Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 343 Small-craft facility Mosquito Cove, are given a berth of 0.3 mile. It is much (354) A small-craft facility is close eastward of the en- used by vessels seeking shelter in any but strong north- erly winds and affords excellent anchorage with good trance to the boat basin. Gasoline, diesel fuel, berthing holding ground. Vessels can anchor in any part of the with electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, dry and wet harbor according to draft and direction of wind. A good storage, and a 10-ton hoist are available; hull, engine, anchorage for vessels drawing less than 20 feet is just and electronic repairs can be made. inside a line from Mott Point to the breakwater at Glen Cove Landing. Small vessels can anchor behind the (355) Brickyard Point, about 0.5 mile westward of Moses breakwater. Vessels should avoid anchoring in the pipe- Point, should be given a berth of at least 0.2 mile off its line area between Glenwood Landing and Bar Beach. westerly side to avoid several dangerous rocks to the On the western shore above and below Bar Beach are northwestward of the point. None of these rocks is large sand and gravel plants. On the eastern shore are marked. Extensive privately owned oyster beds, marked several villages. by stakes, are in this area. (363) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (364) Waterborne commerce in the harbor is in sand, (356) Mill Neck Creek, at the northwest end of Oyster Bay gravel, petroleum products, and building material. Ves- Harbor, is crossed by a highway bridge having a bascule sels engaged in this commerce usually draw from 3 to span with a clearance of 9 feet. The area westward of the 12 feet. bridge has depths of 2 to 16 feet. Anchorage (357) Oak Neck Creek, northwest of Mill Neck Creek, is (365) A special anchorage is in Hempstead Harbor. (See entered at high water as the creek is practically bare at low water. 110.1 and 110.60 (u-1), chapter 2, for limits and reg- ulations.) Charts 12367, 12364 (366) Weeks Point, on the eastern side near the entrance, (358) Oak Neck Point (40°54.9'N., 73°34.1'W.), 4 miles is marked by a breakwater which protects a private boat west-southwestward of Lloyd Point, is marked by many landing. Nearly 0.5 mile southward of Weeks Point is large residences. Several stone jetties extend a short the entrance to a basin protecting a private wharf distance from the shore just westward of the point. A which has a reported depth of 8 feet at the end. The ba- shoal, strewn with boulders and marked by a buoy, ex- sin shoals to the head, and there are rocks bare at low tends 0.3 mile from the shore for part of the distance water near the northern end. between Oak Neck Point and Matinecock Point to the westward. (367) Glen Cove is a city with rail and bus communica- tion on Glen Cove Creek, about 1 mile back from the (359) Frost Creek, locally known as Guthries Creek, 2 eastern shore of the bay. The breakwater extends 500 miles westward of Oak Neck Point, has a channel at the yards west-southwestward from Glen Cove Landing entrance which is well defined when the water is below and is marked at its end by a light. The anchorage be- half tide. The creek is protected by a stone jetty that ex- hind the breakwater is known as Glen Cove Harbor, the tends a short distance from the shore about 50 yards depths ranging from 18 to 22 feet behind its outer half eastward of the channel. The channel has a reported and 7 to 9 feet near shore. depth of about 1 foot near the entrance. The creek is not recommended without local knowledge. (368) Glen Cove Creek, 0.6 mile southward of the break- water, has a dredged channel from Mosquito Cove to (360) Peacock Point is just west of Frost Creek. A stone the head. In 1994, the controlling depth was 2½ feet in jetty to protect a private boat landing extends a short the right half of the channel with shoaling to less than a distance from the west side of the point. foot in the left half for about 0.6 mile above the en- trance. The remainder of the project is not being main- (361) Matinecock Point, 1.1 miles westward of Frost tained. An overhead power cable near the head has a Creek, is marked on its western side by a stone pier in clearance of 65 feet. The entrance is buoyed. ruins. A shoal extends about 600 yards off the point and is marked at its end by a lighted gong buoy which is re- moved if endangered by ice. Charts 12366, 12364 Small-craft facilities (369) There are several small-craft facilities in Glen Cove (362) Hempstead Harbor, 4 miles wide at the entrance between Matinecock Point and Prospect Point, is free Creek. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on from dangers if the shores, between the entrance and chart 12364 for services and supplies available.)
344 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (370) A dredged channel, entered between Bar Beach and (378) Prospect Point, marked by prominent houses on Glenwood Landing, leads alongside Glenwood Landing the bluff, has a rocky shoal making out nearly 0.4 mile to South Glenwood Landing at Motts Cove. In 1991, the northward from it. The shoal rises abruptly from a controlling depth in the dredged channel was 7 feet. A depth of 60 feet. The north end of the shoal is marked natural channel continues south through extensive by a lighted gong buoy that is 0.8 mile eastward of Exe- flats for about 0.5 mile with a depth of about 5 feet. Lo- cution Rocks Light. About 0.2 mile eastward of the cal knowledge is advised. buoy are rocky patches with depths of 17 to 18 feet. An obstruction with 23 feet over it is east-northeastward (371) Sea Cliff is a village on the steep hill on the south from the buoy. side of Glen Cove Creek. From Sea Cliff southerly to the northerly wharves at Glenwood Landing, a shoal ex- (379) Sands Point, 0.7 mile west of Prospect Point, is tends 300 yards from the east side of the harbor and is marked by a daybeacon. A boulder reef extends about marked by a buoy at the north end and a light at the 0.3 mile off the point and is marked by a lighted buoy. south end. A dredged entrance channel, marked by two The boulders show at low water for a distance of about private lights, leads from deep water in the harbor 300 yards from shore. A stone tower is a prominent ob- northeastward to a municipal marina just north of ject on this point. Glenwood Landing. In November 1999, the reported controlling depths were 8 feet in the entrance channel, (380) Barker Point, about 1 mile south-southwest of thence 7 feet in the marina basin. Sands Point, is a high bluff on the northeast side of the entrance of Manhasset Bay. Gangway Rock, marked by (372) Glenwood Landing is a village on the eastern shore a light and gong buoy, is at the northwesterly end of a abreast Bar Beach. The stacks of a powerplant are broken line of rocks and shoal water which extends 0.6 prominent. A private light is shown from the outer end mile northwestward from Barker Point. Success Rock, of an unloading boom when the boom is in operation. awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is about 0.2 An overhead power cable crossing from the powerplant mile southeastward of the light. to Bar Beach has a clearance of 90 feet. Depths of about 8 to 10 feet are available at the Glenwood Landing (381) Manhasset Bay, between Barker Point and Hewlett wharves. Point, affords excellent shelter for vessels of about 12 feet or less draft, and is much frequented by yachts in (373) A boatyard, reached only at high water, is at South the summer. The depths in the outer part of the bay Glenwood Landing. Craft to 30 tons can be hauled out range from 12 to 17 feet, and 7 to 12 feet in the inner for minor hull repairs. part inside Plum Point. The extreme south end of the bay is shallow with extensive mudflats. Depths of about Tides 6 to 2 feet can be taken through a natural channel al- (374) The mean range of tide is 7.3 feet. most to the head of the bay. A 5 mph speed limit is en- forced. Currents (375) In the channel west of the breakwater the tidal cur- (382) Waterborne commerce is in petroleum products, carried in vessels drawing 6 to 10 feet. rents are weak and variable. At Bar Beach the tidal cur- rents have a velocity of about 0.8 knot through the Anchorages narrow channel. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- (383) General and special anchorages are in Manhasset dictions.) Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (g) through (j), and 110.155 Ice (a) (6) and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (376) In severe winters ice has been known to close navi- The bottom is soft and affords good holding ground. gation for about 6 weeks during January and February. (384) A seaplane restricted area is off Manorhaven. (See 162.15, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (377) The shore between Prospect Point and Mott Point (40°51.4'N., 73°40.6'W.), to the southeastward, is Tides marked by prominent bluffs. A shoal with boulders ex- (385) The mean range of tide is 7.3 feet. tends 0.2 mile from shore between the points and for a short distance south of Mott Point. Buoys mark the (386) Plum Point is a low spit extending southward from limits of the shoal eastward and northeastward of Mott the eastern shore about 0.6 mile southward of Barker Point. Picket Rock, with 2 feet over it, is 350 yards off- Point. A seasonal lighted entrance buoy is about 150 shore northward of Mott Point. An obstruction covered yards southward of Plum Point. The bight eastward of 16 feet is about 0.7 mile north-northwestward of the Plum Point is shoal. point in 40°52'05.5\"N., 73°40'59.1\"W.
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 345 (387) Port Washington is a village with rail communica- country’s tallest; the top of the pole is 216 feet above tion on the south side of a shoal bight about 1.2 miles the water. A boat basin, partially enclosed by an southeastward of Plum Point. An apartment complex L-shaped pier, is at the point. In 1991, the basin had re- on Tom Point, 0.9 mile east of Plum Point, is promi- ported depths of 12 to 14 feet. nent. Depths of about 8 feet can be carried in the (394) Little Neck Bay is entered between Kings Point and buoyed approach from the lighted buoy off Plum Point Willets Point, 1.2 miles to the south-southwestward. to the docks at Port Washington, thence through the Depths are 10 to 12 feet in the entrance, decreasing unmarked channel along the east side of the bight to its gradually to the head, about 2 miles inland, where the north end northeastward of Tom Point. In 1979, shoal- bay divides into two branches which almost dry; there ing to 1½ feet was reported in the approach to the are boulders in places close to the shores. wharves east of Tom Point in about 40°50'04\"N., (395) The shores of Little Neck Bay are thickly settled, 73°42'17\"W. In June 1981, depths of 5 feet were re- and there are many private boat landings. A much used ported on the north side of the town dock with 2 and 4 anchorage, in depths of 2½ to 7 feet, is in the cove mid- feet on the west and south sides, respectively. Depths at way along the east side of the bay. the other wharves are reported to range from 4 to 9 feet. The town's Bay Constable monitors VHF-FM Small-craft facility channels 9 and 16 from the town dock. (396) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the bay. Small-craft facilities Water, ice, and limited marine supplies are available. In (388) There are extensive small-craft facilities at Port June 1981, the facility had a reported depth of 4 feet alongside. Washington and to the eastward and westward of Tom Point at Manorhaven. (See the small-craft facilities tab- Anchorages ulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies avail- (397) General and special anchorages are in Little Neck able.) Bay. (See 110.1, and 110.60 (k), and 110.155 (a)(7) (389) Hewlett Point (40°50.3'N., 73°45.2'W.) is on the and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) west side of the entrance to Manhasset Bay. A boulder reef, mostly bare at low water and marked by a lighted Charts 12366, 12339, 12335 buoy at its northern end, extends about 0.2 mile north- ward from the point. (398) East River is a 14-mile-long tidal strait that con- nects Long Island Sound with New York Upper Bay and Anchorages separates the western end of Long Island from the New (390) General and special anchorages are between York mainland. The Sound entrance is between Throgs Neck and Willets Point; the Upper Bay entrance is be- Hewlett Point and Elm Point, about 1.3 miles south- tween The Battery and Governors Island. Hell Gate, eastward of Stepping Stones Light. (See 110.1, 110.60 about halfway between Throgs Neck and The Battery, is (j)(1), and 110.155 (a)(6) and (l), chapter 2, for lim- noted for its strong tidal currents. Harlem River ex- its and regulations.) tends northward from Hell Gate to the Hudson River. Both sides of the East River, from The Battery to Port (391) Stepping Stones Light (40°49'28\"N., 73°46'29\"W.), Morris, a distance of 9 miles, present an almost contin- 46 feet above the water, is shown from a red brick struc- uous line of wharves except where shoals or currents ture on a granite pier, with a white horizontal band on prevent access. the southwest face, 1.3 miles southwest of Hewlett Point. The Stepping Stones, a dangerous boulder reef Channels which dries in places, extend 0.8 mile southeastward (399) A Federal project provides for main-channel depths from the light to the Long Island shore. In August 1976, a submerged rock, covered 18 feet, was reported of 35 feet from Throgs Neck to the inactive New York 100 yards west-northwestward of Stepping Stones Naval Shipyard, about 2 miles from the western en- Light. trance, and thence 40 feet to deep water in New York Upper Bay. (392) Kings Point Coast Guard Station is located at the northern end of the Kings Point boat basin. Caution (400) Mariners transiting East River in the vicinity of (393) Kings Point, marked by a private light, is 1.6 miles south-southwestward of Hewlett Point and is the site of Rikers Island and/or South Brother Island Channel are the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The 172-foot advised of the following: unguyed steel flagpole at the academy is said to be the
346 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Airphoto - Jim Wark (401) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been Battery. (See the Tide Tables for daily predictions for established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., The Battery.) 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air space exists over that portion of the East River which Currents coincides with the glide path of the northeast-southwest (405) In East River the flood current sets eastward and runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast heights in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the the ebb sets westward. Note: this is the direct opposite north of this buoy so as to avoid interference with the of conditions in Long Island Sound where the flood is glide path. generally westward and the ebb eastward. (406) The velocity of current is 0.7 knot at Throgs Neck, (402) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel 1.6 knots at Port Morris, 4 knots in Hell Gate, 3 knots at and using the turning basin at its southern terminus Brooklyn Bridge, and 1.5 knots north of Governors Is- shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast land. In Hell Gate (off Mill Rock) the velocity is 3.4 heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide knots for the eastward current and 4.6 knots for the path to the northwest-southeast runway to La Guardia westward current. Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below 125 (407) The direction and velocity of the currents are af- feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be noti- fected by strong winds which may increase or diminish fied by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal de- the periods of flood or ebb. The currents generally set parture or channel entry. with the channel, but heavy swirls are found in Hell Gate. Anchorages (403) Several general and special anchorages are in East Tides and currents (408) (See the Tidal Current Tables for the daily predic- River. (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) tions of slack water and times and velocities of strengths of currents in Hell Gate and at other places Tides on the East River.) (404) The mean range of tide in East River is 7.1 feet at (409) Mariners should exercise caution and discretion in the use of published tidal current predictions. Also, Willets Point, 5.1 feet in Hell Gate, and 4.6 feet at The
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 347 previously available Tidal Current Charts for New York Point. Several private boat clubs are at Whitestone. In Harbor have been withdrawn. June 1981, reported depths alongside the boat club docks ranged from ½ to 6 feet. Pilotage, East River (420) The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge is a suspension (410) See Pilotage, New York Harbor from Long Island structure that crosses East River from Old Ferry Point on the Bronx side to a Long Island landing 0.4 mile Sound (indexed as such), chapter 11. southwestward of Whitestone Point; the channel clear- ance is 135 feet. Towage (421) In March 1989, a submerged obstruction was re- (411) Vessels intending to employ a tug should arrange ported in the East River just west of the Bronx- Whitestone Bridge in about 40°48.1'N., 73°50.1'W. to do so before proceeding westward of Rikers Island. (422) Powell Cove, between the Long Island end of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and Tallman Island, 0.6 mile Charts 12366, 12364 to the westward, has general depths of 2 to 5 feet. Pier ruins are on the east side of the cove entrance. Tallman (412) Throgs Neck, on the northwest side of the entrance Island, now joined to the Long Island shore, is marked to East River, is marked by a light. Throgs Neck Light by the prominent tanks of the NYC DEP Water Pollu- (40°48'16\"N., 73°47'26\"W.), 60 feet above the water, is tion Control Plant. shown from a skeleton tower with a black and white di- (423) Old Ferry Point is on the north side of East River 2 amond-shaped daymark on the outer end of the neck. miles westward of Throgs Neck. The bight between The shoal ground which extends 0.1 mile southward Throgs Neck and Old Ferry Point affords anchorage, and eastward from the light is marked by a lighted bell with good holding ground, in depths of 15 to 35 feet; buoy. the water shoals abruptly from 18 feet, 0.3 mile from shore, to depths of 4 to 5 feet. Several private landings (413) Fort Schuyler, on the outer end of Throgs Neck, is are on the north side of this bight. Tug and barge com- used as a base for the State University of New York panies maintain unlit commercial mooring buoys in Maritime College. The 550-foot-long wharf, on the Anchorage Ground 6 for their own vessels. southwest side of the fort, is used to moor the school’s (424) Westchester Creek, on the north side of East River, training ship. Depths of about 25 feet are reported is entered through a dredged channel that leads north- alongside the face. ward through a shallow bight between Old Ferry Point and Clason Point (chart 12339), 0.7 mile to the west- (414) Throgs Neck Bridge, a highway suspension bridge ward, to the head of navigation at Westchester, about with a channel clearance of 138 feet and 152 feet at the 2.3 miles above the channel entrance. In June-July center, crosses East River from Throgs Neck to the 2003, the controlling depths were 1.5 feet (5.4 feet at Long Island Shore. midchannel) from the entrance to the Bruckner Ex- pressway bascule bridge, thence in 1991, 5½ feet (11 (415) Willets Point, 0.7 mile southeastward across the feet at midchannel) through the bascule and fixed entrance to East River from Throgs Neck, is marked by bridges, thence 9½ feet (11 feet at midchannel) to just Fort Totten, the granite walls of which are prominent. below the head of the project. The channel is buoyed to Little Bay, westward of Willets Point, has general a point about 1 mile above the entrance. Waterborne depths of 6 to 10 feet and is used by local small craft. traffic on the creek consists chiefly of petroleum prod- Depths of about 9 feet can be taken in the buoyed chan- ucts, sand and gravel, and crushed rock. nel to the piers on the Little Bay side of Willets Point. (425) Several highway bridges, three fixed and one bas- cule, cross Westchester Creek at Unionport, 1.5 miles Anchorage above the channel entrance. The Bruckner Expressway (416) A general anchorage is in Little Bay. (See 110.1 bascule bridge has a clearance of 14 feet, and the fixed bridges have a least clearance of 52 feet. (See 117.1 and 110.155 (b)(2) and (1), chapter 2, for limits and through 117.59 and 117.815, chapter 2, for draw- regulations.) bridge regulations.) The bridgetender at the Bruckner Expressway bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call (417) The southern approach viaduct of the Throgs Neck sign KX-8289. Bridge crosses the west part of Little Bay. The fixed spans of the viaduct have a minimum clearance of 30 feet. (418) In March 1996, a sunken wreck was west of Throgs Neck in 40°48'32\"N., 73°48'40\"W. (419) Whitestone Point, 2 miles westward of Willets Point, is a small bluff marked by a light. The town of Whitestone is between Little Bay and Whitestone
348 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Small-craft facilities anchorage area. Flushing Bay is mostly shallow, with (426) There is a small-craft facility on the west side of the depths of less than 6 feet outside the channel. (433) Depths of 8 to 14 feet are between the east side of creek at Unionport. Water, limited supplies and storage the channel and the town of College Point. Small craft facilities are available. anchor south of College Point in depths of 4 to 8 feet. Chart 12339 Anchorages (434) General and special anchorages are in Flushing (427) Clason Point (40°48.3'N., 73°50.9'W.) is on the north side of East River about 3 miles west of Throgs Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (1) through (1–2), (m) Neck. Pugsley Creek, which empties into Westchester through (m–2), and 110.155 (b–5), chapter 2, for Creek and East River along the east side of Clason limits and regulations.) Point, is very shallow and should not be entered with- out local knowledge. Small boats anchor on the flats (435) A restricted area is in a portion of the southern part west of Clason Point. A flagstaff at the yacht club on of the channel through Flushing Bay. (See 162.20, Clason Point is prominent. chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (428) College Point is on the Long Island side of East (436) A 0.6-mile-long dike, covered at high water and River opposite Clason Point. College Point Reef, cov- marked at either end by a light, runs close along the ered 6 feet and marked by a light, is 0.2 mile west side of the channel to within 0.3 mile of the head north-northeastward of the point. of the bay. (429) The town of College Point is south of the point and (437) The L-shaped pier at the head of Flushing Bay par- on the east side of the entrance to Flushing Bay. The tially encloses a small-boat basin. In July 2004, depths wharves on the west side of the town have depths of 9 to 12 feet, with shoaling near the western edge, alongside ranging from ½ to 10 feet. The shallow bight were available in the turning basin just west of the north of the town has depths of 2 to 5 feet and is used as small-boat basin. Inside the small-boat basin, depths of a small-boat anchorage. about 7 feet were reported in June 1981. The marina to the westward has a reported depth of about 5 feet in- Small-craft facilities side. Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, water, ice, (430) Several small-craft facilities are at College Point. storage, and a 30-ton hoist are available; limited elec- tronic and engine repairs can be made. Marine railways to 45 feet, mobile cranes to 35 tons, water, ice, marine supplies, storage, and hull and en- (438) Ice generally obstructs navigation in Flushing Bay gine repairs are available. and Flushing Creek during a part of January and Feb- ruary. Tides (431) The mean range of tide at College Point is 6.5 feet. (439) The twin fixed Whitestone Expressway highway bridges over Flushing Creek, 0.2 mile above the mouth, (432) Flushing Bay extends southeast between the town have a clearance of 34 feet. The Northern Boulevard of College Point and La Guardia Airport, 0.6 mile to the Bridge, 0.4 mile above the mouth, has a fixed span with southwest. Flushing Creek flows into the east side of a clearance of 35 feet. the head of the bay. A dredged channel, marked by buoys and lights, extends from East River through the (440) Flushing is on the east side of Flushing Creek. bay to the mouth of the creek and thence upstream for Waterborne traffic consists chiefly of sand, gravel, about 0.8 mile to the I.R.T. (Roosevelt Ave.) railroad crushed rock, and petroleum products. Drafts of in- bridge. A turning basin is on the west side of the bound and outbound vessels seldom exceed 12 feet. dredged channel west of the entrance to Flushing Vessels must go directly to the marginal wharves be- Creek. A small-craft anchorage area extends northwest cause the creek has no room for anchorage. from the turning basin. In April-May 2007, the control- ling depths were 9.1 feet (14.1 feet at midchannel) (441) The east entrance to Rikers Island Channel, be- through the bay channel to the turning basin, thence tween Rikers Island and the mainland, is obstructed by 8.3 to 15 feet in the turning basin and 1.6 to 6 feet in the a lighted runway approach to La Guardia Airport. The anchorage area, thence 5.5 feet (9.3 feet at midchannel) approach to Bowery Bay is from westward of Rikers Is- to the Northern Boulevard bridge, thence shoaling to land. bare to the I.R.T. railroad bridge. There is shoaling northwest of Buoy 2, in the eastern part of the (442) Bronx River, on the north side of East River, has a project depth of 10 feet and is subject to shoaling throughout. It is entered through a dredged channel
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 349 that leads north-northwestward through a shallow coincides with the glide path of the northeast-south- bight between Clason Point and Hunts Point, 1.1 miles west runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast to the westward, to the head of river navigation at East heights in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the 172nd Street, about 2.3 miles above the channel en- north of this buoy so as to avoid interference with the trance. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of glide path. charts for controlling depths.) (443) Waterborne traffic on the Bronx River consists (450) North Brother Island, 0.3 mile northwest of Rikers chiefly of sand, gravel, and crushed rock. Island, is occupied by the ruins of former municipal buildings. East River main channel leads northward Tides and westward of the island; a light marks the main (444) The mean range of tide is 6.9 feet at Hunts Point channel side of the island. and at Westchester Avenue Bridge. (451) The buoyed channel between North Brother Island and South Brother Island, 0.1 mile to the southward, (445) Bronx River is crossed by four bridges to East has a controlling depth of about 25 feet. Shoaling to 16 172nd Street. Bruckner Expressway Bridge, 1.7 miles feet exists on the south side of the channel in about above the entrance, has a bascule span with a clearance 40°47'54\"N., 73°53'47\"W. The channel is marked by a of 27 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.771, light off the north side of South Brother Island. The chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Westchester Av- channel is narrow and subject to strong currents and enue Bridge, 2 miles above the entrance, has a fixed should not be used by vessels of limited maneuverabil- span with a clearance of 18 feet. The elevated railway ity. structure over Westchester Avenue Bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 61 feet. The railroad bridge, 2.1 (452) A ledge, partly bare at low water, extends 0.2 mile miles above the entrance, has a rolling-lift span with a southward from South Brother Island; the outer part of clearance of 8 feet, but the draw is no longer opened. the ledge is marked by a light. (See 117.771(b), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- tions.) The Bruckner Expressway Bridge is equipped (453) Port Morris, 0.2 mile westward across East River with radiotelephone. The bridgetender can be con- main channel from North Brother Island, has rail ter- tacted on VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8189. minals to and from which car floats are taken through East River. (446) Hunts Point is on the north side of East River about 4 miles west of Throgs Neck. A marginal wharf (454) South Brother Island Channel, marked by lighted extends 0.3 mile northeastward from the point; depths and unlighted buoys, leads from deep water east of of 17 to 24 feet are reported alongside. Small craft an- North Brother Island and along the west side of Rikers chor in depths of 9 to 17 feet on the flats east of the Island to a turning basin on the west side of Bowery wharf. Bay. In February 2007, the controlling depth was 29.9 feet in the entrance channel to the turning basin, (447) Rikers Island, in the middle of East River between thence 33.4 feet in the turning basin. Hunts Point and La Guardia Airport, is partly occupied by buildings of the Department of Correction of New Caution York. The island is about a mile long, southeast to (455) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel northwest, and 0.6 mile wide. The larger part of the is- land, southeast of the buildings, is used as a trash and using the turning basin at its southern terminus dump. shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide (448) East River main channel, project depth 35 feet, path of the northwest-southeast runway of La Guardia leads northward of Rikers Island. A much-used general Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below 125 anchorage, with depths of 21 to 30 feet, is between the feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be noti- south side of the channel and the flats off the north side fied by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal de- of the island. (See 110.1 and 110.155 (b) (6) and (1), parture or channel entry. chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (456) Bowery Bay, across Rikers Island Channel from Caution Rikers Island, has depths of about 10 feet. A special an- (449) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been chorage is in the west part of the bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (n) and 110.155 (b) (5) and (1), chapter 2, for established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., limits and regulations.) A pipeline area is in the south- 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air east part of the anchorage area. A fixed highway bridge space exists over that portion of the East River which crosses Rikers Island Channel and Bowery Bay and
350 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Coast Pilot 2 connects Rikers Island with the Borough of Queens, (466) Hallets Point, on the Long Island side of East River New York; clearance over the channel is 52 feet for a about 0.3 mile southwestward of Negro Point, is width of 125 feet. marked by a light. There are main-channel depths close (457) Bowery Bay may be approached from the East River to the point. main channel from the northward through South Brother Island Channel and from the northwestward (467) Hell Gate is the part of East River between Wards through a 100-yard-wide channel which leads between Island and Roosevelt Island, 0.7 mile to the southwest. the ledges that make off from Lawrence Point on the The crooked channel, the strong tidal currents, and the southwest and South Brother Island on the northeast. heavy traffic in Hell Gate require extra caution on the The controlling depth in the 100-yard-wide channel is part of the navigator to avoid accident or collision. Ves- about 19 feet. Caution is advised in the northwestern sels navigating Hell Gate on a rising tide sometimes approach as the channel is narrow, the bottom is rocky find it necessary to pass starboard-to-starboard because and uneven, and tidal currents are strong. of the strong currents between Negro Point and Hallets (458) Lawrence Point, on the southeast side of East River Point. This situation may arise when one of the vessels 0.7 mile westward of Rikers Island, is occupied by an does not maneuver readily or is handling a tow. North- extensive gas and electric plant. A light marks the outer eastward of Negro Point and southwestward of Hallets part of the ledge, partly bare at low water, which ex- Point, the customary port passings are made. tends 0.3 mile northeastward from the point. (459) Randalls Island and Wards Island are on the north- (468) Mill Rock, on the northwestern side of the main western side of East River between Port Morris and Hell channel through Hell Gate, is 0.2 mile southwest of Gate, separating that river from Harlem River, which is Wards Island and the same distance northwest of described later. The islands provide recreational facili- Hallets Point. The islet is marked by lights on its north ties for the residents of the city of New York. and south ends. (460) Bronx Kill, which separates Randalls Island from Port Morris, is a narrow passage that extends westward Charts 12339, 12342 from the East River to the Harlem River. A fixed rail- road bridge with a clearance of 68 feet and a fixed high- (469) Harlem River, which joins East River in Hell Gate way bridge with a clearance of 51 feet cross the passage. between Wards Island and Manhattan Island, extends Bronx Kill is navigable but not recommended as a northward about 7 miles and connects with Hudson route of travel. It is shoal and obstructed throughout. River through Spuyten Duyvil Creek. The channel (461) Sunken Meadow is the reclaimed area now joined through Harlem River is narrow, tortuous, and naviga- to the northeast end of Wards Island and southeast end ble only for powered vessels. By taking care to avoid of Randalls Island. several isolated 11- to 13-foot spots, a depth of about 14 (462) Little Hell Gate, which formerly separated Wards feet can be carried to the Hudson River; the chart is the Island from Randalls Island and formed a passage from guide. East River to Harlem River, has been mostly filled in and together with Sunken Meadow joins Wards Island (470) Traffic is heavy in Harlem River. Vessels with with Randalls Island. heights too great to pass under the closed drawbridges (463) Hell Gate Bridge, which crosses East River from should make the passage against the current. Wards Island to Long Island 7.1 miles from The Battery, has a fixed railroad span with a clearance of 134 feet. Bridges (464) Negro Point is the southernmost point of Wards Is- (471) There are more than a dozen draw and fixed bridges land. Triborough Bridge, which crosses East River from Negro Point to Long Island 6.8 miles from The over Harlem River. The minimum clearance under Battery, has a highway suspension span with a clear- closed drawspans is 24 feet except at the railroad bridge ance of 138 feet. In June 2002, the bridge was under re- over the entrance from Hudson River where it is only 5 construction; fixed workmen scaffolding has feet. Clearance under raised vertical-lift spans exceed temporarily reduced the vertical clearance about 3 feet. 100 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.789, (465) Holmes Rock and Hog Back are two bare rocks, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Minimum which are on the eastern and northern parts, respec- clearances under fixed bridges exceeds 100 feet at the tively, of a reef in the bight on the south side of Wards center of the spans. Island westward of Negro Point. The western extremity (472) Four bridges over the Harlem River, the 103rd of this reef is marked by a light. Street lift bridge, the Triborough lift bridge, the Park Avenue lift bridge, and the Conrail swing bridge at Spuyten Duyvil, at 0.1 mile, 1 mile, and 1.7 miles, and 6.7 miles, respectively, above the entrance, are equipped with radiotelephones. The bridgetenders
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 351 monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs KIL-820, Chart 12335 KGW-326, and KA-5059, and KU-9797, respectively. The Conrail bridge is maintained in the open position (480) Roosevelt Island Reef (Welfare Island Reef), with except for the passage of trains or for maintenance. bare islets, rocks awash, and submerged rocks, extends 0.3 mile southwestward from the island. Belmont Is- Tides land, near the southwest end of the reef, is marked by a (473) The mean range of tide in Harlem River is 5.1 feet light. in Hell Gate and 3.6 feet at the entrance from Hudson Chart 12338 River. Currents (481) Newtown Creek is entered on the eastern side of (474) The tidal currents in Harlem River run southward East River 3.6 miles from The Battery. The creek ex- tends 3.3 miles eastward and southward and has several from Hudson River to East River while the east-going short tributaries or basins. Traffic is fairly heavy and current is running in Hell Gate; and the reverse. The consists chiefly of petroleum products, sand, gravel, south-going current in Harlem River is considered the and crushed rock; drafts of vessels navigating the creek flood. The times of slack water are subject to variations seldom exceed 15 feet. depending upon freshet conditions in Hudson River. The velocity of the current is 2 knots or more in the (482) Tributary basins are Dutch Kills, on the north side narrower parts of the channel. (See the Tidal Current of Newtown Creek 0.8 mile from East River; Whale Tables for predictions.) Creek, on the south side opposite Dutch Kills; Maspeth Creek, on the east side 2.2 miles from East River; East Chart 12339 Branch, on the east side 2.5 miles from the river; and English Kills, which extends westward and southward (475) Roosevelt Island (Welfare Island), 1.6 miles long from the East Branch entrance and forms the last 0.8 and 0.1 mile wide, is in the middle of East River south- mile of Newtown Creek. west of Hell Gate. A gray stone tower is on the north end of the island. Channels (483) A Federal project provides for a 23-foot channel in (476) East River main channel, with project depth of 35 feet, is on the west side of Roosevelt Island. The chan- Newtown Creek from the East River to and in a turning nel east of the island is narrower and has a controlling basin about 240 yards above the Kosciusko Memorial depth of about 19 feet. Bridge, thence 20 feet in East Branch and in English Kills to the Metropolitan Avenue bridge, and thence 12 (477) The currents in both channels off Roosevelt Island feet in English Kills to the head of the project at are strong, and caution is advised while navigating in Montrose Avenue. (See Notice to Mariners and latest these areas. edition of chart for controlling depths.) (478) The 36th Avenue highway bridge which crosses the Tides eastern channel from Roosevelt Island to Long Island (484) The mean range of tide in Newtown Creek is 4.1 5.6 miles from The Battery has a vertical-lift span with clearances of 40 feet down and 99 feet up. (See 117.1 feet. through 117.59 and 117.781, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM chan- Currents nel 13; call sign KX–8184. (485) The tidal current is weak and variable. (479) Queensboro Bridge, which crosses from Man- (486) Pulaski Bridge, which crosses Newtown Creek 0.5 hattan Island to Roosevelt Island and thence to Long Is- mile above the mouth, has a bascule span with a clear- land 5.0 miles from The Battery, has fixed spans with ance of 39 feet at the fenders and 46 feet at the center. clearances of 131 feet over the main channel and 133 The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call feet over the eastern channel. An overhead cable car sign KX–8178. with overhead power cables crosses the main channel immediately north of the bridge. The low point of travel (487) Dutch Kills, which is about 0.5 mile long, is of the cabin is not less than 135 feet. crossed by the following drawbridges: Long Island Rail- road bridge, Borden Avenue bridge, and Hunters Point Avenue bridge. Minimum clearance under the closed drawspans is 2 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) In
352 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Coast Pilot 2 July 2002, Long Island Railroad bridge was reported in- west side. Poorhouse Flats Lighted Range (Front operable as a swing bridge and closed to vessel traffic. Light; 40°43.5'N., 73°57.8'W.), bearing 161°, is on the Clearance under the fixed bridge is 83 feet. Brooklyn side of the river and marks the best water in (488) Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, 1.1 miles above the the crossover. mouth of Newton Creek, has a bascule span with a (491) Williamsburg Bridge, which crosses East River 2 clearance of 24 feet at the fenders and 30 feet at the cen- miles northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span ter. Kosciusko Memorial Bridge, 1.8 miles from the with a clearance of 133 feet. mouth, has a fixed span with a clearance of 125 feet. (492) The site of the inactive New York Naval Shipyard is Metropolitan Avenue Bridge, which crosses English in Wallabout Bay, on the Brooklyn side of East River 1.7 Kills 3 miles from the mouth of Newtown Creek, has a miles northeast of The Battery. bascule span with a clearance of 10 feet at the center. (493) Manhattan Bridge, which crosses East River 1 mile Montrose Avenue Bridge, at the head of English Kills, northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a has a swing span with a clearance of 4 feet. The clearance of 134 feet. The clearance under the mainte- bridgetenders at the Greenpoint Avenue and Metropol- nance platform installed at the west channel edge is itan Avenue bridges monitor channel 13; call signs 115 feet. KX–8182 and KX–8179, respectively. (See 117.1 (494) Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses East River 0.7 mile through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for draw- northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a bridge regulations.) clearance of 127 feet. (489) Grand Avenue Bridge, which crosses East Branch, (495) East River Deepwater Lighted Range (Front Light; has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.1 40°41.9'N., 74°00.1'W.), bearing 078°, is on the Brook- through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for draw- lyn side of the river and marks the best water in the bridge regulations.) The bridgetender can be contacted 40-foot-project main channel which leads from deep on VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8187. water in New York Upper Bay to the East River. The range line passes about midway between The Battery Chart 12335 and Governors Island, 0.5 mile to the southward. (496) The channel between The Battery and Governors (490) From abreast the entrance to Newtown Creek, the Island is very congested and subject to strong currents. 35-foot-project main channel of East River crosses Caution should be exercised while navigating in the from the west side of the river to the east side. Depths of area. 24 feet extend as much as 0.2 mile from the piers on the
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 353
354 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 355 South Coast of Long Island (1) This chapter describes the south coast of Long Is- more information on right whales and recommended land from Shinnecock Inlet to and including East measures to avoid collisions with whales.) Rockaway Inlet; several other inlets making into the beach along this part of the coast; and the canals, bays, Chart 12300 and tributaries inside the beach. Also described are the towns of Patchogue and Oceanside, including Ocean- (7) The south coast of Long Island has a general trend side oil terminals; Bay Shore, a large fishing center; of 247° for 68 miles from Montauk Point to Fire Island and the many smaller communities which support a Inlet, and thence trends 263° for 36 miles to the west- large small-craft activity. ern end of Coney Island in the Lower Bay of New York Harbor. It is a clear shore and may be safely approached Caution as close as 1 mile with not less than 30 feet anywhere (2) Eelgrass is found in most of the waters described in between Montauk Point and Rockaway Inlet, except off Fire Island Inlet and the inlet’s westward side where this chapter. Eelgrass nets are often placed at the en- the shore should be given a berth of at least 1.5 miles. trances to canals and are sometimes difficult to see. When viewed from seaward it presents only a few prom- (3) Fishtrap areas are in Moriches, Shinnecock, Tiana, inent features. It is composed of a series of sand dunes Quantuck, and Great South Bays. backed by low dark woods. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (8) Shinnecock, Moriches, Great South, and Hemp- (4) The lines established for this part of the coast are stead Bays are inside the beach along the south coast of Long Island and form an inside route for boats of about described in 80.160, chapter 2. 3-foot draft. The three main inlets from the sea to these bays are Fire Island Inlet, Jones Inlet, and East Weather, South Coast of Long Island and vicinity Rockaway Inlet. These inlets and all auxiliary channels (5) The south coast of Long Island is open to weather within the south coast of Long Island have numerous wrecks, obstructions, frequent and extensive changes, from the south and southeast, but somewhat sheltered and, although marked in many areas, should not be to the west through north. Waves of 8 feet (>2.5 m) or used without local knowledge. more are most likely in winter when they may be en- countered about 6 to 10 percent of the time near the (9) Two small inlets, Shinnecock Inlet and Moriches coast. During this period gales are encountered less Inlet, which broke through in 1938 and 1931, respec- than 5 percent of the time but are more likely a few tively, are also used by small boats for entrance to these hundred miles out to sea. Fogs are more apt to occur in bays, but their use is not advisable without local knowl- late spring and early summer with Ambrose Light re- edge. cording a June maximum. Visibilities of less than 2 miles are observed about 5 to 10 percent of the time Chart 12352 from May through July. These frequencies are higher at the eastern end in May and June and between (10) Shinnecock Canal, 31.5 miles southwestward of Westhampton and Ambrose in July. Locally, Shinnecock Montauk Point, is about 1 mile long and connects Inlet is particularly rough when southerly winds climb Great Peconic Bay with Shinnecock Bay. The canal is to 15 knots or more during ebb tide; breakers fill the owned and maintained by Suffolk County of New York. entrance. It is a partly dredged cut and is protected at the north entrance by two jetties; the east jetty is marked by a North Atlantic Right Whales light. In April 1985, the east timber jetty was reported (6) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur to be deteriorating. Protruding timbers and floating debris may be encountered; caution is advised. A lock within 30 nautical miles of the south coast of Long Is- about midway in the canal is 250 feet long, 41 feet wide, land, including the approaches to New York Harbor (peak season: November through April). (See North At- lantic Right Whales, indexed as such, chapter 3, for
356 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 with a depth of 12 feet over the sills. Tide gates are par- be attempted without local knowledge because of the allel to and westward of the lock. The lock gates and frequent changes in channel depths. tide gates are constructed so that tidal action opens them to allow the current to set south through the ca- Currents nal and closes them to prevent water from Shinnecock (18) Tidal currents through the inlet can be dangerous; Bay to flow back into Great Peconic Bay. The lock gates are tended 24 hours and are opened mechanically when caution is advised. the tidal current is flowing northward to allow the pas- sage of boats. Red and green traffic lights are at each (19) In January 1988, an obstruction was reported end of the lock. Vessels are allowed to enter the lock about 175 yards east of Shinnecock Inlet West Break- only on the green signal. water Light 1A. (11) The fixed bridges and overhead power cables across the canal have a least clearance of 22 feet. Mast-step- COLREGS Demarcation Lines ping cranes are available at both ends of the canal. (20) The lines established for Shinnecock Inlet are de- scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. Currents (21) Shinnecock Light (40°50'31\"N., 72°28'42\"W.), 75 (12) The maximum recorded current is 4.3 knots, feet above the water, is shown from a red skeleton tower on the west side of the inlet. A fog signal is at the light. southerly, through the lock and tide gates at peak flow Private lights are on the jetties at the entrance to the when the gates are open. At the railroad bridge, the inlet, and uncharted buoys mark the channel. current has an average speed of 1.5 knots, but it has been reported that greater speeds may be experienced. (22) The jetties extend about 120 yards beyond the (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) At times of lights marking them. high southerly current i.e., when the gates are open, there exists a dangerous eddy system extending from Small-craft facilities the south end of the lock southerly for approximately (23) There are small-craft facilities just westward of 200 yards. Tidal currents throughout the entire canal can be dangerous; caution is advised. Shinnecock Light. Berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and some marine supplies are available. (13) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the canal. (24) A fish haven and a U.S. Naval Oceanographic plat- (14) On the east side of Shinnecock Canal just south of form painted orange and white, are about 2.4 miles south and 3.4 miles south-southwestward, respec- the jetties is a boat basin in which the depth ranges tively, of Shinnecock Inlet entrance. from 7 to 10 feet. There are several small-craft facilities on both sides of the canal. (See the small-craft facilities (25) Ponquogue Point, low and sandy, is 1.2 miles tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies northwestward of Shinnecock Light. The west channel available.) from inside Shinnecock Inlet enters the Long Island (15) Hampton Bays, a station on the Long Island Rail- Intracoastal Waterway southeast of the point and has a road just west of Shinnecock Canal, is the nearest post depth of about 8 feet. The Ponquogue Bridge, a high- office. Canoe Place, the settlement at the canal, has way bridge crossing Shinnecock Bay at Ponquogue gasoline and some supplies. Small craft and fishing ves- Point, has a fixed span with a clearance of 55 feet. sels berth in the basins along both sides of the canal. (16) Long Island Intracoastal Waterway.–A Federal (26) Shinnecock Coast Guard Station is on Ponquogue project provides for a 6-foot channel from Shinnecock Point. An antenna tower, 229 feet above the water and Canal to Great South Bay. The cuts provide an inland marked by red lights, is also on the point. waterway along the south side of Long Island. This wa- terway, from the south end of Shinnecock Canal to a (27) Entrances to the small coves on the northeast side point in Great South Bay opposite Patchogue, a dis- and the east end of Shinnecock Bay have depths of tance of about 29.2 miles, is subject to frequent shoal- about 3 feet. ing; mariners are advised to obtain local knowledge. (17) Shinnecock Inlet, 31 miles westward from Small-craft facilities Montauk Point along the south coast of Long Island, is (28) There are numerous small-craft facilities along the the easternmost entrance from the Atlantic to Shinnecock Bay and the inland water route along the shore and in the creeks making into the north shore of south shore of Long Island. The approach to the inlet is Shinnecock Bay from Ponquogue Point to West Point, marked by a lighted whistle buoy. The inlet should not the eastern entrance point to Tiana Bay. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for ser- vices and supplies available.)
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 357 (29) Pine Neck, 2.3 miles westward of Ponquogue Point (35) Moriches Bay extends for about 8 miles from and on the west side of Tiana Bay, is low, flat, and sandy. Quantuck Canal to Narrow Bay and provides an inside A shoal extends southward from Pine Neck Point and is passage for small boats. The general depths in the bay marked on the south end by a lighted buoy. About 0.5 range from 5 to 7 feet, but the southern part is shoal. mile east of Pine Neck, a privately dredged channel marked by private buoys leads to a basin at Tiana (36) When navigating the Long Island Intracoastal Wa- Beach, a small summer resort on the south side of terway through Moriches Bay northeast of Moriches Shinnecock Bay. In July 1981, depths of about 2 feet Inlet, extreme care must be taken due to changing were reported in the channel and basin. shoaling conditions. (30) Weesuck Creek, on the north side near the western (37) Speonk Point, near the eastern end of Moriches end of Shinnecock Bay, is entered through a privately Bay on the north shore, is marked by several dredged channel that leads to the head of the cove at bulkheaded jetties and a prominent flagstaff. East Quogue. In April 1999, the channel, marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported controlling (38) Seatuck Cove, on the north side of Moriches Bay, depth of about 5 feet. There are two boatyards on the about 1 mile westward of Speonk Point, is entered west side near the head of the creek. Berths, electricity, through a privately dredged channel that leads north- water, marine supplies, storage facilities, and lifts to 30 ward for about 1.1 miles and then forks into three tons are available. The largest marine railway can han- branch channels: East Branch, the easterly branch; dle craft up to 65 feet in length; hull and engine repairs Seatuck Creek, the northerly branch; and Little can be made. Seatuck Creek, the westerly branch. In June 1981, the controlling depth in the entrance channel and in the (31) Quogue Canal connects Shinnecock Bay with three branches was 7 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark Quantuck Bay. The canal is crossed by a highway bas- the entrance channel to the fork and the channel in cule bridge with a clearance of 15 feet and by overhead East Branch to the small-craft facilities just inside the power and TV cables with clearances of 75 feet. (See entrance. 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) A 5 mph speed (39) A landing at Eastport is on the point just above the limit is enforced in the canal. fork between East Branch and Seatuck Creek. In June 1981, depths of 2 to 3 feet were reported at the landing. (32) Quantuck Bay joins Quogue Canal with Quantuck Berths, moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- Canal. Quantuck Creek, at the head of the bay, is ter, ice, some marine supplies, and a pump-out are crossed by a fixed bridge, which is the head of naviga- available at small-craft facilities on East Branch. Lifts tion except for small pulling boats. to 15 tons can handle craft for engine and hull repairs. Depths of 3 feet are reported alongside. (33) Quantuck Canal connects Quantuck Bay and Moriches Bay. The canal is crossed by two highway bas- (40) Hart Cove, westward of Seatuck Cove, is entered cule bridges with a least clearance of 10 feet. (See through a privately dredged channel, marked by pri- 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), vate seasonal buoys, that leads to the head of the cove. chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations). The overhead In June 1981, the channel had a reported controlling power cable at Potunk Point has a clearance of 77 feet. depth of 4 feet. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the canal. Small-craft facilities (34) About 300 yards northeastward of the bridge at (41) Small-craft facilities are near the head on the west Potunk Point, a privately dredged channel leads to a yacht basin at Westhampton Beach. The channel is side of the cove. Gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine along the west bank in the bight and is marked by pri- supplies, a launching ramp, and a 30-ton mobile hoist vate seasonal lights and buoys. A dredged cut leads up are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. to Main Street in Westhampton Beach. A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to the yacht basin (42) Tuthill Cove, locally known as West Cove, on the just before reaching the Stevens Lane Bridge, which north side of Moriches Bay, 1.5 miles westward of has a fixed span with a clearance of about 7 feet. Berths, Seatuck Cove, is entered through a privately dredged electricity, and a launching ramp are at the yacht basin. and partially marked channel that leads to the head of Gasoline, ice, and marine supplies are available at a ma- the cove; in 1986, the channel had a reported control- rina on the east bank of the bight; engine and hull re- ling depth of 2 feet. Several privately dredged channels pairs can be made. A forklift can handle craft to 6 tons. lead from the main channel to small-craft facilities on In June 1981, a reported depth of 2 feet was available at the east side of the cove. (See the small-craft facilities the marina. tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) A Coast Guard Station is on the east side of
358 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 the entrance to Tuthill Cove. East Moriches is on the and engine repairs can be made. A marine railway can north side of the cove. haul out vessels up to 32 feet in length. (43) Tuthill Point is on the west side of the entrance to Tuthill Cove. (53) Mud (West Senix) Creek, westward of Senix Creek, (44) Moriches Inlet, 44 miles westward of Montauk had a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in June Point, is a shallow entrance from seaward to the deeper 1981. The creek is used mostly by local residents. A ma- water in Moriches Bay. The jettied entrance is subject rina on the east side of the creek near the head has to frequent change. Mariners are advised not to at- berthage, electricity, gasoline, water, and a 15-ton lift; tempt to navigate this inlet at any time without local hull and engine repairs can be made. knowledge. Both east and west jetties are marked by a light and the approach to the inlet is marked by a (54) Forge River, at the northwest end of Moriches Bay lighted whistle buoy. about 0.5 mile westward of the common entrance to (45) A fish haven, marked by a buoy, is about 2.5 miles Senix and Mud Creeks, is entered through a privately south-southwestward of Moriches Inlet East Breakwa- dredged channel that leads from the Intracoastal Wa- ter Light. terway to the town dock and turning basin at Mastic, about 1.5 miles above the entrance west of Masury COLREGS Demarcation Lines Point, thence for about 0.2 mile to the head of naviga- (46) The lines established for Moriches Inlet are de- tion. In 1981-1999, the reported controlling depths were 6 feet from the Intracoastal Waterway to the head scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. of navigation. Favor the east side of the channel at the entrance. The channel is marked to the turning basin (47) Fire Island extends west from Moriches Inlet for by private seasonal lighted and unlighted buoys. The about 28 miles along the south shore of Long Island to town dock is available only to the local residents, how- Fire Island Inlet. With the exception of the State park ever, overnight transient berths are available. occupying its westernmost 4.6 miles, all of Fire Island is part of the Fire Island National Seashore, a Marine (55) Old Neck Creek empties into the easterly side of Managed Area (MMA). (See MMA 10-1, Appendix C, for Forge River about 0.5 mile above the entrance. A pri- additional information.) vately dredged channel leads from the river to the head of the creek. In June 1981, the channel had a reported (48) Orchard Neck Creek, 1.7 miles west of Tuthill controlling depth of 7 feet. A marina, just inside the Point, is extensively used by local small craft as a moor- easterly entrance to the creek, has berths, gasoline, wa- ing basin. A reported depth of about 3 feet is available to ter, ice, marine supplies, a small-craft launching ramp, the head of navigation. A private seasonal lighted buoy and a 15-ton mobile hoist; hull, engine, and electrical marks the entrance. repairs can be made. Small-craft facility (56) Narrow Bay extends for about 3 miles from (49) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the creek Moriches Bay to Bellport Bay, and provides a continua- tion of the inside passage for small boats. The bridge near its head. Gasoline, water, marine supplies, and a across the bay eastward of Smith Point has a bascule 12-ton lift are available; hull and engine repairs can be span with a clearance of 18 feet. (See 117.1 through made. In June 1981, a depth of about 2 feet was re- 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), chapter 2, for ported alongside the facility. drawbridge regulations.) Caution is recommended when in the vicinity of the bridge because of the piling (50) Areskonk Creek, immediately westward of Orchard near the channel. The bridge is an excellent radar tar- Neck Creek, is used as a harbor by yachtsmen. A pri- get from 5 to 10 miles. vately dredged channel, marked by private seasonal buoys, leads to the head of the creek. In June 1981, the (57) Bellport Bay extends for about 3 miles from Nar- channel had a reported controlling depth of 8 feet. row Bay to Great South Bay and provides a continua- tion of the inside passage for small boats. The bay is (51) Senix Creek, 0.6 mile westward of Orchard Neck shoal in its southern part, but has depths of 5 to 7 feet Creek, has a narrow entrance. With local knowledge, a in the northern part. reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried in the channel to about 0.5 mile above the entrance. (58) Carmans River, on the northeast side of Bellport Bay, has a depth of about 2 feet through the entrance. Small-craft facilities Sometimes bush stakes are placed on each of the shoals (52) Small-craft facilities near the head of the creek making off from the points at the entrance. Enter in midriver between these stakes, favor the east side for a have berths, electricity, storage, and a 6-ton lift; hull distance of 0.5 mile, and then follow midriver; caution is advised. The river, marked at the entrance by private
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 359 seasonal lighted buoys, is entered between Long Point (66) Abets Creek and Mud Creek, on the northeast side on the west and Sandy Point on the east. Some of the of Great South Bay, had reported depths of 4 feet in land areas on both sides of the river just above the en- 1981 and 6 feet in April 1999, respectively. The en- trance are part of the Werthein National Wildlife Ref- trance to each creek is marked by a private seasonal uge, a Marine Managed Area (MMA); landing is not lighted buoy and stakes. A 5-mph speed limit is en- permitted. (See MMA 10-3, Appendix C, for additional forced in Abets Creek. information.) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. Small-craft facilities (67) Small-craft facilities in the creeks can provide Small-craft facility (59) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the river berths, gasoline, water, storage, and hull and engine re- pairs. A 7-ton marine railway is available in Abets about 0.6 mile above the entrance. Electricity, water, Creek, and mobile lifts up to 30 tons are available in some marine supplies, a 12-ton lift, and storage facili- Mud Creek. Diesel fuel, ice, and a pumpout station are ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. available in Mud Creek. (60) Beaverdam Creek, on the north side of Bellport Bay (68) Swan River, about 0.4 mile westward of Mud Creek, about 1.5 miles westward of Carmans River, is entered is entered through a privately dredged channel that through a privately dredged approach channel marked leads to the head of navigation about 1 mile above the by private seasonal buoys. In August 1999, the channel mouth. In 1981, the channel had a reported controlling had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet. depth of 4 feet. In September 1985, a shoal was reported to be encroaching from the west side of the channel at Small-craft facility the mouth of the river. A private seasonal lighted buoy (61) A small-craft facility is at the head of the creek and marks the entrance, and poles mark the channel above the entrance. can provide berths, storage, supplies, and a 30-ton lift; engine repairs can be made. (62) The wharf of a yacht club is on the northwest side of (69) Several small-craft facilities are on Swan River. Bellport Bay at the town of Bellport, about 0.5 mile (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 westward of the entrance to Beaverdam Creek. In June for services and supplies available.) 1981, depths of 6 to 8 feet were reported in the basin be- hind the wharf with about 2½ to 3 feet alongside. Water (70) Patchogue River, on the north side of Great South and a launching ramp are available. A seasonal passen- Bay, 3.7 miles west of Bellport and 0.9 mile westward of ger ferry operates between the yacht club and Bellport Swan River, is entered through a dredged channel that Beach on Fire Island. leads from Great South Bay, thence through Patchogue Bay, and thence to the head of river navigation about 1 (63) A dockmaster manages the village dock adjacent to mile above the mouth. In May 2006, the midchannel the yacht club. controlling depth was 5.8 feet in the entrance channel to the west breakwater light, thence 2.2 feet in the (64) Great South Bay, on the south shore of Long Is- channel through the harbor to the head of navigation. land, extends from Bellport Bay on the east to South The channel is marked by a lighted and unlighted Oyster Bay on the west. It is about 20 miles long and buoys from the bay to the jettied entrance. The west about 4 miles across its widest part. It can be entered side of the entrance is protected by a breakwater with a through Fire Island Inlet, from Great Peconic Bay via light on the outer end, and the east side by a bulkhead the inside route, and from westward through and short jetty extending southward from it; a private Hempstead Bay. The southeast and southwest portions light is near the end of the jetty. of the bay are shoal. The central portion has, for the most part, depths ranging from 6½ to 10 feet. In March (71) Patchogue, on Patchogue River, is the principal 1979, severe shoaling to a least depth of ½ foot was re- town on Great South Bay. Depths at the wharves and ported in many of the channels in Great South Bay. piers at Patchogue range from 3 to 9 feet. Lights, daybeacons, and lighted and unlighted buoys mark the channels. (72) Passenger ferry service, summer only, is main- tained from Patchogue to Davis Park and Watch Hill on (65) The Long Island U.S. Courthouse (40°45'35\"N., Fire Island. 73°11'25\"W.), is a prominent feature in East Islip. The building is rectangular with a cone-shaped entrance and is constructed of white and gray panels and is 281 feet high; reported to be visible from 20 miles offshore.
360 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Small-craft facilities about 6 feet. Limited berthing is available in the outer (73) Several marinas and boatyards are on both sides of basin. A boatyard is in the inner basin. (80) Connetquot River, locally known as Great River, is the river at Patchogue. (See the small-craft facilities 3 miles westward of Brown Creek. In June 1981, a re- tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies ported depth of 5 feet (with local knowledge) could be available.) carried from Nicoll Bay to the boatyards on the east side of the river, thence about 2 feet to the head of navi- (74) Corey Creek, 0.6 mile westward of Patchogue River, gation at the railroad; favor the east bank of the river is entered between two jetties each marked by a private above the boatyards. A shoal with depths of 2 feet ex- seasonal light. In June 1981, depths of 3 feet were avail- tends northeast from Nicoll Island on the southwest able in the creek. A marina, on the east side of the creek side of the river entrance. A private light marks the en- just inside the entrance, has berths, electricity, gaso- trance to the river. A prominent mansion with a tower, line, marine supplies, water, ice, storage, and a 16-ton now part of a private school, is on the north shore of the lift; hull, engine, and electronic repairs can be made. entrance. Depths of 5 feet were reported at the marina in Septem- ber 1985. Small-craft facilities (81) There are several small-craft facilities on the east (75) Brown Creek, locally known as Browns River, 3 miles westward of Patchogue, is entered between two side of the river. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- short jetties extending out to a depth of about 4 feet. tion on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) The jetties are marked by lights. In March-April 2005, the midchannel controlling depth was 5.4 feet to the (82) Great River is a village on the west side of the river. old town dock, thence 3.5 feet to the upstream limit of (83) Watch Hill, part of Fire Island National Seashore, is the project; thence in 1993, 2 feet at midchannel to a point about 0.3 mile below the Sayville Highway across Great South Bay from Patchogue. A privately Bridge; thence in 1971, with local knowledge, about 2 dredged channel with a reported depth of 3 feet in Au- feet to the head of navigation at the bridge. In 1976, a gust 1999, leads from Great South Bay to a seasonally large rock, covered 6½ feet, was reported at the en- operated marina. The channel is marked by private sea- trance to the dredged channel. Local interests advise sonal lighted buoys and a lighted range. Berths, elec- that mariners steer a centerline course from a point tricity, water, ice, some supplies, and a pumpout station about 0.75 mile south of the jetty light through the en- are available. A passenger ferry operates between trance channel. Watch Hill and Patchogue. (84) Cherry Grove, a summer resort across Great South Small-craft facilities Bay from Connetquot River, has a boat landing extend- (76) There are several small-craft facilities on the creek. ing out to a depth of 5 feet. Seasonal ferry service is maintained with Sayville. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, marine (85) Point o’ Woods, Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, and supplies, mobile hoists to 80 tons, and hull and engine Saltaire are summer resorts on Great South Bay west- repairs are available. A marine railway can handle ves- ward of Cherry Grove. Provisions are available at most sels to 15 feet long. of these resorts. Year-round ferry service is maintained between Ocean Beach, Saltaire, and Bay Shore, a town (77) Passenger ferry service, summer only, is available northwestward on the north shore of Great South Bay, from Sayville to Fire Island Pines, Sailors Haven, while there is seasonal service between the rest of these Cherry Grove, and Barrett Beach on Fire Island. settlements and Bay Shore. A privately dredged chan- nel with a reported depth of 9 feet in 1981 leads south- (78) Green Creek, about 1 mile west of Brown Creek, is ward to Fair Harbor. A private light marks the channel. used by many clam boats. Depths of about 5 feet were (86) On the north shore of Great South Bay, in the vi- reported available in the creek in 1981. Mariners are cinity of Nicoll Point, is Heckscher State Park. A boat advised to use care when entering the creek, especially basin and a small-craft launching ramp are at the park during strong southwest winds. Inside the creek, gaso- in a cove about 1.6 miles west of Nicoll Point. The park line, water, marine supplies, storage, a 30-ton lift, and is open during daylight hours only. A 5 mph speed limit complete hull, engine, and electronic repairs are avail- is enforced. able. A 4-mph speed limit is enforced in the creek. (87) Sailors Haven, across Great South Bay from Nicoll Point, is part of the Fire Island National Seashore. A (79) Green Harbor is a privately maintained two-part privately dredged and marked channel with a depth of harbor just westward of the entrance to Green Creek. about 4 feet leads from Great South Bay to a seasonally The entrance to the outer basin and the connecting channel between the outer and inner basins are very narrow. In September 1985, depths were reported to be
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 361 operated marina at which berthing, water, ice, and across the mouth of Great Cove marks a shellfish clo- some supplies are available. A seasonal passenger ferry sure area. operates between Sailors Haven and Sayville. (95) Orowoc Creek, which enters the northeast part of the cove, leads to the boat basin and wharves at the (88) Islip is on the south side of Long Island just inland town of Islip. The channel in the cove is sometimes from Great South Bay and opposite the Fire Island Na- marked by stakes, and had a reported depth of about 6 tional Seashore, about halfway between New York city feet in June 1981. A private light marks the westerly and Montauk Point. edge of the 3-foot shoal on the east side of the channel near the entrance to the creek. (89) At Islip the average annual temperature is 53°F (11.7°C). The average high is 61°F (16.1°C) and the av- Small-craft facilities erage low is 44°F (6.7°C). July is the warmest month (96) Small-craft facilities on the creek can provide gaso- with an average high of 82°F (27.8°C) and an average low of 67°F (19.4°C). January is the coolest month with line, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and complete an average high of 39°F (3.9°C) and an average low of engine and hull repairs. A 55-foot marine railway and a 24°F (-4.4°C). The warmest temperature on record for 25-ton mobile hoist are available. Islip is 101°F (38.3°C) recorded in July 1991 and the coldest temperature on record is -7°F (-21.7°C) re- (97) Several fish packing plants are on the creek. corded in January 1984. On average, seven days each (98) Penataquit Creek and Watchogue Creek, locally year record high temperatures in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and 98 days record minimum temperatures known as West Creek, about 0.5 mile westward of below 32°F (0°C). An average of only two days each year Orowoc Creek, empty into the northwest end of Great has an extreme minimum below 5°F (-15°C). Cove through a common entrance. Bay Shore is a large fishing center on the northwest shore of Great Cove at (90) Precipitation is both moderate and distributed the head of the creeks. The common entrance is pro- evenly throughout the year. August is the wettest tected on its westerly side by a bulkheaded sandspit, month with an average precipitation total of five inches which forms a well-protected boat basin. The entrance (127 mm) and February the driest with just over three channel leads between the northeast end of the inches (76 mm). Average annual precipitation is about sandspit and the point to the east. A private light marks 45 inches (1143 mm). Most of the rainfall from June the entrance to the creeks. The channel had a reported through September comes from thunderstorms, there- depth of 6 feet in June 1981. A 4 mph speed limit is en- fore, is usually of brief duration, but relatively intense. forced on the creeks. Thunderstorm days average 25 each year. From Octo- (99) The ferry landing near the entrance of Penataquit ber to April, however, precipitation is generally associ- Creek had a reported depth of about 5 feet at its end in ated with widespread storm areas, so that day-long rain June 1981. From the landing, ferries connect with or snow is common. Ocean Beach and Saltaire year round and with Point o’ Woods, Kismet, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, (91) Snow falls an average 30 days each year and aver- Sea View and Ocean Bay Park during the summer. ages 21 inches (533 mm) in any given year. The snowi- est month is February with an average of six inches Small-craft facilities (152 mm). Snow has fallen in each month, November (100) There are several small-craft facilities in Pena- through April. The greatest 24-hour total snowfall was eight inches (203 mm) which fell in March 1993. taquit and Watchogue Creeks. (See the small-craft fa- cilities tabulation on chart 12352 for services and (92) Tropical storms have influenced the area fourteen supplies available.) times since 1871. Most recently, Hurricane Gloria passed within 10 miles west of Islip in September 1985. (101) There are several creeks and a dredged boat basin Gloria made landfall about halfway between Kennedy between Watchogue Creek and Conklin Point to the and Islip and provided sustained winds of 75 knots at southwestward. These waterways are for the most part time of landfall for the Islip area. Only two days earlier, privately maintained and for the exclusive use of the lo- Gloria was a 125-knot hurricane. cal property owners. (93) (See page 433 for the Islip climatological table.) (102) Fire Island Inlet, about 28 miles westward along the south coast of Long Island from Moriches Inlet, is (94) Great Cove, on the north side of Great South Bay the only direct entrance from the Atlantic to Great about 4 miles westward of Nicoll Point, has depths of 4 South Bay. The inlet is subject to frequent changes and to 8 feet. A line of private orange and white spar buoys has been moving westward for many years. Mariners
362 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 are warned to beware of extreme tidal turbulence espe- (110) The channel connecting Great South Bay with cially during times of tidal change and should seek lo- Jones Inlet, East Bay, and South Oyster Bay is narrow, cal knowledge of the latest conditions before entering. treacherous, and has numerous short bends. Caution Navigation of the inlet is difficult even with relatively should be exercised when navigating in these areas in calm seas, and for small craft it can be extremely dan- small boats. gerous. During heavy weather, the entrance usually is obstructed by breakers. (111) Several channels lead from Fire Island Inlet to places in Great South Bay and connecting inside water- COLREGS Demarcation Lines ways. East Channel follows the buoyed channel along (103) The lines established for Fire Island Inlet are de- the north side of Great South Beach and joins with the inside passage south of Nicoll Bay. It has a depth of scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. about 8 feet. Range Channel, just westward of East Channel, has a depth of about 6 feet. West Channel, just (104) Fire Island Light (40°37'57\"N., 73°13'07\"W.), 167 westward of Fire Islands, has a depth of about 7 feet. feet above the water, is shown from a black and white Dickerson Channel, northeastward of Captree Island, horizontally banded tower about 4 miles east-north- had a reported depth of 4 feet in June 1981. These chan- eastward of Democrat Point. Fire Island Coast Guard nels are marked with buoys that are shifted in position Station is about 1.9 miles west-southwestward of the with changing conditions. light. A water tower, about 208 feet high, marked by floodlights and visible for 16 miles, is about 0.1 mile (112) From Fire Island Inlet the State Boat Channel southwest of the Fire Island Coast Guard Station. leads westward through Great South Bay and South Oyster Bay to Zacks Bay at Jones Beach State Park, (105) The Robert Moses Causeway Bridge over Fire Is- thence westward in Hempstead Bay through winding land Inlet, 2.1 miles inside the entrance, has a clear- channels, well marked by lights, buoys, and daybeacons ance of 65 feet at the 464-foot center span. The bridge is to Reynolds Channel at Point Lookout, just west of an excellent radar target at a range of more than 12 Jones Inlet. Two buoys mark submerged obstructions miles. on the south side of the entrance to the channel. In 2005, shoaling was reported in the channel just E of (106) Two boat basins at the Robert Moses (Fire Island) Buoy 76. State Park are entered just westward of the southern end of the bridge. Berths and water are available in the (113) The speed of vessels is limited to 10.4 knots (12 basins between sunrise and sunset. In June 1981, mph) in the channel and 3.5 knots (4 mph) in the areas depths of 7 feet and 6 feet were reported available in the designated as basin or anchorage. east and west basins, respectively. (114) A marina on the south side of the channel at the Currents eastern end of Captree Island has berthage, gasoline, (107) The currents in Fire Island Inlet, after crossing the diesel fuel, water, and ice. bar, have a velocity of about 2.4 knots at full strength (115) The Robert Moses Causeway Bridge over the State and are influenced greatly by the force and direction of Boat Channel, connecting Oak Beach with Captree Is- the wind. (Consult the Tidal Current Tables for predic- land, has twin bascule spans with a clearance of 29 feet tions.) In the bay, currents have little velocity except in at the center. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 the narrow channels between the shoals and within a (a) through (c) and (i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regu- radius of 3 miles from Fire Island Coast Guard Station lations.) The twin fixed spans of this bridge and cause- where their estimated velocity is 1 to 1.5 knots. way over the inside passage in Great South Bay between Captree Island and Conklin Point have a clear- (108) Fire Island Inlet remains open throughout the ance of 60 feet for a middle width of 460 feet. year, but ice does become a problem in the inland chan- nels through Great South Bay from early January (116) A shellfish closure area, marked by private yellow through about mid-March. buoys, extends from the Robert Moses Causeway at Conklin Point westward for about 6.8 miles to (109) The area between Fire Island Inlet and Jones Inlet Narraskatuck Creek. is characterized by low, sandy beaches and numerous islands fringed by vast stretches of marshy ground. (117) Oak Island Channel, locally known as Babylon Cut, Many shallow areas, irregular in outline, are a serious extends northwestward from the State Boat Channel menace to the navigation of light-draft vessels. An ex- from a point opposite the northeastern end of Oak Is- tensive network of bays, creeks, coves, channels, and land to Great South Bay and Babylon Cove. In 1981, the inlets covers the entire area. channel, marked by seasonal buoys, had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet except for shoaling to an un- known extent in the channel opposite Grass Island.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 363 From a point about 1.7 miles above the State Boat (124) Several small-craft facilities are on the creek. (See Channel, Oak Island Channel connects with a privately the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for dredged and marked channel, locally known as East services and supplies available.) Several creeks to the West Channel, that leads westward and parallels the westward have been improved in a similar manner. northern shore of Great South Bay for about 6 miles to South Oyster Bay. In June 1981, East West Channel had (125) In July 1980, a submerged obstruction was re- a reported controlling depth of about 4 feet. Several ported about 0.55 mile southwest of the mouth of West channels, some leading northward into the waterways Babylon Creek in about 40°40'00\"N., 73°20'38\"W. on the north side of Great South Bay and some leading southward to the State Boat Channel, connect with (126) Oak Beach is primarily a summer resort and fish- East West Channel. These connecting channels are dis- ing village on the north side of Fire Island Inlet. The cussed later in this chapter. channel to the village pier, passing eastward of Oak Is- (118) Babylon is a town on the north shore of Great land, has a depth of about 9 feet. A tall lighted mast on South Bay. A flag pole and a church spire are promi- the south side of Oak Beach is prominent. nent. The public landing, about 0.3 mile northward of Sampawams Point and at the mouth of Sampawams (127) Cedar Island Beach and Gilgo Beach, westward of Creek, had a reported depth of 6 feet at the end in 1993. Oak Beach, are maintained and operated by the County Approaching around Sampawams Point, give the point and Township authorities and are not part of the Long a berth of 0.3 mile when southeastward of it and head Island State Park System. northwestward to the wharf. (119) Sampawams Creek, just northward of the wharf, (128) Neguntatogue Creek, on the north side of Great has been dredged to reclaim adjacent lands and is South Bay at the town of Lindenhurst, has several bulkheaded on the west side. The entrance is marked by small-craft facilities. In June 2000, the reported con- private seasonal buoys and a private light. It is used as trolling depth in the entrance to the creek was 4 feet. an anchorage by small craft and has a depth of about 5 Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- feet through the entrance and greater depths inside. age, and marine supplies are available; hull and engine Boats also anchor between the public landing and repairs can be made. Sampawams Point. This anchorage becomes choppy during easterly or southeasterly winds. (129) Fox Creek Channel, privately dredged and marked by private seasonal aids, leads from the mouth of Small-craft facilities Neguntatogue Creek across Great South Bay to a junc- (120) There are several small-craft facilities on the creek. tion with the State Boat Channel just eastward of Cedar Island. In June 1982, the reported controlling depth (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 was 3 feet. for services and supplies available.) (130) Strongs Creek, westward of Neguntatogue Creek, (121) Carlls River, westward of Sampawams Point, in in June 1981, had a controlling depth of 7 feet in the June 1981, had a reported controlling depth of 5 feet in privately dredged entrance channel leading northward the privately dredged entrance channel leading north- from East West Channel. ward from East West Channel. In June 1982, shoaling to an unknown extent was reported in the channel. Small-craft facilities (131) Small-craft facilities in the creek have storage and a 12-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs can be made. Small-craft facilities (132) Great Neck Creek, westward of Strongs Point, has (122) Small-craft facilities on the river have berthage, a depth of about 7 feet in the privately dredged entrance channel leading northward from East West Channel; gasoline, water, marine supplies, a 9-ton lift, and a greater depths are inside. 40-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs can be made. In 1993, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported Small-craft facilities alongside at the facilities. (133) Small-craft facilities in the creek can provide (123) West Babylon Creek, locally known as Mud Creek, berths, electricity, gasoline, water, and marine sup- is about 1 mile westward of Sampawams Point. In June plies; hull and engine repairs can be made. The largest 1981, the privately dredged and marked entrance chan- mobile hoist can handle craft up to 12 tons. nel leading northward from East West Channel had a reported controlling depth of 4 feet. (134) Woods Creek is westward of Howell Point and Howell Creek. In 2005, the reported controlling depth
364 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 in the entrance was 3 feet. Gasoline is available just in- Chart 12352 side the entrance and a small-craft facility at the head of the creek can provide limited berths, electricity, gas- (143) Jones Beach State Park, on the south coast of Long oline, water, some marine supplies, a pump-out sta- Island, comprises about 2,500 acres and is under the tion, winter storage, and a 30-ton lift; hull, engine and jurisdiction of the Long Island State Park and Recre- electrical repairs can be made. ation Commission. A prominent red brick water tower, (135) Amityville Creek, on the north side of the western 204 feet high, with a pyramid top, 3.5 miles eastward of extremity of Great South Bay, had a reported control- Jones Inlet, is the center of Central Mall. The tower, ling depth of about 3 feet in June 1981. The entrance to flood-lighted at night, is visible 16 miles. Zachs Bay, a the creek is marked on the west side by a private light. dredged basin above Jones Beach State Park, has Several boatyards on the creek have marine railways, depths of 4 to 29 feet. The eastern part of Zachs Bay is the largest of which can handle craft up to 50 feet in used as an anchorage; a swimming area marked by pri- length; gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, vate buoys is in the western part of the bay. and complete engine and hull repairs are available. (136) Amityville is a small town on the north shore of (144) Stone Creek, marked by seasonal buoys and with a Great South Bay at its western extremity . The village reported depth of about 2 feet in June 1981, leads wharf bares at low water at its face. Amityville Cut ex- northward from Sloop Channel and eastward of Green tends southward from Amityville Creek and joins the Island to the village of Seaford at the head of Seaford State Boat Channel near Gilgo Beach. The privately Creek. In August 1992, severe shoaling to an unknown maintained and marked channel had a reported con- depth was reported north of Great Island Channel trolling depth of 8 feet in 1993. Lighted Buoy Z2. (137) Narraskatuck Creek, 0.5 miles westward of Amityville Creek had a reported depth of about 3 feet in June 1981. Small-craft facilities (145) There are many small-craft facilities at Seaford and Small-craft facilities (138) The small-craft facilities on the creek have gaso- in the vicinity. Berthage, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and small-craft launch- line, berths, electricity, water, ice, storage, and marine ing ramps are available. The largest mobile hoist is 30 supplies. Mobile hoists can handle craft up to 20 tons; tons; hull, engine and electrical repairs can be made. hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be made. (146) The Wantagh State Parkway bridge crosses Sloop (139) Carman Creek, about 0.8 mile westward of Channel from Jones Beach State Park to Green Island Amityville Creek, is used by boats drawing 4 to 5 feet. and has a fixed span with a clearance of 15 feet; the bridge is temporary. A permanent bascule bridge is be- (140) South Oyster Bay, lying between Great South Bay ing built close southwest of the existing temporary and Hempstead Bay, is shoal over its greater part. A bridge with a design clearance of 14 feet. The other channel marked by buoys and daybeacons, good for a bridges, which are part of the Wantagh State Parkway, draft of 4 feet at high water, extends through the bay. have the following clearances: 16 feet for the bascule Through traffic uses the State Boat Channel and con- span over Goose Creek between Green Island and Great necting lanes on the south side of the Bay. Island; and 12 feet for the fixed span across Island Creek. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) (141) Gilgo Heading, a channel and basin between the through (c) and (i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- State Boat Channel and Gilgo Beach, has a depth of tions.) about 7 feet. Chart 12352 Caution (147) The current is reported to be swift during periods (142) Hempstead Bay is on the south side of Long Island inside the beach extending from the west end of Great of maximum flood and ebb at the bridge crossing the South Bay to Far Rockaway. The bay has many sloughs Sloop Channel from Green Island to Jones Beach State that are subject to change in the vicinity of the inlets Park, and has a tendency to set boats into the bridge and where dredging is done to reclaim land. Naviga- abutments. Mariners are advised to avoid this part of tional aids marking the main channels of the bay are the channel during these periods and to use the sec- maintained by the town of Hempstead. Many shoal ondary route in Goose Creek, north of Green Island. spots, some to a foot or less, have been reported at sev- eral areas of the rivers and channels. (148) A privately marked channel, locally known as Race- horse Channel, with a depth of about 6 feet, leads northward from Sloop Channel and westward of Green
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 365 Island to the western entrance of Island Creek. Olivers the bascule span between Meadow Island and Alder Is- Channel, marked by private buoys and daybeacons, land, and 20 feet for the 29-foot fixed span over leads westward from near the north end of Racehorse Reynolds Channel between Alder Island and Point Channel to East Bay. Lookout. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) (149) A fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is near the through (c) and (f), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- middle of East Bay. tions.) In August 1998, a replacement fixed bridge was under construction across Swift Creek, between West Small-craft facilities Crow Island and Meadow Island, just south of the exist- (150) On the north side of East Bay, there are several ing bridge with a design clearance of 20 feet. (156) Jones Inlet, about 12 miles westward along the small-craft facilities at the head of Bellmore Creek and south coast of Long Island from Fire Island Inlet, is the on the west side of Nicks Point. (See the small-craft fa- principal entrance from the Atlantic to the inside pas- cilities tabulation on 12352 for services and supplies sages and towns in Hempstead Bay. The inlet, which is available.) used mostly by pleasure craft and fishermen, should not be attempted without local knowledge because the (151) Sloop Channel, the main channel leading east channel and depths are constantly changing. from Jones Inlet, extends along the north side of Short (157) The approach is marked by a lighted whistle buoy. Beach and Jones Beach State Park. The channel is (158) A light is at the outer end of the jetty on the east marked by buoys and daybeacons. In June 1981, shoal- side of the entrance to Jones Inlet. A small-craft basin is ing to 3 feet was reported on the south side of Sloop inside the inlet on the north side of Jones Beach; Channel from about 0.3 mile southwest of Meadow- berths, electricity, water, and a pump-out station are brook State Parkway Bridge to about 0.45 mile north- available. Jones Beach Coast Guard Station is in the east of the bridge. In 2005, shoaling to bare was small-craft basin. reported in the channel south of Short Beach Island, (159) In March 2007, the controlling depth was 7.1 feet obstructing the eastern entrance and part of the west- in the channel from Point Lookout (40°35.6'N., ern entrance. 73°34.6'W.) to the Loop Parkway Bridge over Long Creek. The buoys and soundings in Jones Inlet are not (152) A channel with reported depths of 3 to 4 feet in charted because of continual changes; caution and lo- June 1981 leads between Snipe Island and Egg Island cal knowledge are advised. into Haunts Creek on the western side of Deep Creek Meadow and joins Sloop Channel northwestward of Currents Jones Beach State Park. (160) The tidal current in the inlet has a velocity of about (153) The channel joining Haunts Creek east of East 3 knots. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Crow Island and leading northward through Broad Creek Channel to East Bay, and thence to Merrick Tides Creek, has a depth of about 1 foot. The channel joining (161) The mean range of tide is 3.6 feet. Sloop Channel just west of the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge leads north through Swift Creek and COLREGS Demarcation Lines Neds Creek to East Bay; the channel bares at low water (162) The lines established for Jones Inlet are described about 0.7 mile north-northeastward of the bridge be- tween West Crow Island and Pettit Marsh. The channel in 80.160, chapter 2. between False Channel Meadow and Pettit Marsh has a depth of about 5 feet and leads to Freeport Creek, dis- (163) Point Lookout is a village on the east end of the cussed later in this chapter. barrier beach on the west side of Jones Inlet. A large lighted tank in the western part of the town is promi- (154) The Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge has the nent. following clearances: 21 feet for the bascule span across Sloop Channel between Jones Beach State Park and Small-craft facilities Jones Island, 14 feet for the 29-foot fixed span between (164) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the West Crow Island and Pettit Marsh, and 12 feet for the 29-foot fixed span between Pettit Marsh and Fighting bridge. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on Island. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) through (c) and (h), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- tions.) (165) Long Creek, marked by seasonal lighted and unlighted buoys, leads northward from Jones Inlet be- (155) The Loop Parkway Bridge has the following clear- tween Alder Island and Meadow Island, and between ances: 20 feet for the fixed span over Swift Creek be- tween West Crow Island and Meadow Island, 21 feet for
366 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Smith Meadow and Pine Marsh to Freeport. The chan- of the route between the inlets. The channel is crossed nel below the Loop Parkway Bridge has been improved by several bridges. by dredging as previously mentioned. The channel above the bridge at the intersection with Sea Dog Currents Creek is subject to frequent change; local information (174) Strong currents exist in the western portion of should be obtained before using these waters. The channel above the intersection with Sea Dog Creek had Reynolds Channel, and caution must be exercised a reported depth of about 12 feet in June 1981. A chan- when approaching the drawbridges, particularly with a nel between Pine Marsh and Pettit Marsh, with a re- fair current; the signal to open the bridge should be ported depth of about 12 feet in June 1981, joins with given sufficiently in advance so the bridge can be The Narrows and Long Creek about 1 mile northward cleared of traffic and the draw opened before the vessel of the Bay of Fundy. arrives there. The currents of the two inlets meet at the (166) Freeport Creek, leading northward from The Nar- entrance of the channel leading west from Cinder rows, had a controlling depth of 3½ feet in January Creek. 1980. In July 1993, a visible wreck was reported near the mouth of the creek, just east of Buoy Q9, in about (175) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the channel be- 40°37'53\"N., 73°33'55\"W. Great Sand Creek, between tween Middle Island and Point Lookout. Pettit Marsh and False Channel Meadow, had a reported depth of about 5 feet in June 1981. Several boatyards (176) A secondary channel extending northwestward and marinas are along Freeport Creek where gasoline, through Cinder Creek and westward of Parsonage Is- diesel fuel, water, and marine supplies may be obtained; land to middle Bay had a reported depth of about 3 feet complete engine and hull repairs can be made. in June 1981. The channel is not marked. (167) Hudson Channel, extending northward to the piers at Freeport, had a reported depth of about 4 feet in June (177) Garrett Lead, the primary channel extending 1981. Woodcleft Canal, westward of Hudson Channel, northeastward from Reynolds Channel to Middle Bay, had a depth of about 13 feet. is marked by a lighted buoy, a light, buoys, and (168) Freeport is a city on the north shore of Baldwin daybeacons. In June 1981, the channel had a reported Bay with rail and bus communications to New York controlling depth of 5 feet. City and other points on Long Island. Chart 12352 Small-craft facilities (169) Many small-craft facilities are at Freeport. (See the (178) Long Beach is a seaside resort on the outer beach about 4 miles west of Point Lookout. The waterfront on small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for ser- the bayside is bulkheaded. vices and supplies available.) (179) The highway bridges crossing Reynolds Channel Anchorages between Long Beach and Island Park have bascule (170) A general anchorage is in Randall Bay at the north- spans with clearances of 20 feet. The railroad bridge about 0.2 mile westward of the highway bridges has a east end of Baldwin Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.156, bascule span with a clearance of 14 feet. (See 117.1 chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (c) and (g), chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) (171) A channel with a reported depth of about 7 feet in June 1981, passes through Scow Creek to Baldwin Har- (180) A dock of the Long Beach Hospital is on the south bor. A channel connecting Baldwin Harbor with side of Reynolds Channel about 0.3 mile eastward of the Randall Bay had a reported depth of about 5 feet in June highway bridge; medical aid to boatmen is available 1981. here. The dock is marked by a square white sign with a large red cross. (172) Milburn Creek, a dredged channel extending northward to Baldwin from Baldwin Bay, had reported (181) Just westward of the railroad bridge, a dredged depths of about 5 feet in June 1981. The entrance to the channel passes through Island Park. In June 1981, the channel is marked by private seasonal barrel buoys. A channel had a reported controlling depth of about 6 dredged channel with a reported depth of about 8 feet feet. The fixed footbridge and highway bridge crossing in June 1981 in the northern part of Middle Bay leads to the channel have a least clearance of 7 feet. Several Parsonage Cove. wharves are available at Island Park. (173) Reynolds Channel extends westward from Jones (182) Hog Island Channel, the main route to the towns Inlet to East Rockaway Inlet and is the main thorofare of Oceanside and East Rockaway, joins Reynolds Chan- nel southwestward of Island Park and leads westward of Island Park, then eastward of West, East, and North
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 367 Meadows. East Rockaway Channel, privately marked bridges over Woodmere Channel northwestward of and an alternate and shallower route to the towns, joins Brosewere Bay have a least clearance of 11 feet. Hog Island Channel about 0.8 mile and 2.4 miles above (189) Atlantic Beach is an oceanfront and bayside com- Reynolds Channel. Oceanside and East Rockaway are munity on the east side of East Rockaway Inlet. Facil- along the east and west sides, respectively, of the north- ities for mooring are eastward and westward of the ern part of East Rockaway Channel. highway bridge. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, (183) In June 1981, the reported controlling depth in and other supplies are available. Hog Island Channel was 10 feet to the oil dock at a (190) Bannister Creek, just east of the Atlantic Beach powerplant about 1.75 miles above the junction with Bridge, has depths of 7 to 12 feet. Bridge Creek extends Reynolds Channel, thence about 8 feet to the northern west just above the mouth of Bannister Creek. A small junction with East Rockaway Channel. In June 1981, boatyard on the creek can haul out craft up to 6 tons for East Rockaway Channel had a reported controlling hull and engine repairs; water, a pump-out, and some depth of 6 feet to its head. marine supplies are available. (184) Mariners of vessels transiting Hog Island Channel (191) The highway bridge crossing Reynolds Channel to in the vicinity of the public beach at the village of Island Atlantic Beach just inside East Rockaway Inlet has a Park are requested to proceed at a speed that will create bascule span with a clearance of 25 feet. (See 117.1 minimum wave wash and wake, and avoid damage to through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (c) and (e), the beach facilities. chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender (185) There are numerous marginal-type petroleum monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KFL–348. wharves along the eastern side of Hog Island Channel (192) East Rockaway Inlet, about 8 miles westward between 1.75 and 2.25 miles above the junction with along the south coast of Long Island from Jones Inlet, Reynolds Channel. In June 1981, depths of 6 to 10 feet is the westernmost entrance from the Atlantic to were reported alongside the wharves; oil barges and Hempstead Bay and the inland water route along the coastal tankers berth at or near high tide and ground south shore of Long Island. The inlet is subject to fre- out at low tide when alongside. quent changes, but is reported to be usually safer to navigate than Jones or Fire Island Inlets. The aids Small-craft facilities marking the inlet are periodically moved to mark the (186) There are extensive small-craft facilities along the best water; local knowledge is advised. (193) Two large identical apartment buildings are promi- south and southeast sides of Island Park, and also on nent about 0.8 mile north-northeastward of the jetty East Rockaway Channel at Oceanside and East light. Rockaway. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) Currents (194) The tidal current in the inlet has a velocity of about (187) Broad Channel, which joins Reynolds Channel eastward of Hicks Beach and leads to Hewlett Bay and 2.3 knots. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predic- Macy Channel, had a reported depth of about 3 feet in tions.) Caution should be exercised when passing June 1981. through the inlet and bridge at times of maximum cur- rent. (188) Woodsburgh Channel, which joins Broad Channel about 0.5 mile northward of Hicks Beach and leads Tides northwestward to Woodsburgh, had a reported con- (195) The mean range of tide is 4.1 feet in East Rockaway trolling depth of 3 feet in June 1981. The two fixed Inlet and from about 2 to 4 feet in Hempstead Bay.
368 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 369 New York Harbor and Approaches (1) This chapter describes New York Harbor and its ap- close as 1 mile, with not less than 30 feet except off the proaches and the areas adjacent to it bounded by and inlets where the shore should be given a berth of at including Jamaica Bay to the eastward and Sandy Hook least 1.5 miles. This coast is characterized by sandy Bay to southward. Included in the text in addition to beaches and summer resorts at the eastern end, and the facilities at New York City and Staten Island are the amusement parks and densely settled communities at New Jersey ports of Perth Amboy, Port Elizabeth, Port the western end. Newark, Bayonne, and others which are accessible (6) The shoreline is broken by three prominent and through tributaries that empty into New York Harbor navigable inlets which lead to the inland waterway such as Arthur Kill, Kill Van Kull, Passaic River, and along the south shore of Long Island. Fire Island Inlet Hackensack River. The Hudson River above New York is at the eastern extremity, and its entrance is marked City is discussed in chapter 12, and the East River, the by lights and buoys. Jones Inlet is about 12 miles to the approach to New York Harbor from Long Island Sound, west of Fire Island Inlet. The entrance is prominently is discussed in chapter 9. indicated by the 202-foot lighted tower at Jones Beach on the eastern side and by an elevated tank at Point COLREGS Demarcation Lines Lookout on the west side of the inlet. Jones Beach State (2) The lines established for New York Harbor are de- Park is on the east side of the inlet; a lighted tower in the park is a conspicuous landmark. scribed in 80.165, chapter 2. (7) East Rockaway Inlet, about 8 miles westward of Jones Inlet, is the extreme western entrance to the in- Charts 12326, 12327, 12401 land waterway. The inlet entrance is marked by a break- water with a light on its seaward end. The shoreline (3) The approach to New York Harbor from seaward is between the two inlets is closely built up with large generally along the south coast of Long Island or the communities. Elevated tanks, towers, and other tall east coast of New Jersey, although the harbor is easily structures are prominent in this area. approached from any direction between east and south. During the approach, the south shore of Long Island (8) A fish haven is about 2 miles offshore midway be- will be seen to northward and the low sandy beaches of tween East Rockaway Inlet and Rockaway Point. the New Jersey shore will be observed to westward. The Long Island shore is readily identified by sand hillocks (9) Rockaway Point, 17 miles westward of Jones Inlet, and thickly settled beach communities, whereas the is the southwestern extremity of Long Island and the New Jersey shore is characterized by long sandy eastern entrance to New York Lower Bay. A breakwater, stretches and many summer resort settlements. marked at its seaward end by a light, extends southward from the point. Rockaway Inlet forms a large deep en- Prominent features trance to Jamaica Bay. (4) The four most prominent landmarks, which can be (10) Ambrose Light (40°27.0'N., 73°48.0'W.), 76 feet seen for a long distance at sea, are the Fire Island Light above the water and off the entrance to New York Har- and a tower at Jones Beach on the Long Island shore, bor, is shown from a red tower on a square red deck and the Highlands of Navesink and the microwave house on three steel pilings with a large center tube tower at Atlantic Highlands on the north end of the worded “AMBROSE” in white letters; a fog signal and a New Jersey coast. When nearing the Lower Bay of New radar beacon (Racon) are at the light. York Harbor, Ambrose Light will be seen; it marks the entrance to Ambrose Channel which is the principal (11) Sandy Hook, the southern entrance point to New deepwater passage through the Lower Bay. York Harbor, is low and sandy. A Coast Guard station, a (5) The south coast of Long Island from Fire Island In- radar tower, and a radio tower are near the northern ex- let to Rockaway Inlet has a general 263° trend for 30 tremity of Sandy Hook. The towers and a large green miles. It is a clean shore and may be approached as standpipe to the southeast are the most prominent ob- jects on the northern end of Sandy Hook. Southward of
370 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Airphoto - Jim Wark the standpipe are several houses and Sandy Hook Light bottom, as the same characteristics may be found in (40°27'42\"N., 74°00'07\"W.), 88 feet above the water and widely different positions. A frequent use of soundings shown from a white stone tower, 85 feet high. This and close study of the charts will always give sufficient light, established in 1764, is the oldest in continuous warning of danger. If a vessel is not certain of her posi- use in the United States. tion, the depth should not be shoaled to less than 15 (12) The most prominent landmark southward of the fathoms on the south coast of Long Island eastward of entrance to New York Harbor is the high wooded ridge Fire Island Light, or 11 fathoms between Fire Island forming the Highlands of Navesink. A tall condomin- Light and Barnegat Lighted Buoy B (39°45'48\"N., ium on the ridge and a microwave tower at Atlantic 73°46'04\"W.), or 9 fathoms southward of Barnegat Highlands to the west are also prominent. The brown- Lighted Buoy B. stone towers of the abandoned Navesink Lighthouse on (15) From the position of the two shores relative to each the easternmost spur of the highlands are 73 feet above other and to the entrance to New York Harbor it follows the ground and about 246 feet above the water. The that a course of 215° will deepen the water if the vessel northerly tower is octagonal, and the southerly tower is is on the Long Island side of the approach and will shoal square. A private seasonal light is shown from the if she is off the New Jersey coast. A course of 035° will northerly tower. deepen the water if the vessel is off the New Jersey side of the approach and will shoal if she is off the Long Is- COLREGS Demarcation Lines land coast. (13) The lines established for New York Harbor are de- (16) Eastward of Fire Island Light the water shoals quite rapidly toward the Long Island shore, but inside a line scribed in 80.165, chapter 2. drawn from Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted Horn Buoy NA to Barnegat Lighted Buoy B, there is no marked dif- (14) Soundings will be found most useful to warn ves- ference in the soundings as either shore is approached sels of too close an approach to the shore in approach- except in Mud Gorge. ing New York Harbor. Many vessels have been wrecked (17) Modern surveys show the existence of a canyon, ev- on the coast of New Jersey and Long Island through idently cut by the Hudson River in prehistoric days, failure to take frequent soundings when the position across the Continental Shelf, extending about 120 was uncertain. Depth is a better indication of position miles southeastward from off Sandy Hook. The inshore off this part of the coast than the character of the
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 371 Airphoto - Jim Wark section is called the Mud Gorge and the offshore sec- in the area southward of Scotland Lighted Whistle tion the Hudson Canyon. In some sections of this cut Buoy S (40°26'33\"N., 73°55'01\"W.) and westward of the the depths are considerably greater than those adjacent meridian passing through Ambrose Light. to it and the walls are very steep. The use of soundings permits a very accurate determination of a ship’s posi- Tides tion by the comparison of the soundings with the depth (20) The mean range of tide at Sandy Hook is 4.7 feet. curves on the charts. The bottom of the Mud Gorge is usually of mud; on both sides of it sand predominates. (See the Tide Tables for daily tide predictions.) (18) Cholera Bank, about 10 miles southeastward of Ambrose Light, is about 2 miles long in an east-west di- Currents rection and has a least depth of 10 fathoms. The bank is (21) The important currents affecting navigation in the raised very little above the general level of the bottom, however, because the bottom is rocky in character, approach to New York Harbor are those due to winds. soundings will give useful indications in thick or foggy The largest velocity likely to occur under storm condi- weather. During the summer numerous vessels may be tions is about 1.5 knots. A sudden reversal in the direc- seen on this bank. tion of the wind produces a corresponding change in the current, either diminishing or augmenting the ve- Caution locity. Sustained winds do not maintain the currents at (19) Telegraphic companies report serious interrup- the maximum velocities. The velocity is about 0.2 knots at Ambrose Light. The largest velocity likely to occur is tions of international telegraphic communications re- 2 knots. sulting from repeated breaking of their cables by (22) Between Nantucket and Cape May away from the vessels anchoring southeastward and eastward of immediate vicinity of the shore, the tidal currents are Ambrose Light. The companies state that they will be generally rotary. They shift direction, usually clock- glad to compensate any vessel, which, having fouled wise, at an average rate of about 30° an hour, and have the cable, cuts away its anchor and chain in order to velocities generally less than 0.3 knot except in the vi- save the cable from interruption. Vessels making New cinities of the entrances to the larger inland waterways York in thick weather and finding it necessary to an- where the velocities increase as the entrances are ap- chor before entering Ambrose Channel should anchor proached. For a considerable distance from the inlets, strengths of flood and ebb set respectively toward and
372 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 away from those entrances, and minimums of velocity, the harbor as well as its approaches are susceptible to corresponding to the slacks of reversing currents, set at advection fog, riding in on east through south winds. A right angles to the direction of flood and ebb strengths. morning peak still exists in the harbor, while Ambrose (23) Offshore and away from the influence of the tidal Light exhibits an afternoon maximum. flow into and out of the larger bays, the tidal current maintains an approximately uniform velocity. Shifting North Atlantic Right Whales its direction continuously to the right, it sets all direc- (30) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur tions of the compass during each tidal cycle of 12.4 hours. (See the Tidal Current Tables for the predicted within the approaches to New York Harbor within 30 times and velocities of the tidal currents at a number of nautical miles of the New York and New Jersey coasts locations in the coastal waters.) (peak season: November through April). The Sandy (24) Between Nantucket Island and Sandy Hook there is Hook Pilots distribute educational material to mari- a general drift of the sea south-southwestward. The av- ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See erage velocity of this movement is about 0.1 knot. North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, chapter (25) Approaching New York Harbor from the vicinity of 3, for more information on right whales and recom- Nantucket Shoals Lighted Whistle Buoy N, a slight al- mended measures to avoid collisions with whales.) lowance should be made for a southwesterly set of the (31) Gateway National Recreation Area and harbor por- current. With an easterly wind it is customary to allow, poise protection Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) extend in order to make the course good, a set of the current from the waters off Long Island along the New Jersey with it of at least 0.5 knot. shoreline. (See MMAs 10-2, 11-1 and 11-2, Appendix (26) The effect of the wind on the current should always C, for additional information.) be considered. The largest velocities likely to occur during storms are 2.5 knots about 3 miles northward of (32) Information about the coast south of Sandy Hook Nantucket Shoals Lighted Whistle Buoy N and 1.5 is contained in United States Coast Pilot 3, Atlantic knots 3 miles north of Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted Coast, Sandy Hook to Cape Henry. Horn Buoy NA and off Five Fathom Bank. (27) Between Gay Head and Montauk Point the tidal Charts 12326, 12327, 12401, 12402 currents set northward on the flood and southward on the ebb. The estimated velocity at strength where the (33) New York Harbor is the principal entrance by water depth is about 25 fathoms is 0.5 knot; closer inshore to New York City and the surrounding ports. The har- and near the entrance this velocity increases. bor is divided by The Narrows into Lower Bay and Up- (28) Three miles north of Nantucket Traffic Lane per Bay. The Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan, is Lighted Horn Buoy NA the tidal currents have a mean at the junction of East River and Hudson River. The velocity at strength of about 0.2 knot in a westward di- main channel from the sea to the deepwater terminals rection on the flood and an eastward direction on the in Hudson River has a project depth of 45 feet. ebb. (34) Traffic Separation Scheme Off New York has been Weather, New York Harbor and approaches established in the approaches to New York Harbor from (29) Winds play an important role by affecting currents the sea. (See charts 12300 and 12326.) (See also 167.1 through 167.155, chapter 2, for limits and regula- in the harbor. During the winter west and northwest tions.) winds prevail with northerlies and southwesterlies in secondary roles. The strongest winds are out of the (35) (See Traffic Separation Schemes, chapter 1, for ad- west through northwest at 13 to 15 knots, from Janu- ditional information, and chapter 3 for a discussion of ary through April. The sheltering effect of the land is North Atlantic Lane Routes.) apparent when looking at frequencies of winds of 28 knots or more. They blow at Ambrose Light about 8 to 9 Pilot Boat Cruising Area, New York Harbor percent of the time compared to 1 percent at Kennedy (36) The pilot boat maintains station in the trian- Airport and Floyd Bennett Field. Summer winds are of- ten out of the south and southwest with a 10 to 12 knot gle-shaped cruising area west of Ambrose Light. See Pi- afternoon peak. Fog in the harbor area is more closely lotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as related to land type fogs. In winter it is common on such), this chapter. clear, calm mornings and more frequent than at Ambrose Light. Southerlies can also bring winter fogs of Caution the advection type. During the spring and early summer (37) Numerous fishing floats have been reported in the approach to New York Harbor in the Traffic Separation Scheme precautionary area.
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 373 (38) Shipping safety fairways have been established (68) 3) Tremley Point Reach connecting the eastern approach off Ambrose of Traffic (69) 4) Fresh Kills Reach Separation Scheme Off New York and the eastern ap- (70) 5) Port Reading Reach proach off Nantucket of Traffic Separation Scheme Off (71) 6) Port Socony Reach New York. (See 166.100 through 166.500, chapter 2, (72) 7) Outer Bridge Reach for limits and regulations.) (73) Raritan Bay: (74) 1) Raritan Bay West Reach Vessel Traffic Service, New York (75) 2) Raritan Bay East Reach (39) New York Harbor has a Vessel Traffic Service. (See (76) 3) Seguine Point Bend (77) 4) Red Bank Reach §161.1 through §161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) (78) 5) Ward Point Reach (40) Recommended minimum under-keel clearance for (79) A recommended standard of “always afloat” will ap- selected areas of the Harbor Safety, Navigation and ply to all other areas, including berths, in the Port Dis- Operations Committee of the Port of New York and trict that abut the above listed channels. Ship related New Jersey.–In order to prevent groundings and to factors such as squat, turning heel and other dynamic promote the safety and environmental security of the motions should be considered and, if expected, added to waterway resources of the Port of New York and New this figure to insure a minimum clearance of two feet Jersey, the Harbor Operations Committee of the Port will be maintained throughout a given transit. of New York and New Jersey recommends that all enti- ties responsible for the safe movement of vessels in and Conformance through the waters of the Port of New York and New (80) The owner, master, or person in charge of each ves- Jersey operate vessels in such a manner as to maintain a minimum clearance of two feet between the deepest sel has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining this draft of their vessel and channel bottom in the follow- minimum recommended under-keel clearance. Addi- ing named channels: tionally, persons directing the movement of vessels (41) Lower Bay: share this responsibility and are expected to advise (42) 1) Ambrose Channel (3 ft minimum under-keel owners, operators and persons in charge of vessels if, in clearance due to wave and sea action) their judgement, a vessel is not in conformance with (43) 2) Sandy Hook Channel these standards. (44) 3) Chapel Hill Channel (81) In order to assist the owner, master or person in (45) Upper Bay: charge in evaluating under-keel clearance at the berth (46) 1) Anchorage Channel (The Narrows to The Bat- the Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Com- tery) mittee of the Port of New York and New Jersey has (47) 2) Bay Ridge Channel compiled information including available depths and (48) 3) Red Hook Channel survey dates for all Terminals in the Port District. This (49) 4) Buttermilk Channel booklet (to be updated annually) is available through (50) North River: the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and (51) 1) The Battery to 79th Street New Jersey via telephone (212) 425-5704. (52) East River: (82) If at any time a vessel’s under-keel clearance is not (53) 1) The Battery to Throgs Neck Bridge in conformance with this recommendation and own- (54) Kill Van Kull: ers, masters, or others in charge of the vessel desire to (55) 1) Constable Hook Reach proceed against the pilot’s recommendation, pilots are (56) 2) Bergen Point Reach urged to report this to the USCG Captain of the Port via (57) 3) North of Shooters Island Reach VTS New York. Through VTS New York, the COTP will (58) 4) Elizabethport Reach foster communications between the concerned parties (59) Newark Bay: in effort to arrive at agreed upon conditions for safe (60) 1) Newark Bay Reach - Bergen Point to Droyers vessel passage. Point (83) It should be recognized that there may be instances (61) Hackensack River: when the master, pilot and COTP evaluate a situation (62) 1) Droyers Point to the turning basin at Marion and agree that a vessel movement can be made safely (63) Passaic River: even though inconsistent with this recommendation. (64) 1) Kearney Point Such movements may be allowed and should be coordi- (65) Arthur Kill: nated through VTS NY so as to insure the transit of the (66) 1) Gulfport Reach vessel in question can be assisted as appropriate. (67) 2) Pralls Island Reach
374 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (84) If at any time VTS NY believes a proposed vessel Channel continues northward from The Battery for transit may not conform to this recommendation, they about 5 miles to West 59th Street, Manhattan. Project will request an assessment be conducted prior to grant- depth for these channels is 45 feet. ing a vessel permission to transit within the VTS NY (90) In addition to the usual aids, Ambrose Channel in Area. This assessment process will include a review of its outer portion is also marked by West Bank Light, real-time water level information from the P.O.R.T.S.®. shown from a brown conical tower on a black cylindri- cal pier, in range with Staten Island Light, which is (85) Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System shown from a light-colored octagonal brick tower on a (P.O.R.T.S.®) is an information acquisition and dis- gray limestone base on the high ground of Staten Is- semination technology developed by the National land at Richmond. Ocean Service, NOAA. The Port of New York and New (91) Lower Bay is that part of New York Harbor extend- Jersey Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System can ing from Sandy Hook westward to Raritan River and be contacted via telephone (728) 815-9668/9684 or the northward to The Narrows. Internet at: http://www.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov. Local magnetic disturbance (86) Also to be considered are the vessel’s intended track (92) Differences of as much as 5° from the normal varia- including particular areas of inadequate water depth with the pilot’s plan for their avoidance, any other local tion have been reported in Lower Bay in the vicinity of conditions which might further restrict vessel move- 40°29.6'N., 74°04.2'W. ment, as well as special traffic routing measures that might be required. If VTS NY deems this assessment to (93) Sandy Hook Channel, project depth 35 feet, pro- be necessary, the VTS Watch Officer will request on vides a secondary route from the sea to deep water in VHF-FM that the pilot contact VTS via land-line or cel- Lower Bay; it connects with Raritan Bay Channel to lular telephone. Discussion on under-keel clearance the westward, Chapel Hill Channel to the north, and plans shall not be conducted on VHF-FM. It is in the Terminal Channel to the south. Chapel Hill Channel best interest of all parties to insure situations of mar- has a project depth of 30 feet. The entrance to Sandy ginal under-keel clearance are identified and thor- Hook Channel is marked by Scotland Lighted Whistle oughly discussed well prior to a vessel’s underway time. Buoy S, equipped with a radar beacon (Racon). The These guidelines were adopted by the Harbor Opera- channels are well marked with navigational aids. (See tions Committee on 20 September 1995 and became ef- Notice to Mariners and the latest editions of charts for fective 1 January 1996. controlling depths.) Traffic in New York Harbor (94) Swash Channel, a natural buoyed passage between (87) In the East River between the Brooklyn Bridge and Ambrose Channel and Sandy Hook Channel, has a con- trolling depth of 18 feet, but care is necessary to avoid Poorhouse Flats Range, shallow-draft vessels custom- spots with a least depth of 13 feet near the sides of the arily keep to the west (Manhattan) side of the channel channel and a spot cleared to a depth of 14 feet in about whether northbound or southbound, thereby reserving the middle of the channel. A lighted range, the rear the east (Brooklyn) side of the channel for deep-draft marker of which is Staten Island Light, leads on a bear- vessels. Vessels transiting East River should be aware of ing of 305° to the junction with Chapel Hill Channel. this practice and anticipate northbound shallow-draft vessels crossing from east to west in the vicinity of (95) False Hook Channel, along and close to the eastern Corlears Hook, and from west to east in the vicinity of shore of Sandy Hook, joins Sandy Hook Channel east- Newtown Creek. ward of the north end of Sandy Hook. The channel has (88) The New York City Department of Transportation depths of 9 to over 20 feet. Strangers should not use the ferries generally follow a prescribed route between The channel. Battery and St. George on Staten Island, placing them to the extreme right-hand side of the channel. All mari- (96) Fourteen Foot Channel enters Lower Bay just ners are strongly encouraged not to transit close north of Ambrose Channel. The channel has a depth of aboard of the ferry slips at The Battery and St. George about 15 feet and is unmarked. due to ferries maneuvering. Anchorages Channels (97) General, explosives, naval, and special anchorages (89) Ambrose Channel, the principal entrance, extends have been prescribed for the Port of New York by Fed- from the sea to deep water in Lower Bay. Thence, An- eral Regulations. (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, chorage Channel, an extension of Ambrose Channel chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) leads through Upper Bay to The Battery. Hudson River (98) Vessels are especially cautioned against anchoring in the vicinity of the pipeline and cable areas as shown
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 375 on the charts. The pipeline area across The Narrows Tides supplies the water for Staten Island. Extensive cable ar- (108) The mean range of tide in New York Harbor is 4.7 eas are in the vicinity of Governors Island, The Battery, and Ellis Island. (See also chart 12334.) feet at Sandy Hook and 4.6 feet at The Battery. Daily (99) The Harbor Safety, Operations and Navigation predictions for both places are given in the Tide Tables. Committee of the Port of New York and New Jersey has issued the following recommendations to address the Currents inadequate number of inshore anchorages within the (109) The flood current entering Lower Bay from the sea harbor: (100) Ships awaiting berths will use the offshore anchor- attains a velocity of about 2 knots in Ambrose Channel ages at Ambrose; entrance, near the outer extremities of Sandy Hook, (101) All vessels will limit use of Stapleton, Bay Ridge Coney Island, and The Narrows. It sets generally paral- and Gravesend Bay anchorages to the following opera- lel to the lower straight section of Ambrose Channel tions: lightering or loading, bunkering, receiving and tends to continue to that direction where the chan- stores or parts, repairs, Coast Guard inspections, crew nel bends toward The Narrows, setting more or less di- changes, or emergencies; agonally across the upper straight section of Ambrose (102) Ships will return to the offshore anchorage upon Channel. At the beginning of the flood, the current sets completion of these operations to await berth; in at the bottom and near the shores while it is still ebb- (103) Tugs and barges not engaged in operations de- ing at the surface in Ambrose Channel. scribed above will refrain from using the deep water an- (110) The ebb in Lower Bay is generally stronger than the chorages at Stapleton, Bay Ridge (south of Buoy 26) flood by 10 percent or more. At its strength it sets from and Gravesend Bay (west of Buoys “A”, “B” and “C”) The Narrows approximately parallel to the upper when there is suitable room east of the Gravesend Bay straight end of the lower straight section. buoys, north of Buoy 26 in Bay Ridge, in the North (111) In the channel northward of Governors Island, River Anchorage, or suitable anchorage in Raritan Bay cross currents may be encountered. During the first 2 or Perth Amboy. hours of flood in this channel (eastward), the current (104) These recommendations are intended to minimize in Hudson River is still ebbing (southward). In the first vessel delays and allow efficient use of current anchor- 1.5 hours of ebb (westward) in the channel north of age areas. All vessels are requested to observe these Governors Island, the current in Hudson River is still recommendations. flooding (northward). At such times large vessels must take special care in navigating the channel. It is re- Dangers ported that the most dangerous time is about 2 hours (105) There are five shoal areas in the entrance to New after high water at The Battery. At this time the current is setting north in the Hudson River and westward York Harbor which are subject to change in depths and from the East River. The effect on a large vessel coming should be avoided by strangers. False Hook, off the from southward and turning into the East River is to northeastern side of Sandy Hook, has depths of 4 to 18 throw her stern to port and her bow to starboard, thus feet. Flynns Knoll, between Swash, Sandy Hook, and causing a sheer to starboard toward the shoals off the Chapel Hill Channels, has depths of 9 to 18 feet. Romer north end of Governors Island. When coming from Shoal, between Ambrose and Swash Channels, has northward in the Hudson River the same effect tends to depths of 4 to 13 feet and is marked by Romer Shoal prevent the vessel from turning and to cause her to Light; a fog signal is sounded from the light station. overrun her course. These cross currents are known lo- East Bank, northward and eastward of Ambrose Chan- cally as The Spider. nel, has depths of 6 to 15 feet. West Bank, westward of (112) At the seaward end of Ambrose Channel the veloc- Ambrose Channel between West Bank (Range Front) ity of the flood current is 1.7 knots and of the ebb cur- Light and Fort Wadsworth, has depths from bare to 18 rent 2.3 knots. feet. Rocks and obstructions with depths of 18 to 28 feet (113) When the ebb is strong the currents in both lie between West Bank and the western limit of Ambrose and Swash Channels tend to set toward Ambrose channel. Romer Shoal. Caution should be maintained to prevent (106) The tip of Sandy Hook is changeable, and the area being set onto Romer Shoal when using either chan- around it is subject to severe shoaling; caution should nel. On the flood and especially with a westerly wind, be exercised in the area. caution should be exercised to prevent being set onto (107) Mariners are cautioned to maintain a sharp look- Romer Shoal when using Swash Channel. out for floating debris in the harbor and channels. (114) In The Narrows the velocity of the flood current is about 1.7 knots and of the ebb current 2 knots. (See
376 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Tidal Current Tables for the daily predictions of slack moderate the afternoon heat; and most often in winter, water and strength of current.) coastal storms, accompanied by easterly winds, pro- (115) In the entrance to Hudson River the velocity of the duce, on occasion, considerable amounts of precipita- flood and ebb currents is 1.4 knots. Off Grants Tomb, tion. the flood and ebb strengths are 1.6 and 1.9 knots, re- (120) From November through April the prevailing spectively. winds are from the northwest; for the remainder of the (116) In October 1991, tidal currents in The Narrows, Ar- year the prevailing winds are southwesterly. Gales with thur Kill, Kill Van Kull, and Hell Gate were reported to velocities of 35 knots or more are predominately from deviate significantly from official predictions published the northwest. by the National Ocean Service. Mariners should exer- (121) At New York/Kennedy the average annual tempera- cise caution and discretion in the use of published tidal ture is 54°F (12.2°C). The average high is 61°F (16.1°C) current predictions for these locations. Also, previ- and the average low is 47°F (8.3°C). July is the warmest ously available Tidal Current Charts for New York Har- month with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and an av- bor have been withdrawn. erage low of 69°F (20.6°C). January is the coolest month with an average high of 39°F (3.9°C) and an av- Ice erage low of 26°F (-3.3°C). The warmest temperature (117) Navigation of the channels in the Port of New York on record for New York/Kennedy is 104°F (40°C) re- corded in July 1966 and the coldest temperature on re- and New Jersey is not restricted by ice. The main chan- cord is -2°F (-18.9°C) recorded in January 1985. On nels do not freeze over, and any ice in the smaller wa- average, ten days each year record high temperatures terways is well broken up by tugs and general traffic. in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and 78 days record minimum Freshwater ice is brought down the Hudson River in temperatures below 32°F (0°C). An average of only one large floes during periods of thaws or winter freshets. day each year has an extreme minimum below 5°F Occasionally there are large accumulations of ice at (-15°C). Spuyten Duyvil where Harlem River joins the Hudson, (122) Precipitation is both moderate and distributed and at such times it is difficult for low-powered vessels evenly throughout the year with a spread of only 1.06 or tows to make much headway. Under conditions of inches (28 mm) between the wettest and driest strong winds the slips on the exposed side of the chan- months. May is the wettest month with an average pre- nel become packed with drift ice, causing difficulty cipitation total of 3.92 inches (991 mm) and February when maneuvering in the slip or when berthing. Dur- the driest with 2.86 inches (74 mm). Average annual ing extremely severe winters navigation is interfered precipitation is about 41 inches (1041 mm). Most of the with seriously for only short periods of time. rainfall from June through September comes from thunderstorms, therefore, is usually of brief duration, Weather, New York and vicinity but relatively intense. Thunderstorm days average 24 (118) New York City, an area exceeding 300 square stat- each year. From October to April, however, precipita- tion is generally associated with widespread storm ar- ute miles (777 square km), is located on the Atlantic eas, so that day-long rain or snow is common. coastal plain at the mouth of the Hudson River. The ter- (123) Snow falls an average 30 days each year and aver- rain is flat and diversified by numerous waterways; all ages 22 inches (559 mm) in any given year. The snowi- but one of the city’s five boroughs are situated on is- est month is February with an average of eight inches lands. Elevations range from less than 50 feet (15.2 m) (203 mm). Snow has fallen in each month, October over most of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to al- through April. The greatest 24-hour total snowfall was most 300 feet (91.4 m) in the northern part of 20 inches (508 mm) which fell in February 1969. Manhattan and the Bronx, and over 400 feet (122 m) in (124) Tropical storms have influenced the area fourteen Richmond (Staten Island). times since 1871. Most recently, Hurricane Gloria (119) Despite its nearness to the ocean and the numer- passed within 20 nautical miles east of the Kennedy air- ous bays and rivers nearby, New York City has a climate port in September 1985. Gloria had winds approaching which more closely resembles the continental type of 75 knots at time of landfall, about halfway between climate than it does the maritime type. Its modified Kennedy airport and Islip. Only two days earlier, Gloria continental climate follows from the fact that weather was a more respectable 125-knot hurricane. conditions affecting the city usually approach from a (125) The National Weather Service maintains several of- westerly direction and not from the ocean on the east. fices in New York where barometers can be compared. Some important exceptions to this must be noted, (See Appendix A for addresses.) since the oceanic influence is by no means entirely ab- sent. During the summer, local “sea breezes,” winds blowing onshore from the cool water surface often
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 377 (126) (See page 434 for the Manhattan climatological ta- magenta band south of Ambrose Light. Arrangements ble and 435 for the Kennedy Airport climatological ta- for pilot services are made 24 hours in advance, with 6 ble.) hours ETA update, through ship's agents or directly to Interport Pilots Agency, Inc. Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (127) Foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register en- Pilotage, New York Harbor from Long Island Sound tering or departing from the Port of New York and New (133) Foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register en- Jersey must employ a pilot licensed by the State of New tering or departing from the Port of New York and New York or New Jersey. Enrolled vessels must have on Jersey from Long Island Sound must employ a pilot li- board or employ a pilot licensed by the Federal Govern- censed by the State of New York. Enrolled vessels must ment. have on board or employ a pilot licensed by the Federal (128) Pilotage service for vessels entering the Port of Government. Pilotage service for vessels entering the New York and New Jersey through Lower Bay and Port of New York and New Jersey from Long Island intra-harbor movements is available from the United Sound is available from the United New York New Jer- New York New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilot Association, sey Sandy Hook Pilot Association (see above). The pilot 201 Edgewater Street, Staten Island, NY 10305, tele- boat boarding area is off Execution Rocks. The pilot phone 718 448-3900, FAX 718 876-8055 e–mail: boat ties up at a pier on the east side of City Island about [email protected]. 0.4 mile northward of Belden Point. The pilot station, (129) The pilot boat maintains station in the triangu- on the pier, and the pilot boat monitor VHF-FM chan- lar-shaped cruising area west of Ambrose Light. All nel 13 when vessels are scheduled to arrive. The 48-foot traffic passes through a precautionary area transiting pilot boat has a black hull with the word PILOT in red to the pilot station and most vessels choose to approach letters on each side of the house. Arrangements for pi- the pilot station triangle by passing to the south of lots are made in advance either directly by the vessel or Ambrose Light. Traffic within the precautionary area through ships’ agents. Notification is mandatory 24 may consist of vessels making the transition between hours prior to arrival and ETA updates are required 12 operating in Ambrose or Sandy Hook Channel and one and 6 hours prior to arrival. of the traffic lanes. Mariners are advised to exercise ex- (134) Masters of vessels entering the Port of New York treme care in navigating within this area. The pilot and New Jersey are requested, prior to the time of boats have a black hull and white superstructure, with boarding, to contact the pilot boat to ascertain a proper the name PILOT NO. 1 or PILOT NO. 2 in yellow on boarding speed, make a lee for the pilot boat, and have a each side; and fly a blue flag. A pilot boat is always on pilot ladder over the side about 1 meter above the wa- station; boarding is made from a smaller boat. The pilot ter. boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 13, and 73; works (135) Pilotage for U.S. enrolled vessels in the coastwise on 73. trade is available from the United New York New Jersey (130) Pilot services are arranged in advance through Sandy Hook Pilot Association (see above) and Interport ships’ agents. A 24-hour advance notice of ETA, with a Pilots Agency, Inc. (see above). Pilot boats are KEN 3-hour update is requested. JOHNSON, 47-foot with blue hull and white super- (131) Pilotage for these waters for U.S. enrolled vessels in structure with the word PILOT displayed on both sides, coastwise trade is also available from the Interport Pi- and INTERPORT PILOT, 50-foot with the same colors. lots Agency, Inc., http://www.interportpilots.com, 906 Boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13 two hours Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ prior to the vessel's scheduled ETA, work on channel 07758-0236, telephone 732-787-5554 (24 hours), email 65A, and are equipped with AIS. Interport Pilots board [email protected]. The Interport Pilots office vessels bound from Long Island Sound into New York monitors VHF-FM channels 16 and 65A during busi- Harbor via the East River at any LIS port, Montauk ness hours. Pilot boats are KEN JOHNSON, 47-foot, Point, Point Judith Pilot Station, or in the vicinity of blue hull and white superstructure with the word Execution Rocks. PILOT displayed on both sides, and INTERPORT PILOT, 50-foot with the same colors. Boats monitor Pilotage, Hudson River VHF-FM channels 16 and 13 one and a half hours prior (136) See Pilotage, Hudson River (indexed as such), to the vessel's scheduled ETA, work on channel 65A, and are equipped with AIS and transmit ‘PILOTBOAT chapter 12. (NAME)'. (132) Vessels are generally boarded to the south of the charted designated pilot area, outlined by a triangular
378 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Towage serves as a bistate port development, operations, (137) The Port of New York and New Jersey has several maintenance, and promotion organization. The Port Authority administers piers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, towing companies with radio-equipped tugs with over Hoboken, Port Newark, and Port Elizabeth. The office 4,000 hp. Arrangements for tugs are usually made in of the Authority is at the 233 Park Avenue South, New advance by ships’ agents. Fireboats are stationed York, NY 10003. throughout the harbor. (138) New York is a customs port of entry and the head- Wharves quarters of the Regional Commissioner. (146) The Port of New York and New Jersey has over Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural 1,100 waterfront facilities. Most of these facilities are quarantine privately owned and operated, and the rest are owned (139) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and or operated by either the railroads serving the port, the Appendix A for addresses.) Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the City of (140) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- New York, the States of New York and New Jersey, the tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Federal Government, or other municipalities. Health Service, chapter 1.) (147) The major steamship passenger terminal, the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal, is along the east Coast Guard side of the Hudson River (North River) above The Bat- (141) A Coast Guard station is at Rosebank on Staten Is- tery. Containership terminals are throughout the port, but principally at Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, and land. A Coast Guard Command Center including a Cap- Weehawken, N.J. Other containership facilities are at tain of the Port office and Marine Inspection Office are Howland Hook, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Break- at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. Additional informa- bulk general cargo terminals are throughout the port tion can be found at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/ but principally along the east side of Upper New York portal/ep/home.do. Bay, on the East River, and at Port Newark. Petroleum and other liquid cargo facilities are along Arthur Kill, Harbor regulations on the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers, and along New- (142) The administration of the Port of New York and town Creek, Brooklyn. (148) General cargo in the port is usually handled to and New Jersey and the enforcement of its laws are vested from vessels by ship’s tackle. Heavy lifts up to 500 tons, in no single body, but are divided among various de- floating cranes up to 500 tons, and derricks are avail- partments of the Federal, State, and Municipal Govern- able in port. Most of the waterfront facilities through- ments. out the port have highway and railroad connections. (149) The wharves and piers of New York City along the Speed waterfronts of the Hudson and East Rivers are num- (143) The Coast Guard desires to warn masters and pilots bered beginning at The Battery and follow in sequence eastward along the East River and northward along the of all types of vessels that possible action may result Hudson River. For a complete description of the water- against their licenses and criminal procedures may be front facilities throughout the Port of New York and exercised, when the wash of a vessel proceeding at ex- New Jersey refer to Port Series No. 5, published and cessive speed in confined waters endangers life, limb, sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (See Appen- or property. Damage to vessels moored at docks and dix A for address.) terminals has been reported. The parting of a mooring line may cause a serious oil fire or damage to pipelines Supplies or barges which are being loaded or discharged at (150) Provisions and supplies of all kinds are available in chemical and petroleum company terminals. Damage caused by excessive speed may also lead to a possible the Port of New York and New Jersey. All grades of suit by the injured party against owners, masters, or pi- heavy marine bunker fuel, lubricants, and diesel fuel lots for monetary recovery. can be obtained. Large vessels are usually bunkered at their berths by tank barges or self-propelled tankers. (144) The New York City Department of Ports and Ter- Water is available at most of the piers and wharves. minals administers the piers along the New York wa- terfront within the city limits. The office is at The Repairs Battery Maritime Building. (151) The Port of New York and New Jersey has extensive (145) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is facilities for making all types of repairs to vessels of all an executive body appointed by the Governors of New York and New Jersey. The Authority’s Port Department
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 379 Airphoto - Jim Wark sizes. The shipyards at Brooklyn, Hoboken, Staten Is- Communications land and Queens can drydock some of the largest (153) The Port of New York and New Jersey is served by ocean-going vessels, and can make major repairs to hull, electronic equipment, machinery, and propulsion three trunkline and one short-line railroads, numerous plants. Also within the port area, a number of firms trucking firms engaged in long- and short-haul freight without waterfront facilities are engaged in various service, and several bus companies. Over 100 steam- types of marine repair work. These firms maintain ship companies connect the port with the principal ships and portable equipment for making U.S. and foreign ports. above-waterline repairs and for installation of equip- (154) Three major airports, John F. Kennedy (New York) ment, gear, and machinery on all types of craft at berth. International, La Guardia, and Newark, provide frequent Several salvage companies also perform all types of sal- scheduled service between New York and domestic and vage work. overseas points. (152) The largest floating drydock, east of Red Hook Channel and on the east side of Erie Basin, has a lifting Chart 12350 capacity of 16,000 tons, an overall length of 580 feet, a maximum clear inside width of 100 feet, and a depth of (155) Rockaway Inlet, the entrance to Jamaica Bay, is be- 28 feet over the keel blocks. The largest graving dock is tween Rockaway Point on the southeast side and on the east side of Wallabout Bay at the site of the for- Manhattan Beach and Barren Island on the north side. mer New York Naval Shipyard. The dock has a clear The inlet is obstructed by a shifting sandbar. A jetty, length of 1,092 feet, clear gate width of 143 feet, top and marked near the outer end by a light, extends south bottom inside widths of 150 feet, and 34 feet over the from Rockaway Point. The entrance channel extends keel blocks; cranes to 200 tons are available. The larg- westward of the jetty and is marked by lighted and est marine railway, on the east side of East Mill Basin in unlighted buoys. The channel has depths of about 15 Jamaica Bay, can handle vessels up to 300 tons of 120 feet or more at midchannel. A shoal with depths of less feet long. than 1 foot and marked by breakers is west of the en- trance channel. Obstructions covered 19 feet are about 0.4 mile south of the jetty light in 40º32'01\"N., 73º56'27\"W., about 0.7 mile south-southwest of the
380 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 jetty light in 40º31'44\"N., 73º56'58\"W., and about 1.1 Anchorages miles southwest of the jetty light in 40º31'36\"N., (161) Special anchorages are in Jamaica Bay. (See 110.1, 73º57'29\"W. (156) There are two sunken wrecks farther inside the in- and 110.60 (s) and (s–1), chapter 2, for limits and reg- let; the first in 40°34'09\"N., 73°53'56\"W., about 0.6 mile ulations.) westward of the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, has 15- and 9-foot depths immediately westward and south- (162) The commercial vessel traffic in Jamaica Bay con- ward, respectively, from it; the second is in sists of motor tankers, barges, and tugs. The bay is used 40°34'30\"N., 73°52'30\"W., about 0.4 mile eastward of extensively by pleasure craft. the bridge. (157) In July 1980, shoaling to about 3 feet was reported (163) Jamaica Bay has excellent transportation facilities. in the inlet about 1.75 miles west of the Gil Hodges Me- Highways connect with all of Long Island and New York morial Bridge in about 40°34'21\"N., 73°55'29.5\"W. City, and a branch of the New York City subway system (158) Gil Hodges Memorial (Marine Parkway) Bridge, crosses the central part of the bay and extends eastward crossing Rockaway Inlet between Rockaway Point and and westward along the Rockaway peninsula with sta- Barren Island, has a vertical lift span with a clearance of tions at Far Rockaway and Inwood serving the Motts 55 feet down and 152 feet up. The bridgetender moni- Basin area. tors VHF-FM channel 13 (156.65 MHz); call sign, KIL–819. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.795, (164) Ice is a problem in Jamaica Bay, mainly in the trib- chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) utaries and basins, from early January to about mid-March. Tides and currents (159) The mean range of tide at Rockaway Inlet is about 5 (165) Sheepshead Bay, on the northern side of the east- ern extremity of Coney Island and northward of feet. In the entrance channel near Rockaway Point the Manhattan Beach, is well protected and is used by nu- tidal current has a velocity of about 2.2 knots. The ebb merous pleasure and party fishing craft. The entrance attains a greater velocity than the flood and probably channel is marked by buoys. In June 2002, the channel exceeds 3 knots at times. In August 1975, a strong had a depth of 6 feet except for shoaling to 3.7 feet along east-to-west current, believed to have been the result of the west edge of the channel, just north of Buoy 7. In tidal flow, was observed at the entrance to Rockaway In- July 2002, depths of 7 to 9 feet were available inside the let near the seaward end of the jetty. This current is of bay to the bridge near the head of navigation except for sufficient strength to cause a vessel to veer suddenly off shoaling to 2 feet along the edges. A private light marks course when entering or exiting the channel. South of the outer limit of a sewer outfall that extends south- Barren Island the velocity is about 2 knots; east of Bar- ward from the bay. ren Island it is about 1.5 knots. (See Tidal Current Ta- bles for predictions.) Anchorages (166) Special anchorages are in Sheepshead Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.60(x), chapter 2, for limits and regula- tions.) (160) Jamaica Bay is on the south shore of Long Island Small-craft facility about 15 miles southeastward of The Battery, New York (167) A small-craft facility in the bay can handle craft to City. The bay is characterized by numerous meadows, hassocks, and marshes. The north and east shores are 1½ tons. Mooring, electricity, diesel fuel, water, ice, bordered by marshlands which extend inland for a marine supplies and storage are available. short distance. Several small tidal creeks enter the bay from the north. Channels and basins have been (168) Plumb Beach Channel, northward of Rockaway In- dredged to project depths of 12 to 20 feet for use of craft let, is the common approach to Gerritsen Inlet, Shell operating in the bay. Rockaway Beach forms the south Bank Creek, Gerritsen Creek, and Mill Creek. A fixed shore. The bay is about 7 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, highway bridge with a clearance of 35 feet crosses the and covers an area of about 22.5 square miles. The inlet. The channel is marked by buoys. It was reported greater portion of the bay is in the Boroughs of Brook- that with local knowledge a depth of 12 feet can be car- lyn and Queens, New York City, and a small section of ried at midchannel through the channel and inlet to the eastern extremity, consisting of parts of Motts Ba- the head of Shell Bank Creek. Mariners are advised to sin and Head of Bay, is in Nassau County. follow the buoys through the inlet closely. A shoal area with a least depth of 2 feet is about 0.1 mile southeast- ward of Plumb Beach Channel Buoy 7. (169) From the highway bridge over Gerritsen Inlet, Shell Bank Creek leads westerly and Gerritsen Creek
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 381 and Mill Creek lead northwesterly. There are danger- with electricity, water, marine supplies, a 15-ton fork- ous pilings and remains of old barges along the south lift, a 100-ton travel lift and marine railways to 300 side of Shell Bank Creek, and several submerged tons; complete hull and engine repairs are available. wrecks in Gerritsen and Mill Creeks. The fixed highway (178) Bergen Beach is a community about 2 miles north bridge over Mill Creek is in ruins; mariners are advised of Barren Island. Paerdegat Basin, just north of Bergen to exercise caution in this area as some parts of the Beach, has a midchannel depth of about 11 feet. A fixed bridge structure have fallen into the water and are an highway bridge across the basin near the mouth has a obstruction to navigation. clearance of 29 feet. A marina at the head of the basin can haul out craft up to 15 tons. Gasoline, marine sup- Small-craft facilities plies, and water are available. No repairs are available (170) Small-craft facilities on Shell Bank Creek can pro- for the public. In May 1981, a reported depth of 8 feet could be taken to the marina. Several yacht clubs are vide berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, also in the basin. ice, marine supplies, lifts to 60 tons, and a 90-foot ma- (179) Canarsie, a town on the northwestern shore of Ja- rine railway; complete hull and engine repairs are maica Bay, is a part of New York City. Canarsie Pier, on available. the northwest shore of Jamaica Bay between Paerdegat Basin and Fresh Creek, has two prominent flagpoles (171) Dead Horse Bay makes into the southwest side of near its center. The pier is structurally unsafe, and Barren Island eastward of the highway bridge across landing is not permitted. The pier is a part of Gateway Gerritsen Inlet. A marina, on the north side of the bay, National Recreation Area. has berths and moorings. (180) Fresh Creek, 0.6 mile northeastward of the pier at Canarsie, has a midchannel depth of about 8 feet. A (172) Island Channel leads northerly from just eastward highway bridge across the creek near the entrance has of Barren Island to Bergen Beach, thence northeasterly a 43-foot fixed span with a clearance of 21 feet. Hendrix in North Channel to Howard Beach. In March-April Creek, 0.4 mile northeastward of Fresh Creek, is the 1998, depths of about 12 feet can be carried to Howard site of a water pollution control plant. Sludge vessels Beach. The channels are marked by lighted and operate from the pier at the southwestern entrance to unlighted buoys. the creek. Old Mill Creek, 1.1 miles northeastward of Fresh Creek, bares at low water just above the en- (173) Big Fishkill Channel and Pumpkin Patch Channel trance. Fresh, Hendrix, and Old Mill Creeks were little lead in a northeasterly direction from Runway Channel used in 1971. just west of Ruffle Bar and join North Channel 0.3 mile (181) Howard Beach, about 2.5 miles eastward of west of the North Channel Bridge at Howard Beach. Canarsie, on the north side of Jamaica Bay, has several basins for boats. North Channel Bridge, just south of (174) Mill Basin is northward of Barren Island on the Howard Beach, has a fixed span with a clearance of 26 west side of Jamaica Bay. Commercial traffic in the ba- feet. sin consists of occasional barge shipments of petro- (182) Shellbank Basin, extending northward about 1 leum. In May 1981, a reported depth of 13 feet could be mile from North Channel and just west of Howard taken to the north end of the basin. Beach, had a reported controlling depth of 5 feet in May 1981. The basin has numerous small piers, float land- Small-craft facilities ings, and other small-craft facilities along the west (175) Small-craft facilities in the basin can provide side. Berths with electricity, water, a 15-ton lift, and complete hull and engine repairs are available. The bas- berths with electricity, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- cule span of a former highway bridge across the basin plies, and complete hull and engine repairs; a 50-ton has been permanently removed leaving a channel marine railway and lifts to 20 tons are available. width of 40 feet. (183) Hawtree Basin, about 0.2 mile eastward of (176) The Shore Parkway bascule highway bridge with a Shellbank Basin, has a depth of about 11 feet. A fixed clearance of 34 feet crosses Mill Basin between Barren pedestrian bridge, about 0.3 mile above the mouth, has Island and Brooklyn. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and a clearance of 17 feet. 117.795, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The (184) A railroad bridge across North Channel, at Hamil- bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign ton Beach, 0.5 mile east of the North Channel Bridge, KX–8185. Mariners are requested to avoid causing has a fixed span with a clearance of 26 feet. bridge openings during peak commuter hours of 0700 to 0900 and 1600 to 1800 Monday through Friday. (177) East Mill Basin is about 0.4 mile northeastward of Mill Basin. In May 1981, a reported midchannel depth of 13 feet could be taken to the head of the basin. Small-craft facilities in the basin can provide berths
382 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (185) Rockaway Beach is a popular summer resort on the Buoy 16 and at the junction with Negro Bar Channel in barrier beach forming the southern extremity of Ja- the vicinity of Lighted Buoy 23. maica Bay. Train and bus transportation is available to (193) Sommerville Basin, about 1.2 miles eastward of New York City. Excursion boats operate between New the railroad bridge at Rockaway Beach, has depths of 27 York and Rockaway Beach during the summer only. to 40 feet inside. In May 1981, depths of about 15 feet were reported in the approach. Several charted sunken (186) Beach Channel is on the north side of Rockaway wrecks are in the basin. A boatyard at the head of the Beach. A Federal project provides for a channel 18 feet basin has berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, lim- deep from Rockaway Inlet to about 700 yards above Gil ited marine supplies, storage facilities, a launching Hodges Memorial Bridge, thence 15 feet deep to the ramp, a 45-foot marine railway, and a 7-ton mobile junction with Grass Hassock Channel. hoist; engine and hull repairs can be made. (194) Motts Basin, a tidal inlet in the eastern part of Ja- (187) A 056°–236° measured nautical mile is along the maica Bay, entered through Negro Bar Channel, par- south shore of Jamaica Bay parallel with the concrete tially separates the communities of Inwood and Far and wood flood barrier of Beach Channel Drive south- Rockaway. Two branch channels lead from inside the ward of Nova Scotia Bar. The structures are main- entrance to the northeasterly and southeasterly ends of tained by the Brooklyn Power Squadron; the front the basin. In March-April 1998, the controlling depth markers are black and yellow chevrons, and the rear was 10 feet (15 feet at midchannel) in the entrance markers are orange squares. channel, thence 11 feet (15 feet at midchannel) in the northeastern branch, thence 9 feet (15 feet at mid- (188) Cross Bay Memorial Bridge, crossing Beach Chan- channel) in the southeastern branch to just below the nel at Rockaway Beach, has a fixed span with a clear- head of each channel. Ice may obstruct vessel move- ance of 52 feet. The railroad bridge over Beach ment in the basin during severe winters. Channel, 0.5 mile eastward, has a swing span with a (195) Overhead power cables across Motts Basin have the clearance of 26 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49, chap- following clearances: one over the northerly arm, 70 ter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) East Broad Channel feet; two over the southerly arm, least clearance 92 feet; is closed to navigation at the railroad trestle of this and one over the cut on the south side of the southerly bridge. arm, 60 feet. A retractable boom is on the south shore of the basin about 90 yards northwest of the overhead (189) Barbadoes Basin is adjacent to the Beach Channel cable tower. A light is shown from the boom when it is railroad bridge. A facility in the southeast corner of the extended into the water. basin receives broken concrete by barge for recycling. (196) Depths alongside the wharves in Motts Basin range from 10 to 20 feet. Waterborne commerce in the basin (190) Vernam Basin is northeast of Barbadoes Basin. A is chiefly in petroleum products. facility in the southwest corner of the basin receives pe- (197) Head of Bay joins Grass Hassock Channel near troleum products by barge. In April 2007, the control- Northwest Point and extends in a northeasterly direc- ling depth at the facility was reported to be 15 feet. A tion on the south side of John F. Kennedy (New York) facility in the southeast corner of the basin receives International Airport. Depths of about 15 feet are in sand, gravel and stone by barge. A small-craft facility in the entrance channel and channel in the bay; aids mark the basin has berths, electricity, water, open storage, the channels. In April 2007, it was reported that a draft and lifts to 72 tons. Repairs for fishing boats can be of 16 feet could be taken to the facilities at Uncle made. Daniels Point, 14 feet could be taken to facilities on Motts Creek, and 14 feet could be taken to facilities at (191) Winhole Channel, a natural channel marked by Norton Point. Several small marinas in the bay can buoys, seasonal lights, and a daybeacon, extends 1 mile provide berths, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, northward to Grassy Bay from the junction of Beach storage facilities, and a launching ramp; minor engine Channel with Grass Hassock Channel. Winhole Chan- and hull repairs can be made. nel has a least depth of about 11 feet, except for re- (198) Thurston Basin, at the northeastern extremity of ported shoaling to 4 feet extending into the channel Head of Bay, has reported depths of 10 feet at the en- northeast from Winhole Channel Light 3 in about trance decreasing to 2 feet at the head. 40°36.8'N., 73°48.4'W. Winhole Channel Shoal Day- (199) Grassy Bay, along the southwestern side of John F. beacon marks the center of a shoal near the north end Kennedy (New York) International Airport in the of the channel. The daybeacon should not be passed northeastern part of Jamaica Bay, is blocked at the close aboard. A lighted buoy marks the junction of southeastern end by an airport runway. The runway Beach, Grass Hassock, and Winhole Channels. (192) Grass Hassock Channel joins Beach Channel off Brant Point and continues in a northeasterly direction to Head of Bay. In March-April 1998, the controlling depth was 12 feet (15 feet at midchannel). The shallow- est water is abeam Brant Point between Buoy 14 and
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 383 continues into the marshlands on the southerly side of (205) A buoyed channel with a least depth of 10 feet leads the bay. from deep water northward of Coney Island to off the (200) Bergen Basin, at the northern extremity of Grassy docks in the eastern part of Gravesend Bay. Bay, has depths of about 15 feet with lesser depths in the eastern arm of the basin. The entrance is marked by Small-craft facility buoys. Conspicuous are a yellow brick circular tank (206) A small-craft facility on Gravesend Bay can provide about 40 feet high on the southwestern side of the en- trance and the numerous oil storage tanks at the head berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- of the basin on the eastern shore. Coastal tankers and age, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs. Lifts sand-and-gravel barge tows account for most of the up to 30 tons are available. In May 1981, a reported commerce in the basin. In January 1988, a sunken depth of 15 feet could be carried to the marina. wreck was reported in the eastern arm of the basin in about 40°39.7'N., 73°49.1'W. Charts 12334, 12402, 12327 Chart 12402 (207) The Narrows, connecting Lower Bay and Upper Bay of New York Harbor, has a clear width of over 0.6 (201) Coney Island, on the northern side of the entrance mile at its narrowest point between Fort Wadsworth to New York Harbor, is a large summer amusement re- and Fort Hamilton. The Verrazano Narrows Bridge, a sort. Numerous stacks, towers, and amusement rides, fixed suspension span, crosses The Narrows at these including a red steel parachute tower 303 feet high, are two points linking Staten Island with Brooklyn. The prominent on the island. Coney Island Light bridge has a vertical clearance of 215 feet for a (40°34.6'N., 74°00.7'W.), 75 feet above the water, is midchannel width of 2,000 feet. Note: A traveling main- shown from a white square skeleton tower on Norton tenance platform, when in operation, reduces the verti- Point, the westernmost extremity of the island. cal clearances by 15 feet. A fog signal is sounded from the eastern end of the bridge. (202) Coney Island Channel is a buoyed passage along the south side of Coney Island that leads from deep wa- Coast Guard Station ter in Lower Bay to Rockaway Inlet. In July 2002, the (208) Coast Guard Station New York is on the east side of controlling depth was 11.7 feet. It is used principally by vessels going to Jamaica Bay and Coney Island. Staten Island about 0.6 mile northwest of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. (203) Gravesend Bay, northward of Coney Island, affords good anchorage in depths of 11 to 50 feet. A general an- (209) Upper Bay is that portion of New York Harbor be- chorage is in the bay. (See 110.1 and 110.155(e), tween The Narrows and The Battery. Anchorage Chan- chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) The southeast- nel, marked by lighted buoys, is the main passage erly part of the bay is shoal with depths of 1 to 6 feet. through the middle of the bay. Bay Ridge Flats is a shoal area with depths of 8 to 20 feet east of Anchorage (204) Coney Island Creek is at the southeastern end of Channel. Gowanus Flats is at the north end of Bay Gravesend Bay and on the north side of Coney Island. Ridge Flats. Jersey Flats, the area on the New Jersey Commercial traffic on the creek consists mainly of oc- side west of Anchorage Channel, is much shoaler with casional barge shipments of sand and gravel. The area depths up to 9 feet. Channels have been dredged northward of the entrance to the creek is being filled, through these shoal areas to provide access to the piers and piling is along the northern side of the creek at the on both sides of the bay. filling site. Numerous obstructions and wrecks are in the creek. In February 1991, depths of about 9 feet were Channels available to just below the Cropsey Avenue bridge, (210) Bay Ridge Channel, Red Hook Channel, and But- about 1 mile above the entrance, but local knowledge is required to carry the best water, thence shoaling to termilk Channel follow the Brooklyn piers from The bare to a point about 0.2 mile above the Cropsey Avenue Narrows to East River. Midchannel depths in these bridge. The creek is crossed by four fixed bridges hav- channels are generally 25 to 40 feet with lesser depths ing a least clearance of 2 feet. A boatyard about 0.8 mile on the sides; the area is subject to shoaling. See the lat- above the creek entrance provides berths, electricity, est chart for guidance. Caution should be exercised gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull when docking and undocking vessels along the south- and engine repairs. Lifts to 14 tons are available. In May easterly side of Bay Ridge Channel because the current 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried to the may flow in a direction opposite to the normal channel boatyard. flow, especially between the piers. The Brooklyn Cruise
384 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Airphoto - Jim Wark Terminal is at Pier 12 on Atlantic Basin. Commuter (214) Erie Basin, just north of Gowanus Bay, is entered ferry services operate extensively in Buttermilk from Red Hook Channel. The entrance is marked by a Channel. light and the basin is marked by private lighted and (211) Gowanus Bay, at the junction of Bay Ridge and Red unlighted buoys. Hook Channels, is a bight in the Brooklyn shore at the mouth of Gowanus Canal. A dredged channel leads (215) East River is a 14-mile-long tidal strait that con- from Gowanus Bay to the Hamilton Avenue Bridge, nects Upper Bay with Long Island Sound. For descrip- about 1 mile above the mouth of the bay. In April 1990, tion of East River and the route to New York Harbor the controlling depths were 21 feet (25 feet at from Long Island Sound, see East River (indexed as midchannel) to Sigourney Street, about 0.15 mile be- such), chapter 9. low the head of the project, thence 22 feet to the Hamil- ton Avenue Bridge. (216) Governors Island is at the Upper Bay entrance to East River. The hexagonal-shaped Fort Jay is promi- (212) The improved section of Gowanus Canal above nent on the northeast side of the island, and the circu- Hamilton Avenue has depths of about 8 to 12 feet. The lar Castle William is on the northwest side. The main Third Street, Carroll Street, and Union Street bridges channel is westward of the island. Lights and fog sig- across the canal have the following minimum clear- nals are near the southern tip and on the northwest ances: drawbridges, 3 feet; fixed bridges, 90 feet. The side of the island, on top of Castle William. fixed bridge across that part of the canal which extends southward along Fifth Street has a clearance of 20 feet. (217) Liberty Island, on the eastern part of Jersey Flats (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.787, chapter 2, across the main channel from Governors Island, is for drawbridge regulations.) marked by the Statue of Liberty, a colossal structure more than 305 feet high; the figure faces southeastward. (213) The Hamilton Avenue and Ninth Street draw- In 2000, depths of 15 to 21 feet were available in the bridges, 1 and 1.2 miles above the entrance of Gowanus dredged area near the pier on the west side of the is- Bay, respectively, are equipped with radiotelephones. land. The U.S. Park Police marine unit operates from a The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call floating platform on the northwest end of Ellis Island. signs KX–8183 and KX–8186, respectively. (218) Robbins Reef Light (40º39'26\"N., 74º03'55\"W.) 56 feet above the water, is shown from a conical tower, with the lower half brown and the upper half white, on the southeastern part of Jersey Flats.
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 385 Airphoto - Jim Wark (219) Pierhead Channel leads from the main channel eastern part of the bay. Vessels of more than 24-foot about 0.7 mile southward of Liberty Island, thence draft will not find good anchorage out of the channel along the New Jersey pierhead line to Kill Van Kull. The until above Fort Wadsworth. Extensive shoals make off channel, through connecting branch channels, leads to northward and eastward from Point Comfort, but as the Army Corps of Engineers Caven Point facility, New the depths of water decrease gradually, soundings will York Waterway ferry terminal, Claremont Terminal, give sufficient warning of too close an approach to the New York Regional Railroad, Global Terminal and Con- shore. Shallow-draft vessels can reportedly find satis- tainer Services and Northeast Auto Marine Terminal. factory anchorage in Horseshoe Cove, on the east side In November 2006, the controlling depths were 7.2 feet of the bay. In August 1999, the spit of land that forms from the northern entrance to Buoy 19, thence 10.2 Horseshoe Cove was reported visible only at extreme feet (16.9 feet at midchannel) to Kill Van Kull except for low water. Shoals extend an additional 200 yards south- shoaling to 5.2 feet off the eastern end of Northeast eastward from the end of the charted spit to about Auto Marine Terminal. The Peninsula at Bayonne Har- 40°26.7'N., 73°59.9'W. Mariners are cautioned not to bor, south of Northeast Auto Marine Terminal, can also navigate over this finger of land. Heavy fish traps ex- be reached through a channel northward of Robbins tend out to a depth of 20 feet in places on the shoals on Reef Light. The channels are well-marked with naviga- the southwest side of Sandy Hook Bay between Atlantic tional aids. Note that the buoyage system changes Highlands and Point Comfort. southward of the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. (221) A 110°-290° measured nautical mile is on the south side of Sandy Hook Bay off the Municipal Yacht Charts 12327, 12401 Basin. The private range markers are reported to be dif- ficult to identify. (220) Sandy Hook Bay is the southern part of Lower Bay, (222) Sandy Hook, the southern point at the entrance to westward of Sandy Hook and eastward of Point Com- New York Harbor and the northern point of the New fort. The bay is an excellent anchorage, the depths of Jersey coast, is low and sandy. The hook, including water ranging from 30 feet just inside Sandy Hook to 15 Plum Island at the mouth of the Shrewsbury River, is feet near its southern part; the shoaling is gradual and part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Large areas the bottom is good holding ground. The best anchorage of the park are bird nesting areas, and landing is not during easterly and southeasterly winds is in the permitted. A light, Sandy Hook Coast Guard Station, standpipe and a radio tower on the north end of Sandy
386 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Airphoto - Jim Wark Hook are prominent. The area around Sandy Hook is No-Discharge Zone changeable and subject to severe shoaling; extreme (226) The State of New Jersey, with the approval of the caution is advised. Environmental Protection Agency, has established a Charts 12325, 12324 No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the waters of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers. The NDZ extends (223) Shrewsbury River and Navesink River empty south from the Highlands/Route 36 Bridge and covers through a common entrance into the southern extrem- all waters of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers (see ity of Sandy Hook Bay eastward of the Highlands of chart for limits). Navesink. (227) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibtited. (224) A Federal project provides depths of 12 feet from Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by Sandy Hook Bay to a point just above the bascule bridge 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). at Highlands, thence 9 feet in Shrewsbury River to the Branchport Avenue Bridge at Long Branch, about 7.4 Tides miles above the mouth. The Navesink River has a pro- (228) The mean range of tide is as follows: Highlands, 3.8 ject depth of 6 feet from where it connects with the Shrewsbury River to the head of the project at Red feet; Red Bank, 3 feet; Sea Bright, 1.7 feet; Branchport, Bank, about 4.9 miles above the mouth. (See Notice to 1.7 feet. Strong southerly and westerly winds lower the Mariners and the latest editions of charts for control- water surface, and northerly and easterly winds raise it. ling depths.) Currents Caution (229) At Highlands bridge, the currents have a velocity of (225) All cables within the area in about 40°24.2'N., about 2.6 knots. At Sea Bright bridge the velocity is 73°59.0'W., in Shrewsbury River have been abandoned. about 1.6 knots. Mariners are cautioned that the cables remain in place. Ice (230) Navigation in Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers is generally suspended because of ice from December to March, inclusive.
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 387 Supplies Small-craft facilities (231) Gasoline, lubricants, marine supplies, and provi- (239) There are numerous small-craft facilities in Plea- sions can be obtained at most of the towns along the sure Bay. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on shores of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers. chart 12324 for services and supplies available.) Communications (240) The privately dredged and marked channels in Lit- (232) Railroad, ferry, or bus connects with New York to tle Silver Creek, Town Creek, Oceanport Creek, Parker Creek, and Blackberry Creek had controlling depths of points on the New Jersey coast. about 5 feet in 1965-67. (233) Highlands is a summer resort on the west side of (241) A fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 24 feet Shrewsbury River 1.5 miles inside the entrance. There crosses the westerly part of Shrewsbury River, just east- are good small-craft facilities here. (See the small-craft ward of its junction with Parker and Oceanport Creeks. facilities tabulation on chart 12324 for services and supplies available.) (242) The tributaries that empty into the southeasterly and southwesterly sides of Shrewsbury River are (234) The railroad bridge across Shrewsbury River at crossed by bridges with the following clearances: Highlands is in ruins; caution is advised. The State Manhassett Creek, fixed highway, 6 feet; Troutmans Route 36 highway bridge (Highlands Bridge) 100 yards Creek, fixed highway, 6 feet; Oceanport Creek, Conrail above the railroad bridge has a bascule span with a railroad (Oceanport Bridge) with swing span, 4 feet; clearance of 35 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and and Parker Creek, fixed railroad, 4 feet. (See 117.1 117.755, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The through 117.59 and 117.736, chapter 2, for draw- fender system from the center pier of the railroad bridge regulations.) bridge to the east side of the highway bascule opening is continuous. The east side of the river northward of (243) The channel in Navesink River is crooked but well the bridge and the west side 0.3 mile southward of the marked by seasonal buoys. The Oceanic highway bridge bridges are used as anchorages for small craft. across the river between Rumson and Locust Point has a bascule span with a clearance of 22 feet. (See 117.1 Caution through 117.59 and 117.734 for drawbridge regula- (235) Caution should be exercised at the junction of the tions.) Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers, about 0.6 mile south- (244) Rumson is a town on the south side about 1.7 miles ward of the State Route 36 highway bridge at High- above the entrance to Navesink River. Small-craft facil- lands, to avoid the submerged stone jetty. Craft ities just west of the bridge at Rumson can provide entering Navesink River should pass westward of the berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, and storage. lighted junction buoy. The submerged jetty is marked Hull and engine repairs can be made, and a 7-ton mo- by three seasonal buoys. bile hoist is available. In May 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be carried to the boatyards. (236) The State Route 520 highway bridge (Sea Bright Bridge) over Shrewsbury River between Rumson and (245) Fair Haven is on the south side of Navesink River Sea Bright has a bascule span with a clearance of 15 about 1 mile above the bridge at Rumson. A boatyard feet at the abutment. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and and two yacht clubs are at Fair Haven. The boatyard can 117.755, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) provide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull, engine, and radio repairs; Small-craft facilities lifts to 15 tons are available. In June-September 1987, a (237) There are numerous small-craft facilities at Sea reported depth of about 7 feet could be taken to the boatyard. Bright. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12324 for services and supplies available.) (246) Red Bank, a town near the head of navigation on the Navesink River, has several small-craft facilities. (238) Pleasure Bay, at the southeast end of Shrewsbury (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12324 River, is crossed by a fixed highway bridge with a clear- for services and supplies available.) The town has rail- ance of 25 feet. Branchport is a small town on the east road connections with New York. side of Pleasure Bay at the head of navigation. (247) The dredged channel that extends for 1.5 miles above the landings at Red Bank had a reported mid- channel controlling depth of 2 feet to the second high- way bridge, and thence less than 1 foot for the rest of the dredged section in 1985. The channel is privately marked by buoys and stakes. The Route 35 highway bridge crosses the river 4.8 miles above the mouth and
388 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 has a fixed span with a clearance of 12 feet. A railroad (254) A dredged channel, about 0.4 mile eastward of the bridge crosses the river 450 yards southwest of the trestle at Leonardo, leads southward from Sandy Hook Route 35 bridge and has a fixed span with a clearance of Bay to the entrance and basin of a State marina. In May 9 feet. 2006, the controlling depths were 1.1 feet (2.5 feet at midchannel) to the breakwater; thence in 1991-June Charts 12327, 12401, 12402 2002, 2.2 feet at midchannel to the basin; thence in 1983, a reported depth of 6 feet was in the basin. The (248) Atlantic Highlands is a town on the south side of channel is marked by private aids to navigation. Sandy Hook Bay about 2 miles west of Sandy Hook. A breakwater, marked by a light at its eastern end, forms (255) Berths, electricity, and water are available in the an anchorage basin. In June 2002, depths of 4.9 to 8 feet basin. A boatyard with a 45-foot marine railway is about were available in the basin. The entrance to the basin is 0.5 mile eastward of the boat basin; complete hull and marked by a private 270° lighted range. engine repairs can be made. Small-craft facilities (256) Compton Creek, 4 miles westward of Sandy Hook, (249) Small-craft facilities in the basin can provide is used extensively as a harbor of refuge by small fishing craft. The creek is entered through a dredged channel berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- that leads from Sandy Hook Bay, thence through Bel- age, marine supplies, launching ramps, pump-out sta- ford (Shoal) Harbor, and thence to about 0.4 mile tion and hull and engine repair; mobile lifts up to 50 above the mouth. In May 2006, the midchannel con- tons are available. trolling depth was 7.6 feet to the turn in the channel at 40°26'02\"N., 74°04'47\"W., thence 0.5 foot to the head of (250) The basin is used by numerous pleasure and party the project. The entrance channel is marked by a fishing craft. Numerous piles and ruins of former lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. A passenger ferry wharves are westward of the basin. terminal is located on the east side of the channel with service to Manhattan. The creek is navigable by small (251) Terminal Channel, entered from Sandy Hook boats for about 1 mile. Several fixed bridges over the Channel about 1 mile west-southwestward of Sandy creek have a minimum clearance of 2 feet. A seasonal Hook, leads south-southwestward to a turning basin auxiliary marine police station is on the east side of the and to two deepwater ammunition handling piers of creek. the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot at Leonardo, N.J., a town on the south side of Sandy Hook Bay. Federal pro- (257) A boatyard is on the south side of Compton Creek ject depth is 45 feet in the channel and turning basin. about 0.45 mile above the mouth. Marine supplies, hull (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts and engine repair facilities, and a 90-foot marine rail- for controlling depths.) The channel is marked by a pri- way are available. A town dock, supervised by a vate 207°30' lighted range and by lighted and dockmaster, is just downriver of the boatyard. unlighted buoys. A dredged and marked side channel leads southward from the southeastern end of the turn- (258) Port Monmouth, a village at the head of Compton ing basin to an ammunition barge-loading pier; depths Creek, is a shipping point for fresh fish, shellfish, and of about 11 feet can be carried to and alongside the pier. inedible animal products. Several private landings and The deepwater piers and barge pier are connected to a town landing are available. the shore by a trestle that extends 1.6 miles across the flats from Leonardo. The waters adjacent to the piers (259) Pews Creek, about 1 mile northwest of Compton and trestle are prohibited to navigation. (See 110.155 Creek, is marked at the entrance by a private light. In (f) (1), chapter 2, for rules and regulations.) May 1981, it was reported that 3½ feet could be carried to a marina in the creek. Berths with electricity, gaso- (252) Security zones have been established in the vicin- line, water, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station, ity of the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot and Terminal storage, a 15-ton lift, a 40-foot marine railway, and hull Channel. (See 165.1 through 165.7, 165.30, 165.33, and engine repairs are available. A highway bridge and 165.130, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) crosses the creek about 0.2 mile above the mouth and has a 31-foot fixed span with a clearance of 12 feet. (253) A restricted area surrounds Terminal Channel, turning basin, and piers of the U.S. Naval Ammunition (260) Staten Island forms the northwest side of Lower Depot. (See 334.1 through 334.6 and 334.102, chap- Bay. The high wooded ridge of the island has elevations ter 2, for limits and regulations.) of 100 to over 400 feet. South Beach and Midland Beach are summer resorts and amusement areas on the southeast side of the island. A public pier for small-craft is located between the resorts. (261) Staten Island Flats are extensive shoals making off from the southeast side of Staten Island. Parts of these
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 389 flats are Old Orchard Shoal and West Bank, which bor- Towage der on the main channel up the bay. Hoffman Island (268) Tugs are used by the larger vessels and are available and Swinburne Island (see also chart 12349), artificial islands on West Bank, are part of Gateway National in New York. (See Towage, New York Harbor, discussed Recreation Area; landing is not permitted. A channel, earlier in this chapter.) used by local vessels of less than 8-foot draft, leads (269) Customs, quarantine, immigration, and agricul- westward of West Bank. From the gong buoy 0.6 mile tural quarantine inspections are discussed earlier in southward of Fort Wadsworth, steer southwestward this chapter under New York Harbor. through the dredged channel and then steer a course for Old Orchard Shoal Light. Supplies (270) Water can be had at most of the wharves in Perth Charts 12331, 12327 Amboy and South Amboy. Provisions and marine sup- plies can be had at Perth Amboy, Tottenville, New Brunswick, and South Amboy. (262) Raritan Bay is that part of Lower Bay lying west- Chart 12331 ward of Point Comfort and southward of Staten Island. The bay is full of shoals with depths of 7 to 18 feet. (271) Great Kills Harbor, a shallow bight on the south side of Staten Island northwestward of Old Orchard Channels Shoal Light, is used as an anchorage by small craft. The (263) A Federal project provides for a 35-foot channel ex- harbor is entered through a dredged channel that leads from deep water in Lower New York Bay along the tending through Lower Bay, the northern part of southwesterly side of Crookes Point, thence along the Raritan Bay, to the junction with Arthur Kill. (See No- westerly side of the harbor to the head. In November tice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for 2005, the controlling depths were 6.3 feet to a point controlling depths.) abeam the southern tip of Crookes Point, thence shoal- ing to bare across the channel at Buoy 6, thence 6.1 feet Anchorages to the mouth of the harbor with lesser depths along the (264) General anchorages are in Raritan Bay. (See 110.1 easterly side, thence 9.7 feet in the harbor channel to the head of the project. Greater depths are available and 110.155 (j) chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) outside the channel; the chart is the best guide. The channel is marked by buoys and a light. Great Kills Tides Light (40°31.3'N., 74°07.9'W.), 35 feet above the water, (265) The mean range of tide in Raritan Bay is about 5 is shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white di- amond-shaped daymark on a red concrete base east of feet. the channel entrance. Ice Anchorage (266) In ordinary winters ice does not seriously interfere (272) A special anchorage is in Great Kills Harbor. (See with navigation in Raritan River or Arthur Kill, but in 110.1 and 110.6 (r-1), chapter 2, for limits and regu- severe winters the ice sometimes prevents the move- lations.) ments of vessels for periods of 2 weeks at a time. In easterly winds the drift ice in Lower Bay collects in (273) Great Kills, on the west side of Great Kills Harbor, Raritan Bay and obstructs navigation, but usually only has several small-craft facilities with berths, electricity, for a short time, as the prevailing westerly winds drive gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, and marine the ice out of the bay. supplies. A public launching ramp is located in the northeast corner of the harbor. Pilotage, Raritan River and Arthur Kill (267) Pilotage for ports in the States of New York and (274) Lemon Creek, 0.2 mile westward of Seguine Point, is a narrow shallow stream used only by local boats New Jersey is compulsory for foreign vessels and U.S. which enter at high water. The midchannel controlling vessels under register. Pilotage for vessels bound for depth over the bar is about 2 feet with deeper water in- Perth Amboy, South Amboy, or up the Raritan River side. The abutment of a former bridge is on the south and Arthur Kill is available from the United New York side of the creek just inside the mouth. Overhead power New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilot Association. Pilotage is also available from the Interport Pilots Agency, Inc. See Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as such) earlier this chapter.
390 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 cables crossing the creek at the bridge abutment have a Keyport. Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, clearance of 47 feet. water, ice, marine supplies, sewage pump-out, lifts to (275) A small marina on the creek can haul out craft up 30 tons, marine railways to 40 feet, and complete hull to 8 tons for minor engine and hull repairs; berths, and engine repairs are available. Vessels proceed to the electricity, water, ice, and outside storage are available. small-craft facilities at Keyport at high water. (276) A prominent tower of a former lighthouse with a statue on top is on the south side of Staten Island, 0.8 Tide mile westward of Seguine Point. Prominent buildings (284) The mean range of tide is about 5 feet. are near the point at Red Bank, 0.3 mile southwestward of the tower. (285) A privately dredged channel, about 25 feet wide in (277) Keansburg, on Point Comfort on the south side of places, leads about 0.3 mile southwesterly from the Raritan Bay, is a summer resort. The wharves on the mouth of Matawan Creek to a marina basin at the en- west side of Point Comfort are in ruins and no longer trance to Luppatatong Creek. In May 1981, a reported used. depth of 4 feet was available to the marina. (278) A special anchorage is adjacent to the amusement pier. (See 110.1 and 110.6 (z), for limits and regula- (286) Cheesequake Creek and Stump Creek, sharing a tions.) common entrance and leading southwesterly and (279) Waackaack Creek and Thorns Creek, about 0.6 southeasterly, respectively, are on the south side of mile southwest of Point Comfort, have a common en- Raritan Bay 6 miles westward of Point Comfort. The en- trance protected by floodgates. The gates are lowered, trance is between two stone jetties. The east jetty is thereby closing the harbor, when tides above 4½ feet awash at high water. The outer ends of jetties are are sustained for a period of time. An overhead power marked by a light. A dredged channel leads between the cable with a clearance of 32 feet crosses the creek en- jetties to the Conrail railroad bridge about 0.3 mile trance at the floodgates. Small-craft facilities on above the jetties. In September 2003, the controlling Thorns Creek provide berths, electricity, ice, water, depth was 5 feet, except an extensive severe shoal that gasoline, marine supplies, and a 20-ton forklift and a bares gradually from about midchannel to the lower 12-ton mobile hoist for hull and engine repairs. In May half of the east jetty. In 1987, the reported controlling 1982, the channels into the creeks were reported depth was 3½ feet in Stump Creek. dredged to 7 feet. (280) Keyport Harbor, 3 miles westward of Point Com- Tide fort, is a shallow harbor on the south side of Raritan (287) The mean range of tide is about 5 feet. Bay between Conaskonk Point and Matawan Point. A buoyed approach channel leads southward from the (288) Local boats from Lower Bay usually head for a bay to a dredged marked channel that leads through point about 1.6 miles east-northeastward of the jetties, the harbor to the mouth of Matawan Creek. In July and then shape a course to enter between the jetties at 2005, the dredged channel had a controlling depth of the entrance to Cheesequake and Stump Creeks. 4.8 feet (6.5 feet at midchannel). (281) Matawan Creek, entered at the head of Keyport Caution Harbor, is used mostly by local craft. In July 2005, the (289) Caution should be exercised to avoid the sunken controlling depth was 3.7 feet to the first highway bridge, thence 2.0 feet to the Route 35 highway bridge, wrecks, 0.2 mile eastward of the east jetty. thence in 1981, 2 feet to shoaling to bare was reported to the railroad bridge about 1.5 miles above the mouth. (290) The State Route 35 highway bridge, 0.2 mile inside Greater depths are available with local knowledge. (See the jetties, has a bascule span with a clearance of 25 chart 12327.) Three fixed bridges, one railroad and two feet. The overhead power cable just north of the bridge highway, cross the creek; least clearances are 49 feet has a clearance of 89 feet. The Conrail bridge, 0.3 mile horizontal and 6 feet vertical. Least clearance of over- inside the jetties, has a bascule span with a clearance of head power cables crossing the creek is 54 feet. 3 feet. The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; (282) Keyport is a town on the east side of the entrance to call sign KT-3859. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and Matawan Creek. 117.709, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The twin fixed highway bridges over Cheesequake Creek, Small-craft facilities 1.1 miles inside the jetties, have clearances of 16 feet. (283) There are several small-craft facilities on Matawan (291) Laurence Harbor is a summer resort on the east Creek and on the southeast side of Keyport Harbor at side of Stump Creek, and Morgan is a settlement on the west side of Cheesequake Creek.
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 391 Airphoto - Jim Wark Small-craft facilities controlling depth in Raritan River was about 9 feet at (292) There are small-craft facilities that can provide midchannel to New Brunswick in 1962. (295) A dredged channel in Titanium Reach and South berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, Channel branches south from Raritan River about 0.6 marine supplies, a pump-out station, storage facilities, mile above Garden State Parkway bridge. The Federal lifts to 35 tons, and a 50-foot marine railway; complete project depths are 25 feet in Titanium Reach and 15 to hull and engine repairs are available. 10 feet in South Channel to Crossman Dock. (See No- tice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for Chart 12332 controlling depths.) In 1991, the channels were not be- ing maintained near project depth and the project (293) Raritan River empties into the western end of above Crossman Dock was not being maintained. Raritan Bay between Perth Amboy and South Amboy. (296) A dredged channel in Washington Canal branches The channel from South Amboy to New Brunswick is south from Raritan River about 4.3 miles above Garden 11 miles long and very crooked, but is well marked with State Parkway bridge and connects with South River. A navigational aids. Waterborne commerce on the river dredged channel leads south for about 3.4 miles in is in coal, ore, and petroleum products. South River. In 1961, the midchannel controlling depths were 12 feet in Washington Canal, thence 10 Channels feet in South River to the first highway bridge, thence 8 (294) Vessels enter Raritan River from the east by way of feet for about 1 mile, thence ½ foot to a point 800 yards north of the highway bridge at Old Bridge. Great Beds Reach and from the north by way of Arthur (297) A sunken drydock, marked by a light, is on the east Kill via Raritan River Cutoff Channel. A Federal project side of the river, 1.5 miles above the Garden State Park- provides for a 20-foot channel in Raritan River Cutoff, a way fixed bridge. The wreck extends 60 feet into the 25-foot channel from Great Beds Reach in Raritan Bay channel and is visible at all stages of the tide. to the head of Red Root Reach about 1.9 miles above Garden State Parkway bridge, and thence a 15-foot Bridges channel to the junction with Washington Canal. (See (298) Several drawbridges and fixed bridges cross Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) Above Washington Canal, the Raritan River and South River. The distances above the
392 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Coast Pilot 2 mouth of the Raritan River and clearances follow: (303) The Delaware and Raritan Canal, closed to naviga- ConRail bridge with center-pier swing span, 0.4 mile, 8 tion since 1933, had its entrance to the Raritan River at feet, overhead power cable at the bridge has a clearance New Brunswick. of 140 feet; Victory Highway Bridge, 1.6 miles, fixed span with a clearance of 110 feet; Thomas Edison Me- (304) Highland Park is across Raritan River opposite morial Bridge with high-level fixed span, 1.9 miles, 135 New Brunswick. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3½ feet. In 1999, a second span was under construction ad- feet was available from the head of the Federal project jacent to and just west of the existing Thomas Edison to Highland Park, the practical head of navigation. Bridge. The new bridge will have a fixed span with a de- sign clearance of 110 feet. Garden State Parkway with Charts 12333, 12331 fixed span, 2 miles, 135 feet; overhead power cable near Crab Island, 5.2 miles, 128 feet; New Jersey Turnpike (305) Arthur Kill is the narrow body of water separating with fixed span, 8.7 miles, 45 feet; overhead power ca- Staten Island from New Jersey. The cities of Perth bles, 8.9 miles, 114 feet; and U.S. Highway No. 1 Bridge Amboy, Tottenville, Elizabeth, many large factories, with two fixed spans, 9.6 miles, 90 feet. The highway and oil refineries and storage facilities are on its shores. bridge over South River at the town of South River has Northern Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull are the major a fixed span with a clearance of 25 feet. The railroad channels for bulk, containerized, and petroleum cargo bridge, 0.4 mile upstream, has a swing span with a in New York Harbor. clearance of 4 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59, 117.747, and 117.756, chapter 2, for drawbridge reg- Channels ulations.) In January 1987, the fender system of the (306) Federal project depth in Arthur Kill is 35 feet. (See south draw of the ConRail swing bridge sustained sig- nificant damage and may be protruding into the chan- Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for con- nel. Mariners are advised to exercise caution and trolling depths.) navigate the north draw only. Mariners are requested to avoid bridge openings of this bridge during peak com- Caution muter hours of 0700 to 0815 and 1700 to 1815, Monday (307) Numerous sunken and visible wrecks are adjacent through Friday. The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KT-4204. to both sides of the channel in Arthur Kill; caution is advised. Tides and currents (299) The mean range of tide is about 5 feet at South (308) A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facility is on the west side of Arthur Kill immediately south of Morses Amboy, 5.8 feet at New Brunswick, and 5.5 feet at the Creek. A moving safety zone has been established highway bridge on South River at the town of South around loaded LPG vessels transiting between Scotland River. (For predictions, consult the Tide Tables.) The Lighted Whistle Buoy S at the entrance to Sandy Hook tidal current has a velocity of about 1.5 knots at the Vic- Channel and the LPG facility. (See 165.1 through tory Highway Bridge at Perth Amboy. 165.7, 165.20 through 165.25, and 165.160, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (300) South Amboy is a city on the south side of the en- trance to Raritan River. Waterborne commerce at the Anchorages port is in fuel oils, coal, sand, and gravel. Depths along- (309) General anchorages are in Arthur Kill. (See 110.1 side the wharves and piers range from about 6 to 30 feet. Water, provisions, and marine supplies can be ob- and 110.155 (i), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) tained here, and berths with electricity, water, ice, and winter dry storage are available at a boat club. Tides and currents (310) The mean range of tide in Arthur Kill is about 5 (301) Sayreville is 6 miles above South Amboy on the south bank of the Raritan River. Most of the wharves feet. Throughout Arthur Kill the flood sets from are privately owned. Raritan Bay to Newark Bay and the ebb in reverse direc- tion. Velocities of current vary with the location from (302) South River is a town on the west side of South about 1 to 1.5 knots. River 7.5 miles above South Amboy. A marina about (311) In October 1991, tidal currents in Arthur Kill were 200 yards north of the highway bridge at Old Bridge reported to deviate significantly from official predictions provides berths, water, marine supplies, a 2-ton lift, and published by the National Ocean Service. Mariners engine repairs. In May 1981, a reported depth of about 1 should exercise caution and discretion in the use of foot could be carried to the marina. published tidal current predictions.
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