MSIB 05-26 Winter Port Condition Two

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay has set Winter Port Condition Two due to the formation of
ice of appreciable thichess and coverage in the navigable waters of the Delaware Bay and River, Chesapeake and
Delaware (C&D) Canal, Cape May Harbor and Canal, New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway, and Delaware Shore.

Members of the port community should take adequate precautions and adhere to the seasonal ice procedures outlined in attachment below.

The COTP, Sector Delaware Bay may set ice conditions for any safety zone listed in the regulations described in
Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 165.550, requiring vessels to meet those restrictions. Vessels must have
the proper hull type and an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements imposed.

Mariners observing any ice conditions are asked to report them. Mariners can utilize the QR Code located in attachment below, or by contacting the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF radio channel 16 or call (215) 271-4807

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff
at (206) 815-6688, option 3.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 04-26 Change in Ice Condition

Ice Condition Three

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Ice Condition Three for all waters north of the Interstate 95
bridge in Bristol, PA.

Ice Condition Two

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Ice Condition Two for the Delaware River south of the
Interstate 95 bridge in Bristol, PA.

C&D Canal

Due to ice in the C&D Canal, the Maryland and Delaware pilots are no longer able to board ships at Chesapeake
City. Therefore, until the ice subsides, for eastbound sailings from Baltimore or westbound sailings from
Philadelphia/Wilmington and Arrivals at Cape Henlopen 6 hours’ notice will be required for movements.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (206) 815-6688, option 3.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 02-26 (Update 1) Port Condition Whiskey Lifted

Due to improved visibility and lower forecasted winds, the Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has lifted
Port Condition Whiskey.

Mariners are reminded that Winter Port Condition One, and Ice Condition One is in effect.

Please report ice conditions to the Sector Delaware Bay Waterways Management Office by email: DelawareBayWWM@uscg.mil.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff
at (206) 815-6688, option 3.

Dead Ship Tow Operations - USS Fort McHenry

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay is notifying mariners of an anchorage restriction for Mantua Creek Anchorage. All vessels are requested to refrain from occupying or anchoring in the northern 1,500 yards of Mantua Creek Anchorage on January 27, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow for safe towing operations of the USS Fort McHenry.

MSIB 03-26 Ice Condition One

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Ice Condition One for the following safety zones, identified in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 165.550, Upper Delaware River and New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway.

The following restrictions are in effect, only steel hull vessels are allowed to enter, operate in, or transit the Upper Delaware River an area defined as the navigable waters north of the Betsy Ross Bridge and the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (206) 815-6688, option 3.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 02-26 Notice of Port Condition Whiskey

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay, has set Port Condition WHISKEY due to the forecast of the winter snow storm in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware area beginning within the next 12 hours.

The COTP has determined the region will likely experience gale force winds, increased seas, surf, coastal flooding, tidal surge and extremely low tides. Members of the port community should take adequate precautions and review the Severe Weather Contingency Plan. In the event that the COTP imposes further restrictions, they will be broadcasted on VHF-FM Channel 16.

Additionally, all notifications will be forwarded to the Maritime Exchange and will be available as requested. The U.S. Coast Guard will provide the earliest possible advance notification before changing the port condition.

Mariners can also report conditions to the CG Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (833) 453-1007.

*Please see the attachment for the full text.

MSIB 01-26 Winter Port Condition One

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Winter Port Condition One for navigation on the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, all existing tributaries, and the New Jersey and Delaware Shores. Winter Port Condition One means that the short-term forecast is favorable for the formation of ice on these waterways. Mariners observing any ice conditions are asked to report them using the corresponding Sector Delaware Bay Ice Reporting Form that are included as enclosures to this bulletin.

Mariners can also report conditions to the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF radio channel 16 or call (833) 453-1007.

*Please see the attachment for the full text. Additionally, a fillable PDF of each ice reporting form is attached for ease of submittal to Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.

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.

MSIB 24-25 SEASONAL ICE ALERT

The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set a Seasonal Ice Alert for navigation on the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, all existing tributaries, and the New Jersey and Delaware shores. The Seasonal Ice Alert will remain in effect through March 31, 2026. Mariners observing any ice conditions are asked to report them using the corresponding Sector Delaware Bay Ice Reporting Form that are included as enclosures to this bulletin.

Mariners can also report ice conditions to the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF radio channel 16 or call (833) 453-1007.

*Please see the attachment for the full text. Additionally, a fillable PDF of each ice reporting form is attached for ease of submittal to Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.

*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.

Philadelphia to Trenton Dredging, Upper Delaware River

All mariners be advised the Dredge Lexington is conducting dredging operations on the Upper Delaware River from October 2, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The Dredge Lexington will begin in Florence Range in the vicinity of Upper Delaware River Lighted Buoy 65 (Light List Number 4095) and then continue upriver to the Fairless Turning Basin, and finish in Whitehill Range just north of Upper Delaware River Channel Buoy 83 (Light List Number 4200). All mariners are requested to notify the Dredge Lexington a minimum of 1 hour prior to transiting the area to make passing arrangements. The Dredge Lexington can be contacted via VHF radio channels 13 and 16 or via phone at (757) 635-2578. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution at the slowest safe speed to maintain navigation and minimize wake.

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.