware River Buoy 63 (Light List Number 3385). The submerged object is at a depth of 40.7 feet at mean low low water. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting the area.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location of the submerged object.

Marine Construction Hog Island Wharf, Delaware River

Commerce Construction will be conducting marine construction at the Hog Island Wharf, on the Delaware River, in Tinicum Township, PA, in approximate position 39°‎51.726`N, 075°‎14.118`W. Work will begin on January 5, 2026, and continue until April 15, 2026. The work will include diving operations and pile driving operations. There will be multiple crane barges spudded down along the wharf. All vessels will be outside of the main navigation channel. Work hours will be 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. All vessels will be moored or spudded down along the wharf throughout the entire work period. Work vessels will be monitoring VHF radio channel 16. All mariners are requested to transit the work area at the slowest safe speed to maintain navigation and minimize wake.

*Please see the attached chart that details the work area.

*Update* Submerged Objects in Reedy Point Anchorage

A submerged abandoned anchor has been reported in Anchorage 3, also known as Reedy Point Anchorage, in the Delaware River, in approximate position latitude 39°33.029’N, longitude 075°32.940’W. The abandoned anchor is at a depth of 34.5 feet at mean low low water. Additionally, during the survey to locate the abandoned anchor a second submerged object was found. The second submerged object is in approximate position latitude 39°32.921`N, longitude 075°32.936`W, approximately 700 feet south of the abandoned anchor position. The second submerged object is at a depth of 30.1 feet at mean low low water. Mariners are requested to refrain from anchoring in these areas and use extreme caution when transiting these areas.

*Please see the attached chart that details the locations of the submerged objects.

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the local sector has updated some of the unit`s phone numbers, listed below.

Sector Delaware Bay Command Center: 833-453-1007
Sector Delaware Bay Prevention Office 8:00am-4:00pm: 206-815-6688
Vessel Scheduling Duty Officer Phone 8:00am-4:00pm: 215-908-9827
Duty Marine Inspector 24/7: 215-908-9999
Port State Control Duty Officer 24/7: 267-707-3245
Waterways Management Duty Officer 24/7: 267-515-7294
Facilities and Containers Duty Officer 24/7: 445-888-0930

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 17-25 Use of Engine Shut-Down Override of Automatic Fire Extinguishing System When Operating in Constrained Waters

While conducting investigations into recent inadvertent engine shutdowns initiated by a pre-engineered fire extinguishing
system, US Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay has recognized an additional navigational safety concern should a pre
engineered fire extinguishing system automatically shuts down the engine(s) while transiting constrained, high-traffic, or
otherwise hazardous waterways.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert 15-25: THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WHEN COMPLETING A DECLARATION OF INSPECTION

A recent oil spill on the Delaware River starkly underscored the critical need for effective communication when completing the required Declaration of Inspection (DOI) prior to an oil transfer in accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §156.120 (33 CFR 156.120). Prior to the incident, the facility person in charge (PIC) filled out their section of the DOI and sent the checklist in a bucket hoist to the barge PIC who subsequently completed their portion. Notably, the two PICs never met in person nor exchanged any words throughout the DOI preparation process. The investigation revealed that a significant causative factor to the cargo tank overfill and subsequent discharge of at least 100 barrels (4,200 gallons) of oil into the Delaware River was the lack of direct communication between the PICs.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 08-25 CH.1 Use of Engine/Shaft Power Limiters in Pilotage Waters

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay has observed an increase in vessels entering the COTP Zone with Engine Power
Limiters (EPLs) or Shaft Power Limiters (ShaPoLis). This MSIB clarifies requirements for their safe and compliant use and aligns with pre-arrival pilot questionnaires.

*Please read the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 14-25 Hurricane Seasonal Alert

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay, is setting Hurricane Seasonal Alert on June 1, 2025. Seasonal Alert will remain in effect through November 30, 2025, unless otherwise established. All vessels, facilities, and marinas are asked to take adequate precautions and review the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Port Hurricane Contingency Plan, and their individual Heavy Weather Plans.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL, SHOALING

U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR DELAWARE BAY IS NOTIFYING MARINERS OF SHOALING ON THE CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE CANAL IN THE VICINITY OF CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD. ARMY CORP IS IMPOSING A DRAFT RESTRICTION OF 28’6”. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO REVIEW THE LATEST US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SURVEY FOR CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE CANAL PRIOR TO TRANSITING AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA.

Submerged Object, Salem River Entrance Channel

A SUBMERGED OBJECT HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE SALEM RIVER ENTRANCE CHANNEL IN APPROXIMATE POSITION LATITUDE 39°34.148’N, LONGITUDE 075°31.129’W, IN THE VINICTY OF THE SALEM RIVER ENTRANCE CHANNEL LIGHT 7 (LIGHT LIST NUMBER 2680). THE SUBMERGED OBJECT IS APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET INSIDE THE GREEN TOE OF THE CHANNEL AT A DEPTH OF 12 FEET 3 INCHES AT MEAN LOW LOW WATER. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO USE CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA.

*Please see the attached chart that details the location of the submerged object.

MSIB 10-25 Ship to Ship Transfer and Lightering Operations

MSIB 06-16, titled Advance Notice / Request for Lightering is here by cancelled.

Applicable vessels can reference 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 156, Subpart A for requirements for Oil and Hazardous Material Transfer Operations.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 12-24 Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

This bulletin announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists as part of the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center efforts to modernize and improve the accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders beginning on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the CG Navigation Center’s LNM site.

Sector Delaware Bay Coast Guard has updated the foreign vessel arrivals (VDO) number to (445)-444-1535. This number is utilized Monday thru Friday from 0730 till 1600. Continue to contact the Command Center after hours or for emergency purposes.

Coast Guard Investigative Service

MSIB 1-23

Reporting Sexual Misconduct on U.S. Vessels

***See attachment for full text***

Sexual misconduct that occurs onboard U.S. flagged vessels harms mariners, interrupts safe operations, and often leads to accidents, lost careers, and a lifetime of trauma for the survivors who endure the abuse. The Coast Guard is committed to investigating and pursuing appropriate enforcement actions for all reports of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels. This MSIB supersedes the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy’s MSIB 11-21 “Reporting Sexual Assaults on U.S. Vessels” issued on December 16, 2021.

NEW ESTABLISHED ANCHORAGE GROUNDS,
DELAWARE BAY


The Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners of the amended anchorage regulations, specifically 33 CFR 110.157, paragraphs (a)(18)-(20) for the Delaware Bay and River, and adjacent waters, which established two offshore deep-water anchorages. The establishment of these two anchorages is to improve navigation safety by accommodating recent and anticipated future growth in vessel size and the volume of vessel traffic entering the Delaware Bay and River, and to preserve areas traditionally used or needed for anchoring.