COTP Delaware Bay Modifies Ice Condition II
The Captain of the Port (COTP) Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that Ice Condition II has been modified to expand STEEL HULL RESTRICTIONS in the Delaware River.
There have been reports of ice formation that may impact navigation throughout the COTP zone. All masters, ship agents, owners, and operators of all vessels, marine facilities, and marinas should review and adhere to the following Ice Condition II procedures for the Delaware River and its tributaries, the Delaware Bay, and NJ and DE coasts:
* Only steel hull vessels may operate in the Delaware River north of the Betsy Ross Bridge, in the Salem River, and within the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal.
* Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted through the ice without needing to stop, back off and ram the ice.
* Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is adequately moored.
* Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times when ice is present.
* Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure that the sea chests are kept clear.
* Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
* Mariners are cautioned that buoys may become extinguished or dragged off station and minor lights and day beacons may become destroyed due to ice.
* The COTP Delaware Bay may establish additional requirements for specific geographic areas of the COTP Zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.
Refer to [the] website for additional information regarding ice operations within the Sector Delaware Bay zone at http: www.uscg.mil/d5/sectDelawarebay.
Updates to ice conditions can be heard by calling the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Ice Hotline at (215) 271-4995.
Mariners are also requested to keep the Coast Guard informed of any major ice developments, or discrepant Aids.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay, Marine Safety Information Bulletin No.05-15 dated 17 February 2015
