U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 ¢ 145 (3738) Commander, Naval Base, San Diego of the danger zone or restricted area regulation removes (3739) Hawaii and Trust Territories: a restriction on a waterway. (3740) Commander, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor (3741) (c) Public hearing. The District Engineer may (3748) conduct a public hearing in accordance with 33 CFR part §334.6 Datum. 327. (3749) (a) Geographic coordinates expressed in terms of (3742) (d) Environmental documentation. The District Engineer shall prepare environmental documentation in latitude or longitude, or both, are not intended for plotting accordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part 325. on maps or charts whose reference horizontal datum is the (3743) (e) District Engineer’s recommendation. After North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), unless such closure of the comment period, and upon completion geographic coordinates are expressly labeled NAD 83. of the District Engineer’s review he/she shall forward Geographic coordinates without the NAD 83 reference the case through channels to the Office of the Chief of may be plotted on maps or charts referenced to NAD 83 Engineers, ATTN: CECW-OR with a recommendation only after application of the appropriate corrections that of whether or not the danger zone or restricted area are published on the particular map or chart being used. regulation should be promulgated. The District Engineer (3750) (b) For further information on NAD 83 and National shall include a copy of environmental documentation Service nautical charts please contact; Director, Coast prepared in accordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part Survey (N/CG2), National Ocean Service, NOAA, 1315 325, the record of any public hearings, if held, a summary East-West Highway, Station 6147, Silver Spring, MD of any comments received and a response thereto, and a 20910-3282. draft of the regulation as it is to appear in the Federal Register. (3751) (3744) (f) Final decision. The Chief of Engineers will notify the District Engineer of the final decision to either approve §334.60 Cape Cod Bay south of Wellfleet Harbor, or disapprove the regulations. The District Engineer will Mass.; naval aircraft bombing target area. notify the applicant/proponent and publish a public notice (3752) (a) The danger zone. A circular area with a radius of the final decision. Concurrent with issuance of the of 1,000 yards having its center on the aircraft bombing public notice the Office of the Chief of Engineers will target hulk James Longstreet in Cape Cod Bay at latitude publish the final decision in the Federal Register and 41°49'46\", longitude 70°02'54\". either withdraw the proposed regulation or issue the final (3753) (b) The regulations. (1) No vessel shall enter or regulation as appropriate. The final rule shall become remain in the danger zone at any time, except as authorized effective no sooner than 30 days after publication in the by the enforcing agency. Federal Register unless the Chief of Engineers finds that (3754) (2) This section shall be enforced by the sufficient cause exists and publishes that rationale with Commandant, First Naval District, and such agencies as the regulations. he may designate. (3745) (3755) §334.5 Disestablishment of a danger zone. §334.70 Buzzards Bay, and adjacent waters, Mass.; (3746) (a) Upon receipt of a request from any agency for the danger zones for naval operations. (3756) (a) Atlantic Ocean in vicinity of No Mans Land–(1) disestablishment of a danger zone, the District Engineer The area. The waters surrounding No Mans Land within shall notify that agency of its responsibility for returning an area bounded as follows: Beginning at the area to a condition suitable for use by the public. The (3757) 41°12'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence northwesterly to agency must either certify that it has not used the area for (3758) 41°15'30\", 70°51'30\"; thence northeasterly to a purpose that requires cleanup or that it has removed all (3759) 41°17'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence southeasterly to hazardous materials and munitions, before the Corps will (3760) 41°16'00\", 70°47'30\"; thence south to disestablish the area. The agency will remain responsible (3761) 41°12'30\", 70°47'30\"; thence westerly to the point for the enforcement of the danger zone regulations to of beginning. prevent unauthorized entry into the area until the area (3762) (2) The regulations. No vessel or person shall at is deemed safe for use by the public and the area is any time enter or remain within a rectangular portion of disestablished by the Corps. the area bounded on the north by latitude 41°16'00\", on (3747) (b) Upon receipt of the certification required in the east by longitude 70°47'30\", on the south by latitude paragraph (a) of this section, the District shall forward the 41°12'30\", and on the west by longitude 70°50'30\", or request for disestablishment of the danger zone through within the remainder of the area between November channels to CECW-OR, with its recommendations. 1, and April 30, inclusive, except by permission of the Notice of proposed rulemaking and public procedures enforcing agency. as outlined in §334.4 are not normally required before (3763) (3) The regulations in this paragraph shall be publication of the final rule revoking a restricted area or enforced by the Commandant, First Naval District, and danger zone regulation. The disestablishment/revocation such agencies as he may designate.
146 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 (3764) that such use will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations or security. §334.75 Thames River, Naval Submarine Base New (3791) (2) Commercial fishermen and shell fishermen London, Restricted Area. may fish within the restricted area provided their vessels display registration numbers issued by the (3765) (a) The area: The open waters of the Thames River Naval Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. The approximately 5 nautical miles upriver from its mouth registration numbers may be obtained by contacting along the boundary between Groton and Waterford, the Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New Connecticut, within an area bounded as follows: London. All commercial fishermen and shell fishermen must also leave the restricted area when notified by (3766) From a point on the eastern shore at personnel of the New London Submarine Base that (3767) 41°24'14.4\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W., then northerly along such use will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations or security. the coast to (3792) (3) Vessels which are owned, operated or sponsored (3768) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'37.9\"W., then westerly across by local, state municipalities or academic institutions preparing for or participating in a water sport or water the river to a point on the western shore at related recreational event sponsored by those local or (3769) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'55.5\"W., then southerly along state municipalities or academic institutions, or private or commercial vessels engaged in observing the conduct the coast to a point on the western shore at of the above event shall be exempt from the restrictions (3770) 41°24'05.0\"N., 72°05'55.7\"W., then easterly to the above, providing: (3793) (i) The Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine western edge of the dredged channel to a point located at Base New London, and the Coast Guard Captain of the (3771) 41°24'04.1\"N., 72°05'51.2\"W., then southerly along Port are advised in writing at least 48 hours in advance of the event, or the western edge of the dredged channel to a point at (3794) (ii) The event was publicized in such a manner that (3772) 41°24'00\"N., 72°05'52.6\"W., then southerly along the local public in general had a reasonable opportunity to learn of the event 48 hours in advance. the western edge of the dredged channel to a point located (3795) (4) The regulations in this section shall be enforced at by the Commander, U.S. Naval Submarine Base New (3773) 41°23'57.1\"N., 72°05'52.5\"W., then southerly to London, Connecticut, and such agencies as he/she may buoy “11” located at a point at designate. (3774) 41°23'45.6\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly to buoy “B” on the northeastern shore of Mamacoke Hill to (3796) a point at (3775) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly along §334.80 Narragansett Bay, R.I.; restricted area. the shore to buoy “A” at (3797) (a) Beginning at a point on the east shore of Conanicut (3776) 41°23'25.0\"N., 72°05'45.4\"W., then southeasterly to buoy “9” at a point located at Island at (3777) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'35.0\"W., then easterly to a (3798) 41°33'15\"; thence southeasterly to point on the eastern shore at (3799) 41°32'44\", 71°21'17\"; thence southerly to (3778) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then northerly along (3800) 41°32'09\", 71°21'17\"; thence southeasterly to the shore to a point on the eastern shore at (3801) 41°31'50\", 71°21'10\"; thence southeasterly to (3779) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then along the (3802) 41°31'26\", 71°20'33\"; thence easterly to following points: (3803) 41°31'27\", 71°20'06\"; thence northerly to a point on (3780) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'22.0\"W. (3781) 41°23'25.9\"N., 72°05'29.9\"W. the southwesterly shore of Prudence Island at (3782) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'34.7\"W. (3804) 41°35'00\"; thence northerly along the southwesterly (3783) 41°23'37.0\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W. (3784) 41°23'41.0\"N., 72°05'40.3\"W. shore of Prudence Island to a point at (3785) 41°23'47.2\"N., 72°05'42.3\"W. (3805) 41°35'43\", 71°20'15.5\"; thence northwesterly to (3786) 41°23'53.8\"N., 72°05'43.7\"W. (3806) 41°37'21\", 71°20'48\"; thence west to (3787) 41°23'59.8\"N., 72°05'43.0\"W. (3807) 41°37'21\", 71°21'48\"; and thence south to (3788) 41°24'12.4\"N., 72°05'43.2\"W. Then to the point of (3808) 41°33'54\", 71°21'48\". beginning on the eastern shore. (3809) (b) The regulations. (1) No person or vessel shall at (3789) (b) The regulations. (3790) (1) Vessels and other watercraft within the designated any time, under any circumstances, anchor or fish or tow navigation channel may proceed through the restricted a drag of any kind in the prohibited area because of the area at normal operating speeds without stopping. extensive cable system located therein. Vessels and watercraft may also utilize the water area (3810) (2) Orders and instructions issued by patrol craft or within the restricted area located between the western other authorized representatives of the enforcing agency edge of the designated channel and the western shore for shall be carried out promptly by persons or vessels in or fishing, anchoring and other recreational uses. However, in the vicinity of the prohibited area. all persons, vessels and watercraft, except U.S. military personnel and vessels must leave the restricted area when notified by personnel of the New London Submarine Base
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 ¢ 147 (3811) (3) The regulations in this section shall be enforced Naval Station, Staten Island, New York; restricted by the Commander U.S. Naval Base, Newport, R.I., and area. such agencies as he may designate. (3828) (a) The area. The waters of New York Harbor beginning at a point on shore at (3812) (3829) 40°38'02\"N., 074°04'24\"W.; thence easterly to (3830) 40°38'02.5\"N., 074°04'09\"W.; thence southerly to §334.81 Narragansett Bay, East Passage, Codding- (3831) 40°37'53\"N., 074°04'07\"W.; thence east- ton Cove, Naval Station Newport, Naval Restricted southeasterly to Area, Newport, Rhode Island. (3832) 40°37'50\"N., 074°03'50.2\"W.; thence south- (3813) (a) The area. All of the navigable waters of southeasterly to Coddington Cove east of a line that connects Coddington (3833) 40°37'37.5\"N., 074°03'46\"W.; thence southwesterly Point at 41°31'24.0\"N., 71°19'24.0\"W.; with the outer to the shore line at end of the Coddington Cove breakwater on the north side (3834) 40°37'24.5\"N., 074°04'18\"W.; thence northerly of the cove at 41°31'55.7\"N., 71°19'28.2\"W. along the shore line to the point of origin. (3814) (b) The regulation. All persons, swimmers, vessels (3835) (b) The regulations. (1) The portion of the restricted and other craft, except those vessels under the supervision area extending from the shore out to a line 600 feet east or contract to local military or Naval authority, vessels of the U.S. Pierhead Line is closed to all persons and of the United States Coast Guard, and local or state vessels except those vessels owned by, under hire to or law enforcement vessels, are prohibited from entering performing work for Naval Station New York, Staten the restricted area without specific permission from Island, New York. the Commanding Officer, Naval Station Newport, (3836) (2) The portion of the restricted area beginning USN, Newport, Rhode Island or his/her authorized 600 feet seaward of the U.S. Pierhead Line is open to representative. transiting vessels only. Vessels shall proceed across the (3815) (c) Enforcement. The regulation in this section, area by the most direct route and without unnecessary promulgated by the United States Army Corps of delay. For vessels under sail, necessary tacking shall Engineers, shall be enforced by the United States Navy, constitute a direct route. Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport, and/or (3837) (3) Commercial vessels at anchor will be permitted such agencies or persons as he/she may designate. to swing into the seaward portion of the restricted area while at anchor and during the tide changes. (3816) (3838) (c) Enforcement. The regulations in this section shall be enforced by the Commanding Officer, Naval Station §334.82 Narragansett Bay, East Passage, Coasters New York, and such agencies as he/she shall designate. Harbor Island, Naval Station Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, Restricted Area. (3839) (3817) (a) The area. The waters within a \"C-shaped\" area adjacent to and surrounding Coasters Harbor Island §334.102 Sandy Hook Bay, Naval Weapons Station beginning at Coddington Point at EARLE, Piers and Terminal Channel, Restricted Area, (3818) 41°31'24.0\"N., 71°19'24.0\"W.; thence to Middletown, New Jersey. (3819) 41°31'21.5\"N., 71°19'45.0\"W.; thence to (3840) (a) The area. All of the navigable waters within the (3820) 41°31'04.2\"N., 71°19'52.8\"W.; thence to area bounded by these coordinates: (3821) 41°30'27.3\"N., 71°19'52.8\"W.; thence to (3841) 40°25'55.6\"N., 074°04'31.4\"W.; thence to (3822) 41°30'13.8\"N., 71°19'42.0\"W.; thence to (3842) 40°26'54.0\"N., 074°03'53.0\"W.; thence to (3823) 41°30'10.2\"N., 71°19'32.6\"W.; thence to (3843) 40°26'58.0\"N., 074°04'03.0\"W.; thence to (3824) 41°30'10.2\"N., 71°19'20.0\"W.; thence northerly (3844) 40°27'56.0\"N., 074°03'24.0\"W.; thence to along the mainland shoreline to the point of origin. (3845) 40°27'41.7\"N., 074°02'45.0\"W.; thence to (3825) (b) The regulation. All persons, swimmers, vessels (3846) 40°28'23.5\"N., 074°02'16.6\"W.; thence to and other craft, except those vessels under the supervision (3847) 40°28'21.2\"N., 074°01'56.0\"W.; thence to or contract to local military or Naval authority, vessels of (3848) 40°28'07.9\"N., 074°02'18.6\"W.; thence to the United States Coast Guard, and Federal, local or State (3849) 40°27'39.3\"N., 074°02'38.3\"W.; thence to law enforcement vessels, are prohibited from entering the (3850) 40°27'28.5\"N., 074°02'10.4\"W.; thence to restricted areas without permission from the Commanding (3851) 40°26'29.5\"N., 074°02'51.2\"W.; thence to Officer Naval Station Newport, USN, Newport, Rhode (3852) 40°26'31.4\"N., 074°02'55.4\"W.; thence to Island or his/her authorized representative. (3853) 40°25'27.1\"N., 074°03'39.7\"W.; and thence along (3826) (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulation in this section, the shoreline to the point of origin (NAD 83). promulgated by the United States Army Corps of (3854) The Department of the Navy plans to install buoys Engineers, shall be enforced by the United States Navy, along these coordinates to outline the Restricted Area. Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport, Newport, (3855) (b) The regulation. (1) Except as set forth in Rhode Island and/or other persons or agencies as he/she subparagraph (b)(2), no persons, unauthorized vessels or may designate. (3827) §334.85 New York Harbor, adjacent to the Stapleton
148 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 other unauthorized craft may enter the restricted area at The standard applies to vessels owned and operated by any time; the United States unless the Secretary of Defense finds (3856) (2) Vessels are authorized to cross the Terminal that compliance would not be in the interest of national Channel provided that there are no naval vessels then security. transiting the channel bounded by: (3857) 40°27'41.7\"N., 074°02'45.0\"W.; thence to (3877) (3858) 40°28'23.5\"N., 074°02'16.6\"W.; thence to (3859) 40°28'21.2\"N., 074°01'56.0\"W.; thence to §140.3 Standard. (3860) 40°28'07.9\"N., 074°02'18.6\"W.; thence to (3878) (a) (1) In freshwater lakes, freshwater reservoirs or (3861) 40°27'39.3\"N., 074°02'38.3\"W.; and (3862) (3) No person may swim in the Restricted Area. other freshwater impoundments whose inlets or outlets (3863) (c) Enforcement. The regulation in this section, are such as to prevent the ingress or egress by vessel promulgated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shall traffic subject to this regulation, or in rivers not capable be enforced by the Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons of navigation by interstate vessel traffic subject to this Station Earle, and/or other persons or agencies as he/she regulation, marine sanitation devices certified by the U.S. may designate. Coast Guard (see 33 CFR part 159, published in 40 FR 4622, January 30, 1975), installed on all vessels shall be (3864) designed and operated to prevent the overboard discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, or of any waste derived TITLE 40–PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT from sewage. This shall not be construed to prohibit the carriage of Coast Guard-certified flow-through treatment (3865) devices which have been secured so as to prevent such discharges. Part 140–Marine Sanitation Device Standard (3879) (2) In all other waters, Coast Guard-certified marine sanitation devices installed on all vessels shall (3866) be designed and operated to either retain, dispose of, or discharge sewage. If the device has a discharge, subject §140.1 Definitions. to paragraph (d) of this section, the effluent shall not have (3867) For the purpose of these standards the following a fecal coliform bacterial count of greater than 1,000 per 100 milliliters nor visible floating solids. Waters where a definitions shall apply: Coast Guard-certified marine sanitation device permitting (3868) (a) Sewage means human body wastes and the wastes discharge is allowed include coastal waters and estuaries, the Great Lakes and inter-connected waterways, fresh- from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or water lakes and impoundments accessible through locks, retain body wastes; and other flowing waters that are navigable interstate by (3869) (b) Discharge includes, but is not limited to, any vessels subject to this regulation. spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, (3880) (b) This standard shall become effective on January or dumping; 30, 1977 for new vessels and on January 30, 1980 for (3870) (c) Marine sanitation device includes any equipment existing vessels (or, in the case of vessels owned and for installation onboard a vessel and which is designed to operated by the Department of Defense, two years and receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage and any process five years, for new and existing vessels, respectively, to treat such sewage; after promulgation of implementing regulations by the (3871) (d) Vessel includes every description of watercraft Secretary of Defense under section 312(d) of the Act). or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being (3881) (c) Any vessel which is equipped as of the date of used, as a means of transportation on waters of the United promulgation of this regulation with a Coast Guard- States; certified flow-through marine sanitation device meeting (3872) (e) New vessel refers to any vessel on which the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, shall construction was initiated on or after January 30, 1975; not be required to comply with the provisions designed (3873) (f) Existing vessel refers to any vessel on which to prevent the overboard discharge of sewage, treated construction was initiated before January 30, 1975; or untreated, in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, for the (3874) (g) Fecal coliform bacteria are those organisms operable life of that device. associated with the intestines of warm-blooded animals (3882) (d) After January 30, 1980, subject to paragraphs (e) that are commonly used to indicate the presence of fecal and (f) of this section, marine sanitation devices on all material and the potential presence of organisms capable vessels on waters that are not subject to a prohibition of of causing human disease. the overboard discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, shall be (3875) designed and operated to either retain, dispose of, or discharge sewage, and shall be certified by the U.S. Coast §140.2 Scope of standard. Guard. If the device has a discharge, the effluent shall not (3876) The standard adopted herein applies only to vessels have a fecal coliform bacterial count of greater than 200 on which a marine sanitation device has been installed. The standard does not require the installation of a marine sanitation device on any vessel that is not so equipped.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 ¢ 149 per 100 milliliters, nor suspended solids greater than 150 Administrator’s finding is that applicable water quality mg/1. standards require a complete prohibition covering a more (3883) (e) Any existing vessel on waters not subject to restricted or more expanded area than that applied for by a prohibition of the overboard discharge of sewage in the State, he shall state the reasons why his finding differs paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and which is equipped in scope from that requested in the State’s application. with a certified device on or before January 30, 1978, [...] shall not be required to comply with paragraph (d) of this (3889) (c)(1) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f) section, for the operable life of that device. (4)(B): A State may make written application to the (3884) (f) Any new vessel on waters not subject to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency prohibition of the overboard discharge of sewage in under section 312(f)(4)(B) of the Act for the issuance paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and on which construction of a regulation establishing a drinking water intake no is initiated before January 31, 1980, which is equipped discharge zone which completely prohibits discharge with a marine sanitation device before January 31, 1980, from a vessel of any sewage, whether treated or untreated, certified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, shall not into that zone in particular waters, or portions thereof, be required to comply with paragraph (d) of this section, within such State. Such application shall: for the operable life of that device. (3890) (i) Identify and describe exactly and in detail the (3885) (g) The degrees of treatment described in paragraphs location of the drinking water supply intake(s) and the (a) and (d) of this section are ‘‘appropriate standards” community served by the intake(s), including average for purposes of Coast Guard and Department of Defense and maximum expected amounts of inflow; certification pursuant to section 312(g)(2) of the Act. (3891) (ii) Specify and describe exactly and in detail, the waters, or portions thereof, for which a complete (3886) prohibition is desired, and where appropriate, average, maximum and low flows in million gallons per day §140.4 Complete prohibition. (MGD) or the metric equivalent; (3887) (a) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f) (3892) (iii) Include a map, either a USGS topographic quadrant map or a NOAA nautical chart, as applicable, (3): a State may completely prohibit the discharge from clearly marking by latitude and longitude the waters or all vessels of any sewage, whether treated or not, into portions thereof to be designated a drinking water intake some or all of the waters within such State by making a zone; and written application to the Administrator, Environmental (3893) (iv) Include a statement of basis justifying the size Protection Agency, and by receiving the Administrator's of the requested drinking water intake zone, for example, affirmative determination pursuant to section 312(f)(3) identifying areas of intensive boating activities. of the Act. [...] (3894) (2) If the Administrator finds that a complete (3888) (b) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f) prohibition is appropriate under this paragraph, he or (4)(A): a State may make a written application to the she shall publish notice of such finding together with a Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, under notice of proposed rulemaking, and then shall proceed section 312(f)(4)(A) of the Act, for the issuance of a in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553. If the Administrator’s regulation completely prohibiting discharge from a vessel finding is that a complete prohibition covering a more of any sewage, whether treated or not, into particular restricted or more expanded area than that applied for waters of the United States or specified portions thereof, by the State is appropriate, he or she shall also include a which waters are located within the boundaries of such statement of the reasons why the finding differs in scope State. Such application shall specify with particularly from that requested in the State’s application. the waters, or portions thereof, for which a complete (3895) (3) If the Administrator finds that a complete prohibition is desired. The application shall include prohibition is inappropriate under this paragraph, he or identification of water recreational areas, drinking water she shall deny the application and state the reasons for intakes, aquatic sanctuaries, identifiable fish-spawning such denial. and nursery areas, and areas of intensive boating activities. (3896) (4) For the following waters the discharge from a If, on the basis of the State's application and any other vessel of any sewage, whether treated or not, is completely information available to him, the Administrator is unable prohibited pursuant to CWA section 312(f)(4)(B): to make a finding that the waters listed in the application (3897) (i) Two portions of the Hudson River in New York require a complete prohibition of any discharge in the State, the first is bounded by an east-west line through the waters or portions thereof covered by the application, he most northern confluence of the Mohawk River which shall state the reasons why he cannot make such a finding, will be designated by the Troy-Waterford Bridge (126th and shall deny the application. If the Administrator makes Street Bridge) on the south and Lock 2 on the north, a finding that the waters listed in the application require and the second of which is bounded on the north by the a complete prohibition of any discharge in all or any part southern end of Houghtaling Island and on the south by a of the waters or portions thereof covered by the State’s line between the Village of Roseton on the western shore application, he shall publish notice of such findings and Low Point on the eastern shore in the vicinity of together with a notice of proposed rule making, and then shall proceed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553. If the
150 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 Chelsea, as described in Items 2 and 3 of 6 NYCRR Part areas (i.e., a dock or anchorage). Likewise, intra-port 858.4. transit also includes the movement of a foreign-trade (3898) (ii) [Reserved] vessel outbound to sea from a point within the identified areas (i.e., a dock or anchorage) to the point where a State (3899) licensed pilot begins providing pilotage. §140.5 Analytical procedures. (3919) (3900) Indeterminingthecompositionandqualityofeffluent §15.1040 Massachusetts. discharge from marine sanitation devices, the procedures (3920) The following U.S. navigable waters located within contained in 40 CFR part 136, ‘‘Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants,” or the State of Massachusetts when the vessel is in transit, subsequent revisions or amendments thereto, shall be but not bound to or departing from a port within the employed. following listed operating areas: (3921) (a) Cape Cod Bay south of 41°48'54\"N.; (3901) (3922) (b) The Cape Cod Canal; and (3923) (c) Buzzards Bay east of a line extending from TITLE 46–SHIPPING the southernmost point of Wilbur Point (41°34'55\"N., 70°51'15\"W.) to the easternmost point of Pasque Island (3902) (41°26'55\"N., 70°50'30\"W.). Part 15–Manning Requirements (in part) (3903) (3924) Subpart I–Vessels in Foreign Trade TITLE 50–WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES (3904) (3925) §15.1001 General. Part 222–General Endangered and Threatened (3905) Self-propelled vessels engaged in foreign commerce Marine Species are required to use a pilot holding a valid MMC or license (3926) with appropriate endorsement as a first-class pilot when operating in the navigable waters of the United States Subpart A–Introduction and General Provisions specified in this subpart. (3906) (3927) §15.1030 New York and New Jersey. §222.101 Purpose and scope of regulations. (3907) The following U.S. navigable waters located within (3928) (a) The regulations of parts 222, 223, and 224 of this the States of New York and New Jersey when the vessel chapter implement the Endangered Species Act (Act), is making an intra-port transit, to include, but not limited and govern the taking, possession, transportation, sale, to, a movement from a dock to a dock, from a dock to purchase, barter, exportation, importation of, and other an anchorage, from an anchorage to a dock, or from an requirements pertaining to wildlife and plants under the anchorage to an anchorage, within the following listed jurisdiction of the Secretary of Commerce and determined operating areas: to be threatened or endangered pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. These regulations are implemented by the (3908) (a) East River from Execution Rocks to New York National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic Harbor, Upper Bay; and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, This part pertains to general provisions (3909) (b) Hudson River from Yonkers, New York to New and definitions. Specifically, parts 223 and 224 pertain York Harbor, Upper Bay; to provisions to threatened species and endangered species, respectively. Part 226 enumerates designated (3910) (c) Raritan River from Grossman Dock/Arsenal to critical habitat for endangered and threatened species. New York Harbor, Lower Bay; Certain of the endangered and threatened marine species enumerated in §§ 224.102 and 223.102 are included (3911) (d) Arthur Kill Channel; in Appendix I or II to the Convention on International (3912) (e) Kill Van Kull Channel; Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. (3913) (f) Newark Bay; The importation, exportation, and re-exportation of such (3914) (g) Passaic River from Point No Point to Newark species are subject to additional regulations set forth at 50 CFR part 23, chapter I. Bay; (3915) (h) Hackensack River from the turning basin to (3929) (b) For rules and procedures relating to species determined to be threatened or endangered under the Newark Bay; and jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, see 50 CFR (3916) (i) New York Harbor, Upper and Lower Bay. parts 10 through 17. For rules and procedures relating (3917) Note to §15.1030: to the general implementation of the Act jointly by the (3918) “Intra-port transit” as used in this section includes the movement of a foreign-trade vessel inbound from sea from the point where a State-licensed pilot ceases providing pilotage to another point within the identified
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 ¢ 151 Departments of the Interior and Commerce and for (3937) (i) If underway, a vessel must steer a course away certain species under the joint jurisdiction of both the from the right whale and immediately leave the area at Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, see 50 CFR slow safe speed. Chapter IV. Marine mammals listed as endangered or threatened and subject to these regulations may also be (3938) (ii) An aircraft must take a course away from the subject to additional requirements pursuant to the Marine right whale and immediately leave the area at a constant Mammal Protection Act (for regulations implementing airspeed. that act, see 50 CFR part 216). (3930) (c) No statute or regulation of any state shall be (3939) (3) Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to construed to relieve a person from the restrictions, this section, but any person who claims the applicability conditions, and requirements contained in parts 222, of an exception has the burden of proving that the 223, and 224 of this chapter. In addition, nothing in parts exception applies: 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, including any permit issued pursuant thereto, shall be construed to relieve (3940) (i) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do a person from any other requirements imposed by a not apply if a right whale approach is authorized by statute or regulation of any state or of the United States, the National Marine Fisheries Service through a permit including any applicable health, quarantine, agricultural, issued under part 222, subpart C, of this chapter (General or customs laws or regulations, or any other National Permit Procedures) or through a similar authorization. Marine Fisheries Service enforced statutes or regulations. (3941) (ii) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do not (3931) apply where compliance would create an imminent and serious threat to a person, vessel, or aircraft. Part 224–Endangered Marine and Anadromous Species (3942) (iii) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2)of this section do not apply when approaching to investigate a right whale (3932) entanglement or injury, or to assist in the disentanglement or rescue of a right whale, provided that permission is §224.103 Special prohibitions for endangered received from the National Marine Fisheries Service or marine mammals. designee prior to the approach. (3933) (c) Approaching right whales. (1) Prohibitions. Except as provided under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, (3943) (iv) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of not apply to an aircraft unless the aircraft is conducting the United States to commit, attempt to commit, to solicit whale watch activities. another to commit, or cause to be committed any of the following acts: (3944) (v) Paragraph (c)(2) of this section does not apply (3934) (i) Approach (including by interception) within 500 to the extent that a vessel is restricted in her ability to yards (460 m) of a right whale by vessel, aircraft, or any maneuver and, because of the restriction, cannot comply other means; with paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (3935) (ii) Fail to undertake required right whale avoidance measures specified under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (3945) (3936) (2) Right whale avoidance measures. Except as provided under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the §224.105 Speed restrictions to protect North Atlan- following avoidance measures must be taken if within tic Right Whales. 500 yards (460 m) of a right whale: (3946) (a) The following restrictions apply to: All vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft (19.8 m) in overall length and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and (3969) (3948) all other vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft (19.8 m) in overall length entering or departing a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. These restrictions
152 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 2 shall not apply to U.S. vessels owned or operated by, (3960) 38°52'27.4\"N., 75°01'32.1\"W.; or under contract to, the Federal Government. This (3961) (C) Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay (Ports of exemption extends to foreign sovereign vessels when they are engaging in joint exercises with the U.S. Hampton Roads and Baltimore): Department of the Navy. In addition, these restrictions (3962) 37°00'36.9\"N., 75°57'50.5\"W.; and do not apply to law enforcement vessels of a State, or (3963) (D) Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC: political subdivision thereof, when engaged in law enforcement or search and rescue duties. 34°41'32.0\"N., 76°40'08.3\"W.; and (3947) (1) Southeast U.S. (south of St. Augustine, FL to (3964) (iii) In Block Island Sound, in the area bounded by north of Brunswick, GA): Vessels shall travel at a speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period of the following coordinates: Beginning at November 15 to April 15 each year in the area bounded (3965) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; thence to by the following: Beginning at 31°27'00.0\"N., (3966) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; thence to 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence west to charted mean high water (3967) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; thence to line then south along charted mean high water line and (3968) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to inshore limits of COLREGS limit to a latitude of 29°45'00.0\"N., thence east to 29°45'00.0\"N., starting point. (Fig. 2). 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence back to starting point. (Fig. 1). (3970) (3) Northeast U.S. (north of Rhode Island): (3971) (i) In Cape Cod Bay, MA: Vessels shall travel at a (3949) (2) Mid-Atlantic U.S. (from north of Brunswick, Georgia to Rhode Island): Vessels shall travel 10 knots speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period or less over ground in the period November 1 to April 30 of January 1 to May 15 in Cape Cod Bay, in an area each year: beginning at 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence north (3950) (i) In the area bounded by the following: to 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence due west to 33°56'42.0\"N., 77°31'30.0\"W.; thence along a NW charted mean high water line; thence along charted mean bearing of 313.26° True to charted mean high water line high water within Cape Cod Bay back to beginning point. then south along mean high water line and inshore limits (Fig. 3). of COLREGS limit to a latitude of 31°27'00.0\"N.; thence (3972) (ii) Off Race Point: Vessels shall travel at a speed of east to 10 knots or less over ground during the period of March 1 (3951) 31°27'00.0\"N., 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence to to April 30 each year in waters bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated (Fig. (3985) 3): (3973) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W.; thence to (3952) 31°50'00.0\"N., 80°33'12.0\"W.; thence to (3974) 42°30'00.0\"N., 70°30'00.0\"W.; thence to (3953) 32°59'06.0\"N., 78°50'18.0\"W.; thence to (3975) 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°30'00.0\"W.; thence to (3954) 33°28'24.0\"N., 78°32'30.0\"W.; thence to (3976) 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence to (3955) 33°36'30.0\"N., 77°47'06.0\"W.; thence back to (3977) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence along charted mean high water line and inshore limits of COLREGS starting point.; limit to a latitude of 41°40'00.0\"N., thence due east to (3956) (ii) Within a 20-nm (37 km) radius (as measured 41°41'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W.; thence back to starting point. seaward from COLRGES delineated coast lines and the (3978) (iii) Great South Channel: Vessels shall travel at a center point of the port entrance) (Fig. 2) at the speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period (3957) (A) Ports of New York/New Jersey: of April 1 to July 31 each year in all waters bounded by (3958) 40°29'42.2\"N., 73°55'57.6\"W.; straight lines connecting the following points in the order (3959) (B) Delaware Bay (Ports of Philadelphia and stated (Fig. 3): Wilmington): (3979) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. (3980) 41°40'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. (3981) 41°00'00.0\"N., 69°05'00.0\"W. (3982) 42°09'00.0\"N., 67°08'24.0\"W. (3983) 42°30'00.0\"N., 67°27'00.0\"W. (3984) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. (3986) (b) Except as noted in paragraph (c) of this section, it is unlawful under this section: (3987) (1) For any vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to violate any speed restriction established in paragraph (a) of this section; or (3988) (2) For any vessel entering or departing a port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States to violate any speed restriction established in paragraph (a) of this section. (3989) (c) A vessel may operate at a speed necessary to maintain safe maneuvering speed instead of the
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 153 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook (1) The Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Sandy Hook and covered with cultivated fields and orchards, and embraces part of the coast of Massachusetts and all of occasional groves of trees. the coasts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. (10) Westerly from Point Judith to Napatree Point is To the mariner this area presents problems of unusual a continuous line of beaches behind which are many difficulty because of the off-lying shoals, strong and saltponds. These ponds have been formed by the variable currents, large amounts of fog, and turbulence sea breaking through the outer sand barrier and then of wind and sea in the great storms that so frequently depositing sand to close the opening. The shore near the sweep it. Additionally, the mariner is faced with the great water is low, grassy, and nearly level, but gradually rises volume of waterborne traffic that moves through the area with a series of gentle curves to higher wooded lands to and from the Port of New York. some distance back. (11) Block Island is another formation of the glacier. (2) A prominent feature of the island is the entire absence of trees. The surface when viewed from eastward has Prominent features a grassy undulating appearance, and the hills in many (3) The principal geographic features include Georges places show steep sandy faces. Near the shoreline the land is low, but rapidly rises toward the center of the Bank, Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards Bay, island to steep hills covered only with grass and dotted Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound and tributaries, and occasionally with houses. New York Harbor and tributaries including the Hudson (12) The boundary line between Rhode Island and River. Connecticut follows the Pawcatuck River to above the (4) Cape Cod, a long peninsula jutting eastward from head of navigation. the mainland of Massachusetts, may be likened to an arm (13) The coastline of Connecticut is rockbound and bent upward at the elbow. It was originally formed by the rugged, with numerous sandy beaches and occasional salt last great glacier and has been refashioned by the seas meadows or marshland. The surface is mildly rolling near and wind. The outer end of The Cape, as it is called by the shore. The depression of small valleys along the shore eastern New Englanders, is a barren region of sand dunes has created a number of good harbors. The shoreline has with long yellow beaches, while much of the remainder of been well developed commercially and residentially. It the forearm is bleak grassy country. The southern side of is lined with seaside resorts, State parks, and bathing the delta-like plain of Cape Cod has been cut along high beaches. bluffs by the surf and waves. This section of the coast is (14) The boundary line between Connecticut and New covered with growth of pitch pine and scrub oak. York follows the Byram River for slightly over 1 mile. (5) Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, (15) Long Island, originally formed by the glacier and and numerous smaller islands were also formed by the thrusting about 105 miles eastward from New York Bay glacier. The plains of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to a point abreast of New London, faces the New England are broad grassy heaths. The Elizabeth Islands are hilly coast across Long Island Sound on the north. Its eastern and partly wooded, and generally the shores are low end is split by Peconic Bay and the 35- and 25-mile bluffs. peninsulas thus formed are the north and south flukes. (6) The western shore of Buzzards Bay is of moderate The island is almost a plain. On the north coast, bluffs height, very gently sloping, cleared, and cultivated with rise to a height of 200 feet. South of these, extending well occasional groves of trees. Several towns and the city of into the island’s midsection, run several chains of hills. New Bedford are visible along the shores. The south shore is a barrier beach from about 30 miles (7) Between Buzzards and Narragansett Bays the coast west of the eastern extremity to the western end, which is a mass of sand dunes with steep faces forming a line has been developed into a series of bathing resorts. along the shore. Several headlands along this stretch of coast have fine sand beaches between them. (16) (8) The boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island strikes the coast just westward of Quicksand Disposal Sites and Dumping Grounds Point. (17) These areas are rarely mentioned in the Coast Pilot, (9) Among the islands in Narragansett Bay are Rhode (Aquidneck) Island, Conanicut, and Prudence. These but are shown on the nautical charts. (See Disposal Sites rather large islands are gently sloping, undulating, and Dumping Grounds, chapter 1, and charts for limits.)
154 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 (18) recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army. Controlling depth in a channel is its least depth; it Aids to navigation restricts use of the channel to drafts less than that depth. (19) Lights and buoys are the principal guides that mark (33) Where deepwater channels are maintained by the Corps of Engineers and the controlling depths are the approaches to the important harbors. Many of the printed on the charts in tabular form, the Coast Pilot light stations have sound signals, particularly those in usually gives only the project depths. Owing to constant the vicinity of the larger ports. shoaling in places, depths may vary considerably between (20) (See the Light List for a complete description of maintenance dredgings; consult the Notice to Mariners navigational aids.) for channel depths subsequent to charted information. (21) Radar is an important aid in most of this area, (34) Where secondary channels are maintained regularly but should not be relied upon for ranges to the beach by the Corps of Engineers, the Coast Pilot gives the in areas such as the south coast of Long Island which controlling depths together with the dates of the latest offer a relatively low relief. Many of the coastal buoys surveys. are equipped with radar reflectors. Radar is of particular (35) In the case of other channels, the controlling depths importance in detecting other traffic and in the prevention printed in the Coast Pilot are from the latest available of collisions during periods of low visibility, which are reports which may, however, be several years old. common in this area. (36) (22) Anchorages COLREGS Demarcation Lines (37) There are numerous anchorages in Nantucket and (23) Lines have been established to delineate those Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards, Narragansett, and Gardiners waters upon which mariners must comply with the Bays, and Long Island Sound, where vessels with good Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Inland Rules). ground tackle can ride out any gale. Between Cape Cod The waters inside of the lines are Inland Rules Waters, and Sandy Hook, the more important harbors, either and the waters outside of the lines are COLREGS commercially or as harbors of refuge, are New Bedford, Waters. (See 33 CFR 80, chapter 2, for specific lines of Newport, Providence, New London, New Haven, and demarcation.) Bridgeport on the mainland, Greenport and Port Jefferson on Long Island, City Island, New York, and vast New (24) York Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Ports and Waterways Safety (25) (See 33 CFR 160, chapter 2, for regulations (38) governing vessel operations and requirements for Marine Protected Areas notification of arrivals, hazardous conditions, and certain (39) The chapters that follow may contain references to dangerous cargoes to the Captain of the Port.) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) occurring in navigable coastal waters of the NE Atlantic coast. This critical environmental information is intended to inform readers (26) Regulated Navigation Areas have been established about the location, purpose, and legal restrictions of within the navigable waters of the First Coast Guard coastal MPAs, with an emphasis on activities of interest District to increase operational safety for towing vessels to the maritime community. For detailed information on and tank barges. (See 33 CFR165.100, chapter 2, for MPAs, visit http://mpa.gov/. Some of the major MPAs are limits and regulations.) listed below. (40) Northern Inshore Lobster Waters includes the (27) State waters of RI, MA, NH, and ME. (41) Northern Nearshore Lobster Waters includes the Harbor entrances Federal waters of RI, MA, NH, and ME. (28) The entrances to most of the harbors have dredged (42) Offshore Lobster Waters, about 60 miles offshore to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) edge, extend channels marked with navigational aids and are easy of from the U.S. Canadian border to Cape Hatteras, NC. access. In some cases jetties and breakwaters extend (43) Southern Nearshore Lobster Waters and Mid- offshore from the entrances. The entrances to the inlets Atlantic Coastal Waters Area includes the State and along the south shore of Long Island are subject to Federal waters along the continental shelf from Long frequent change due to the shifting sand bars. Island to Cape Hatteras, NC. (29) Traffic Separation Schemes (Traffic Lanes) have been established in the approaches to Buzzards Bay, (44) Narragansett Bay, and New York Harbor. (See chapters 5, 6, and 11, respectively, for details.) Dangers (30) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the (45) Themostimportantdangersconfrontingthenavigator U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 33 CFR 161.1 through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) when approaching the area are the great banks and shoals in the eastern approach. The remainder of the isolated (31) Channels (32) Federal project depth is the dredging depth of a channel as authorized by an Act of Congress upon
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 155 dangers throughout the area and in the approaches to the (52) Seasonal occurrence of North Atlantic right harbors are for the most part well marked and charted. whales: During seasons and in areas where right whales may occur, vessel operators should maintain a sharp (46) lookout for whales and reduce speeds when consistent with safe navigation. In any given year oceanographic Pipelaying barges variability may affect the seasonal distribution of right (47) With the increased number of pipeline laying whales. In 1986, right whales were frequently sighted within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary operations, operators of all types of vessels should be throughout the summer, and in the early spring of 1998 a aware of the dangers of passing close aboard, close large number of right whales were documented near the ahead, or close astern of a jetbarge or pipelaying barge. Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation Scheme. Pipelaying barges and jetbarges usually move at 0.5 knot Three areas in U.S. waters have been designated as or less and have anchors which extend out about 3,500 to critical habitats for North Atlantic right whales. The 5,000 feet in all directions and which may be marked by northern critical habitats, the Great South Channel lighted anchor buoys. The exposed pipeline behind the (east of Cape Cod) and Cape Cod Bay extending into pipelaying barge and the area in the vicinity of anchors Massachusetts Bay, are feeding and nursery grounds. The are hazardous to navigation and should be avoided. The southern critical habitat, off coastal Florida and Georgia pipeline and anchor cables also represent a submerged (Sebastian Inlet, Florida to the Altamaha River, Georgia), hazard to navigation. It is suggested, if safe navigation is a calving area. (See 50 CFR 226.203, chapter 2 for permits, for all types of vessels to pass well ahead of limits, regulations and exceptions). the pipelaying barge or well astern of the jetbarge. The pipelaying barge, jetbarge, and attending vessels may (53) be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 (156.80 MHz) for passage instructions. Seasonal occurrence of North Atlantic right whales (48) Location Season Comments Central Gulf of Maine North AtlanticRight Whales (Jordan Basin, April-June (49) The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world's Cashes Ledge) October-December Cape Cod Bay most endangered large whale species. NorthAtlantic right Great South Channel, December-May whales are found primarily in continental shelf waters northern edge of between Florida and Nova Scotia. They migrate annually Georges Bank March-July along the east coast between the feeding grounds off New Bay of Fundy, Scotian England and Canada and the calving grounds off Florida, Shelf (Browns Bank, July-October Most of the population Georgia and South Carolina. Because right whales mate, Roseway Basin) October-December can be found in this rest, feed and nurse their young at the surface, and often area during this time. do not move out of the way of oncoming ships, they are Jeffreys Ledge Year-round highly vulnerable to being struck. Pregnant females and November-April Whales are frequently females with nursing calves appear to be particularly Stellwagen Bank sighted in this area. vulnerable to collisions with ships. Ship strikes and National Marine November-April fishing gear entanglements are the two known sources Sanctuary Peak sightings occur of human-related mortality. Intentionally approaching in the early spring with within 500 yards of right whales is prohibited and is a New York to North infrequent sightings in violation of federal law. (See 50 CFR 224.103, chapter Carolina the summer. 2 for limits, regulations and exceptions.) (50) Description of North Atlantic right whale: Right South Carolina, The migration corridor whales are large baleen whales. Adults are generally 45 Georgia and Florida between right whale to 55 feet in length and can weigh up to 70 tons. The body calving area habitats is within 30 is mostly black, but irregularly shaped white patches may miles of the Atlantic be present on the ventral surface. The best field coast. identification marks are a broad back with no dorsal fin, irregular bumpy white patches (callosities) on the head, Calving right whales and a distinctive two-column V-shaped blow when have been sighted viewed from directly behind or in front of the whale. The as far north as Cape whales have broad, paddle-shaped flippers and a broad, Fear, NC and as far deeply notched tail. (See following diagrams and south as Miami, FL photographs.) Right whales are slow moving and seldom with rare sightings in travel faster than 5 or 6 knots. They can stay submerged the Gulf of Mexico. for 10 to 20 minutes and may appear suddenly when surfacing to breathe. They are often seen alone or in small (54) Mandatory Speed Restrictions: Vessels 65 feet or groups. At times, right whales form large courtship greater in length overall (L.O.A.) are subject to mandatory groups of 20 to 30 animals. speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in seasonal management areas (SMA) along the U.S. East Coast during times when right whales are likely to be present (See following maps for locations of SMAs). The Northeastern SMA speed restrictions are in place from January 1 through May 15 in Cape Cod Bay, from March 1 through April 30 off Race Point, and from April 1 through July 31 in the Great South Channel. Speed restrictions in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. SMAs are in place from November 1 to April 30 and include Block Island
156 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 (51)
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 157 (55) Portland Feeding Areas Boston Mar 1 - Apr 30 Apr 1 - Jul 31 Providence Jan 1- 42°N May 15 Northeast U.S. Seasonal Management Areas Port Mandatory Ship Reporting Area N Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area 40°N Boston Traffic Separation Scheme 72°W 70°W 68°W New York New London 40°N Philadelphia Block Island Baltimore Norfolk Migratory Route & Calving Grounds November 1 through April 30 Morehead City 35°N Wilmington, NC A Charleston D B E C Mid-Atlantic U.S. Seasonal Management Areas Savannah Mid-Atlantic Seasonal Management Area Waypoints F Ports G Mid-Atlantic Seasonal Management Areas N 80°W 75°W 70°W
158 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 Sound, entry into the Ports of New York/New Jersey, Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) systems. General Delaware Bay, Entrance to Chesapeake Bay, and the sighting information may be obtained by sending an Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC, and within a e-mail to [email protected] (Northeast) or se.rw. continuous boundary approximately 20 nautical miles [email protected] (Southeast). from shore around the major ports of Wilmington, NC, (63) Precautions when transiting right whale habitat Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Speed restrictions are and areas of recently reported right whale sightings: in place in the Southeastern U.S. SMA from November NOAA recommends the following precautionary 15 toApril 15; this area extends from shore approximately measures be taken to avoid adverse interactions with 30 nautical miles eastward and contains the major ports North Atlantic right whales: of Brunswick, GA, Fernandina Beach, FL and (64) Before entering right whale habitat (See “Seasonal Jacksonville, FL. (See 50 CFR 224.105, chapter 2 for Occurrence” table), check Coast Guard Broadcast regulations, limitations, and exceptions and complete Notices to Mariners, NAVTEX, NOAA Weather Radio, description of the SMAs.) Boundaries of the SMAs are Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) system, Cape Cod shown on NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts Canal Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel US2EC02M,US2EC03M,US2EC04M,andUS2GC12M. Traffic Control, as well as other sources for recent right NOAA Fisheries may also establish voluntary Dynamic whale sighting reports. Local ship pilots also have Management Areas (DMAs) when right whales are information on whale sightings and safe local operating present in areas and times not covered by the SMAs. procedures. Information about established DMAs will be announced (65) Review right whale identification materials and over NOAA's customary maritime communication maintain a sharp watch with lookouts familiar with media. Mariners are encouraged to avoid or reduce speeds spotting whales. Although right whales are large, their to 10 knots or less while transiting through DMAs. dark color and lack of a dorsal fin can make them difficult to spot. (56) (66) Avoid transiting through the right whale habitats and areas where right whales have recently been sighted. Area to be avoided If transiting between ports within critical habitats, (57) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship strikes minimize transit distance. Route around observed or recently reported right whales and anticipate delays due to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be avoided to prudent seamanship in response to whale sightings. was established in the Great South Channel, east of the Avoid transits at night or during periods of low visibility. Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 gross tons and (67) If a right whale is sighted from the ship or reported above should avoid the area bounded by lines connecting along the intended track of the ship, mariners should the following geographical positions: exercise caution, post a lookout and reduce speed to 10 (58) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; knots when consistent with safe navigation. If a right (59) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; whale is sighted, a vessel must steer a course away from (60) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and the right whale and immediately leave the area at slow (61) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of safe speed. Do not assume right whales will move out April 1 through July 31 of the way of an approaching vessel. Mariners should keep in mind that it is illegal to approach a right whale closer than 500 yards. (See 50 CFR 224.103, chapter 2 for limits, regulations and exceptions.) (62) Early Warning and Sighting Advisory Systems: (68) Any whale accidentally struck, dead whale carcass, As weather and conditions permit, dedicated seasonal and sighting of an injured or entangled whale should programs of aerial and vessel surveys are conducted be reported immediately to the Coast Guard or NOAA in the Northeast and Southeast U.S. to provide whale National Marine Fisheries Service noting the precise sighting information to mariners. Surveys typically occur location, date and time of the accident or sighting. Call in the following locations at the specified times: a) Cape 866–755–6622 for reports to NOAA for the area from Cod Bay, the Gulf of Maine, the Great South Channel, Virginia to Maine or 877–942–5343 (877–WHALE– and Rhode Island, Block Island, and Long Island HELP) for the area from North Carolina to Florida. In the Sounds from January through July; b) South Carolina/ event of a strike or sighting of a dead, injured or entangled North Carolina border south to Crescent Beach, FL from whale, the following information should be provided: December through March. Survey planes occasionally (69) location, date, and time of the accident or sighting use VHF-FM channel 16 to contact ships directly if of a carcass or an entangled whale, whales have been spotted in close proximity to that vessel. (70) speed and course of the vessel, However, many right whales go undetected by surveys. (71) vessel specifications such as size and propulsion, Seasonal right whale advisories and sighting reports are (72) water depth, broadcast periodically for these and surrounding areas by (73) environmental conditions such as visibility, wind Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners, NAVTEX, speed and direction, NOAA Weather Radio, Cape Cod Canal Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel Traffic Control, and are included in the return message from the Right Whale
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 159 (74) description of the impact, Guard's Communication Area Master Station Atlantic (75) fate of the animal, and (CAMSLANT) via HF voice frequencies on 4125 kHz, (76) species and size, if known. 6215 kHz, 8291 kHz, 12290 kHz, and 16420 kHz or by (77) Recommended Two-Way Routes to Avoid calling 1–800–742–8519x0. Vessels equipped only with VHF-FM voice communications should submit reports Whales: To reduce the possibility of vessel strikes with to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Sector. right whales, Two-Way Routes were developed for (86) vessels entering and transiting through Cape Cod Bay and arriving and departing the ports of Brunswick, GA, Example Report Fernandina Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL. The routes were developed from an analysis of historical right whale WHALESNORTH sightings and are designed to reduce the likelihood of adverse interactions between large vessels and right WHALESNORTH// whales. The routes are found on the latest NOAA Nautical Charts. In 2007, the northern leg of the Boston M/487654321// Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) was shifted to direct ship traffic away from an area of high whale density. Use A/CALYPSO/NRUS// of the modified TSS is expected to considerably reduce the risk of striking a whale. B/031401Z APR// (78) Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (MSR) WHALESNORTH and WHALESSOUTH: Mandatory E/345// Ship Reporting (MSR) systems require all vessels, 300 gross tons or greater, to report to the U.S. Coast Guard F/10.0// upon entering two designated reporting areas off the east coast of the United States. (See 33 CFR 169, chapter 2, H/031410Z APR/4104N/06918W// for limits and regulations.) Sovereign immune vessels are exempt from the requirement to report, but are I/BOSTON/032345Z APR// encouraged to participate. (79) Thetworeportingsystemswilloperateindependently L/WP/4104N/06918W/15.5// of each other. The system in the northeastern United States will operate year round and the system in the L/WP/4210N/06952W/15.5// southeastern United States will operate each year from November 15 through April 15. Reporting ships are only L/WP/4230N/07006W/15.5// required to make reports when entering a reporting area during a single voyage (that is, a voyage in which a ship is WHALESSOUTH in the area). Ships are not required to report when leaving a port in the reporting area nor when exiting the system. WHALESSOUTH// (80) Mariners should check all MSR messages carefully before transmittal to ensure the message includes the M/412345678// correct address and format. Additional greeting or comments in the message will preclude message receipt A/BEAGLE/NVES// by the MSR system. Failure to receive a timely return message from the MSR system that provides locations of B/270810Z MAR// recent right whale sightings and precautionary guidance should be reported to the local Coast Guard Sector Office. E/250// (81) Northeastern reporting system/Southeastern reporting system (See 33 CFR 169.105 and 169.115, F/10.0// chapter 2, for limits.) (82) Vessels shall make reports in accordance with the H/270810Z MAR/3030N/08052W// format in IMO Resolution A.858 (20) in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life I/MAYPORT/271215Z MAR// at Sea 1974 (SOLAS 74). (See 33 CFR 169.135 and 169.140, chapter 2, for additional information.) Vessels L/RL/17.0// should report via INMARSAT C or via alternate satellite communications to one of the following addresses: (87) (83) Email: [email protected] or (84) Telex: 48156090. Charts 13204, 13200, 13203 (85) Vessels not equipped with INMARSAT C or Telex should submit reports to the U.S. Coast (88) Georges Bank is an extensive bank with depths of less than 50 fathoms, extending for over 150 miles northeastward from the offshore end of Nantucket Shoals. (89) In heavy weather the danger area may be considered to be the oval-shaped top of the bank which is about 80 miles long in a northeast and southwest direction and which has a maximum width of about 50 miles. The bottom within this area is extremely broken and irregular, with a great number of ridges and shoal spots having depths of less than 10 fathoms. Between these shoals are channels of varying widths in which depths of about 20 fathoms may be found. All of this area lies within the 30-fathom curve and so much of it has depths of less than 20 fathoms that it may practically all be considered to lie within a generalized 20-fathom curve. (90) On the southeast side of the bank, outside the 20-fathom curve, the water deepens gradually and with
160 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 such regularity that soundings would be of considerable offshore. The easterly edge of the shoals has depths of 3 value in approaching the bank. On the northwest side the and 4 fathoms in places. water deepens more rapidly. (91) The bottom is generally of sand, sometimes with (98) shell, and in places pebbles. Bottom samples as obtained during surveys are shown in a great many places on the Area to be avoided charts. (99) Because of the great danger of stranding and for (92) The two principal dangers on Georges Bank are Georges Shoal and Cultivator Shoal, which are near the reasons of environmental protection, the International center of the danger area. Around these shoals the sea Maritime Organization (IMO) has established an area to breaks in depths of 10 fathoms during heavy weather, and be avoided in the area of Nantucket Shoals. All vessels the locality should be avoided by deep-draft vessels. carrying cargoes of oil or hazardous materials and all (93) Georges Shoal is a ridge about 13 miles long on other vessels of more than 1,000 gross tons should avoid which are several shallow depths of 1½ to 3 fathoms. the area bounded by the following points: (94) Cultivator Shoal, about 20 miles westward of (100) 41°16.5'N., 70°12.5'W.; Georges Shoal, is a ridge nearly 15 miles long, on which (101) 40°43.2'N., 70°00.5'W.; depths of 3 to 10 fathoms are found. The 3-fathom spot (102) 40°44.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; is near the north end of the shoal. In 1980, a submerged (103) 41°04.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; obstruction was reported about 8.7 miles northwest of (104) 41°23.5'N., 69°31.5'W.; and the 3-fathom spot in about 41°43'N., 68°23'W.; vessels (105) 41°23.4'N., 70°02.8'W. engaged in bottom operations are advised to exercise caution in the area. (95) The entire area within the 20-fathom curve has an extremely broken bottom. There are numerous ridges and (106) The currents in the area are strong and erratic, shoal spots on which depths dangerous to navigation, reaching a velocity of 3 to 5 knots around the edges of particularly in heavy weather, may be found. These the shoals. They are made erratic by the obstruction of the shoal spots generally have steep sides, and very little or shoals, in some cases being deflected to such an extent no indication of their existence is given by soundings. as to cause the direction to change 180° from one side of Tide rips and swirls, as well as overfalls, are common the shoal to the other. in the vicinity of these spots, but are not always visible. They show best with a smooth sea and with the current (107) The tidal current over the shoals is rotary, turning flowing in certain directions. These disturbances are clockwise. Observations in the area indicate an average not usually over the shoalest depths, but are commonly velocity at strength of about 2.5 knots, but this probably alongside them. Small, detached overfalls may be seen varies appreciably from place to place. Similarly the in 20 fathoms of water. The tidal currents are rotary with direction of the current at strength probably depends on no period of slack water. The velocity at strength is about the orientation of channels between shoal areas. 2 knots, and the velocity of the minimum current which occurs about midway between the times of strength is (108) Since the current is rotary, there is no true slack. about 1 knot. The hourly velocities and directions of the Observations in the area show an average minimum of tidal current are shown by means of current roses on about 0.5 knot. National Ocean Service charts. (96) A navigator must bear in mind while in an area of this (109) The tidal current south of Asia Rip is rotary, turning character that it is impossible for the surveyor, without a clockwise. The average velocity at strength is 0.8 knot; vast expenditure of time, to determine and locate all of the average minimum is 0.6 knot. the shoalest spots on the many dangerous shoals found. Sudden shoaling on such a bank must be considered an (110) Hourly average velocities and directions for Davis indication of possibly dangerous water. This bank has not Bank and the area south of Asia Rip, referred to predicted been wire dragged. times of maximum flood at Pollock Rip Channel, are (97) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the furnished in the Tidal Current Tables. However the tidal numerous different broken shoals which lie southeastward currents are appreciably influenced by winds. of Nantucket Island and make this one of the most dangerous parts of the coast of the United States for the (111) Nantucket Shoals should be entirely avoided by navigator. These shoals extend 23 miles eastward and deep-draft vessels when possible and by light-draft 40 miles southeastward from Nantucket Island. They are vessels without local knowledge, on account of the shifting in nature, and the depths vary from 3 to 4 feet treacherous currents. There are, however, channels on some to 4 and 5 fathoms on others, while slues with through these various shoals which can be negotiated depths of 10 fathoms or more lead between those farthest with local knowledge and caution. In calm weather at slack water these shoals are sometimes difficult to see, and a vessel is liable to be taken into shoaler water than was intended. (112) Calm, clear days are few; when the sea is calm it is usually foggy, and when clear, it is usually rough. Also to be expected is a considerable amount of hazy weather, which limits visibility. (113) Should it become necessary to anchor in this area, open sea anchorage may be had anywhere that depths permit. Due consideration should be given to the close
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 161 proximity of shoals and possibility of dragging due to rip in about 41°00.0'N., 69°27.0'W. and 41°01.0'N., the winds and currents. Generally it has been found best 69°29.7'W., respectively. to avoid the deeper channels and, when rougher water is (128) The unmarked channel westward of Fishing Rip is experienced, to anchor in the lee of a shoal, which would obstructed by three shoals in the northern section which tend to knock down the heavier swells. A scope of five to have least-found depths of 7½, 4½, and 10 fathoms. In the one or greater should always be used. southern part of this channel are four shoals with depths of 8 to 10 fathoms. (114) (129) Davis Bank, the innermost of the outer Nantucket Shoals, is bow-shaped and has depths of 2¾ to 10 fathoms North Atlantic Right Whales of water over it. The bank is about 30 miles long north and (115) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur south and has a greatest width of 4 miles. The wreck of the vessel PROGRESS is off the inner edge of the bank along the northern edge of Georges Bank (peak season: about 13 miles north-northeastward of the southern end March through July). (See North Atlantic Right Whales, of the bank. indexed as such, in this chapter for more information (130) The channel westward of Davis Bank is marked on on right whales and recommended measures to avoid its west side by lighted and unlighted buoys. A racon is collisions.) at the northernmost lighted buoy. The use of this channel (116) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall should be restricted to clear weather due to the strong (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United currents encountered throughout this area. States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area (131) between April 1 and July 31. The area is defined as the waters bounded by: Chart 13200 (117) 42°30'N., 69°45'W.; (118) 42°30'N., 67°27'W.; (132) The inner Nantucket Shoals all lie within the (119) 42°09'N., 67°08.4'W.; 10-fathom curve. The area is very foul. Only a few of (120) 41°00'N., 69°05'W.; the shoals are described. Davis South Shoal, about 20 (121) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; thence back to starting point. miles south-southeast of Sankaty Head, consists of two (See 50 CFR 224.105, chapter 2, for regulations, spots of 2¾ and 2½ fathoms about 1.5 miles apart. limitations, and exceptions.) (133) Old South Shoal, consisting of two spots of 2½ fathoms with a 2-fathom spot and foul ground between them, is about 13.5 miles southeast of Sankaty Head. This (122) Georges Bank Closure Areas, Marine Protected shoal is unmarked. Areas (MPAs), extend S and E of Cape Cod to the boundary with the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (134) Nantucket Lightship Closed Areas include waters S and E of Nantucket Island extending to the west edge of Charts 13200, 13237 Georges Bank. (135) Great Rip, about 13 miles east-southeast of Sankaty (123) Nantucket Shoals is made up of the following parts: Head, has depths of 1 to 2¾ fathoms. This shoal is about (124) Phelps Bank, the southeasternmost part of the 7 miles long north and south and 1 to 2 miles wide. About 1.5 miles westward of Great Rip and separated from it by Nantucket Shoals, is about 6.5 miles long and 2.5 miles depths of 14 to 19 fathoms is an unnamed and unmarked wide. A lighted whistle buoy, marking the entrance to the shoal of 1½ to 2½ fathoms. Breakers are usually observed Boston Harbor Traffic Separation Scheme, is about 12 on the shoal. miles eastward of Phelps Bank. (125) Asia Rip, the shoalest point of the bank with 5¾ (136) Rose and Crown is a boot-shaped shoal with its fathoms, is at the southern end. The wreck of the SS southern end about 10.5 miles east of Sankaty Head. The OREGON, covered 3¼ fathoms, is at 40°45'N., 69°19'W., shoal extends about 5 miles northward and then 3 miles 3 miles south-southeastward of Asia Rip. westward. Depths of 1¼ and 1½ fathoms are found in the (126) Middle Rip, with a least-found depth of 4 fathoms leg of the boot, a depth of ½ fathom forms the heel, and and lying north-northwest of Phelps Bank, is about 13.5 a depth of 1¼ fathoms is found in the toe. Northward of miles long and 4.5 miles wide. This shoal consists of two the toe of Rose and Crown is a shoal with foul ground large parts with depths of 4 fathoms on the east and 6 and spots of 1½ and 2½ fathoms. Rose and Crown breaks fathoms on the west, separated by a channel with a depth heavily. of 7 fathoms and four outlying shoals of 8 to 10 fathoms. (127) Fishing Rip, bow-shaped, with depths of 3 to 10 (137) Bass Rip, about 2.5 miles eastward of Sankaty fathoms, is about 26 miles long north and south and 6.5 Head, is about 3.5 miles long north and south. A depth of miles wide at its widest point. The north point is 20 miles ½ fathom is 3 miles 115° from the light. The northern end 073° and the south point is 27.5 miles 136°, respectively, of the shoal has a depth of 2 fathoms. Old Man Shoal from Sankaty Head Light. A large wreck area is near the extends 4.5 miles southwestward from a point 1.5 miles southern part of Fishing Rip. A wreck and a submerged off the southeastern end of Nantucket Island. Depths of obstruction are also near the southern portion of the 1¼ to 2¾ fathoms are found on this shoal.
162 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 (138) McBlair Shoal, the northernmost of the Nantucket (149) Restricted Lobster and Gillnet Marine Protected Shoals and marked on its northern side by lighted buoys, Areas (MPAs) are in Great South Channel. forms part of the southern side of Great Round Shoal Channel. Depths on this shoal vary from 2¼ to 3½ (150) Submarine canyons are indentations in the edge of fathoms. the Continental Shelf which is bounded on its seaward side by the 100-fathom curve. They may be traced from (139) Great South Channel is the passage between the depths of 1,000 fathoms or more to the shoaler areas of easternmost of the Nantucket Shoals and the westernmost the Continental Shelf. The navigator who has available shoal spots of Georges Bank. The approximate center of some means of echo sounding should have in mind the the channel extends from 40°36'N., 68°55'W. to 41°38'N., various canyons found in this locality. The soundings in 68°55'W. The channel is about 27 miles wide and has crossing them are very characteristic in each case, and depths of 19 fathoms and greater throughout, with lesser such soundings may be used to determine the vessel’s depths along the eastern and western edges. The Great position with considerable accuracy. South Channel is a feeding area for endangered North Atlantic right whales in spring and summer (peak season: (151) The names of some of the most important submarine March through July, although right whales have been canyons are shown on the charts. The longitude seen in the area year round). following the name is approximate and only given to assist in locating the feature on the chart. Corsair (140) Canyon, 66°10'W., on the eastern side of Georges Bank, has a northwesterly trend. On the southern side North Atlantic Right Whales and toward the western end of Georges Bank, having (141) Great South Channel lies within the federally a northerly trend, are Lydonia Canyon, 67°40'W.; Gilbert Canyon, 67°50'W.; Oceanographer Canyon, designated critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales 68°05'W.; and Welker Canyon, 68°30'W. Southeastward (see 50 CFR 226.203(a), chapter 2). In some years, more and southward of Nantucket Shoals, having a northerly than a third of the remaining population of North Atlantic trend, are Hydrographer Canyon, 69°00'W.; Veatch right whales can be found in the Great South Channel Canyon, 69°35'W.; and Atlantis Canyon, 70°15'W. at any one time. It is illegal to approach closer than Block Canyon, 71°20'W., is south-southeasterly of 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR 224.103(c), Block Island Sound and has a north-northwesterly trend. chapter 2, for limit and regulation.) It is recommended Hudson Canyon, 72°20'W., extends northwestward to that all large vessels (over 100 gross tons) avoid operating the mouth of the Hudson River. The inshore section of in the critical habitat during the peak period of right whale this canyon is called Mud Gorge. occurrence (March through July). When the area cannot be avoided, precautionary measures should be taken (152) Many vessels have been wrecked along this coast as to reduce the risk of ship strikes. (See North Atlantic a result of collision, foundering, and other causes. Most Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more of the offshore wrecks have been located and surveyed to information on right whales and recommended measures determine the least depth over the highest projecting part. to avoid collisions with whales.) Dangerous wrecks for the most part are marked by buoys (142) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall of various colors and shapes and often show a quick- (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United flashing or an interrupted quick-flashing light. States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area (153) Many vessels have grounded in fog on the south between April 1 and July 31. The area is defined as the side of Long Island and on Block Island. Probably many waters bounded by: of these wrecks could have been avoided if frequent (143) 42°30'N., 69°45'W. soundings had been taken in approaching the coast. (144) 42°30'N., 67°27'W. Vessels equipped to do so should make good use of the (145) 42°09'N., 67°08.4'W. electronic aids to navigation systems along the coast to (146) 41°00'N., 69°05'W. check their position frequently. (147) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; thence back to starting point. (See 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for regulations, (154) The coastal waters contain numerous lobster pots. limitations, and exceptions.) Small painted wooden buoys of various designs and (148) Vessels transiting within the Great South Channel colors, secured by small lines, float on the surface; in may transit into the WHALESNORTH Mandatory Ship some cases a second buoy, usually an unpainted wooden ReportingArea. Each self-propelled ship of 300 gross tons stick or bottle and difficult to see, is attached to the lobster or greater entering WHALESNORTH must participate in pot. These buoys extend from shore out to, and in many the Mandatory Ship Reporting System (See 33 CFR 169, cases across, the sailing routes. Small yachts and motor chapter 2, for limits and regulations, and chapter 3 for boats are cautioned against fouling them, which is liable sample reports). Sovereign immune vessels are exempt to result in a sprung shaft or lost propeller. Fishtraps and from the requirement to report, but are encouraged to fish havens are discussed in chapter 1. participate. (155) Fishweirs are numerous along the outside coast and inside waters. The stakes often become broken off and form a hazard to navigation, especially at night. The areas within which fishweirs are permitted have been
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 163 established under Federal authority and are shown on 68°00'W., the 100-fathom and 50-fathom curves are only charts of 1:80,000 scale and larger. The exact locations a few miles apart, and when approaching the dangerous of the weirs within the designated areas are not shown. part of the bank from northward 50 fathoms may be taken Strangers should proceed with caution when crossing as a good depth to avoid the shoals. areas of possible fishweirs, and should avoid crossing (166) Vessels equipped with echo sounding devices and such areas at night. following the 100-fathom curve along the south side of (156) Danger zones have been established within the area Georges Bank can frequently verify their position when of this Coast Pilot. (See 33 CFR 334, chapter 2, for limits crossing the several submarine gorges or canyons. and regulations.) (167) Approaching New York from the area south of Asia Rip, a slight allowance should be made for a southwesterly (157) set of the current. Should the wind be easterly, it is customary to allow, in order to make a course good, a set Drawbridges of the current with it of at least 0.5 knot. (158) The general regulations that apply to all drawbridges (168) The North Atlantic Lane Routes are described in NV PUB. 106, Atlas of Pilot Charts, North Atlantic are given in 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico), published by the and the specific regulations that apply only to certain National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Washington, drawbridges are given in 33 CFR 117, Subpart B, D.C. chapter 2. Where these regulations apply, references to (169) Deep-draft vessels coming from Cape Hatteras, them are made in the Coast Pilot under the name of the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, or New York usually bridge or the waterway over which the bridge crosses. enter the precautionary area southeast of Asia Rip, then (159) The drawbridge opening signals (see 33 CFR 117.15, head north through Great South Channel to Cape Cod or chapter 2) have been standardized for most drawbridges the Gulf of Maine. within the United States. The opening signals for those (170) Vessels of medium draft coming from the southward, few bridges that are nonstandard are given in the specific or southbound from Boston or ports farther east, may drawbridge regulations. The specific regulations also use Cape Cod Canal, or Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds address matters such as restricted operating hours and via Pollock Rip Channel. Great Round Shoal Channel is required advance notice for openings. also available, but seldom used, as an entrance to or exit (160) The mariner should be acquainted with the general from Nantucket Sound. The controlling depth for these and specific regulations for drawbridges over waterways passages is from 27 to 32 feet. They avoid Nantucket to be transited. Shoals and are used by coasting vessels. Small vessels and pleasure craft usually pass through Long Island (161) Sound when proceeding coastwise. Routes (171) (162) Approaching this section of the coast is dangerous Currents for all vessels because of the off-lying banks and shoals, (172) The Tidal Current Tables at http://tidesandcurrents. the strong and variable currents, frequency of fog, and the broken nature of the bottom. Soundings alone are of noaa.gov/currents13/ should be consulted for specific little value in establishing the position of a vessel, but information about times, directions, and velocities of the the depth should be checked frequently to ensure that the current at the numerous locations throughout the area. It vessel clears all dangers. must be borne in mind that the current to which a vessel is (163) In thick weather especially, the greatest caution is subjected at any time is the combination of tidal current, necessary, and vessels equipped to do so should make wind current, and other currents such as those due to good and timely use of the electronic aids to navigation drainage or oceanic circulation. systems to check their position frequently. The depth (173) Away from the immediate vicinity of the shore, the should never be shoaled to less than 15 fathoms without tidal currents are generally rotary. They shift direction, an accurate fix having been obtained, and it is advisable usually clockwise, at an average rate of about 30° an hour. to remain offshore in depths of 20 fathoms or more. They attain velocities of 1 to 2.4 knots or more throughout (164) The part of Georges Bank lying between latitude the Nantucket Shoals-Georges Bank area, the larger 41°05'N., and 42°00'N., and longitude 67°17'W., and velocities occurring generally over the shoaler parts of 68°35'W. should be avoided. In heavy weather the sea the area. Between Nantucket Island and Sandy Hook their breaks on the spots with 10 fathoms or less, and strong velocities generally do not exceed 0.5 knot except in the tide rips are encountered. The tide rips do not always vicinities of the entrances to the larger bays and inland indicate shoal water. waterways, where the velocities increase as the entrances (165) Vessels passing southward of the dangerous part are approached. For considerable distances from the of Georges Bank should keep in 30 fathoms or more. entrances, strengths of flood and ebb set, respectively, Approaching this part of the bank from eastward or toward and away from those entrances, and minimums southward, the water shoals gradually. Approaching from of velocity, corresponding to the slacks of reversing the westward, the depths are irregular and the water shoals abruptly in places of 20 fathoms or less. On the north side of Georges Bank between longitudes 66°00'W., and
164 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 currents, set at right angles to the directions of the flood (182) All weather articles in this volume are the product and ebb strengths. of the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) (174) Offshore and away from the influence of the tidal and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The flow into and out of the Gulf of Maine and the larger meteorological and climatological tables are the product bays, the tidal current maintains an approximate uniform of the NCDC. Both centers are entities of the National velocity. Shifting its direction continuously to the right, Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service it sets in all directions of the compass during each tidal (NESDIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric cycle of 12.4 hours. Administration (NOAA). If further information is (175) In the offshore area between Cape Cod and Sandy needed in relation to the content of the weather articles, Hook there is a resultant southward drift which is stronger meteorological tables or climatological tables, contact in winter than in summer and has an average velocity less the National Climatic Data Center, Attn: Customer than 0.1 knot. Service Division, Federal Building, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 120, Asheville, NC 28801-5001. You may also (176) contact the CSD at 828–271–4994 or fax your request to 828–271–4876. Wind currents (177) Wind currents are very complicated. Their velocities (183) Climatological tables for coastal locations, meteorological tables for the coastal ocean areas, and a and directions depend upon a number of factors such as table of mean surface water temperatures and densities velocity, direction, and duration of the wind, the proximity relevant to locations discussed within this volume are of the coast and the direction of the coastline. Generally in Appendix B. The climatological tables are a special in the Northern Hemisphere the wind-driven current sets extraction from the International Station Meteorological somewhat to the right of the wind, but in coastal waters Climate Summary. The ISMCS is a CD-ROM jointly there are many exceptions to this general rule, the current produced by the National Climatic Data Center, Fleet often setting to the left of the wind, due to the tendency Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment- of the current to follow the direction of the coastline or Asheville, and the U.S. Air Force Environmental to other local conditions. Technical Applications Center, Operating Location-A. (178) The velocity of the current relative to that of the The meteorological tables for the ocean areas are wind also varies with the location. It follows, therefore, compiled from observations made by ships in passage that local wind current information is desirable. Such and extracted from the National Climatic Data Center’s information based upon extensive current and wind Tape Deck-1129, Surface Marine Observations. Listed observations at a number of stations is given in the Tidal in Appendix A are National Weather Service offices and Current Tables. radio stations which transmit weather information. (179) The largest current velocities likely to occur during storms at a number of locations offshore and in the sounds (184) are given as follows: 1.5 miles east of Broken Part of Pollock Rip, 2.5 knots; Stone Horse Shoal, 4 knots; 1 Extratropical Cyclones mile east of Great Round Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy 2, (185) One of the biggest problems in these waters is Nantucket Entrance, 2.5 knots; 13 miles southeast of Asia Rip, 2.5 knots; Cross Rip Shoal, 2.5 knots; Hedge Fence the winter storm; the most powerful of these is the Lighted Gong Buoy 22, Nantucket Sound, 2.5 knots; “Nor’easter”. It generates rough seas, strong winds and 1.5 miles southeast of Buzzards Bay Entrance Light, 2 high tides that threaten safety at sea and cause damage in knots; Brenton Reef, 1.5 knots; 0.5 mile south of Bartlett port. These storms do not often come without warning. Reef, Long Island Sound, 2.5 knots; 3 miles southward of Approaching from the U.S. mainland or from the seas Cornfield Point, 4 knots; 6.25 miles northwest of Cholera to the south they are usually well forecasted. Difficulty Bank, 1.5 knots. arises when they develop or deepen explosively off the mid-Atlantic coast. Sometimes called “Hatteras Storms”, (180) these lows can grow from small, weak frontal waves to full blown systems in less than 24 hours. Not only can their Weather, Cape Cod to Sandy Hook circulation expand to cover most of the western North (181) From Georges Bank and the shoals of Nantucket to Atlantic but they often accelerate rapidly northeastward. In the exposed waters these storms can generate 40-foot New York Harbor, fog, currents, winds and waves are (12 m) waves and hurricane force winds. Each year more constant threats to safe navigation. The following text than 40 extratropical systems move across or close to this describes the weather problems that face the mariner coast. They average about two to four per month, but as when navigating these waters. This section presents many as ten can affect the region in a single month. Most an overall, seasonal picture of the weather that can be systems are weak but a few generate gales and rough expected in the offshore waters along the coast of the seas for hundreds of miles, particularly from September mid-Atlantic region from Cape Cod, MA, to Sandy through April. Hook, NJ. Detailed information, particularly concerning (186) The major winter storm track runs in a line navigational weather hazards, can be found in the weather approximately from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. Most articles in the following chapters.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 165 of the storms that follow this track intensify; the center warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center of intensification is off Delaware Bay. In addition to the (National Weather Service): forecast, certain atmospheric changes indicate a storm (193) (1) Tropical Depression.–An organized system is approaching. The most dependable early indicator is of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation falling pressure. A definite weather change is likely if you and maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour (33 observe pressure falls exceeding 2 mb every 3 hours; a knots) or less. drop of 5 mb/3 hours indicates a strong change while 10 (194) (2) Tropical Storm.–An organized system of strong mb/3 hours warns of an impending extreme event. thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum (187) As a storm approaches, winds strengthen, clouds sustained winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour (34 to thicken and lower and precipitation begins. Early in the 63 knots). storm’s life wind waves can become steep very quickly, (195) (3) Hurricane.–An intense tropical weather system making it difficult to reach port especially when you have with a well-defined circulation and a maximum sustained to navigate an inlet where breaking waves are treacherous. wind speed of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater. In deeper waters, waves can build to over 20 feet. During (196) While the following term is not normally used winter the possibility of superstructure icing calls for an in tropical cyclone advisories it may appear in related early course of action based upon the latest forecast and products. a knowledge of your vessel. (197) (1) Tropical Wave.–A minor tropical disturbance in the easterly trade winds, which could develop into (188) a tropical depression but lacks evidence of a closed circulation; also known as easterly wave. Cold Fronts (198) Along the coast, greater damage may be inflicted (189) This weather hazard usually approaches from the by water than by wind. Prolonged winds blowing toward shore can increase water levels from about 3 to 10 feet (1 west through north. Ahead of the front, winds are usually to 3 m) above normal. This storm tide may begin when squally and often blow out of the south through southwest. the tropical cyclone center is 500 miles or more away. Cirrus clouds give way to Altocumulus or Altostratus It gradually increases until the winds change direction. and Nimbostratus, then Cumulonimbus. Pressure falls On top of this the low pressure in the storm’s center can moderately and showers, and perhaps thunderstorms, create a ridge or wall of water known as a surge. This occur. Seas become choppy. With the frontal passage will move in the direction of the storm’s movement and winds shift rapidly to the west and northwest. Strong can be disastrous. The effect may be similar to that of a gusts and squalls continue. Clearing usually occurs a tsunami (seismic sea wave) caused by earthquakes in the short distance behind the front as the cold air moves in. ocean floor. Storm surges can push these tides to 20 feet Cold fronts can move through the area quite rapidly. Their (6.1 m) or more above normal. About 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 speed varies from about 10 to 20 knots in summer up to m) of this is due to the decrease of atmospheric pressure 40 knots in winter. From spring through fall these fronts and the rest to the strong winds. Additional water damage are often preceded by dense fog. results from the pounding of sea and swell. Torrential (190) During the spring and summer when the air rains, generated by tropical cyclones, can cause both flash ahead of the cold front may be very unstable, a line of floods and river floods from inland rains. thunderstorms, known as a squall line, may develop. These instability lines can form 50 to 300 miles ahead (199) of a fast moving front. They may even contain tornados or waterspouts. These storms can inflict considerable Tropical Cyclone climatology damage on fishing vessels and small craft. (200) In an average season nine or ten tropical cyclones (191) develop and five of these reach hurricane strength; about two hurricanes reach the U.S. While they may develop Tropical Cyclones in any month, June through November is generally (192) A tropical cyclone is a warm core, low pressure considered the tropical cyclone season, with a peak in August, September and October. Early and pre-season system that develops over tropical oceans. It exhibits storms, from May through mid-July, are most likely a rotary, counterclockwise circulation in the Northern to originate in the western Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Hemisphere around a center or “eye”. In small tropical Mexico. From mid-July through late September this cyclones the diameter of the area of destructive winds development is spread through the main basin of the may not exceed 25 miles while in the greatest storms tropical Atlantic and a much more persistent westerly the diameter may reach 500 miles. At the center is a movement is noticeable. From late September through comparatively calm, sometimes clear, area known as the November, activity gradually confines itself to the eye. The diameter of the eye can vary from about 5 to 25 Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. A northerly movement, miles. Winds are usually strongest near the center. They similar to early season storms, becomes more apparent. can reach 175 knots or more in an intense hurricane. In However, because of the large reservoir of heat available the North Atlantic Region (West Indies, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and waters off the U.S. East Coast) the following terminology is used in tropical cyclone
166 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 at the end of the season, these storms are often more (206) intense than their early season counterparts. (201) The most common path is curved, the storms first Hurricane Havens moving in a general westward direction, turning later to the northwestward and finally toward the northeast. A (207) This section is condensed from the Hurricane considerable number, however, remain in low latitudes Havens Handbook for the North Atlantic Ocean and do not turn appreciably toward the north. Freak published by the Marine Meteorology Division, Naval movements are not uncommon, and there have been Research Laboratory, Monterey, CA 93943, and available storms that described loops, hairpin-curved paths, and on the internet at http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/pubs.htm. other irregular patterns. Movement toward the southeast While this study concentrates on New York, NY, New is rare, and, in any case, of short duration. The entire London, CT, and Newport, RI, the climatology and Caribbean area, the Gulf of Mexico, the coastal regions principles of navigation can be applied to the entire bordering these bodies of water, and the Atlantic Coast region; the navigation information can be applied to are subject to these storms during the hurricane season. winter storms as well. For practical purposes any tropical (202) The average speed of movement of tropical cyclone that approaches within 180 miles is considered cyclones is about 10 to 15 knots. This speed, however, a “threat”. Data is also incorporated from the Global varies considerably according to the storm’s location, Tropical/Extratropical Cyclone Climatic Atlas CD-ROM development and the associated surface and upper air jointly produced by the National Climatic Data Center patterns. The highest rates of speed usually occur in and the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography the middle and higher latitudes and range up to 40 to Detachment-Asheville. 50 knots. Storms are slowest during recurvature or when looping. They can also become stationary in the absence (208) The classical doctrine held by most mariners is that of steering currents. ocean-going ships should leave ports that are threatened by a hurricane. Despite this natural caution, ships continue (203) to be damaged in port or after leaving port, as a result of tropical cyclone encounters. This often stems from Hurricane Warnings and Forecasts the difficulty in forecasting tropical cyclone movement, (204) The civilian hurricane warning service for the although these forecasts have improved significantly in the past two decades. In addition to evaluating the forecast North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane it is necessary to assess the risks of remaining in port Center/Tropical Prediction Center, Miami, Florida. It or putting to sea according to the circumstances of the collates ship, aircraft, radar and satellite data to produce threat, the facilities of the port and the capabilities of the and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts for vessel and crew. For an evaluation as to a course of action, the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea several factors are important. The risk of a particular port and Gulf of Mexico as well as the Eastern North Pacific experiencing a hurricane is often dependent on seasonal Ocean. Its principal product is the Tropical Cyclone and geographic influences. Forecasts of hurricane Advisory message especially tailored for Marine, movements are more reliable in some areas, particularly Aviation, Military and public interests. They are issued the lower latitudes. In the mid-latitudes where storms are every 6-hours with intermediate bulletins provided when often recurving, the difficulty increases. It is important to needed. know the sheltering capabilities of the port that is being (205) For tropical storms and hurricanes threatening considered and the speed of advance of tropical cyclones to cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are in the latitudes that you may be sailing. When the tropical issued to the public by the National Hurricane Center cyclone speeds approach or exceed vessel speed, options through local Hurricane Warning Offices in order that become limited. defense against damage, and perhaps evacuation, can be implanted. Two levels of warnings are employed. The (209) Of the 117 tropical cyclones that threatened New “Hurricane Watch” is a preliminary alert that a hurricane York from 1842-1995, 100 occurred from August may threaten a specified portion of the coast. It is issued through October with the main threat in September. The approximately 36 hours before landfall could occur. The hurricane (winds>64 knots) threat has a peak in August second level is the “Hurricane Warning”, which indicates and September; 81 of the 117 hurricanes occurred in that hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours those months. Tropical cyclones usually move in from the in advance of landfall. It is aimed at providing the best south or southwest. During this same period New Haven compromise between timeliness and accuracy for civil was threatened by 108 tropical cyclones, 91 of which defense purposes so that its warning may be too late to occurred from August through October. Hurricanes are allow ocean-going vessels to get underway and complete most likely during August and September when 75 out a successful evasion in open water. To compensate for of the total of 108 occurred. The direction of approach is this, the Marine Advisory contains additional guidance in most likely from the south or southwest. Because of the the form of probabilities of hurricane strikes, for coastal natural protection offered by the shape of the coast from locations and even offshore coordinates, and storm Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras, most recurving storms either position forecasts for up to 72 hours in advance. make landfall south of Hatteras or pass New England well offshore to the southeast. The majority of storms pass well to the southeast of New England, following the
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 167 Gulf Stream. Occasionally storms accelerate on a more Sound. New London is one of the few east coast ports to northerly track similar to the disastrous hurricane of 1938, have experienced a major storm surge in this century. The which advanced rapidly up the east coast, offshore near storm surge of September 21, 1938 hit New London as an Hatteras, across central Long Island, into Connecticut apparent tidal bore (wall of water) causing considerable and finally through Vermont. This hurricane’s forward destruction. This surge was slightly greater than that speed reached 52 knots, an advance that would be expected once in a hundred years and was likely due difficult to prepare for, even with today’s sophisticated to the fast moving nature of this hurricane. At Newport warning methods. It is the exceptionally fast-moving storm tides were measured at 10.8 feet (3.3 m) above storm that poses the greatest threat. For example, based mean sea level during the 1938 hurricane. The top winter on climatology, a September storm located off Miami extratropical storm produced a 6.0-ft (1.8 m) surge on the would reach New York in about 3 or 4 days. However, the 30th of November, 1963. 1938 hurricane traveled this distance in about 30 hours. (213) In summary, New York Harbor is recommended Tropical cyclones tend to accelerate as they move north as a hurricane haven. It is a large national harbor with of about 30°N. Forward speeds range from 25 to 30 knots many excellent berthing facilities and good deep-water for those crossing the New York – New England coast anchorages. Natural topographic features and numerous compared to 20 to 25 knots for those passing offshore to man-made structures offer good wind protection. The the southeast. bathymetry and orientation of the harbor relative to (210) Since wind records were available in the New York the normal path of hurricanes tend to mitigate the wind Harbor area, sustained winds have reached hurricane wave and ocean swell danger although storm surge is a force (64 knots) only once. The September 1944 hurricane sufficient threat. The main New London harbor is not produced 64-knot winds at Central Park and 70-knot a haven for most vessels during a hurricane although winds at La Guardia. Other hurricanes that have caused the inner harbor is considered safe for most ships. The considerable damage were storms in September 1821, surrounding topography provides some protection from September 1938, August 1954 (Carol) and September east through southeast winds for the eastern shore of 1960 (Donna). During a recent 44-year period along the main and inner harbor, however the lower western the Connecticut-Rhode Island coast, three hurricanes shore of the main harbor is very exposed to southeast produced winds that have been estimated to have reached through south winds. The entire harbor is subject to the at least minimal hurricane strength. The 1944 hurricane, possibility of major storm surge flooding. The port of Carol and the 1938 storm were the three. The 1938 storm Newport is located inside Narragansett Bay, which has was the worst as winds in the New London area were deep water anchorages within its confines. Although estimated at 78 to 87 knots. these anchorages are not well sheltered from winds, they (211) In addition to strong winds, the hurricane brings have proven hurricane haven properties for ships able to rough seas, heavy rains, and storm surges. New York’s steam at anchor. Lower Bay is subject to wave action due to an open (214) Flooding associated with hurricane-induced high quadrant, east through south, to the Atlantic. The size and tides is the principle threat to small craft in the area. They depth of the bay also provide sufficient fetch for a strong should be hoisted and secured ashore above projected wind to generate destructive waves. Deep ocean swells flood levels whenever possible. Best protection is inside approaching from the open quadrant would be reduced by some type of storage building to prevent possible damage shoals at the entrance to Lower Bay, between Sandy Hook by flying objects or to prevent the possibility of broken and Rockaway Point. Upper Bay, Newark Bay, lower tie-downs in high winds. Local knowledge is the best Hudson River and East River are subject to limited wave guide to weathering a storm in small harbors. action. Long Island Sound is a deep water sound with a generous fetch in an east-west direction. New London (215) Harbor is well protected from wave action. Although a west wind can produce large seas in the Sound they are Waves greatly reduced on entering the harbor channel. Within (216) In late March of 1984 a 968-mb Low off the New Narragansett Bay wave action is severely limited by short fetch for most wind directions. Wave action generated Jersey coast generated a 33-foot (10.1 m) wave at Buoy within the Bay will create minimal problems for ships at 44005 (42.7°N., 68.3°W) while Buoy 41002 (40.1°N., anchor if the scope of chain employed is set to give the 73.0°W) measured a 47-foot (14.3 m) wave during Gloria best riding conditions. in September 1985. Systems similar to these are partly (212) Storm tides can produce a high water level, which responsible for the rough seas encountered along this coast in addition to inundating coastal areas, may allow wind from September through April. The Buoy closest to the waves to cause destruction in areas normally unaffected area, 44003, (40.8°N., 68.5°W), in 10 years of operation by waves. Combined storm surge and tide have produced has measured a 29-foot (8.8 m) wave in February and water levels of over 10 feet (3 m) above mean low water 25-foot (7.6 m) waves from October through April. It in the New York Harbor area and levels greater than 15 has been estimated that over the open waters along this feet (4.6 m) above mean low water in western Long Island coast maximum significant waves should reach 30 feet (9 m). The table below (extracted from Marine Weather of Western Washington. Kenneth E. Lilly, Jr., Commander,
168 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 NOAA, Starpath School of Navigation, 1983) shows the (222) Swells can create problems for larger vessels. relationship between significant and other wave heights. About one-half of the waves of 10 feet (3 m) or more, (217) This table can be used to project a range of wave in these waters, are swells from distant storms. They are heights that might be expected in deep water. If significant uncomfortable to ships that roll or pitch in sympathy. wave heights of 10 feet (3 m) are forecast then the most Swells with 500- to 1000-foot (152 to 305 m) wave frequently observed waves should be 5- to 6-foot (1.7 to lengths affect ships of these lengths. When steaming into 1.8 m) range while one wave in 100 should reach 17 feet. such swells a resonance is set up until the bow digs into (218) A giant or rogue wave might reach 25 feet (7.6 m) the waves. The resulting pitch will cause more of a power in these circumstances. These rogue or “killer” waves loss than a roll caused by a sea. Swells with wave lengths occur when the large number of different waves that that range from about three-fourths to twice the ship’s make up a sea occasionally reinforce each other. This length can have this effect. Pitching is heaviest when the action creates a wave that is much steeper and higher ship’s speed produces synchronism between the period than the surrounding waves. These rogue waves often of encounter and the ship’s natural pitching period–this occur in a stormy sea and are described by mariners who often occurs at or near normal ship speeds. have experienced them, as coming out of nowhere and disappearing just as quickly. If significant wave heights (223) When in running before a following sea, the greatest are observed at 20 feet (6.1 m) then a rogue wave could danger arises when speed is equal to that of the waves reach 50 feet (15.2 m) if the water depth could support it. or when the waves overtake the ship so slowly that an (219) almost static situation is created with the vessel lying on the wave crest. In this latter case stability is so reduced Wave Heights from Significant Wave Heights (SWH) that a small vessel could capsize. Waves on the quarter or astern can also result in very poor steering quality. As Most frequent wave heights 0.5 x SWH seas move along the vessel from aft to forward the rudder Average wave heights 0.6 x SWH is less effective and the boat may be slewed across the Significant wave height face of a sea filling the decks with water as she broaches. (average height of highest 33%) 1.0 x SWH She could lose her stability and capsize, particularly if the Height of highest 10% of the waves boat is trimmed by the head. One wave in 1,175 waves 1.3 x SWH One wave in 300,000 waves 1.9 x SWH (224) 2.5 x SWH Winds (220) Rough sea conditions are usually generated by gales (225) Migratory weather systems cause winds that out of the northwest through northeast. Waves greater than 8 feet (2.4 m) occur about 10 to 15 percent of the frequently change in strength and direction. In general time in winter. From fall through spring, wave heights of winds are generally westerly but often take on a northerly more than 7 feet (2.1 m) frequently last one day or more; component in winter and a southerly one in summer. in midwinter they often last 2 days or more. In addition Strongest winds are generated by lows and cold fronts in to coastal storms, cold fronts with rapidly shifting winds fall and winter and by fronts and thunderstorms during can create dangerous seas. spring and summer. Extreme winds are usually associated with a hurricane or severe northeaster and could reach (221) Steep waves are often more dangerous than high 125 knots. Sustained winds of 100 knots should occur waves with a gentle slope. Waves appear menacing when about every 50 years on the average; gusts are usually the ratio of wave height to length reaches about 1/18. about 30 percent higher. They begin to break when this ratio is about 1/10. Steepest (226) In the open seas, away from the influence of land, waves develop when strong winds first begin to blow or winds are stronger and less complex. From December early in a storm’s life. The ship no longer rides easily through March they are mainly out of the west through but is slammed. Steep waves are particularly dangerous north with gales occurring about 6 to 12 percent of the to small craft. When wave heights are greater than 5 time. Windspeeds, in general, increase with distance from feet, periods of less than 6 seconds can create problems the coast. If winds persist for a long time over a long fetch for boats under 100 feet in length. Waves of 10 feet or they will generate rough seas. Winter windspeeds of 20 more with periods of 6 to 10 seconds can affect comfort knots or more persist for more than 12 hours about 50 in 100- to 200-foot (30.5 to 61 m) vessels. When wind percent of the time; however these winds often shift and waves reach 20 feet they become hazardous to vessels a new fetch is established. Summer winds are usually out under 200 feet in length and provide a rough ride for of the south through southwest and gales are infrequent. larger ships. Waves moving into shallow water become During the spring and fall winds are more variable. steeper and break when the depth is about 1.3 times the (227) Coastal winds are complex since they are influenced wave height. Areas such as Nantucket Shoal and Georges by the topography. Over land speeds are reduced. However Shoals are dangerous in heavy weather. Wave steepness channels and headlands can redirect the wind and even is also increased by tidal currents, particularly when they increase the speed by funneling the wind. In general you oppose the wind. will find southerly components in summer and northerly ones in winter. In sheltered waters like Buzzard Bay,
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 169 Narragansett Bay and the harbors of Long Island Sound of sea spray to freeze to the superstructure and those there are a large percentage of calms, particularly during parts of the hull that escape a frequent washing by the the morning hours. When the existing circulation is sea. Ice amounts increase rapidly with falling air and sea weak and there is a difference between land and water temperatures as well as increasing windspeeds. The most temperature, a land-sea breeze circulation may be set up. dangerous conditions exist when gales last for several As the land heats faster than the water, a sea breeze is days in temperatures of 28°F or lower. The ice buildup established during the day; this onshore flow may reach on a trawler can exceed 5 tons per hour. 15 knots or more. At night the land cools more rapidly (236) A moderate rate of ice accumulation usually occurs often resulting in a weak breeze off the land. In many when air temperatures are equal to or less than 28°F with locations the sea breeze serves to reinforce the prevailing winds of 13 knots or more. When air temperatures drop summer wind. to 16°F or below and winds reach 30 knots or greater, ice collects more rapidly. On a 300- to 500-ton vessel (228) it would accumulate at more than 4 tons per hour and is called severe. December, January and February are the Visibilities worst months. The potential for moderate icing exists (229) Fog, precipitation, smoke and haze all reduce about 5 to 10 percent of the time. (237) In addition to sea spray, ice is also caused by freezing visibilities. Fog is the most restrictive and persistent. It rain or drizzle and fog in freezing conditions. While these forms when warm, moist air moves across colder water, two causes could create enough weight on the rigging when very cold air moves over warmer water, or when to cause it to fall, this is minor in comparison with the moist air is cooled to near its dew point by radiation or freezing spray hazard. Icing on the superstructure elevates rainfall. These conditions can be triggered by a number the center of gravity, decreasing the metacentric height. It of weather situations. increases the sail area and heeling moment due to wind (230) Prior to the arrival of a cold front there is often action. Its non-uniform distribution changes the trim. It a warm, southerly flow of air across cool Gulf waters can hamper steerability and lower ship speed. Icing also resulting in dense fog. Warm or stationary fronts can also creates hazardous deck conditions. bring fog while rainfall from lows and fronts can create an (238) If you can’t avoid the weather conditions that cause evaporation fog. Along the coast radiation fog is common icing, experience and research have helped develop on clear, calm nights although it usually burns off during some guidelines. The first two courses of action when the morning hours. In the spring, coastal fog may occur encountering potential icing conditions are to seek shelter near the mouths of rivers and streams that are fed by cold from the sea and to steer towards warmer water. Once snowmelt. icing has begun it is prudent to slow down enough so (231) Sea temperatures increase, in general, from north that little or no spray is taken aboard. It is also important to south, but the variation is usually only a few degrees to keep ice from building up by whatever means are over open water. Close to the coast, water temperatures available. This includes crewmen using tools or baseball are usually warmer in summer and colder in winter than bats to remove ice from the deck and superstructure. offshore readings. Water temperatures in summer range (239) Any effort to control the rate of accumulation will from about 66° to 74°F (18.9 to 23.3°C) while in winter buy time. In general heaving to with the bow into the the range is from about 34° to 37°F (1.1 to 2.8°C). wind and sea as much as possible and varying the course (232) Advection fog is most common in late spring and slightly to ensure a minimum symmetrical build up is a early summer when south and southwest winds bring good rule. However, experiments have shown that on a warm humid air over the still-cold Labrador Current. trawler with its stern to the wind, loss of stability is only Near Georges Bank visibilities fall to less than 1 mile up about one-half of that in the ahead condition. When the to 30 percent of the time. While these frequencies drop wind is 30 degrees off the bow the loss of stability is to the southwest, fog remains a problem in this season. 50 percent greater than in the ahead condition. Also ice (233) The areas along the coast, at the heads of bays within accumulates more rapidly on the windward side causing the rivers, may be comparatively clear while fog is very a heeling into the wind. This listing is partially offset by thick outside. The frequency of fog over land and water the action of the wind so that a shift to a reciprocal course is usually in opposition. Land fog is often most frequent after icing has built up could be disastrous. When ice in fall and winter compared to the spring and summer builds up significantly it is important to remember that maximum of sea fog. Consequently figures for poor the removal of one ton of ice 50 feet from the vessel’s visibility at inland or sheltered harbors are no guide to center of gravity is as effective as removing 10 tons of conditions at sea or in the approaches. ice 5 feet above the center of gravity. (234) (240) Superstructure Icing Optical Phenomena (235) Heavy winter weather can cause ice to collect on (241) Optical phenomena range from electromagnetic ships sailing these waters. At its worst superstructure displays to intricate geometrical patterns. The aurora icing can sink a vessel. When air temperature drops below the freezing point of sea water (About 28.6°F) strong winds and rough seas will cause large amounts
170 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 and Saint Elmo’s fire are electromagnetic displays. of light. The Brocken bow, or glory, appears on clouds or Halos, coronas, parhelia, sun pillars, and related effects fog banks as a colored ring around the projected shadow are optical phenomena associated with the refraction and of the observers head. The solar and lunar coronas, diffraction of light through suspended cloud particles; which are observed only through high clouds, resemble mirages, looming, and twilight phenomena such as the the halo except that they may assume increasingly larger “green flash” are associated with refraction of light diameters as the size of the particles decrease. When the through air of varying density. Occasionally, sunlight is light from the sun or the moon is diffracted by cirrus or refracted simultaneously by cloud suspensions and by cirrostratus, iridescence may sharply delineate the outline dense layers of air producing complex symmetric patterns of clouds in brilliant green, blue, pink, orange, or purple. of light around the sun. A mirage is caused by refraction (246) Refraction of sunlight takes place whenever the of light rays in a layer of air whose density increases or intervening particles are larger than the wavelength. decreases rapidly, near the surface. A marked decrease Thus, sunlight that is reflected from ice crystals is in density with increasing altitude causes looming, transformed into sun pillars and parhelic circles. When towering, and superior mirages. Looming occurs when both phenomena occur in combination they form the objects appear to rise above their true elevation. Objects remarkable sun cross. Paricelenci circles are observed below the horizon may actually be brought into view. This with moonlight. apparent effect often leads to a serious underestimation (247) The auroral borealis (northern lights) and St. of horizontal distances. Unimpressive landmarks, and Elmo’s fire are two types of electrical phenomena distant ships may acquire startling characteristics through sometimes observed in this region. The zone of maximum apparent vertical stretching; this phenomenon is known auroral frequency extends along the periphery of a 20- as towering. A superior mirage is so named because of to 25- degree circle whose center is at the magnetic the appearance of an image above the actual object. Ships pole. Auroras are generally associated with moonless have been seen with an inverted image above and an nights. An artificial maximum exists in winter because upright image floating above that. of the longer hours of darkness. No conclusive evidence (242) Inferior mirages result from the upward bending of is available to show that a seasonal variation in the light rays in an unstable air mass. This phenomenon is frequency of auroras exists. However, periods of intense observed locally whenever a superheated land mass or a sunspot activity are reflected in a maximum occurrence wide expanse of open water is overrun by cold air. Sinking of this electrical phenomenon. below the horizon, of relatively close objects, may result in (248) Generally auroras may be classified as having an overestimation of horizontal distances. Occasionally, either a ray structure (rays, streams, draperies, corona) a complicated vertical temperature distribution may or a nebulous appearance (homogeneous quiet arc, transform hilly coastlines into impressive walls of lofty homogeneous band, pulsating arcs, pulsating surfaces, pinnacles. This phenomenon is known as Fata Morgana. diffuse luminous surfaces, and feeble glow). Flaming On clear days, just as the upper rim of the sun disappears auroras, which fall in neither category, may be added to this below the horizon, green light is sometimes refracted list. Moreover, auroras may remain uniformly red, green, from the solar spectrum. This brief phenomenon is called or purple, or assume a rapid succession of these colors. the green flash. Brilliant shifting auroras are invariably accompanied (243) Floating ice crystals (cirriform clouds, light snow by magnetic storms and electrical interference with flakes, ice fog, or drifting snow) may cause the refraction communications. of light into a variety of faintly colored arcs and halos. (249) St. Elmo’s fire is occasionally observed in this area, This phenomenon, which may be recognized from but because of its faintness it is most commonly observed the fact that the red band is closest to the light source, during the night hours and on dark overcast days. These includes halos, arcs that open toward or away from the eerie flickers of bluish light are usually caused by the sun, mock images, and various geometrical figures that unusual electrification of the snow-filled air, which is may be located in various parts of the sky with references most likely when the wind is strong. St. Elmo’s fire is to the sun. restricted to the tips of such objects as ship masts, wind (244) Fogbows, resulting from refraction through vanes, and airplane wings. suspended water particles, are seen in the region of the sky directly opposite from the sun, or the antisolar point. (250) These bows, although occasionally brilliantly colored, are normally seen as broad white bands with faintly Dew Point colored borders. Rainbows are also observed. (251) The temperature at which condensation to water (245) When atmospheric particles are about equal in size to the wavelength of light, diffraction is likely to occur. droplets occurs is called the dew point. If this dew point is Diffractional phenomena frequently show properties above freezing, condensation will be in the form of water. similar to those of refraction except for the reversal in the When the dew point reaches freezing, ice crystals will be spectrum colors, violet now being closest to the source deposited on cold surfaces. Knowledge of the dew point along with cargo temperature and moisture content is vital for hold ventilation decisions. It is also a parameter used in forecasting fog formation.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 171 (252) A normal flight lasts seven hours and can cover 35,000 square miles. Cargo Care (260) Once sighted, a berg’s location, size and shape are (253) When free air has a dew point temperature higher entered into a computer drift model, used until the berg is re-sighted or melts. The IIP attempts to locate and track all than the temperature of the surface with which it comes in icebergs south of the 50th parallel, and particularly those contact, the air is often cooled sufficiently below its dew south of 48°N., which may be hazardous to navigation point to release moisture. When this happens on board near the Grand Banks. When sighting data is entered ship, condensation will take place on relatively cold into the drift program, predicted positions of bergs are cargo or on the ship’s structure within the hold where calculated for 1200 UTC. it later drips onto the cargo. Thus, if cargo is stowed in (261) All shipping is requested to assist the IIP by a cool climate and the vessel sails into warmer waters, reporting all sightings of ice at once to the IIP through any ventilation of the hold with outside air will likely lead to U.S. or Canadian Coast Guard communications station. sweat damage in any cargo sensitive to moisture. Under Ice sightings reports should include: precise position, such conditions external ventilation should, as a rule, be size and shape of berg, sea surface temperature, and closed off entirely, unless the cargo generates internal concentration and thickness of sea ice. Reports can be heat, that hazard being greater than sweat damage. In sent to COMINTICEPAT NEW LONDON CT through the opposite case, when a vessel is loaded during a warm INMARSAT-C: Code 42. There is no charge for iceberg period, and moves into cooler weather, vulnerable cargo reports made using Code 42. should be ventilated. (262) The IIP Operations Center can be reached by (254) A safe rule for ventilation directed toward moisture telephone at 860–271–2626 or 877–423–7287, or via control may be stated as follows: Whenever accurate the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Operations Center at measurements show the outside air has a dew point 757–398–6700. below the dew point of the air surrounding the cargo to be (263) A radio facsimile chart of the area depicting 1200Z protected, such outside air is capable of removing moisture ice distribution is broadcast three times daily. A list of the from the hold and the ventilation process can be safely radio stations broadcasting IIP Bulletins and frequencies started. Whenever the reverse is true, and the outside dew and times of broadcasts is published annually in Local point is higher than the dew point temperature around the Notices to Mariners of the First Coast Guard District cargo, then ventilation will increase the moisture content and in Radio Navigational Aids, Pub. 117, issued by the of the hold and may readily result in sweating within the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. ship. The above does not take into account possible fumes (264) The IIP seeks comment on its services to mariners, or gases in the compartment. In such cases discretion particularly on the effectiveness of the times and must be used. frequencies of radio transmissions. Mariners are requested to mail facsimile charts received at sea to: (255) (265) International Ice Patrol, 1 Chelsea Street, New London, CT 06320. The frequency used, time of receipt, Ice and vessel position at time of receipt should be indicated. (256) (Refer to discussion under ports affected.) Additional customer comments can be directed to IIP (257) During some winter months or when threatened by Customer Service at 877–423–7287. (266) icing conditions, lighted buoys may be removed from station or replaced by unlighted buoys; unlighted buoys, Sizes and Types of Icebergs daybeacons and lights on marine sites also may be removed. (See Light List.) Size Height Length (258) The International Ice Patrol (IIP) was formed in 1914 to patrol the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, to detect Growler (feet) (meters) (feet) (meters) icebergs, and to warn mariners of their location. Under Small (S) 0-3 0-1 0-19 0-5 the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, 17 Medium (M) member-nations agree to share the $5 million annual cost Large (L) 4-50 1-15 20-200 6-60 of operating the patrol. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts the patrol and maintains IIP records. 51-150 16-45 201-400 61-122 (259) The IIP is coordinated from its operations center 151+ 46+ 401+ 123+ at New London, Connecticut. Its staff numbers 16, including Coast Guard and civil service specialists. The Shape Description ice season typically runs from February through July, but Blocky can last longer. Flying out of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Tilted Blocky Steep sides with flat top. Very solid. USCG aircraft cover the ice danger area, a piece of water Length-height ratio less than 5:1. twice the size of the State of Texas. Its southern boundary is the latitude of New York City and it reaches halfway Blocky iceberg which has tilted to across the Atlantic with Newfoundland on the northwest present a triangular shape from the and Greenland and Iceland on its north and northeast.
172 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 Sizes and Types of Icebergs (278) Harbormasters, where appointed, are mentioned in the text. They usually have charge of the anchorage and Drydock Eroded such that a large U-shaped berthage of vessels. slot is formed with twin columns. Slot extends into or near waterline. (279) Pinnacled Large central spiral or pyramid. Supplies Dome (280) General supplies, including fuel oil, diesel oil and Large round smooth top. Solid-type iceberg. fuel, gasoline, water, and marine supplies are available at the principal ports. Similar items but in more limited Tabular Flat-topped iceberg with length-height quantities can be obtained at many places mentioned ratio greater than 5:1. under descriptions of the different ports. (267) (281) Principal Ports Repairs-salvage-wrecking (268) The principal deep-draft commercial ports within the (282) Complete facilities for large vessels are available in area of this Coast Pilot are: New Bedford and Fall River, New York Harbor. The extent and types of facilities at MA; Tiverton and Providence, RI; New London and other places are shown in the text under the description Bridgeport, CT; New York, Albany and Port Jefferson, of the ports. NY; and Elizabeth and Newark, NJ. (269) Other deep-draft facilities are located on Cape Cod (283) Canal; Narragansett Bay; off Northville and Northport, NY, on Long Island Sound; and on the Hudson River Small-craft facilities between New York City and Albany, NY. (284) There are numerous places where fuel, supplies, (270) repairs, slips for dockage, and launching ramps are available for small craft. For the various towns and Pilotage isolated places, the Coast Pilot includes generalized (271) Pilotage, with few minor exceptions, is compulsory information about marine facilities; details are given in the series of small-craft charts published for many places. for all foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register (285) A vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length entering and departing the Port of New York and New or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a Jersey and other ports within the area of this Coast Pilot, vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow and for all such vessels transiting Block Island Sound, channel or fairway. (Navigation Rules, International- Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound. (See 33 Inland Rule 9(b).) CFR207.20,chapter 2, for Pilotage Regulations on the Cape Cod Canal.) (286) (272) Pilotage is optional for coastwise vessels that have on board a pilot properly licensed by the Federal Standard Time Government for the waters which the vessel travels. (287) The area covered by this Coast Pilot uses eastern (273) Arrangements for pilots should be made by the ships’ agents at least 24 hours in advance at all of the ports. New standard time (e.s.t.), which is 5 hours slow of Greenwich York is the only port at which the pilot boat remains on mean time (G.m.t.). Example: When it is 1000 at station. Detailed information on pilotage procedures is Greenwich it is 0500 at New York City. given in the text for the ports concerned. (288) (274) Daylight saving time Towage (289) Throughout the area of this Coast Pilot, clocks are (275) Tugs are available at all major ports; they can usually advanced 1 hour on the second Sunday of March and are be obtained for the smaller ports on advance notice if set back to standard time on the first Sunday of November. none are available locally. Arrangements for tugs should be made in advance through ships’ agents or the pilots. (290) (See the text for the ports concerned as to the availability of tugs.) Legal public holidays (291) New Year’s Day, January 1; Martin Luther King, (276) Jr.’s Birthday, third Monday in January; Washington’s Vessel Arrival Inspections Birthday, third Monday in February; Memorial Day, (277) Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Columbus Day, second quarantine officials are stationed in most major U.S. ports. Monday in October; Veterans Day, November 11; (See Appendix A for addresses.) Vessels subject to such Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; and inspections generally make arrangements in advance Christmas Day, December 25. The national holidays are through ships’agents. Unless otherwise directed, officials observed by employees of the Federal Government and usually board vessels at their berths. the District of Columbia, and may not be observed by all the States in every case. (292) In addition, the following holidays are also observed in the States covered by this Coast Pilot: (293) Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12: CT, NJ, and NY.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 173 (294) Evacuation Day, March 17: MA, Boston and Suffolk (298) Bunker Hill Day, June 17: MA, Boston and Suffolk County only. County only. (295) Good Friday: CT and NJ. (299) Victory Day, second Monday in August: RI. (296) Patriots Day, third Monday in April: MA. (300) General Election Day, first Tuesday after the first (297) Rhode Island Independence Day, May 4: RI. Monday in November: NJ, NY, and RI.
174 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 (301) Chart Station Tidal Information Mean Higher Mean High Mean Low High Water* Water* Water* 13203 Georges Shoal (outer coast) Latitude/Longitude 4.3 0.1 13203 Davis Bank, Nantucket Shoals 4.5 1.3 -- 13237 Hyannis Port, Nantucket Sound 41°42'N/67°46'W 1.5 3.5 0.3 13237 Siasconset, Nantucket Island 41°08'N/69°39'W 3.8 1.2 -- 13237 Wasque Point, Chappaquiddick Island 41°38'N/70°18'W 1.3 1.1 -- 13237 Nantucket, Nantucket Island 41°16'N/69°58'W 1.2 3.2 0.2 41°22'N/70°27'W 3.6 41°17'N/70°06'W * Heights in feet referred to datum of sounding MLLW. Real-time water levels, tide predictions, and tidal current predictions are available at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov To determine mean tide range subtract Mean Low Water from Mean High Water. Data as of September 2014
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 3 ¢ 175
176 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 70°30' 70° Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 4 13246 Provincetown CAPE 42° 42° 41° 13249 30' CAPE COD BAY COD 13229 CAPE COD CANAL 13248 Falmouth MASSACHUSETTS Chatham Harwich Port Monomoy Point Hyannis 13229 41° VINEYARD SOUND 30' NANTUCKET SOUND Edgartown Great Point Martha’s Vineyard 13244 13238 13242 13233 Nantucket Nantucket Island 13241 13237 41° 41° 70°30' 70°
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 177 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod hours later off Nauset Beach Light than off Chatham and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and the Light. southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Harbor, and (11) the other numerous fishing and yachting centers along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering Nantucket Sound. North Atlantic Right Whales (12) Federally designated critical habitat for the (2) endangered North Atlantic right whale lies within Cape COLREGS Demarcation Lines Cod Bay (See 50 CFR 226.101 and 226.203, chapter 2, (3) The lines established for this part of the coast are for habitat boundary). It is illegal to approach closer than 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR 224.103(c), described in 33 CFR80.135and 80.145, chapter 2. chapter 2, for limits and regulation.) RecommendedTwo- Way Whale Avoidance Routes and a Recommended (4) Two-Way Whale Avoidance Track have been charted within Cape Cod Bay to reduce interactions between No-Discharge Zone vessels and right whales. When right whales are present (5) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: December through May), NOAA recommends that mariners use these routes and the Environmental Protection Agency, has established take the precautionary measures recommended in chapter a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in all coastal waters of 3 to reduce the risk of ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Massachusetts covered by this chapter except a small area Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, extending about 3 information on right whales and recommended measures miles offshore (see charts 13246 and 13237). to avoid collisions with whales.) Caution: Full bottom (6) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether coverage surveys have not been conducted within the treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. entire route, so uncharted dangers may exist. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (13) Allvessels65feetorgreaterinlengthoverall(L.O.A.) 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Cape Cod (7) Bay Seasonal Management Area between January 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cape Cod Bay Chart 13246 with a northern boundary of 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to 42°12'W., thence due west back to shore. The restriction (8) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the easterly applies to a Seasonal Management Area off Race Point extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the between March 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then waters bounded by: extends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms (14) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W.; the southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the (15) 42°12'N., 70°12'W.; northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern (16) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, (17) 42°30'N., 70°30'W.; forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the Cape, (18) 42°30'N., 69°45'W.; is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well settled (19) 41°41'N., 69°45'W.; thence due west to the shore. and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, with high (See 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for regulations, bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. The portion limitations, and exceptions.) of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape Cod Canal is (20) The waters of Cape Cod Bay lie within the known as the Upper Cape. This region is wooded and is WHALESNORTH Mandatory Ship Reporting Area. well settled by numerous towns and villages. Each self-propelled ship of 300 gross tons or greater entering WHALESNORTH must participate in the (9) Mandatory Ship Reporting System (See 33 CFR 169, chapter 2, for limits and regulations, and chapter 3 for Currents sample reports). Sovereign immune vessels are exempt (10) The tidal current velocities between Race Point and Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to less than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb occurring about 2
178 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 from the requirement to report, but are encouraged to (33) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 participate. mile southwest of the town pier. (21) (34) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while Area to be avoided navigating in the area. (22) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship strikes (35) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be avoided Complete information about the harbors and ports was established in the Great South Channel, east of the in Cape Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 gross tons and Pilot 1, Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. above should avoid the area bounded by lines connecting the following geographical positions: (36) (23) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; (24) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; Charts 13249, 13246 (25) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and (26) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of (37) Between Wood End (42°01'12\"N., 70°11'19\"W.) April 1 through July 31. and Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, shoals that rise abruptly from deep water extend a (27) maximum of about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light (42°03'44\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the Chart 13249 water, is shown from a white tower on the northwest point of Cape Cod. (28) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter of (38) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the Atlantic of 11 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. Coast, having a sizable anchorage area with excellent holding ground. Coasters and fishermen find protection (39) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for here in gales from any direction. about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area should be given a berth of at least 2 miles. Keeping in a depth (29) The historical town of Provincetown, on the of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles off the northwestern side of the harbor, is at the site of the first eastern side of Cape Cod. landing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. (40) Engine repairs are available by arrangement. Chart 13246 (30) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pilgrim (41) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above the water; northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward and another about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of bare is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monument. A 2,500-foot sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes begin to be stone breakwater is about 300 yards southeastward of the covered with a brownish-looking growth of grass, and the end of the town pier (MacMillan Wharf). The east and land is higher as the Highlands are approached. The water west ends of the breakwater are each marked by a light. shoals somewhat abruptly within 0.5 mile of the shore Strangers should exercise caution when operating in the and care must be taken not to go inside the 10-fathom area. Numerous fishing vessels work out of Provincetown curve. during the year. During the summer, floats are set out that are capable of mooring vessels up to 40 feet. Larger (42) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 vessels must tie up at permanent piers. Anchorage feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white tower inside the breakwater is reported to be fair to poor, mud with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff of the bottom with much debris. The marina close southwest of Highlands. MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 mooring buoys on the west side of the harbor. (43) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated tower, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar domes on the (31) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Highland Light. control of the harbormaster, who has an office at the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors VHF-FM (44) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 channel 16, 24 hours a day. miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The terrain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. (32) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established a From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance the fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N., water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of the 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the shore. area extending about 100 yards around the piers in Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this (45) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland fairway. Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light in South Wellfleet. (46) Nauset Beach Light (41°51'36\"N., 69°57'12\"W.), 120 feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot conical
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 179 tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, on the advised to stay east of Chatham Beach Lighted Whistle beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former Coast Guard Buoy C (41°39'12\"N., 69°55'30\"W.). station, about 1 mile south of the light, are conspicuous. (54) Chatham Inlet Bar Guide Light (41°40'18\"N., (47) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradually 69°57'00\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from a southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and white skeleton tower near Chatham Light. A white (with becomes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently orange border) and diamond-shaped dayboard worded back from the beach and is covered with a scanty growth ROUGH BAR is on the light. The light will be activated of grass. when the seas exceed 2 feet in height and are considered (48) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach hazardous for small boats. Small-boat operators are Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of the cautioned, however, that if the light is not flashing it is harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers are present no guarantee that sea conditions are favorable. in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and even during (55) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what the calmest weather. The area is extremely dangerous for used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of any vessel larger than a runabout or for anyone without shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy local knowledge. Strangers should never attempt to enter. Island. There is no marked channel through the shoals. A cluster of houses is on Nauset Heights south of the Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a entrance, where the ground is somewhat higher than the smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These shoals land just northward. are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in the vicinity (49) The harbor has three arms extending northward into should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay and Salt (56) The passage inside the barrier beach from Chatham Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is about 2 Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on the west miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private seasonal side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles long and buoys mark the channel from the entrance to Town Cove. used by small-craft. The passage, marked by private, A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile from the head seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break through of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, berths, marine Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, Little supplies, and a concrete ramp are available. Craft to 25 Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House Pond. feet can be handled for hull or engine repairs, or dry open The channel requires local knowledge. or covered storage. In 1981, depths of 4 feet were reported alongside the service dock. (50) Nauset Beach, on the barrier island east of North Chatham, is continually changing due to the effects (57) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern of erosion and shifting sands. Waves wash across the Island and Chatham; a fish pier is in the basin. The beach into the sound in several places during periods area is subject to frequent changes. Commercial fishing of high water. There is a break in the beach centered in boats operate from the cove. The harbormaster can be approximately 41°42'16\"N., 69°55'47\"W. The break is contacted on VHF-FM channel 16. unmarked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided by those without local knowledge. (58) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Harbor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A small- (51) craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching ramp is Charts 13248, 13246 close westward of the facility. Private seasonal aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the town ramp. A (52) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. A forklift at Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. Gasoline, water, Chatham Harbor. A conspicuous standpipe with a red and ice, marine supplies, moorings, and storage facilities are white checkered band around the top is at 41°41'38\"N., available; hull and engine repairs can be made. In 1981, a 69°58'30\"W. Chatham Light (41°40'17\"N., reported depth of 3 feet could be carried to the small-craft 69°57'01\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from facility. a white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. (59) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club on (53) Chatham Harbor can be entered east of Chatham the north side. Light. Shoals are constantly shifting in the entrance and extreme caution is advised. Currents are extremely strong (60) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay and dangerous; surf can build up quickly on the outer bar has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination during an ebb tide. Ocean waves carry into the harbor and antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is reportedly break as far north as Tern Island. Anchoring conspicuous. and even mooring in much of Chatham Harbor is not recommended. Mariners unfamiliar with the area are (61) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Little Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private seasonal buoys.
180 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (62) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles comparatively easy. For the purpose of description Great northward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the Round Shoal Channel will be considered as the dividing west bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south line between Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals. side of Namequoit Point. (69) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape Cod. These (63) Namequoit River leads westward from the head areas may be marked by private lights. of Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In 1981, depths of 2 feet were reported in Namequoit River, and the (70) channel into the pond had depths of 3 feet. A small-craft facility on the north side of the pond has a 50-foot marine Chart 13244 railway, a 2-ton crane, moorings, water, marine supplies, a launching ramp, and storage facilities; hull, rigging, and (71) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached sail repairs can be made. shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direction and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from Monomoy (64) An arm, known as The River, extends northward Point, the northeast entrance point of Nantucket Sound. from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile Narrow sloughs separate the many parts of the shoals. to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys partially It should be remembered that the shoals are shifting in mark the channel from The River to the pond. A town character and are subject to change in location and depth. landing and launching ramp are on the north side of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility is on (72) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is off the north side of the pond. In 1981, depths of 4 feet were Monomoy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. reported in the channel to the pond. A hydraulic trailer Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. Berths and navigating in the area. moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, and storage facilities are available; hull (73) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 and engine repairs can be made. A town ramp is on the miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand east side of the pond southeastward of the small-craft shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. facility. Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. (65) (74) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, is eastward of Pollock Rip. Chart 13237 (75) Stone Horse Shoal,Little Round Shoal, and Great (66) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of Cape Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of sand Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of Martha’s shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These shoals are Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard Sound on the directly eastward of the entrance to Nantucket Sound and west to provide an inside passage. Nantucket Sound has between the two main channels. Southward and eastward a length of about 23 miles in an east-west direction and of these shoals are numerous shoal spots, including Orion a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the eastern entrance and Shoal, covered 16 to 19 feet. within the sound are numerous shoals. Between these shoals are well-marked channels making the navigation (76) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles of these waters comparatively easy for powered vessels southwestward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to and also sailing vessels with a fair wind. The shoals at the 18 feet. A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles eastern entrance are subject to considerable shifting while southwest of the point. On the northwest side the water those inside are somewhat stable. Boulders are along the shoals gradually and soundings will indicate an approach shores. to danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises abruptly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is uneven and (67) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vineyard shifting in character. Vessels should not attempt to pass Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and northward of the buoys marking the southern end and provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft southeast side of the shoal. to avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used principally by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navigational (77) aids are colored and numbered for passing through the sound from the eastward. Chart 13237 (68) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and (78) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket numerous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and baffling extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; tidal currents which set over them, their navigation in caution must be exercised in this area. thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the two (79) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round Shoal, Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Deep- draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A lighted bell buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the 22-foot spot.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 181 (80) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west- fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New southwestward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats feet. Its northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their working A shoal, covered 28 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel has a the buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great Round this shoal and the shoal making out southwestward from Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. Great Round Shoal and Halfmoon Shoal. Great Round Shoal Channel are subject to continual change. (81) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked (90) by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the Chart 13237 southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal. (91) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip (82) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in the fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern end of and thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at the edge channel is used by most of the vessels bound through of these shoals, and soundings will give little warning of Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational approaching dangers. The main channel passes southward aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu Shoal is marked by through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using it buoys at its north, east, and west ends. Hedge Fence is seldom exceeds 24 feet. marked by a lighted gong buoy on its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. (92) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip (83) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound are Shoal. discussed with the land features near them. (93) North Channel leads along the north side of (84) Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal and Channels Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, and (85) Two principal channels lead from the eastward through one of the openings in the shoals westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This channel into Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through is used mostly by craft bound to points on the north Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the southerly shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound through one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between the the sound during northerly winds or in winter when the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two well- prevailing northerly winds keep the north shore of the marked channels leading to the eastern end of Vineyard sound free from drift ice. The least depth in the channel Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in this chapter, is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted buoys mark the leads into the sound from the southward, eastward of channel. Chappaquiddick Island. (94) (86) Anchorages Chart 13244 (95) Sailing vessels working through the sound against (87) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if most direct channel leading from points northward becalmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to of Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads anchor and wait for a favorable current or change of between Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward wind. The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot of Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be draft that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small craft Harbor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. should avoid the area during thick or foggy weather. The Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, channel is well marked by navigational aids. Mariners is exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds the should consult the chart and seek local knowledge before best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, and entering Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole because along the north shore. The anchorage off Falmouth is numerous shoals exist in this channel. Caution is advised used in most winds by vessels with good ground tackle. when transiting the area. In easterly winds vessels sometimes anchor in smooth water westward of Handkerchief Shoal or inside Great (88) Submerged piling, the remains of the former Point. Good shelter from easterly winds can also be Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3 mile found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown outer harbor. southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned lighthouse In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown Harbor and about 1.2 miles northward of the point is prominent. Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. With the aid of (89) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles southward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large
182 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 the chart and the directions given under the discussion of (105) these harbors, strangers can enter the anchorages. (96) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket Currents Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 33 CFR 110.1 (106) The Tidal Current Tables contain detailed current and 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) information for many locations in this area. (107) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the (97) flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. Routes (108) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western end (98) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal Current currents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which Tables. may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel (109) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the tidal through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use more current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average velocity than ordinary care when in these waters. at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average minimum velocity (99) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface agitation caused by distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a upwelling may be observed across the 10-fathom contour stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The east of the entrance to Great Round Shoal Channel. (See strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy (110) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to the 8 and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of current West Chop. In some places the current sets directly on becomes gradually later; the average velocity at strength the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes varies from about 1 to 2 knots. obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bottom is (111) very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be depended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels with a Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity favorable current and with some local knowledge beat (112) Winter winds and waves along with spring and early through the sound against a head wind in clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they come to anchor summer fogs provide weather hazards in these waters. within the prescribed anchorages under the lee of one From October through March gales can be expected of the shoals, or in one of the harbors until the wind or about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are frequently current changes. out of the west and northwest. Some wind and current (100) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring to interactions can also create problems. The most severe anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand westward of these is found at the west entrance to the Cape Cod and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip Channel Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the tide ebbing Buoy 2A and Chatham Beach Lighted Whistle Buoy C. out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest wind. Another Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 fathoms well known “rough spot” is the West Chop off the north about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of Pollock corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a maximum ebb or flood Rip. the current runs 3.5 knots here and when it is opposed by (101) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents are the wind a nasty chop is set up. not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly winds (113) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 m) make high tides and strong westerly currents. Westerly or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time from winds make low tides and strong easterly currents. November through February. In the shallow portions of (102) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Channel Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but waves may are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should wait break before reaching these heights. for a favorable tide. (114) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm (103) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is well air over cool water, is most frequent from April through marked, and strangers should experience little difficulty August.At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to 18 in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid the 24- percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst and foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the buoy caution is advised, particularly near the numerous shoal marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot shoals 2.5 areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visibility, and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of Halfmoon fog also distorts sound so the direction of warning bells Shoal. and horns may be difficult to discern accurately. (104) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has (115) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are most broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some places. likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they appear as Strangers should not attempt this channel at night. squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. (116) Pilotage, Nantucket Sound (117) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carrying
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 183 (125) N Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilotage is (123) available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800– Chart 13229 274–1216; FAX 401–847–9052; email: dispatch@ nemarinepilots.com. (124) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket (118) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend port of their departure. northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Island and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of Chatham (119) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of Nantucket northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow Sound. spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes anchor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 fathoms (126) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), to await a favorable current for entering the sound. Off 42 feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, shoals make on the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side off up to 5 miles eastward. of the entrance to Stage Harbor. (120) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine (127) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching Protected Area (MPA), extends 1 mile offshore from Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the Monomoy and Morris Islands. National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, (121) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. (128) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. (122) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is the north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point subject to shoaling. In 2010, the controlling depth in the Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout and entrance channel was 3.0 feet (8.0 feet at midchannel) bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are marked by except shoaling to 0.1 foot along the right outside limit buoys. and 5.8 feet at midchannel near Harding Beach Point.
184 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (141) Saquatucket Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (129) Anarrow channel, marked by private seasonal buoys, will lead about 500 yards southeastward of Chatham leads northerly from Stage Harbor through Mitchell River Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the buoy marking to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 feet. This channel Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern side of the roads, is crossed by a highway bridge that has a bascule span to the Stage Harbor approach buoy about 0.8 mile west- with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in the open position southwestward of Stage Harbor Light. An anchorage may the bascule span will overhang the channel, providing be had northward of the approach buoy in depths of about an unobstructed width of 15 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 28 feet. Boats continuing to Stage Harbor will pick up the through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, for drawbridge channel entrance buoys about 800 yards southwestward regulations.) of Stage Harbor Light. The channel is well marked. (130) Anchorage (134) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (131) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can (135) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, good winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desiring holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for small craft one. in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft can find a well- (136) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River (132) just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the entrance to the river. Routes (137) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side (133) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine southward should pass westward of Handkerchief Shoal railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet for and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy Island. hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Approaching from the westward pass either side of Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, diesel Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the seasonal fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings are lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal covered available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The marina 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chatham Roads. at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of water, When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in range. This course
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 185 gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, some patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol marine supplies and a launching ramp are also available. boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. The A launching ramp is on Sears Point. harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor has his (138) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached at 508– about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for 430–7532 for advice on moorings or local conditions. 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. (145) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in the Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in 1981. Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. On the west bank at the bend there are a town wharf, a The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 mile and 0.5 An elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good mile above the bend on the west bank are two boatyards landmark. and marinas. The largest marine railway at the yards can (146) In 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance channel haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and engine repairs was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel. The or dry open or covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, harbor affords good shelter for small craft. water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps, berthage, (147) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end and moorings are available. of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet alongside. (139) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head of the Harbor Light, is used only at high water by small local harbor has a 7-ton forklift and a hydraulic trailer that can craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to handle craft up to 34 feet for hull, engine and electronic have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham repairs. Open and covered storage, electricity, gasoline, Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, marine supplies the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats and a launching ramp are available. In 2008, the reported through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. alongside depth was 5 feet. The harbormaster who (140) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles supervises Allen Harbor has his office at Saquatucket westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel leads Harbor. He can be reached at 508–430–7532 for local from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the head information. of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. Buoys (148) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, mark the channel, and a light marks the outer end of the has a large prominent hotel on the west side and windmill east jetty. A marina is on the north side of the anchorage on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, between basin. Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a pump-out two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The approach is station, and a launching ramp are available. In 2008, an marked by private seasonal buoys, and the outer end of approach depth of 6 feet was reported at the marina berths the west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. In with an alongside depth of 10 feet. The marina monitors 1973, the midchannel controlling depth was 6 feet in the VHF-FM channel 68. The harbormaster here also entrance channel. A basin dredged in the river just below supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen Harbor, Herring the bridge has moorings for craft drawing up to 3 feet. River, and Round Cove in Pleasant Bay. A 5 mph speed The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile above the mouth, has a limit is enforced in these areas. The harbormaster can be 14-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. State Route contacted at 508–430–7532. 28 highway bridge about 0.8 mile above the mouth has (142) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage a 20-foot fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. Limited Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded supplies may be obtained at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile entrance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is hook- westward of the river. shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and pleasure craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the harbor and a (149) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring hotel on the west bank of the entrance are conspicuous. River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, (143) In 1994, the reported controlling depth across the bar which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel has a depth of 6 enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank just feet to the harbor. The channel is subject to shoaling. The above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. outer anchorage basin, known locally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 feet with good holding (150) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor ground. Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the west (144) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles southward the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel marked on the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar from about channel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light through the jetties pump-out facility, marine supplies, and storage facilities to an anchorage basin in the lower part of the river, and are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A thence to the highway bridge at South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The entrance to the anchorage
186 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 basin and the channel over the bar are subject to shoaling. northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of In 2001, the dredged entrance channel had a reported the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be controlling depth of 4.6 feet to the river mouth, just inside obtained before entering the river. In 2000, the entrance the jetties; thence in 1981, the river channel had a reported channel had a reported controlling depth of 4.1 feet. The depth of 5 feet to South Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the entrance is reported to shoal quickly after dredging. A bridge at South Dennis. In 1992, severe shoaling was fixed highway bridge crosses the river about 1 mile above reported across the mouth of the river. Private seasonal the entrance. buoys mark the channel to Follins Pond, about 6.1 miles (160) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor above the mouth. in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An unnamed (151) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads westward between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter the creek miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a only at high water. Small craft may enter the pond but clearance of 15 feet. there are no moorings or services available. A marina is (152) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. on the east side of the river just below the highway bridge; (153) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads berths are available. eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was (161) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of reported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to Hyannis Club is at the head of the lagoon. Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is marked (154) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, partly bare first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of the point. to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water extend 1 covered storage. Electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle Rock, covered ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station and a launching 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy, is about ramp are available. In 2008, 6 feet was reported alongside 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the point. Senator the dock. The marina monitors VHF-FM channel 16. Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is about 1 mile Town landings and launching ramps are on both sides of southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, covered 17 the river at and below the bridge. feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and another rock, (155) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles south-southeast of the obtained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the point in the vicinity of Hallets Rock. There are several bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, submerged rocks in this area, which extends in a general diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, line running northwest and southeast between Hallets and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be Rock and Gazelle Rock to a private seasonal light 0.5 made. mile west of the point; the light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, (156) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the a sunken wreck was reported about 0.2 mile southward river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South of Hallets Rock in about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 (162) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of feet vertical. Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center of (157) In 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet could be the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at carried at high water to a marina and boatyard on Kellys low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends about Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and highway 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, is 0.7 bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out craft to 28 mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of the feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, about storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and berths are 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about 0.75 available. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported at mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 mile the boatyard. northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the shoal (158) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River area. Caution should be exercised when in the vicinity of entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, this shoal. formerly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly (163) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. West Jetty Light 11. The area around the breakwater and West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low water Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has depths are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. These of 15 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward of the rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A fish haven, ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Harbor. A group marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles south of the of dangerous rocks and obstructions are on the edge of breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a private seasonal the flat that extends northwestward from Point Gammon light is 1.8 miles southwest of the breakwater. and into the approach to Hyannis Harbor. A rock, covered (159) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., 70°17'21.1\"W., is the is entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 187 (173) N Hyannis, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) westernmost and marked close W by Hyannis Harbor yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. Vessels Lighted Buoy 4. may anchor inside the breakwater on the east edge of the (164) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft bottom. Small as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure craft can anchor in the northern portion of the harbor in craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of the depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be taken to keep clear breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis Port, of a charted, submerged wreck, marked by a buoy. on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis (169) Approaching from the westward, from a position at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and (165) The most prominent objects when approaching Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about 054° the harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock Buoy 2, and white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards eastward breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church belfry (170) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of vessels on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the westward. in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the prevailing (166) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, northerly winds keep the harbor clear. However, during but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending severe winters or persistent southwesterly winds, the westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal with harbor may be temporarily closed to navigation. During numerous rocks extending southeastward from Hyannis particularly severe winters, the harbor has been closed by Point. In 2011, depths of 8 to 15 feet were available in ice for up to 3 months. the protected basin northward of the breakwater light. (171) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many prominent homes. A privately dredged channel, with (167) reported depths of 6 feet in 2005, leads to the Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing on the west shore of the harbor. Routes (172) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 12 feet, extends (168) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort of eastward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club yards south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private the reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about 100
188 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. (184) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Harbor The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest Ground, the dockside depth of 8 feet is available. area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis Point, has numerous (174) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor rocks and shoal spots necessitating extreme caution for into Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of vessels navigating the area. Southwest Rock, about 1.1 Harbor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at miles south of Hyannis Point, is marked by a daybeacon. the westernmost end. In 2011, the controlling depths Unmarked rocks, some awash at low water and others were 6 feet (10 feet at midchannel) to the anchorage covered 2 to 6 feet, are between the buoy and Hyannis basin, thence 8 to 13 feet in the basin, thence 7 feet to Point. the town wharf. The channel is well marked but is subject to shoaling, especially in the vicinity of Lewis Bay (185) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy vessel traffic should be is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. expected during summer months. A riprap jetty extends An unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of 1,000 feet southerly from Dunbar Point. Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked (175) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked the water, deepest where it is darkest. by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile (176) southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is Anchorages awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the (177) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small craft (186) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off Hyannis buoy, is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Limited anchorage Rocks, 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two is reported available in the basin north of Harbor Bluff. unmarked rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spindle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a (178) buoy, is near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at low water and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north Small-craft facilities of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 (179) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay northward (187) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in Centerville, Limited berths are also available at the town marina on the village inland from the head of the harbor, are used the west side at the head of the arm. A dockmaster is as guides for entering the harbor. Craigville Beach, on usually in attendance at this marina and can be reached the north side of the harbor, is a popular bathing beach. at 508–790–6327 or VHF-FM channel 16. The approach to Centerville Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good holding ground may be had in (180) For local information on moorings and berthings, depths of 14 to 20 feet; however, vessels seldom anchor the harbormaster can be contacted at 508–790–6273, here for shelter as the harbor is exposed to southerly through the Barnstable police department at 508–775– winds. The shoals off the entrance somewhat break the 0387, or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A police boat from force of the seas from southward, but not sufficiently the town of Barnstable and a Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat to make it a safe anchorage. Strangers should not enter patrol Hyannis Harbor during the summer. A 6 mph speed except in the daytime with clear weather. Ice may close limit is enforced in Lewis Bay north of Harbor Bluff and the harbor in the winter. in Hyannis Harbor in the channel leading to the yacht club. (188) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the (181) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had a is just north of the town. reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in 1981, but is subject to shoaling. A private light marks the end of the (182) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water jetty. Centerville River, which enters the northeast side is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. of the bay, has been privately dredged for a width of 30 Eddie Woods Rock, covered 4 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 feet to the head of navigation. In 2005, a reported depth mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap of about 3 feet could be taken over the bar into Centerville marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the River. Small boats moor in the river off Centerville, or rock. (183) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor Breakwater Light H, is marked by a tower. Hyannis Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern side of Centerville Harbor.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 189 tie up to private piers. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced 508–790–6273.A6 mph speed limit is enforced in Cotuit, in East Bay and Centerville River. North, and West Bays by the Barnstable harbormaster and (189) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom-shaped police. top is on the north side of the river. A town landing is on (196) The highway bridge across the channel between the north side just above the tower. A launching ramp is Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span with on the west shore of East Bay. A conspicuous wooden a clearance of 15 feet. (See 33 CFR117.1 through 117.49 tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 mile southwestward and117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) of the jetty. Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be made (190) CotuitAnchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gammon, through the Department of Public Works. is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals which (197) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to southerly separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. winds and is seldom used except by local craft. The Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church channel to the anchorage is marked by buoys, and vessels spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A town of less than 6-foot draft should experience no difficulty wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a small- in keeping in the best water. Lone Rock, covered 4 feet craft launching ramp are at the village. In 1981-2001, a and marked by a buoy, is near the southern side of the privately dredged channel, with a reported controlling anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 feet and marked by depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit Anchorage to off Cotuit a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 mile northeastward of Highlands; thence in 2001, a winding channel, with a Lone Rock and about 0.7 mile south of the entrance to depth of 6 feet, curves between Sampsons Island and West Bay. Bluff Point into Cotuit Bay. The channels into Cotuit Bay (191) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage and North Bay are marked by private seasonal buoys. A and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied entrance reported depth of about 6 feet was in the channel from about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the village Cotuit Bay to North Bay in 2005. Seapuit River, south of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A private light of Osterville Grand Island, connects Cotuit Bay and West marks the end of the east jetty. A seasonal lighted bell Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a buoy about 1 mile southeastward of the entrance marks reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay the approach. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel is usually closed by ice each winter. through West Bay. In 1981-2001, a depth of 2.9 feet was (198) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is available in the entrance channel, thence 6 feet to the shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of highway bridge. The channel is subject to shoaling, and the bay. In 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was strangers should obtain local information before entering reported in the narrow entrance channel north-northwest the bay. of Thatch Island. (192) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. (199) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out alongside. station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine supplies, and some services are available. A privately (193) marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, Small-craft facilities and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the (194) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the channel marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. (200) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, electricity, Anchorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a pump- direction and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal out station and storage facilities are available. Marine range from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the railway to 40 feet, lifts to 70 tons, and hull and motor east end of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy repairs are available on the east side of the river with an southwestward of the shoal marks the channel between approach depth of 7 feet and alongside depth of 13 feet Wreck Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal reported in 2009. Lifts to 75 tons and hull, engine, and covered 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck electronic repairs are available on the west side with an Shoal and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. approach depth of 5 feet and alongside depth of 6 feet Broken ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is reported in 2009. between this shoal and Wreck Shoal. (201) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range from (195) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the entrance 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A channel to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay to between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 the northward. In 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet was to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and Horseshoe available in the narrow channel eastward of Little Island Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. into North Bay. Strangers should obtain local information before navigating in North Bay, which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The harbormaster can be contacted for local information on moorings and berthings; telephone
190 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (202) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit River. The westward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the river is marked by private seasonal buoys. shore southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of (211) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of 1 to 5 feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. Menauhant west end. Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. A bridge, narrow unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a 45-foot fixed L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of span with a clearance 5 feet. 9 feet is marked by a buoy. (212) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow jettied (203) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit entrance which, in 2001, had a reported controlling depth Anchorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal rapidly after 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private dredging; local knowledge is advised. A private seasonal seasonal light marks the end of each jetty. In 1971, the light marks the west jetty. A seasonal lighted buoy marks controlling depth in the entrance channel was reported the approach, and private seasonal buoys mark the to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, about 0.6 mile channel above the jetties. west-southwestward of the jetties, marks the approach, (213) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green and buoys mark a 5-foot channel for about 0.8 mile Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht Club is on the west the pond, are principally summer resorts. side at the head of the bay. (214) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot span (204) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research with a clearance of 6 feet. In 2002, a reported depth of 3 Reserve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), includes feet was in the approach to, and inside the marina on the Waquoit Bay and associated waters and protected west side of Green Pond just north of the bridge. Berths, wetlands. diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and marine supplies are available at this facility. (205) (215) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. Small-craft facility (206) Great River and Little River empty into the (216) southeasterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the Chart 13241 west side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching (217) NantucketIsland,onthesoutheastsideofNantucket ramp, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly wooded, and are available. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be covered with vegetation that flourishes in sandy soil. The made; lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet can highest part of the island, about 100 feet high, is in the be carried to the marina. eastern part; the eastern and southern sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The island was for more than a century a principal seat of the whaling industry and since (207) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor has become a famous summer resort. about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds formed by the barrier beach, some of which have outlets. Many (218) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket jetties or groins are built out from the shore for beach Island, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket erosion control. (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet above the water and shown from a white tower. (208) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied (219) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east- entrance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a northeastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the the shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the depths light mark the approach. The privately marked channel range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the northeasterly into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water with depths feet in 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; extreme of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile northward from caution and local knowledge is advised. these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 feet, is 2.2 miles (209) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly southeastward of Nantucket Light. arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In 2009, a reported approach depth of 4 feet was available. Berths, (220) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine of Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. supplies, pump-out station, launching ramp, 40-foot Several large houses show prominently from seaward. marine railway, 50-ton marine lift, and storage facilities are available at the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can (221) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of Great be made. Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the shore. (210) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A reported
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 191 (237) N Nantucket Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the winter the marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel that entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut through for leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket Sound drainage purposes. is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and markers. (222) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'04\"N., 69°57'58\"W.), With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ feet can be 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white carried over the bar and channel to Hither Creek. Local tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on knowledge is also required to enter the harbor from the the east side of the island. southwest. A public boat landing and a boatyard are in (223) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton mobile hoist, island, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, provisions, has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. water, and marine supplies are available at the boatyard; (224) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no harbors hull and engine repairs can be made. and is frequented only by local fishermen. A LORAN tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a tank (228) and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore. North Atlantic Right Whales (225) The thorofare between the western point of Esther (229) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting unmarked shoals. The passage is used only by small fishing vessels reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island (peak and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal aids mark the season: November through April). The Northeast Marine channel. Pilots distribute educational material to mariners in an (226) Tuckernuck Island,Esther Island, and Muskeget effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See North Island are low sandy islands extending westward from Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, some for more information on right whales and recommended bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. measures to avoid collisions.) (227) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately (230) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall to the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United Island. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area between November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the waters bounded by: (231) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.;
192 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (232) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; the harbor becomes choppy with easterly winds. Caution (233) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; should be exercised to avoid anchoring in the fairway (234) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. starting point. (See 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for (247) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the regulations, limitations, and exceptions.) harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find more (235) sheltered anchorage under these conditions in Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowledge, in Polpis Chart 13242 Harbor (chart 13241). (248) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or (236) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north at anchor in the harbor. shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The (249) harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small Routes (chart 13237) coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round (250) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is maintained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either Woods Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates from Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. to the lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Gong (238) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about 1.2 Buoy 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart 13241) of Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cupola atop a for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket church clock tower, and a church belfry about 500 yards Harbor. northwestward of it; the spire of a large white church in the town; and the navigational lights at the entrance to (251) Nantucket Harbor. Currents (239) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 (252) The tidal current off the Nantucket Harbor entrance feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the west has a velocity of 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward side of the entrance near to the harbor. A sound signal is and the ebb westward. The tidal current in the entrance at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is on the channel sets into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and point. outward on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. (240) (253) Channels Weather, Nantucket and vicinity (241) A Federal project provides for a channel 15 feet (254) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by deep from Nantucket Sound to deep water in Nantucket the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool Harbor off Brant Point. (See Notice to Mariners and latest summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes editions of charts for controlling depths.) of either maximum or minimum temperatures are very (242) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are both sides of the entrance, which is protected by two neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high wind. submerged jetties. An opening for small craft is in the The summers, though cool, are very humid. Heavy fogs east jetty about 150 yards off Coatue Point. A light and are frequent, particularly during the spring and summer. sound signal mark the outer end of the east jetty, and a There is a marked lag in the seasons as compared with buoy marks the outer end of the west jetty. inland areas. (243) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the (255) July and August are relatively cool with average breakwater light marks the approach, and the channel is maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and marked by a 161.9° lighted range and buoys. average minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average (244) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). January and February are the coldest months, having normal mean (245) temperatures near freezing, that is, average maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of 25°F (-3.9°C). The Anchorages extreme maximum temperature for Nantucket is 100°F (246) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded in December 1962. depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides An average year sees 100 days with temperatures below of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the general 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a temperature below anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do temperatures exceed 90°F 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In general, (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred only during June, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded to July, and August. vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy tackle as
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 193 (256) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with only when Authority vessels are approaching the wharf the highest monthly averages during December through in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which uncover at April. Gales have occurred during every month except low water are between the boat basin and the Steamship June and July. Coast storms are frequent during the winter Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ruins. Unpainted pile with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, during the dolphins mark the former pierhead. Mariners are advised late summer and fall, may cause high winds. Since 1871, to exercise caution in this area. forty tropical storms or hurricanes have passed within 50 (262) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket nautical miles of Nantucket. There have been ten direct Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile hits. The latest was tropical storm Esther in 1961. Esther hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; hull had been a 125-knot hurricane earlier, but was dissipating and engine repairs can be made. The channel leading to at the time it crossed the island. the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 1981. (257) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout (263) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the mainland the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in any and daily airline service with New York and Boston. given year. An average of 180 days each year records Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December averaging 4.35 (264) inches (111 mm) and the driest month is June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall for the winter Chart 13241 season averages about 30 inches (762 mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover rarely lasts more (265) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the than a few days. The greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period lagoon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the was 14.9 inches (397) in February 1952. February is the Harbor. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could snowiest month averaging nearly nine inches (229 mm). be carried with local knowledge as far as the village of Snow is absent from May through September. An average Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of the Harbor. five days each year records greater than 1.5 inches (38 Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off the several mm) of snowfall. An average of 18 thunderstorms affect points. the island in a given year with the greatest frequency occurring during July and August. Fog is present about (266) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just 200 days each year. south of Head of the Harbor.The entrance channel, marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported controlling (258) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom depth of 6 feet in 1994. closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which packs (267) and remains across the entrance during northerly winds. Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 (259) (See Appendix B for Nantucket climatological table.) (268) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget and Chappaquiddick Islands. The channel is subject to numerous shifting shoals. Although this channel is (260) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nantucket partly buoyed, strangers should never attempt it as tidal Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-southwestward of currents with velocities of 2 to 5 knots make navigation Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed on the north and dangerous. The currents through the channel are strong, south sides by Straight Wharf and Commercial Wharf, having a velocity of 3.8 knots on the flood and 3.3 knots respectively, and its entrance is protected by two long on the ebb about 1.5 miles east of Wasque Point. The flood bulkheads on the east and southeast sides. Depths in sets north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet long and larger (269) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, can be accommodated. The outer end of the north side the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. of Straight Wharf is used by excursion boats. A private The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque seasonal light is shown off the end of the wharf and is Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget operated only when tour boats are approaching the wharf Channel. in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial Wharf. Water and electricity (270) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has are available at each slip. The basin’s dockmaster has a least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern his office on the outer end of Commercial Wharf. The side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget dockmaster can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16. Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. Eastward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 to 6 feet. (261) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile northward (271) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the roof of north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is operated which are separated by unmarked channels. Tuckernuck Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by a lighted
194 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (279) N Edgartown Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. Shovelful (274) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is covered 3 to airline, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of Shovelful Shoal, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 feet. Norton (275) CapePoge,thenortheasternpointofChappaquiddick Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal and covered Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north side. Hawes appear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a least depth of 1 Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the foot; buoys mark its northwestern and southwestern ends. water, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape. (272) (276) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles northeastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the Charts 13238, 13233 northeast end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sector of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north (273) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island of the buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore have a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are westward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 separated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the mile west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the narrow slough connecting them. The northern extremity western side of the shoal water. of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is well (277) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in settled, especially along its northern shore, and is popular the northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered as a summer resort. Along the northern shore the island from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is used presents a generally rugged appearance. The southern mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In 1981, it was shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of which has reported that 4 feet could be carried through the entrance navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching from the south, channel with local knowledge. the principal landmarks are a standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of the island, a church spire near (278) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s Chilmark in the western part, a tall radar tower north of Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an Chilmark, and Gay Head on the west side. outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and easterly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into Katama Bay,
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