Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 143 and for the safety of vessels using the canal, the follow- (3178) (4) Right of Way-All vessels proceeding with the ing speed regulations must be observed by vessels of all current shall have the right of way over those proceed- types, including pleasure craft. The minimum running ing against the current. All craft up to 65 feet in length time for the land cut between the East Mooring Basin shall be operated so as not to interfere with the naviga- (Station 35) and the Administration Office in Buzzards tion of vessels of greater length. Bay (Station 388) is prescribed as follows: (3167) Head Tide–60 Minutes (3179) (5) Passing of vessels-The passing of one vessel (3168) Fair Tide–30 Minutes by another when proceeding in the same direction is (3169) Slack Tide–45 Minutes prohibited except when a leading low powered ship is (3170) The minimum running time between the Admin- unable to make sufficient headway. However, extreme istration Office (Station 388) and Hog Island Channel caution must be observed to avoid collision, and consid- westerly entrance Buoy No. 1 (Station 661) is prescribed eration must be given to the size of the ship to be over- as follows: taken, velocity of current and wind, and atmospheric (3171) Head Tide–46 Minutes conditions. Masters of vessels involved shall inform the (3172) Fair Tide–23 Minutes marine traffic controller on duty of developing situa- (3173) Slack Tide–35 Minutes tions to facilitate coordination of vessel movement. (3174) The running time at slack water will apply to any Meeting or passing of vessels at the easterly end of the vessel which enters that portion of the canal between canal between Station Minus 40 and Station 60 will not stations 35 and 661, within the period of one-half hour be permitted, except in cases of extreme emergency, in before or after the predicted time of slack water as giv- order to allow vessels to utilize the center line range to en in the National Ocean Service publication “Current minimize the effects of hazardous eddies and currents. Tables, Atlantic Coast, North America.” The minimum Due to bank suction and tidal set, meeting and passing running time during a head tide or a fair tide shall ap- of vessels at the following location will be avoided: ply to any vessel which enters that portion of the ca- nal between Station 35 and 661 at any time other than (3180) (i) Sagamore Bridge. designated above for time requirements at slack tide. (3181) (ii) Bourne Bridge. Vessels of any kind unable to make a through transit of (3182) (iii) Railroad Bridge. the land cut portion of the canal against a head current (3183) (iv) Mass. Maritime Academy. of 6.0 knots within a maximum time limit of 2 hours (3184) (6) Unnecessary delay in canal-Vessels and other 30 minutes shall be required to obtain the assistance of a helper tug at the vessel owner’s expense or await type crafts must not obstruct navigation by unnecessar- favorable tide conditions prior to receiving clearance ily idling at low speed when entering or passing through from the marine traffic controller. In the event vessels the canal. within the confines of the canal fail to perform and are (3185) (7) Stopping in the waterway-Anchoring in the Cape unable to make sufficient headway against the currents, Cod Canal Channel is prohibited except in emergencies. the marine traffic controller may activate a helper tug For the safety of canal operations it is mandatory that in accordance with paragraph (k) of this section. the masters of all vessels anchoring in or adjacent to the (3175) (k) Management of vessels. (1) Vessels within the canal channel (Cape Cod Bay to Cleveland Ledge Light) limits of the canal shall comply with applicable naviga- for any reason, immediately notify the marine traffic tion rules. controller. (3176) (2) Vessels within the limits of the canal shall com- (3186) (8) Utilization of mooring and boat basins and the ply with the applicable requirements for the use of pi- Sandwich Bulkhead-Vessels mooring or anchoring in lots established by the Coast Guard, including but not the mooring or boat basins at the Sandwich bulkhead limited to those contained in 46 CFR 157.20–40. Vessels must do so in a manner not to obstruct or impede ves- will not be granted clearance to enter the canal until the sel movements to and from facilities. These facilities marine traffic controller has been notified of the name are of limited capacity and permission to occupy them of the pilot who will be handling the vessel. for periods exceeding 24 hours must be obtained in ad- (3177) (3) The master of a vessel will be responsible for vance from the marine traffic controller. Mooring in notifying the marine traffic controller as soon as an the West Boat Basin at Buzzards Bay, near the railroad emergency situation appears to be developing. When bridge, is not permitted except in an emergency. Fishing in the opinion of the marine traffic controller an emer- boats, yachts, cabin cruisers and other craft utilizing gency exists, he/she can require the master to accept the the East Boat Basin on the south side of the canal at assistance of a helper vessel. Whether or not assistance Sandwich, Massachusetts are not permitted to tie up at is provided by a government vessel or by a private firm the Corps of Engineers landing float or anchor in a man- under contract to the government, the government re- ner to prevent canal floating plant from having ready serves the right to seek compensation from the vessel access to the float. All vessels or barges left unattended owners for all costs incurred. must be securely tied with adequate lines or cables. The United States assumes no liability for damages which may be sustained by any craft using the bulkhead at Sandwich or the canal mooring or boat basin facilities. Vessels shall not be left unattended along the face of
144 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 the government bulkhead. A responsible person with Persons asleep during hours of darkness in or out of authority to authorize and/or accomplish vessel move- vehicles shall be considered as campers. ment must remain onboard at all times. (3197) (5) Fishing. Persons may fish with rod and line (3187) (1) Grounded, wrecked or damaged vessels. In the from the banks of the canal on Federally owned prop- event a vessel is grounded, or so damaged by accident erty except areas designated by the division engineer. as to render it likely to become an obstruction and/or Fishing and lobstering by boat in the Cape Cod Canal hazard to navigation in the waterway, the division en- between the east entrance in Cape Cod Bay and the west gineer or the division engineer’s authorized representa- entrance at Cleveland Ledge Light are prohibited. Fish- tive shall supervise and direct all operations that may be ing by boat is permitted in the area west of the State Pier necessary to remove the vessel to a safe locality. in Buzzards Bay, provided that all craft stay out of the (3188) (m) [Reserved] channel defined by United States Coast Guard buoys and (3189) (n) Deposit of refuse. No oil or other allied liquids, beacons. Fish and game laws of the United States and ashes, or materials of any kind shall be thrown, pumped the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be enforced. or swept into the canal or its approaches from any ves- (3198) (6) Hunting. Hunting is permitted in accordance sel or craft using the waterway, nor shall any refuse with game laws of the United States and the Common- be deposited on canal grounds, marine structures, or wealth of Massachusetts. facilities. (3199) (7) Fires. No open fires will be allowed at any time (3190) (o) Trespass to property. Subject to the provisions except by special permission and then shall be continu- of paragraph (q) of this section trespass upon the canal ously overseen and in compliance with state or town property is prohibited. laws. (3191) (p) Bridges over the canal. The government owns, (3200) (8) Control of animals and pets. (i) No person shall operates and maintains all bridges across the canal bring or have horses in camping, picnic, swimming which include one railroad bridge and two highway beaches or developed recreation areas. bridges. The division engineer or his/her authorized (3201) (ii) No person shall bring dogs (except seeing eye representative may establish rules and regulations gov- dogs), cats, or other pets into developed recreation areas erning the use of these bridges. unless penned, caged, or on a leash no longer than six (3192) (q) Recreational use of canal.–(1) Policy. (i) It is the feet or otherwise under physical restrictive controls at policy of the Secretary of the Army acting through the all times. Chief of Engineers to provide the public with safe and (3202) (9) Restrictions. (i) The division engineer may es- healthful recreational opportunities within all water re- tablish a reasonable schedule of visiting hours for all source development projects administered by the Chief or portions of the project area and close or restrict the of Engineers, including the canal and government lands public use of all or any portion of the project by the part thereof. Any recreational use of the canal and those posting of appropriate signs indicating the extent and lands shall be at the users own risk. scope of closure. All persons shall observe such posted (3193) (ii) All water resource development projects open restrictions. for recreational use shall be available to the public with- (3203) (ii) The operation or use of any audio or other noise out regard to sex, race, creed, color or national origin. producing device including, but not limited to, com- No lessee, licensee, or concessionaire providing a ser- munications media and vehicles in such a manner as to vice to the public shall discriminate against any person unreasonably annoy, endanger persons or affect vessel or persons because of sex, race, creed, color or national traffic through the canal is prohibited. origin in the conduct of operations under the lease, li- (3204) (10) Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fire- cense or concession contract. works. (i) The possession of loaded firearms, ammuni- (3194) (2) Motor vehicles. Operation of motor vehicles, tion, projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, cross- motorcycles, minibikes, mopeds, motorbikes, snow- bows, and explosives of any kind is prohibited unless in mobiles, and all types of off-road vehicles is prohibited the possession of a law enforcement officer or Govern- on government lands and service roads except in areas ment employee on official duty or used for hunting dur- specifically designated for such operation. ing the hunting season as permitted under paragraph (3195) (3) Swimming. Swimming, skin diving, snorkeling, (q)(6) of this section, or unless written permission has and scuba diving in the canal between the east entrance been received from the division engineer. in Cape Cod Bay and the west entrance at Cleveland (3205) (ii) The possession or use of fireworks is prohibited Ledge Light are prohibited. Diving operations may be unless written permission has been received from the authorized by the Engineer-In-Charge in conjunction division engineer. with operation and maintenance of the canal. (3206) (11) Public property. Destruction, injury, deface- (3196) (4) Camping. Overnight tenting or camping on gov- ment or removal of public property including natural ernment land is prohibited except in areas designated by formations, historical and archeological features and the division engineer. Bourne Scenic Park and Scusset vegetative growth is prohibited without written permis- Beach State Reservation are designated camping areas. sion of the division engineer.
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 145 (3207) (12) Abandonment of personal property. (i) Aban- conduct of official duties pertaining to the administra- donment of personal property is prohibited. Personal tion of these regulations is prohibited. property shall not be left unattended upon the lands or waters of the project except in accordance with this §207.50 Hudson River Lock at Troy, N.Y.; navigation. regulation. After a period of 24 hours, abandoned or (3215) (a) Authority of lockmaster. The lockmaster shall unattended personal property shall be impounded and stored at a storage point designated by the division en- be charged with the immediate control and manage- gineer. The division engineer shall assess a reasonable ment of the lock, and of the area set aside as the lock impoundment fee, which shall be paid before the im- area, including the lock approach channels. He shall see pounded property is returned to its owners. that all laws, rules and regulations for the use of the lock and lock area are duly complied with, to which end he (3208) (ii) The division engineer shall, by public or pri- is authorized to give all necessary orders and directions vate sales or otherwise, dispose of all lost, abandoned, in accordance therewith, both to employees of the Gov- or unclaimed personal property that comes into his/her ernment and to any and every person within the limits custody or control. However, efforts should be made to of the lock or lock area, whether navigating the lock or find the owner, the owner’s heirs or next of kin, or legal not. No one shall cause any movement of any vessel, representatives. If the owner, heirs or next of kin, or boat, or other floating thing in the lock or approaches legal representative is determined but not found, the except by or under the direction of the lockmaster or property may not be disposed of until the expiration of his assistants. 120 days after the date when notice, giving the time and (3216) (b) Signals. Steamboats or tows desiring lockage place of the intended sale or other disposition, has been in either direction shall give notice to the lock tenders, sent by certified or registered mail to that person at last when not more than three-fourths mile from the lock, known address. When diligent effort to determine the by one long blast of (10 seconds’ duration), followed owner, owner’s heirs or next of kin, or legal representa- by one short blast (of three seconds’ duration), on a tive is unsuccessful, the property may be disposed of whistle or horn. When the lock is ready for entrance a without delay, except that if it has a fair market value of green light will be shown from the river wall. An amber $25 or more the property generally may not be disposed light will indicate that the lock is being made ready for of until three months after the date it is received at the entrance. A red light will indicate that the approach- Cape Cod Canal Administrative Office. The net proceeds ing vessel must wait. Whenever local conditions make from the sale of property shall be placed into the Trea- it advisable the visual signals will be supplemented by sury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. sound signals as follows: (3217) (1) One long blast of a horn to indicate that the (3209) (13) Lost and found articles. All abandoned/lost vessel must wait. articles shall be deposited by the finder at the Canal (3218) (2) One short blast of a horn to indicate that the Administration office or with Canal ranger. The finder lock is being made ready for entrance. shall leave his/her name, address, and phone number. (3219) (3) Two short blasts of a horn to indicate permis- All lost articles shall be disposed of in accordance with sion to enter the lock. procedures set forth in paragraph (q)(12) of this section. (3220) (4) Four short and rapid blasts to attract attention, indicate caution, and signal danger. (3210) (14) Advertisement. Advertising by the use of (3221) (c) Draft of boats. Deep-draft boats must clear the billboards, signs, markers, audio devices or any other miter sills by at least 3 inches. Boats drawing too much means whatever is prohibited unless written permission water will not be allowed to lighter cargo in the en- has been received from the division engineer. trances. (3222) (d) Precedence at the lock. The vessel arriving first (3211) (15) Commercial activities. The engaging in or so- at the lock shall be first to lock through; but precedence licitation of business without the written permission of shall be given to vessels belonging to the United States the division engineer is prohibited. and to commercial vessels in the order named. Arrival posts or markers may be established ashore above or (3212) (16) Unauthorized structures. The construction or below the lock. Vessels arriving at or opposite such posts placing of any structure of any kind under, upon or over or markers will be considered as having arrived at the the project lands or waters is prohibited unless a permit lock within the meaning of this paragraph. If the traffic has been issued by the division engineer. Structures not is crowded in both directions; up and down lockages will under permit are subject to summary removal by the usually be made alternately, but the lock tender may division engineer. permit two or more lockages to be made at one time in the same direction when this will not cause unreason- (3213) (17) Special events. Prior approval must be ob- able delay. In case two or more boats or tows are to enter tained from the Engineer-In-Charge for special events, for the same lockage, they shall enter as directed by the recreational programs and group activities. The public lock tender. No boat shall run ahead of another while in shall not be charged any fee by the sponsor of such event the lock. The boat that enters first shall leave first. unless the division engineer has approved in writing the proposed schedule of fees. (3214) (18) Interference with government employees. Interference with any government employee in the
146 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 (3223) (e) Lockage of pleasure boats. The lockage of plea- (3234) (o) Penalties. In addition to the penalties prescribed sure boats, house boats or like craft shall be expedited by law, boats which fail to comply with the regulations by locking them through with commercial craft (other in this section will thereafter be refused lockage until than barges carrying gasoline or highly hazardous ma- assurances have been received, satisfactory to the Dis- terials) in order to utilize the capacity of the lock to its trict Engineer, Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, maximum. Lockage of pleasure craft may be made with that the regulations will be complied with. commercial craft carrying petroleum products other than gasoline provided a clear distance of at least 100 §207.60 Federal Dam, Hudson River,Troy, N.Y.; pool feet between such vessels can be maintained in the lock. If, after the arrival of such craft, no separate or com- level. bined lockage can be accomplished within a reasonable (3235) (a) Whenever the elevation of the pool created by time, not to exceed the time required for three other lockages, then separate lockage shall be made. the Federal dam at Troy, N.Y., shall fall to a point level with the crest of the main spillway, the elevation of (3224) (f) Stations while waiting. Boats waiting their turn which is 14.33 feet mean sea level, the operation of the to enter the lock must lie at a sufficient distance from power plant shall cease and further operation thereof the lock and in such a position as to leave sufficient shall be suspended until such time as the water level room for the passage of boats leaving the lock. rises to or above 14.43 feet mean sea level. (3236) (b) Flashboards may be maintained on the section (3225) (g) Unnecessary delay. (1) Boats must not cause of the spillway of the dam having an elevation of 14.33 delay in entering or leaving the lock. Masters and pi- feet mean sea level in order to increase the elevation of lots will be held to a strict accountability in this matter, this section to an elevation equal to that of the auxiliary and those with tows must provide enough men to move spillway, or 16.33 feet mean sea level: Provided, That the barges promptly. Boats failing to enter the lock with rea- flashboards are so erected as to drop automatically when sonable promptness after being signaled will lose their the pool level rises to an elevation of 18.5 feet mean turn. sea level, and conform in other respects to the plans attached thereto. (3226) (2) Tugboats arriving with their tows in a condition (3237) (c) The tide staff to be used in determining the el- which will delay locking shall lose their turn if so or- evation of the pool shall be the ceramic tide staff now dered by the lock tender. Leaking boats may be excluded located on the westerly face of the east lock wall north of until put in shape to be passed through safely. the northerly gates, the zero of which is set 2 feet below mean sea level. (3227) (h) Mooring. Boats in the lock or waiting in the (3238) (d) The regulations of the pool level and the main- entrance shall be moored where directed by the lock tenance of flashboards shall be subject to the supervi- tender, by bow, stern, and spring lines, to the snubbing sion and approval of the District Engineer, New York posts or line hooks. Tying boats to the lock ladders is City. strictly prohibited. §207.800 Collection of navigation statistics. (3228) (i) Protection of lock gates. Boats will not be per- (3239) (a) Definitions. For the purpose of this regulation mitted to enter or leave the lock until the lock gates are at rest in the gate recesses and the lock tender has the following terms are defined: directed the boat to start. (3240) (1) Navigable waters of the United States means (3229) (j) Damage to walls, etc. All craft passing through those waters of the United States that are subject to the the lock must be free from projections or sharp cor- ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to the mean high wa- ners which might scar the walls or injure other parts. ter mark, and/or are presently used, or have been used Steamboats must be provided with suitable fenders, etc. in the past, or may be susceptible to use to transport One man shall be kept at the head of every tow till it has interstate or foreign commerce. (See 33 CFR part 329 cleared the lock and guide walls, and shall use the fender for a more complete definition of this term.) to prevent scarring the walls. (3241) (2) Offenses and Violations mean: (3242) (i) Failure to submit a required report. (3230) (k) Handling machinery. None but employees of (3243) (ii) Failure to provide a timely, accurate, and com- the United States will be allowed to move any valve, gate, plete report. or other machinery belonging to the lock. (3244) (iii) Failure to submit monthly listings of idle ves- sels or vessels in transit. (3231) (l) Refuse in lock. Throwing ashes, refuse, or other (3245) (iv) Failure to submit a report required by the lock- obstruction in the entrances or in the lock, or on the master or canal operator. walls thereof, and passing coal from flats or barges to a (3246) (3) Leased or chartered vessel means a vessel that steamboat while in the lock is prohibited. is leased or chartered when the owner relinquishes con- trol of the vessel through a contractual agreement with (3232) (m) [Reserved] a second party for a specified period of time and/or for (3233) (n) Trespass on United States property. Trespass on a specified remuneration from the lessee. Commercial United States property, or willful injury to the banks, masonry, fences, trees, houses, machinery, or other property of the United States at or near the lock is strictly prohibited.
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 147 movements on an affreightment basis are not consid- navigable waters is responsible for assuring that the ered a lease or charter of a particular vessel. activity report of commercial vessels is timely filed. (3247) (4) Person or entity means an individual, corpora- (3258) (i) For vessels under lease/charter agreements, the tion, partnership, or company. lessee or charterer of any commercial vessel engaged in (3248) (5) Timely means vessel and commodity movement commercial transportation will be responsible for the data must be received by the Waterborne Commerce filing of said reports until the lease/charter expires. Statistics Center within 30 days after the close of the (3259) (ii) The vessel owner, or his designated agent, is month in which the vessel movement or nonmovement always the responsible party for ensuring that all com- takes place. mercial activity of the vessel is timely reported. (3249) (6) Commercial vessel means a vessel used in trans- (3260) (2) The following Vessel Information Reports are to porting by water, either merchandise or passengers for be filed with the Army Corps of Engineers, at the address compensation or hire, or in the course of business of specified on the ENG Form, and are to include: the owner, lessee, or operator of the vessel. (3261) (i) Monthly Reports. These reports shall be made (3250) (7) Reporting situation means a vessel movement on ENG Forms furnished upon written request of the by an operator that is required to be reported. Typical vessel operating companies to the Army Corps of Engi- examples are listed in the instructions on the various neers. The forms are available at the following address: ENG Forms. Five typical movements that are required U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterborne Commerce to be reported by vessel operating companies include Statistics Center, Post Office Box 61280, New Orleans, the following examples: Company A is the barge owner, LA 70161-1280. and the barge transports corn from Minneapolis, MN to (3262) (A) All movements of domestic waterborne com- New Orleans, LA, with fleeting at Cairo, IL. mercial vessels shall be reported, including but not lim- (3251) (i) Lease/Charter: If Company A leases or charters ited to: Dry cargo ship and tanker moves, loaded and the barge to Company B, then Company B is respon- empty barge moves, towboat moves, with or without sible for reporting the movements of the barge until the barges in tow, fishing vessels, movements of crew boats lease/charter expires. and supply boats to offshore locations, tugboat moves (3252) (ii) Interline Movement: A barge is towed from Min- and movements of newly constructed vessels from the neapolis to Cairo by Company A, and from Cairo to New shipyard to the point of delivery. Orleans by Company B. Since Company A is the barge (3263) (B) Vessels idle during the month must also be re- owner, and the barge is not leased. Company A reports ported. the entire movement of the barge with an origin of Min- (3264) (C) Notwithstanding the above requirements, the neapolis and a destination of New Orleans. following waterborne vessel movements need not be (3253) (iii) Vessel Swap/Trade: Company A swaps barge reported: with Company B to allow Company B to meet a delivery (3265) (1) Movements of recreational vessels. commitment to New Orleans. Since Company A has not (3266) (2) Movements of fire, police, and patrol vessels. leased/chartered the barge, Company A is responsible (3267) (3) Movements of vessels exclusively engaged in for filing the report. Company B is responsible for filing construction (e.g., piledrivers and crane barges). Note: the report on the barge which is traded to Company A. however, that movements of supplies, materials, and The swap or trade will not affect the primary responsi- crews to or from the construction site must be timely bility for reporting the individual vessel movements. reported. (3254) (iv) Re-Consignment: Barge is reconsigned to Mo- (3268) (4) Movements of dredges to or from the dredging bile, AL. Company A reports the movements as originat- site. However, vessel movements of dredged material ing in Minneapolis and terminating in Mobile. The point from the dredging site to the disposal site must be re- from which barge is reconsigned is not reported, only ported. points of loading and unloading. (3269) (5) Specific movements granted exemption in writ- (3255) (v) Fleeting: Barge is deposited at a New Orleans ing by the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center. fleeting area by Company A and towed by Company B (3270) (D) ENG Forms 3925 and 3925b shall be completed from fleeting area to New Orleans area dock for unload- and filed by vessel operating companies each month for ing. Company A, as barge owner, reports entire move- all voyages or vessel movements completed during the ments from Minneapolis to the dock in New Orleans. month. Vessels that did not complete a move during the Company B does not report any barge movement. month shall be reported as idle or in transit. (3256) (b) Implementation of the waterborne commerce (3271) (E) The vessel operating company may request a statistics provisions of the River and Harbor Act of 1922, waiver from the Army Corps of Engineers, and upon as amended by the Water Resources Development Act of written approval by the Waterborne Commerce Center, 1986 (Pub. L. 99-662), mandates the following. the company may be allowed to provide the requisite (3257) (1) Filing Requirements. Except as provided in information of the above paragraph (D), on computer paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the person or entity printouts, magnetic tape, diskettes, or alternate me- receiving remuneration for the movement of vessels or dium approved by the Center. for the transportation of goods or passengers on the
148 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 (3272) (F) Harbor Maintenance Tax information is re- (3285) (i) Data on purchase and sale of vessels. quired on ENG Form 3925 for cargo movements into or (3286) (ii) U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation and out of ports that are subject to the provisions of section 1402 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 reports. (Pub. L. 99-662). (3287) (iii) Data collected at Locks, Canals, and other fa- (3273) (1) The name of the shipper of the commodity, and cilities operated by the Corps. the shipper’s Internal Revenue Service number or So- (3288) (iv) Data provided by terminals on ENG Form 3926. cial Security number, must be reported on the form. (3289) (v) Data provided by the other Federal agencies in- (3274) (2) If a specific exemption applies to the shipper, the cluding the Internal Revenue Service, Customs Service, shipper should list the appropriate exemption code. The Maritime Administration, Department of Transporta- specific exemption codes are listed in the directions for tion, and Department of Commerce. ENG Form 3925. (3290) (vi) Data provided by ports, local facilities, and State or local governments. (3275) (3) Refer to 19 CFR part 24 for detailed information (3291) (vii) Data from trade journals and publications. on exemptions and ports subject to the Harbor Mainte- (3292) (viii) Site visits and inspections. nance Tax. (3293) (2) Notice of Violation. Once a reporting violation is determined to have occurred, the Chief of the Water- (3276) (ii) Annual Reports. Annually an inventory of ves- borne Commerce Statistics Center will notify the re- sels available for commercial carriage of domestic com- sponsible party and allow 30 days for the reports to be merce and vessel characteristics must be filed on ENG filed after the fact. If the reports are not filed within this Forms 3931 and 3932. 30-day notice period, then appropriate civil or crimi- nal actions will be undertaken by the Army Corps of (3277) (iii) Transaction Reports. The sale, charter, or lease Engineers, including the proposal of civil or criminal of vessels to other companies must also be reported to penalties for noncompliance. Typical cases for criminal assure that proper decisions are made regarding each or civil action include, but are not limited to, those vio- company’s duty for reporting vessel movements during lations which are willful, repeated, or have a substantial the year. In the absence of notification of the transac- impact in the opinion of the Chief of the Waterborne tion, the former company of record remains responsible Commerce Statistics Center. until proper notice is received by the Corps. (3294) (3) Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties. Civil penalties may be assessed in the following manner. (3278) (iv) Reports to Lockmasters and Canal Operators. (3295) (i) Authorization. If the Chief of the Waterborne Masters of self-propelled non-recreational vessels which Commerce Statistics Center finds that a person or entity pass through locks and canals operated by the Army has failed to comply with any of the provisions specified Corps of Engineers will provide the data specified on herein, he is authorized to assess a civil penalty in accor- ENG Forms 3102b, 3102c, and/or 3102d to the lockmas- dance with the Class I penalty provisions of 33 CFR part ter, canal operator, or his designated representative in 326. Provided, however, that the procedures in 33 CFR the manner and detail dictated. part 326 specifically implementing the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(4)), public notice, comment period, (3279) (c) Penalties for Noncompliance. The following and state coordination, shall not apply. penalties for noncompliance can be assessed for offenses (3296) (ii) Initiation. The Chief of the Waterborne Com- and violations. merce Statistics Center will prepare and process a pro- posed civil penalty order which shall state the amount (3280) (1) Criminal Penalties. Every person or persons of the penalty to be assessed, describe by reasonable violating the provisions of this regulation shall, for each specificity the nature of the violation, and indicate the and every offense, be liable to a fine of not more than applicable provisions of 33 CFR part 326. $5,000, or imprisonment not exceeding two months, (3297) (iii) Hearing Requests. Recipients of a proposed civ- to be enforced in any district court in the United States il penalty order may file a written request for a hearing within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may or other proceeding. This request shall be as specified in have been committed. 33 CFR part 326 and shall be addressed to the Director of the Water Resources Support Center, Casey Building, (3281) (2) Civil Penalties. In addition, any person or en- Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5586, who will provide the re- tity that fails to provide timely, accurate, and complete questing person or entity with a reasonable opportunity statements or reports required to be submitted by this to present evidence regarding the issuance, modifica- regulation may also be assessed a civil penalty of up to tion, or revocation of the proposed order. Thereafter, $2,500 per violation under 33 U.S.C. 555, as amended. the Director of the Water Resources Center shall issue a final order. (3282) (3) Denial of Passage. In addition to these fines, (3298) (4) Additional Remedies. Appropriate cases may penalties, and imprisonments, the lockmaster or canal also be referred to the local U.S. Attorney for prosecu- operator can refuse to allow vessel passage. tion, penalty collection, injunctive, and other relief by (3283) (d) Enforcement Policy. Every means at the dis- posal of the Army Corps of Engineers will be utilized to monitor and enforce these regulations. (3284) (1) To identify vessel operating companies that should be reporting waterborne commerce data, The Corps will make use of, but is not limited to, the follow- ing sources.
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 149 the Chief of the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Cen- often than biennially (every other year), unless dan- ter. ger zone/restricted area rules are promulgated under this Part. Proper notices for mariners requesting that Part 334–Danger Zones and Restricted Area vessels avoid the area will be issued by the Agency re- Regulations questing such use of the water area, or if appropriate, by the District Engineer, to all known interested persons. §334.1 Purpose. Copies will also be sent to appropriate State agencies, (3299) The purpose of this part is to: the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC (3300) (a) Prescribe procedures for establishing, amend- 20590, and Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Hydrographic Center, Washington, DC 20390, ing and disestablishing danger zones and restricted ar- ATTN: Code NS 12. Notification to all parties and Agen- eas; cies shall be made at least two weeks prior to the planned (3301) (b) List the specific danger zones and restricted event, or earlier, if required for distribution of Local areas and their boundaries; and Notice to Mariners by the Coast Guard. (3302) (c) Prescribe specific requirements, access limita- tions and controlled activities within the danger zones §334.4 Establishment and amendment procedures. and restricted areas. (3308) (a) Application. Any request for the establishment, §334.2 Definitions. amendment or revocation of a danger zone or restricted (3303) (a) Danger zone. A defined water area (or areas) area must contain sufficient information for the District Engineer to issue a public notice, and as a minimum used for target practice, bombing, rocket firing or oth- must contain the following: er especially hazardous operations, normally for the (3309) (1) Name, address and telephone number of re- armed forces. The danger zones may be closed to the questor including the identity of the command and DoD public on a full-time or intermittent basis, as stated in facility and the identity of a point of contact with phone the regulations. number. (3304) (b) Restricted area. A defined water area for the pur- (3310) (2) Name of waterway and if a small tributary, the pose of prohibiting or limiting public access to the area. name of a larger connecting waterbody. Restricted areas generally provide security for Govern- (3311) (3) Name of closest city or town, county/parish and ment property and/or protection to the public from the state. risks of damage or injury arising from the Government’s (3312) (4) Location of proposed or existing danger zone use of that area. or restricted area with a map showing the location, if possible. §334.3 Special policies. (3313) (5) A brief statement of the need for the area, its (3305) (a) General. The general regulatory policies stated intended use and detailed description of the times, dates and extent of restriction. in 33 CFR part 320 will be followed as appropriate. In ad- (3314) (b) Public notice. (1) The Corps will normally pub- dition, danger zone and restricted area regulations shall lish public notices and Federal Register documents provide for public access to the area to the maximum concurrently. Upon receipt of a request for the estab- extent practicable. lishment, amendment or revocation of a danger zone (3306) (b) Food fishing industry. The authority to pre- or restricted area, the District Engineer should forward scribe danger zone and restricted area regulations must a copy of the request with his/her recommendation, a be exercised so as not to unreasonably interfere with or copy of the draft public notice and a draft Federal Reg- restrict the food fishing industry. Whenever the pro- ister document to the Office of the Chief of Engineers, posed establishment of a danger zone or restricted area ATTN: CECW-OR. The Chief of Engineers will publish may affect fishing operations, the District Engineer will the proposal in the Federal Register concurrent with consult with the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wild- the public notice issued by the District Engineer. life Service, Department of the Interior and the Regional (3315) (2) Content. The public notice and Federal Regis- Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, National ter documents must include sufficient information to Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). give a clear understanding of the proposed action and (3307) (c) Temporary, occasional or intermittent use. If should include the following items of information: the use of the water area is desired for a short period (3316) (i) Applicable statutory authority or authorities; of time, not to exceed thirty days in duration, and that (40 Stat. 266; 33 U.S.C. 1) and (40 Stat. 892; 33 U.S.C. planned operations can be conducted safely without 3). imposing unreasonable restrictions on navigation, and (3317) (ii) A reasonable comment period. The public no- without promulgating restricted area regulations in tice should fix a limiting date within which comments accordance with the regulations in this section, appli- will be received, normally a period not less than 30 days cants may be informed that formal regulations are not after publication of the notice. required. Activities of this type shall not reoccur more
150 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 (3318) (iii) The address of the District Engineer as the re- Engineers finds that sufficient cause exists and pub- cipient of any comments received. lishes that rationale with the regulations. (3319) (iv) The identity of the applicant/proponent; §334.5 Disestablishment of a danger zone. (3320) (v) The name or title, address and telephone num- (3336) (a) Upon receipt of a request from any agency for ber of the Corps employee from whom additional infor- the disestablishment of a danger zone, the District En- mation concerning the proposal may be obtained; gineer shall notify that agency of its responsibility for (3321) (vi) The location of the proposed activity accompa- returning the area to a condition suitable for use by the nied by a map of sufficient detail to show the boundaries public. The agency must either certify that it has not of the area(s) and its relationship to the surrounding used the area for a purpose that requires cleanup or area. that it has removed all hazardous materials and muni- (3322) (3) Distribution. Public notice will be distributed tions, before the Corps will disestablish the area. The in accordance with 33 CFR 325.3(d)(1). In addition to agency will remain responsible for the enforcement of this general distribution, public notices will be sent to the danger zone regulations to prevent unauthorized the following Agencies: entry into the area until the area is deemed safe for use (3323) (i) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by the public and the area is disestablished by the Corps. where the use of airspace is involved. (3337) (b) Upon receipt of the certification required in (3324) (ii) The Commander, Service Force, U.S. Atlantic paragraph (a) of this section, the District shall forward Fleet, if a proposed action involves a danger zone off the the request for disestablishment of the danger zone U.S. Atlantic coast. through channels to CECW-OR, with its recommenda- (3325) (iii) Proposed danger zones on the U.S. Pacific coast tions. Notice of proposed rulemaking and public proce- must be coordinated with the applicable commands as dures as outlined in §334.4 are not normally required follows: before publication of the final rule revoking a restricted (3326) Alaska, Oregon and Washington: area or danger zone regulation. The disestablishment/ (3327) Commander, Naval Base, Seattle revocation of the danger zone or restricted area regula- (3328) California: tion removes a restriction on a waterway. (3329) Commander, Naval Base, San Diego (3330) Hawaii and Trust Territories: §334.6 Datum. (3331) Commander, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor (3338) (a) Geographic coordinates expressed in terms (3332) (c) Public hearing. The District Engineer may con- duct a public hearing in accordance with 33 CFR part of latitude or longitude, or both, are not intended for 327. plotting on maps or charts whose reference horizon- (3333) (d) Environmental documentation. The District tal datum is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD Engineer shall prepare environmental documentation 83), unless such geographic coordinates are expressly in accordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part 325. labeled NAD 83. Geographic coordinates without the (3334) (e) District Engineer’s recommendation. After clo- NAD 83 reference may be plotted on maps or charts sure of the comment period, and upon completion of the referenced to NAD 83 only after application of the appro- District Engineer’s review he/she shall forward the case priate corrections that are published on the particular through channels to the Office of the Chief of Engineers, map or chart being used. ATTN: CECW-OR with a recommendation of whether or (3339) (b) For further information on NAD 83 and Na- not the danger zone or restricted area regulation should tional Service nautical charts please contact; Director, be promulgated. The District Engineer shall include a Coast Survey (N/CG2), National Ocean Service, NOAA, copy of environmental documentation prepared in ac- 1315 East-West Highway, Station 6147, Silver Spring, cordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part 325, the record MD 20910-3282. of any public hearings, if held, a summary of any com- ments received and a response thereto, and a draft of the §334.60 Cape Cod Bay south of Wellfleet Harbor, regulation as it is to appear in the Federal Register. Mass.; naval aircraft bombing target area. (3335) (f) Final decision. The Chief of Engineers will no- (3340) (a) The danger zone. A circular area with a radius tify the District Engineer of the final decision to either of 1,000 yards having its center on the aircraft bomb- approve or disapprove the regulations. The District En- ing target hulk James Longstreet in Cape Cod Bay at gineer will notify the applicant/proponent and publish latitude 41°49'46\", longitude 70°02'54\". a public notice of the final decision. Concurrent with (3341) (b) The regulations. (1) No vessel shall enter or issuance of the public notice the Office of the Chief of remain in the danger zone at any time, except as autho- Engineers will publish the final decision in the Federal rized by the enforcing agency. Register and either withdraw the proposed regulation (3342) (2) This section shall be enforced by the Comman- or issue the final regulation as appropriate. The final dant, First Naval District, and such agencies as he may rule shall become effective no sooner than 30 days after designate. publication in the Federal Register unless the Chief of
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 151 §334.70 Buzzards Bay, and adjacent waters, Mass.; (3366) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then along the fol- lowing points: danger zones for naval operations. (3343) (a) Atlantic Ocean in vicinity of Nomans Land– (3367) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'22.0\"W. (3344) (1) The area. The waters surrounding Nomans (3368) 41°23'25.9\"N., 72°05'29.9\"W. (3369) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'34.7\"W. Land within an area bounded as follows: Beginning at (3370) 41°23'37.0\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W. (3345) 41°12'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence northwesterly to (3371) 41°23'41.0\"N., 72°05'40.3\"W. (3346) 41°15'30\", 70°51'30\"; thence northeasterly to (3372) 41°23'47.2\"N., 72°05'42.3\"W. (3347) 41°17'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence southeasterly to (3373) 41°23'53.8\"N., 72°05'43.7\"W. (3348) 41°16'00\", 70°47'30\"; thence south to (3374) 41°23'59.8\"N., 72°05'43.0\"W. (3349) 41°12'30\", 70°47'30\"; thence westerly to the point (3375) 41°24'12.4\"N., 72°05'43.2\"W. Then to the point of of beginning. beginning on the eastern shore. (3350) (2) The regulations. No vessel or person shall at any (3376) (b) The regulations. (3377) (1) Vessels and other watercraft within the des- time enter or remain within a rectangular portion of the area bounded on the north by latitude 41°16'00\", on the ignated navigation channel may proceed through the east by longitude 70°47'30\", on the south by latitude restricted area at normal operating speeds without stop- 41°12'30\", and on the west by longitude 70°50'30\", or ping. Vessels and watercraft may also utilize the wa- within the remainder of the area between November ter area within the restricted area located between the 1 and April 30, inclusive, except by permission of the western edge of the designated channel and the west- enforcing agency. ern shore for fishing, anchoring and other recreational (3351) (3) The regulations in this paragraph shall be en- uses. However, all persons, vessels and watercraft, ex- forced by the Commandant, First Naval District, and cept U.S. military personnel and vessels must leave the such agencies as he may designate. restricted area when notified by personnel of the New London Submarine Base that such use will interfere §334.75 Thames River, Naval Submarine Base New with submarine maneuvering, operations or security. (3378) (2) Commercial fishermen and shell fishermen London, Restricted Area. may fish within the restricted area provided their vessels (3352) (a) The area: The open waters of the Thames River display registration numbers issued by the Naval Sub- marine Base, New London, Connecticut. The registra- approximately 5 nautical miles upriver from its mouth tion numbers may be obtained by contacting the Com- along the boundary between Groton and Waterford, manding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New London. Connecticut, within an area bounded as follows: All commercial fishermen and shell fishermen must (3353) From a point on the eastern shore at also leave the restricted area when notified by person- (3354) 41°24'14.4\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W., then northerly along nel of the New London Submarine Base that such use the coast to will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations (3355) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'37.9\"W., then westerly across or security. the river to a point on the western shore at (3379) (3) Vessels which are owned, operated or sponsored (3356) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'55.5\"W., then southerly along by local, state municipalities or academic institutions the coast to a point on the western shore at preparing for or participating in a water sport or water (3357) 41°24'05.0\"N., 72°05'55.7\"W., then easterly to the related recreational event sponsored by those local or western edge of the dredged channel to a point located state municipalities or academic institutions, or pri- at vate or commercial vessels engaged in observing the (3358) 41°24'04.1\"N., 72°05'51.2\"W., then southerly along conduct of the above event shall be exempt from the the western edge of the dredged channel to a point at restrictions above, providing: (3359) 41°24'00\"N., 72°05'52.6\"W., then southerly along (3380) (i) The Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine the western edge of the dredged channel to a point lo- Base New London, and the Coast Guard Captain of the cated at Port are advised in writing at least 48 hours in advance (3360) 41°23'57.1\"N., 72°05'52.5\"W., then southerly to of the event, or buoy “11” located at a point at (3381) (ii) The event was publicized in such a manner that (3361) 41°23'45.6\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly to the local public in general had a reasonable opportunity buoy “B” on the northeastern shore of Mamacoke Hill to learn of the event 48 hours in advance. to a point at (3382) (4) The regulations in this section shall be enforced (3362) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly along by the Commander, U.S. Naval Submarine Base New the shore to buoy “A” at London, Connecticut, and such agencies as he/she may (3363) 41°23'25.0\"N., 72°05'45.4\"W., then southeasterly designate. to buoy “9” at a point located at (3364) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'35.0\"W., then easterly to a §334.78 Rhode Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean, ap- point on the eastern shore at (3365) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then northerly along proximately 4.0 nautical miles due south of Lands the shore to a point on the eastern shore at
152 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 End in Newport, Rhode Island; restricted area for (3405) 41°33'54\", 71°21'48\". (3406) (b) The regulations: (1) No person or vessel shall naval practice minefield. (3383) (a) The area. The open waters of Rhode Island at any time, under any circumstances, anchor or fish or tow a drag of any kind in the prohibited area because of Sound approximately 4.0 nautical miles due south the extensive cable system located therein. of Lands End, Newport, Rhode Island, within an area (3407) (2) Orders and instructions issued by patrol craft bounded as follows: Beginning at or other authorized representatives of the enforcing (3384) 41°20'29\"N., 71°19'54\"W.; thence 2000 yards east- agency shall be carried out promptly by persons or ves- erly to sels in or in the vicinity of the prohibited area. (3385) 41°20'29\"N., 71°18'34\"W.; thence 3000 yards (3408) (3) The regulations in this section shall be enforced southerly to by the Commander U.S. Naval Base, Newport, R.I., and (3386) 41°18'57\"N., 71°18'34\"W.; thence 2000 yards west- such agencies as he may designate. erly to (3387) 41°18'57\"N., 71°19'54\"W.; thence 3000 yards §334.81 Narragansett Bay, East Passage, Codding- northerly to the point of beginning. (3388) (b) The regulations. (1) No persons, vessels or other ton Cove, Naval Station Newport, Naval Restricted watercraft will be allowed to enter the designated area during minefield training. Area, Newport, Rhode Island. (3389) (2) The practice minefield will consist of six inert (3409) (a) The area. All of the navigable waters of Codding- drill mines each 16 inches in diameter and 5 feet long and one concrete sonar target 48 inches in diameter and ton Cove east of a line that connects Coddington Point 48 inches high located within the designated area. The at 41°31'24.0\"N., 71°19'24.0\"W.; with the outer end of sonar target will be permanently located in the extreme the Coddington Cove breakwater on the north side of northeast corner within the designated drill minefield the cove at 41°31'55.7\"N., 71°19'28.2\"W. area. The six drill mines will be steel with all internal (3410) (b) The regulation. All persons, swimmers, vessels mechanisms and explosives removed and concrete and other craft, except those vessels under the supervi- filled. Drill mines will be removed from the designated sion or contract to local military or Naval authority, area within 72 hours after each minehunting training vessels of the United States Coast Guard, and local or exercise. state law enforcement vessels, are prohibited from en- (3390) (3) Training activities will be limited to minehunt- tering the restricted area without specific permission ing operations using only onboard sonar. Neither vari- from the Commanding Officer, Naval Station Newport, able depth sonar devices or mechanical minesweeping USN, Newport, Rhode Island or his/her authorized rep- operations will be utilized in the area. resentative. (3391) (4) Training periods will be 2-3 days in length and (3411) (c) Enforcement. The regulation in this section, 10-15 times a year, however during the time period July promulgated by the United States Army Corps of En- 1–mid-October, minehunting exercises will be held to gineers, shall be enforced by the United States Navy, minimum. Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport, and/or (3392) (5) Notice to mariners will be issued 6–8 weeks in such agencies or persons as he/she may designate. advance of a scheduled practice exercise by the Com- mander, U.S. Naval Base, Newport, Rhode Island. §334.82 Narragansett Bay, East Passage, Coasters (3393) (6) The regulations of this section shall be enforced by the Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Newport, Rhode Harbor Island, Naval Station Newport, Newport, Island, and such agencies as he/she may designate. Rhode Island, Restricted Area. §334.80 Narragansett Bay, R.I.; restricted area. (3412) (a) The area. The waters within a \"C-shaped\" area (3394) (a) Beginning at a point on the east shore of Co- adjacent to and surrounding Coasters Harbor Island nanicut Island at beginning at Coddington Point at (3395) 41°33'15\"; thence southeasterly to (3413) 41°31'24.0\"N., 71°19'24.0\"W.; thence to (3396) 41°32'44\", 71°21'17\"; thence southerly to (3414) 41°31'21.5\"N., 71°19'45.0\"W.; thence to (3397) 41°32'09\", 71°21'17\"; thence southeasterly to (3415) 41°31'04.2\"N., 71°19'52.8\"W.; thence to (3398) 41°31'50\", 71°21'10\"; thence southeasterly to (3416) 41°30'27.3\"N., 71°19'52.8\"W.; thence to (3399) 41°31'26\", 71°20'33\"; thence easterly to (3417) 41°30'13.8\"N., 71°19'42.0\"W.; thence to (3400) 41°31'27\", 71°20'06\"; thence northerly to a point (3418) 41°30'10.2\"N., 71°19'32.6\"W.; thence to (3419) 41°30'10.2\"N., 71°19'20.0\"W.; thence northerly on the southwesterly shore of Prudence Island at along the mainland shoreline to the point of origin. (3401) 41°35'00\"; thence northerly along the southwest- (3420) (b) The regulation. All persons, swimmers, vessels and other craft, except those vessels under the supervi- erly shore of Prudence Island to a point at sion or contract to local military or Naval authority, (3402) 41°35'43\", 71°20'15.5\"; thence northwesterly to vessels of the United States Coast Guard, and Federal, (3403) 41°37'21\", 71°20'48\"; thence west to local or State law enforcement vessels, are prohibited (3404) 41°37'21\", 71°21'48\"; and thence south to from entering the restricted areas without permission from the Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport,
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 153 USN, Newport, Rhode Island or his/her authorized rep- (3442) 40°27'39.3\"N., 074°02'38.3\"W.; thence to resentative. (3443) 40°27'28.5\"N., 074°02'10.4\"W.; thence to (3421) (c) Enforcement. (1) The regulation in this sec- (3444) 40°26'29.5\"N., 074°02'51.2\"W.; thence to tion, promulgated by the United States Army Corps of (3445) 40°26'31.4\"N., 074°02'55.4\"W.; thence to Engineers, shall be enforced by the United States Navy, (3446) 40°25'27.1\"N., 074°03'39.7\"W.; and thence along Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport, Newport, Rhode Island and/or other persons or agencies as he/she the shoreline to the point of origin (NAD 83). may designate. (3447) The Department of the Navy plans to install buoys §334.85 New York Harbor, adjacent to the Stapleton along these coordinates to outline the Restricted Area. (3448) (b) The regulation. (1) Except as set forth in sub- Naval Station, Staten Island, New York; restricted paragraph (b)(2), no persons, unauthorized vessels or area. other unauthorized craft may enter the restricted area (3422) (a) The area. The waters of New York Harbor begin- at any time; (3449) (2) Vessels are authorized to cross the Terminal ning at a point on shore at Channel provided that there are no naval vessels then (3423) 40°38'02\"N., 074°04'24\"W.; thence easterly to transiting the channel bounded by: (3424) 40°38'02.5\"N., 074°04'09\"W.; thence southerly to (3450) 40°27'41.7\"N., 074°02'45.0\"W.; thence to (3425) 40°37'53\"N., 074°04'07\"W.; thence east-southeast- (3451) 40°28'23.5\"N., 074°02'16.6\"W.; thence to (3452) 40°28'21.2\"N., 074°01'56.0\"W.; thence to erly to (3453) 40°28'07.9\"N., 074°02'18.6\"W.; thence to (3426) 40°37'50\"N., 074°03'50.2\"W.; thence south-south- (3454) 40°27'39.3\"N., 074°02'38.3\"W.; and (3455) (3) No person may swim in the Restricted Area. easterly to (3456) (c) Enforcement. The regulation in this section, (3427) 40°37'37.5\"N., 074°03'46\"W.; thence southwest- promulgated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shall be enforced by the Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons erly to the shore line at Station Earle, and/or other persons or agencies as he/ (3428) 40°37'24.5\"N., 074°04'18\"W.; thence northerly she may designate. along the shore line to the point of origin. TITLE 40–PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT (3429) (b) The regulations. (1) The portion of the restrict- Part 140–Marine Sanitation Device Standard ed area extending from the shore out to a line 600 feet east of the U.S. Pierhead Line is closed to all persons §140.1 Definitions. and vessels except those vessels owned by, under hire to (3457) For the purpose of these standards the following or performing work for Naval Station New York, Staten Island, New York. definitions shall apply: (3430) (2) The portion of the restricted area beginning 600 (3458) (a) Sewage means human body wastes and the feet seaward of the U.S. Pierhead Line is open to transit- ing vessels only. Vessels shall proceed across the area by wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to the most direct route and without unnecessary delay. receive or retain body wastes; For vessels under sail, necessary tacking shall consti- (3459) (b) Discharge includes, but is not limited to, any tute a direct route. spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, empty- (3431) (3) Commercial vessels at anchor will be permitted ing, or dumping; to swing into the seaward portion of the restricted area (3460) (c) Marine sanitation device includes any equip- while at anchor and during the tide changes. ment for installation onboard a vessel and which is de- (3432) (c) Enforcement. The regulations in this section signed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage and shall be enforced by the Commanding Officer, Naval any process to treat such sewage; Station New York, and such agencies as he/she shall (3461) (d) Vessel includes every description of watercraft designate. or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of be- ing used, as a means of transportation on waters of the §334.102 Sandy Hook Bay, Naval Weapons Station United States; (3462) (e) New vessel refers to any vessel on which con- EARLE, Piers and Terminal Channel, Restricted Area, struction was initiated on or after January 30, 1975; (3463) (f) Existing vessel refers to any vessel on which Middletown, New Jersey. construction was initiated before January 30, 1975; (3433) (a) The area. All of the navigable waters within the (3464) (g) Fecal coliform bacteria are those organisms as- sociated with the intestines of warm-blooded animals area bounded by these coordinates: that are commonly used to indicate the presence of (3434) 40°25'55.6\"N., 074°04'31.4\"W.; thence to (3435) 40°26'54.0\"N., 074°03'53.0\"W.; thence to (3436) 40°26'58.0\"N., 074°04'03.0\"W.; thence to (3437) 40°27'56.0\"N., 074°03'24.0\"W.; thence to (3438) 40°27'41.7\"N., 074°02'45.0\"W.; thence to (3439) 40°28'23.5\"N., 074°02'16.6\"W.; thence to (3440) 40°28'21.2\"N., 074°01'56.0\"W.; thence to (3441) 40°28'07.9\"N., 074°02'18.6\"W.; thence to
154 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 fecal material and the potential presence of organisms all vessels on waters that are not subject to a prohibi- capable of causing human disease. tion of the overboard discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this sec- §140.2 Scope of standard. tion, shall be designed and operated to either retain, (3465) The standard adopted herein applies only to ves- dispose of, or discharge sewage, and shall be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. If the device has a discharge, the sels on which a marine sanitation device has been in- effluent shall not have a fecal coliform bacterial count stalled. The standard does not require the installation of greater than 200 per 100 milliliters, nor suspended of a marine sanitation device on any vessel that is not solids greater than 150 mg/1. so equipped. The standard applies to vessels owned and (3471) (e) Any existing vessel on waters not subject to operated by the United States unless the Secretary of a prohibition of the overboard discharge of sewage in Defense finds that compliance would not be in the inter- paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and which is equipped est of national security. with a certified device on or before January 30, 1978, shall not be required to comply with paragraph (d) of §140.3 Standard. this section, for the operable life of that device. (3466) (a) (1) In freshwater lakes, freshwater reservoirs or (3472) (f) Any new vessel on waters not subject to the pro- hibition of the overboard discharge of sewage in para- other freshwater impoundments whose inlets or outlets graph (a)(1) of this section, and on which construction are such as to prevent the ingress or egress by vessel is initiated before January 31, 1980, which is equipped traffic subject to this regulation, or in rivers not capable with a marine sanitation device before January 31, 1980, of navigation by interstate vessel traffic subject to this certified under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, shall not regulation, marine sanitation devices certified by the be required to comply with paragraph (d) of this section, U.S. Coast Guard (see 33 CFR part 159, published in for the operable life of that device. 40 FR 4622, January 30, 1975), installed on all vessels (3473) (g) The degrees of treatment described in para- shall be designed and operated to prevent the overboard graphs (a) and (d) of this section are ‘‘appropriate stan- discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, or of any dards\" for purposes of Coast Guard and Department of waste derived from sewage. This shall not be construed Defense certification pursuant to section 312(g)(2) of to prohibit the carriage of Coast Guard-certified flow- the Act. through treatment devices which have been secured so as to prevent such discharges. §140.4 Complete prohibition. (3467) (2) In all other waters, Coast Guard-certified ma- (3474) (a) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f)(3): rine sanitation devices installed on all vessels shall be designed and operated to either retain, dispose of, or dis- a State may completely prohibit the discharge from all charge sewage. If the device has a discharge, subject to vessels of any sewage, whether treated or not, into some paragraph (d) of this section, the effluent shall not have or all of the waters within such State by making a writ- a fecal coliform bacterial count of greater than 1,000 per ten application to the Administrator, Environmental 100 milliliters nor visible floating solids. Waters where Protection Agency, and by receiving the Administrator's a Coast Guard-certified marine sanitation device per- affirmative determination pursuant to section 312(f)(3) mitting discharge is allowed include coastal waters and of the Act. [...] estuaries, the Great Lakes and inter-connected water- (3475) (b) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f)(4) ways, fresh-water lakes and impoundments accessible (A): a State may make a written application to the Ad- through locks, and other flowing waters that are navi- ministrator, Environmental Protection Agency, under gable interstate by vessels subject to this regulation. section 312(f)(4)(A) of the Act, for the issuance of a regu- (3468) (b) This standard shall become effective on Janu- lation completely prohibiting discharge from a vessel ary 30, 1977 for new vessels and on January 30, 1980 of any sewage, whether treated or not, into particular for existing vessels (or, in the case of vessels owned and waters of the United States or specified portions thereof, operated by the Department of Defense, two years and which waters are located within the boundaries of such five years, for new and existing vessels, respectively, af- State. Such application shall specify with particularly ter promulgation of implementing regulations by the the waters, or portions thereof, for which a complete Secretary of Defense under section 312(d) of the Act). prohibition is desired. The application shall include (3469) (c) Any vessel which is equipped as of the date of identification of water recreational areas, drinking wa- promulgation of this regulation with a Coast Guard- ter intakes, aquatic sanctuaries, identifiable fish-spawn- certified flow-through marine sanitation device meet- ing and nursery areas, and areas of intensive boating ing the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, activities. If, on the basis of the State's application and shall not be required to comply with the provisions de- any other information available to him, the Administra- signed to prevent the overboard discharge of sewage, tor is unable to make a finding that the waters listed in treated or untreated, in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the application require a complete prohibition of any for the operable life of that device. discharge in the waters or portions thereof covered by (3470) (d) After January 30, 1980, subject to paragraphs the application, he shall state the reasons why he cannot (e) and (f) of this section, marine sanitation devices on
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 155 make such a finding, and shall deny the application. (3484) (4) For the following waters the discharge from a If the Administrator makes a finding that the waters vessel of any sewage, whether treated or not, is com- listed in the application require a complete prohibition pletely prohibited pursuant to CWA section 312(f)(4) of any discharge in all or any part of the waters or por- (B): tions thereof covered by the State’s application, he shall publish notice of such findings together with a notice (3485) (i) Two portions of the Hudson River in New York of proposed rule making, and then shall proceed in ac- State, the first is bounded by an east-west line through cordance with 5 U.S.C. 553. If the Administrator’s find- the most northern confluence of the Mohawk River ing is that applicable water quality standards require which will be designated by the Troy-Waterford Bridge a complete prohibition covering a more restricted or (126th Street Bridge) on the south and Lock 2 on the more expanded area than that applied for by the State, north, and the second of which is bounded on the north he shall state the reasons why his finding differs in scope by the southern end of Houghtaling Island and on the from that requested in the State’s application. [...] south by a line between the Village of Roseton on the (3476) (ii) Waters of the State of Florida within the bound- western shore and Low Point on the eastern shore in aries of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as the vicinity of Chelsea, as described in Items 2 and 3 of delineated on a map of the Sanctuary at http://www. 6 NYCRR Part 858.4. fknms.nos.noaa.gov/. (3477) (c)(1) Prohibition pursuant to CWA section 312(f) (3486) (ii) [Reserved] (4)(B): A State may make written application to the Ad- ministrator of the Environmental Protection Agency §140.5 Analytical procedures. under section 312(f)(4)(B) of the Act for the issuance of (3487) In determining the composition and quality of ef- a regulation establishing a drinking water intake no dis- charge zone which completely prohibits discharge from fluent discharge from marine sanitation devices, the a vessel of any sewage, whether treated or untreated, procedures contained in 40 CFR part 136, ‘‘Guidelines into that zone in particular waters, or portions thereof, Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollut- within such State. Such application shall: ants,” or subsequent revisions or amendments thereto, (3478) (i) Identify and describe exactly and in detail the shall be employed. location of the drinking water supply intake(s) and the community served by the intake(s), including average TITLE 46–SHIPPING and maximum expected amounts of inflow; (3479) (ii) Specify and describe exactly and in detail, the Part 15–Manning Requirements (in part) waters, or portions thereof, for which a complete prohi- bition is desired, and where appropriate, average, maxi- Subpart I–Vessels in Foreign Trade mum and low flows in million gallons per day (MGD) or the metric equivalent; §15.1001 General. (3480) (iii) Include a map, either a USGS topographic (3488) Self-propelled vessels engaged in foreign com- quadrant map or a NOAA nautical chart, as applicable, clearly marking by latitude and longitude the waters merce are required to use a pilot holding a valid MMC or portions thereof to be designated a drinking water or license with appropriate endorsement as a first-class intake zone; and pilot when operating in the navigable waters of the (3481) (iv) Include a statement of basis justifying the size United States specified in this subpart. of the requested drinking water intake zone, for exam- ple, identifying areas of intensive boating activities. §15.1030 New York and New Jersey. (3482) (2) If the Administrator finds that a complete pro- (3489) The following U.S. navigable waters located within hibition is appropriate under this paragraph, he or she shall publish notice of such finding together with a the States of New York and New Jersey when the vessel is notice of proposed rulemaking, and then shall proceed making an intra-port transit, to include, but not limited in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553. If the Administrator’s to, a movement from a dock to a dock, from a dock to finding is that a complete prohibition covering a more an anchorage, from an anchorage to a dock, or from an restricted or more expanded area than that applied for anchorage to an anchorage, within the following listed by the State is appropriate, he or she shall also include a operating areas: statement of the reasons why the finding differs in scope (3490) (a) East River from Execution Rocks to New York from that requested in the State’s application. Harbor, Upper Bay; (3483) (3) If the Administrator finds that a complete pro- (3491) (b) Hudson River from Yonkers, New York to New hibition is inappropriate under this paragraph, he or she York Harbor, Upper Bay; shall deny the application and state the reasons for such (3492) (c) Raritan River from Grossman Dock/Arsenal to denial. New York Harbor, Lower Bay; (3493) (d) Arthur Kill Channel; (3494) (e) Kill Van Kull Channel;
156 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 (3495) (f) Newark Bay; and threatened species. Certain of the endangered and (3496) (g) Passaic River from Point No Point to Newark threatened marine species enumerated in §§ 224.102 and 223.102 are included in Appendix I or II to the Con- Bay; vention on International Trade of Endangered Species (3497) (h) Hackensack River from the turning basin to of Wild Fauna and Flora. The importation, exportation, and re-exportation of such species are subject to addi- Newark Bay; and tional regulations set forth at 50 CFR part 23, chapter (3498) (i) New York Harbor, Upper and Lower Bay. I. (3499) Note to §15.1030: (3508) (b) For rules and procedures relating to species (3500) “Intra-port transit” as used in this section includes determined to be threatened or endangered under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, see 50 CFR the movement of a foreign-trade vessel inbound from parts 10 through 17. For rules and procedures relat- sea from the point where a State-licensed pilot ceases ing to the general implementation of the Act jointly by providing pilotage to another point within the identified the Departments of the Interior and Commerce and for areas (i.e., a dock or anchorage). Likewise, intra-port certain species under the joint jurisdiction of both the transit also includes the movement of a foreign-trade Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, see 50 CFR vessel outbound to sea from a point within the identi- Chapter IV. Marine mammals listed as endangered or fied areas (i.e., a dock or anchorage) to the point where threatened and subject to these regulations may also a State licensed pilot begins providing pilotage. be subject to additional requirements pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (for regulations imple- §15.1040 Massachusetts. menting that act, see 50 CFR part 216). (3501) The following U.S. navigable waters located within (3509) (c) No statute or regulation of any state shall be construed to relieve a person from the restrictions, the State of Massachusetts when the vessel is in transit, conditions, and requirements contained in parts 222, but not bound to or departing from a port within the 223, and 224 of this chapter. In addition, nothing in following listed operating areas: parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, including any (3502) (a) Cape Cod Bay south of 41°48'54\"N.; permit issued pursuant thereto, shall be construed to (3503) (b) The Cape Cod Canal; and relieve a person from any other requirements imposed (3504) (c) Buzzards Bay east of a line extending from the by a statute or regulation of any state or of the United southernmost point of Wilbur Point States, including any applicable health, quarantine, ag- (3505) (41°34'55\"N., 70°51'15\"W.) to the easternmost ricultural, or customs laws or regulations, or any other point of Pasque Island National Marine Fisheries Service enforced statutes or (3506) (41°26'55\"N., 70°50'30\"W.). regulations. TITLE 50–WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES Part 224–Endangered Marine and Anadromous Species Part 222–General Endangered and Threatened Marine Species Subpart A–Introduction and General Provisions §224.103 Special prohibitions for endangered §222.101 Purpose and scope of regulations. marine mammals. (3507) (a) The regulations of parts 222, 223, and 224 of (3510) (c) Approaching right whales. (3511) (1) Prohibitions. Except as provided under para- this chapter implement the Endangered Species Act (Act), and govern the taking, possession, transporta- graph (c)(3) of this section, it is unlawful for any person tion, sale, purchase, barter, exportation, importation subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to com- of, and other requirements pertaining to wildlife and mit, attempt to commit, to solicit another to commit, plants under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Com- or cause to be committed any of the following acts: merce and determined to be threatened or endangered (3512) (i) Approach (including by interception) within 500 pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. These regulations yards (460 m) of a right whale by vessel, aircraft, or any are implemented by the National Marine Fisheries other means; Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- (3513) (ii) Fail to undertake required right whale avoid- tration, U.S. Department of Commerce, This part per- ance measures specified under paragraph (c)(2) of this tains to general provisions and definitions. Specifically, section. parts 223 and 224 pertain to provisions to threatened (3514) (2) Right whale avoidance measures. Except as species and endangered species, respectively. Part 226 provided under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the fol- enumerates designated critical habitat for endangered lowing avoidance measures must be taken if within 500 yards (460 m) of a right whale:
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 157 (3515) (i) If underway, a vessel must steer a course away 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence back to starting point. (Fig. 1). from the right whale and immediately leave the area at slow safe speed. (3525) (2) Mid-Atlantic U.S. (from north of Brunswick, (3516) (ii) An aircraft must take a course away from the Georgia to Rhode Island): Vessels shall travel 10 knots right whale and immediately leave the area at a constant or less over ground in the period November 1 to April airspeed. 30 each year: (3517) (3) Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to (3526) (i) In the area bounded by the following: this section, but any person who claims the applicabil- 33°56'42.0\"N., 77°31'30.0\"W.; thence along a NW bear- ity of an exception has the burden of proving that the ing of 313.26° True to charted mean high water line exception applies: then south along mean high water line and inshore limits of COLREGS limit to a latitude of 31°27'00.0\"N.; (3518) (i) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do thence east to not apply if a right whale approach is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service through a permit is- (3527) 31°27'00.0\"N., 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence to sued under part 222, subpart C, of this chapter (General (3528) 31°50'00.0\"N., 80°33'12.0\"W.; thence to Permit Procedures) or through a similar authorization. (3529) 32°59'06.0\"N., 78°50'18.0\"W.; thence to (3530) 33°28'24.0\"N., 78°32'30.0\"W.; thence to (3519) (ii) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do (3531) 33°36'30.0\"N., 77°47'06.0\"W.; thence back to start- not apply where compliance would create an imminent and serious threat to a person, vessel, or aircraft. ing point.; (3532) (ii) Within a 20-nm (37 km) radius (as measured (3520) (iii) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2)of this section do not apply when approaching to investigate a right whale seaward from COLRGES delineated coast lines and the entanglement or injury, or to assist in the disentangle- center point of the port entrance) (Fig. 2) at the ment or rescue of a right whale, provided that permis- (3533) (A) Ports of New York/New Jersey: sion is received from the National Marine Fisheries (3534) 40°29'42.2\"N., 73°55'57.6\"W.; Service or designee prior to the approach. (3535) (B) Delaware Bay (Ports of Philadelphia and Wilm- ington): (3521) (iv) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section do (3536) 38°52'27.4\"N., 75°01'32.1\"W.; not apply to an aircraft unless the aircraft is conducting whale watch activities. (3522) (v) Paragraph (c)(2) of this section does not apply to the extent that a vessel is restricted in her ability to maneuver and, because of the restriction, cannot com- ply with paragraph (c)(2) of this section. §224.105 Speed restrictions to protect North Atlan- tic Right Whales. (3523) (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 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 shall not apply to U.S. vessels owned or operated by, or under contract to, the Federal Gov- ernment. This exemption extends to foreign sovereign vessels when they are engaging in joint exercises with the U.S. Department of the Navy. In addition, these re- strictions do not apply to law enforcement vessels of a State, or political subdivision thereof, when engaged in law enforcement or search and rescue duties. (3524) (1) Southeast U.S. (south of St. Augustine, FL to north of Brunswick, GA): Vessels shall travel at a speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period of November 15 to April 15 each year in the area bounded by the following: Beginning at 31°27'00.0\"N., 80°51'36.0\"W.; thence west to charted mean high water line then south along charted mean high water line and inshore limits of COLREGS limit to a latitude of 29°45'00.0\"N., thence east to 29°45'00.0\"N.,
158 Navigation Regulations Volume 2 (3537) (C) Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay (Ports of (3556) 41°00'00.0\"N., 69°05'00.0\"W. Hampton Roads and Baltimore): (3557) 42°09'00.0\"N., 67°08'24.0\"W. (3558) 42°30'00.0\"N., 67°27'00.0\"W. (3538) 37°00'36.9\"N., 75°57'50.5\"W.; and (3559) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. (3539) (D) Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC: (3560) (b) Except as noted in paragraph (c) of this section, 34°41'32.0\"N., 76°40'08.3\"W.; and it is unlawful under this section: (3540) (iii) In Block Island Sound, in the area bounded by (3561) (1) For any vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the the following coordinates: Beginning at United States to violate any speed restriction established (3541) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; thence to in paragraph (a) of this section; or (3542) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; thence to (3562) (2) For any vessel entering or departing a port or (3543) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; thence to place under the jurisdiction of the United States to vio- (3544) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- late any speed restriction established in paragraph (a) of this section. ing point. (Fig. 2). (3563) (c) A vessel may operate at a speed necessary to (3545) (3) Northeast U.S. (north of Rhode Island): maintain safe maneuvering speed instead of the re- (3546) (i) In Cape Cod Bay, MA: Vessels shall travel at a quired ten knots only if justified because the vessel is in an area where oceanographic, hydrographic and/or speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period meteorological conditions severely restrict the maneu- of January 1 to May 15 in Cape Cod Bay, in an area be- verability of the vessel and the need to operate at such ginning at 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence north speed is confirmed by the pilot on board or, when a ves- to 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence due west to sel is not carrying a pilot, the master of the vessel. If a charted mean high water line; thence along charted deviation from the ten-knot speed limit is necessary, the mean high water within Cape Cod Bay back to begin- reasons for the deviation, the speed at which the vessel ning point. (Fig. 3). is operated, the latitude and longitude of the area, and (3547) (ii) Off Race Point: Vessels shall travel at a speed of the time and duration of such deviation shall be entered 10 knots or less over ground during the period of March into the logbook of the vessel. The master of the vessel 1 to April 30 each year in waters bounded by straight shall attest to the accuracy of the logbook entry by sign- lines connecting the following points in the order stated ing and dating it. (Fig. 3): (3564) (d) This final rule expires on December 9, 2013. (3548) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W.; thence to (3549) 42°30'00.0\"N., 70°30'00.0\"W.; thence to Part 226–Designated Critical Habitat (3550) 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°30'00.0\"W.; thence to (3551) 42°12'00.0\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence to §226.101 Purpose and scope. (3552) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'00.0\"W.; thence along chart- (3565) The regulations contained in this part identify ed mean high water line and inshore limits of COLREGS limit to a latitude of 41°40'00.0\"N., thence due east to those habitats designated by the Secretary of Commerce 41°41'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W.; thence back to starting as critical under section 4 of the Act, for endangered point. and threatened species under the jurisdiction of the (3553) (iii) Great South Channel: Vessels shall travel at a Secretary of Commerce. Those species are enumer- speed of 10 knots or less over ground during the period ated at §223.102 of this chapter, if threatened and at of April 1 to July 31 each year in all waters bounded by Sec. 224.101 of this chapter, if endangered. For regula- straight lines connecting the following points in the tions pertaining to the designation of critical habitat, order stated (Fig. 3): see part 424 of this title, and for regulations pertain- (3554) 42°30'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. ing to prohibitions against the adverse modification or (3555) 41°40'00.0\"N., 69°45'00.0\"W. destruction of critical habitat, see part 402 of this title. Maps and charts identifying designated critical habitat that are not provided in this section may be obtained upon request to the Office of Protected Resources (see §222.102, definition of “Office of Protected Resources”). §226.203 Critical habitat for northern right whales. (3566) (a) Great South Channel. The area bounded by (3567) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; (3568) 41°00'N., 69°05'W.; (3569) 41°38'N., 68°13'W.; and (3570) 42°10'N., 69°31'W.
Chapter 2 Navigation Regulations 159 (3571) (b) Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. The area bounded (3575) 41°46.8'N., 70°30'W. and on the south and east by by the interior shore line of Cape cod, Massachusetts. 42°04.8'N., 70°10'W.; (3572) 42°12'N., 70°15'W.; (3576) (c) Southeastern United States. The coastal waters (3573) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; between 31°15'N and 30°15'N from the coast out 15 (3574) nautical miles; and the coastal waters between 30°15'N and 28°00'N from the coast out 5 nautical miles.
160 Navigation Regulations Volume 2
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 161 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook (1) The Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Sandy Hook covered with cultivated fields and orchards, and occa- embraces part of the coast of Massachusetts and all of sional groves of trees. the coasts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. (9) Westerly from Point Judith to Napatree Point is a To the mariner this area presents problems of unusual continuous line of beaches behind which are many salt- difficulty because of the off-lying shoals, strong and ponds. These ponds have been formed by the sea break- variable currents, large amounts of fog, and turbulence ing through the outer sand barrier and then depositing of wind and sea in the great storms that so frequently sand to close the opening. The shore near the water is sweep it. Additionally, the mariner is faced with the low, grassy, and nearly level, but gradually rises with great volume of waterborne traffic that moves through a series of gentle curves to higher wooded lands some the area to and from the Port of New York. distance back. (10) Block Island is another formation of the glacier. Prominent features A prominent feature of the island is the entire absence (2) The principal geographic features include Georges of trees. The surface when viewed from eastward has a grassy undulating appearance, and the hills in many Bank, Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards Bay, places show steep sandy faces. Near the shoreline the Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound and tributaries, land is low, but rapidly rises toward the center of the and New York Harbor and tributaries including the island to steep hills covered only with grass and dotted Hudson River. occasionally with houses. (3) Cape Cod, a long peninsula jutting eastward from (11) The boundary line between Rhode Island and Con- the mainland of Massachusetts, may be likened to an necticut follows the Pawcatuck River to above the head arm bent upward at the elbow. It was originally formed of navigation. by the last great glacier and has been refashioned by (12) The coastline of Connecticut is rockbound and rug- the seas and wind. The outer end of The Cape, as it is ged, with numerous sandy beaches and occasional salt called by eastern New Englanders, is a barren region of meadows or marshland. The surface is mildly rolling sand dunes with long yellow beaches, while much of the near the shore. The depression of small valleys along remainder of the forearm is bleak grassy country. The the shore has created a number of good harbors. The southern side of the delta-like plain of Cape Cod has shoreline has been well developed commercially and been cut along high bluffs by the surf and waves. This residentially. It is lined with seaside resorts, State parks, section of the coast is covered with growth of pitch pine and bathing beaches. and scrub oak. (13) The boundary line between Connecticut and New (4) Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Is- York follows the Byram River for slightly over 1 mile. lands, and numerous smaller islands were also formed (14) Long Island, originally formed by the glacier and by the glacier. The plains of Martha’s Vineyard and Nan- thrusting about 105 miles eastward from New York Bay tucket are broad grassy heaths. The Elizabeth Islands to a point abreast of New London, faces the New England are hilly and partly wooded, and generally the shores coast across Long Island Sound on the north. Its eastern are low bluffs. end is split by Peconic Bay and the 35- and 25-mile pen- (5) The western shore of Buzzards Bay is of moderate insulas thus formed are the north and south flukes. The height, very gently sloping, cleared, and cultivated with island is almost a plain. On the north coast, bluffs rise occasional groves of trees. Several towns and the city of to a height of 200 feet. South of these, extending well New Bedford are visible along the shores. into the island’s midsection, run several chains of hills. (6) Between Buzzards and Narragansett Bays the coast The south shore is a barrier beach from about 30 miles is a mass of sand dunes with steep faces forming a line west of the eastern extremity to the western end, which along the shore. Several headlands along this stretch of has been developed into a series of bathing resorts. coast have fine sand beaches between them. (7) The boundary line between Massachusetts and Disposal Sites and Dumping Grounds Rhode Island strikes the coast just westward of Quick- (15) These areas are rarely mentioned in the Coast Pilot, sand Point. (8) Among the islands in Narragansett Bay are Rhode but are shown on the nautical charts. (See Disposal Sites (Aquidneck) Island, Conanicut, and Prudence. These and Dumping Grounds, chapter 1, and charts for limits.) rather large islands are gently sloping, undulating, and
162 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 Aids to navigation (26) Where deepwater channels are maintained by the (16) Lights and buoys are the principal guides that mark Corps of Engineers and the controlling depths are print- ed on the charts in tabular form, the Coast Pilot usually the approaches to the important harbors. Many of the gives only the project depths. Owing to constant shoal- light stations have sound signals, particularly those in ing in places, depths may vary considerably between the vicinity of the larger ports. maintenance dredgings; consult the Notice to Mariners (17) (See the Light List for a complete description of for channel depths subsequent to charted information. navigational aids.) (18) Radar is an important aid in most of this area, but (27) Where secondary channels are maintained regu- should not be relied upon for ranges to the beach in larly by the Corps of Engineers, the Coast Pilot gives the areas such as the south coast of Long Island which of- controlling depths together with the dates of the latest fer a relatively low relief. Many of the coastal buoys are surveys. equipped with radar reflectors. Radar is of particular importance in detecting other traffic and in the preven- (28) In the case of other channels, the controlling tion of collisions during periods of low visibility, which depths printed in the Coast Pilot are from the latest are common in this area. available reports which may, however, be several years old. COLREGS Demarcation Lines Anchorages (19) Lines have been established to delineate those wa- (29) There are numerous anchorages in Nantucket and ters upon which mariners must comply with the Inland Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards, Narragansett, and Gardin- Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Inland Rules). The wa- ers Bays, and Long Island Sound, where vessels with ters inside of the lines are Inland Rules Waters, and the good ground tackle can ride out any gale. Between Cape waters outside of the lines are COLREGS Waters. (See Cod and Sandy Hook, the more important harbors, ei- Part 80, chapter 2, for specific lines of demarcation.) ther commercially or as harbors of refuge, are New Bed- ford, Newport, Providence, New London, New Haven, Ports and Waterways Safety and Bridgeport on the mainland, Greenport and Port (20) (See Part 160, chapter 2, for regulations governing Jefferson on Long Island, City Island, New York, and vast New York Harbor. (See Part 110, chapter 2, for limits vessel operations and requirements for notification of and regulations.) arrivals, hazardous conditions, and certain dangerous cargoes to the Captain of the Port.) Marine Protected Areas (30) The chapters that follow may contain references to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) occurring in navigable (21) Regulated Navigation Areas have been established coastal waters of the NE Atlantic coast. This critical en- within the navigable waters of the First Coast Guard vironmental information is intended to inform readers District to increase operational safety for towing vessels about the location, purpose, and legal restrictions of and tank barges. (See 165.100, chapter 2, for limits and coastal MPAs, with an emphasis on activities of interest regulations.) to the maritime community. For detailed information on MPAs, visit http://mpa.gov/. Some of the major MPAs Harbor entrances are listed below. (22) The entrances to most of the harbors have dredged (31) Northern Inshore Lobster Waters includes the State waters of RI, MA, NH, and ME. channels marked with navigational aids and are easy (32) Northern Nearshore Lobster Waters includes the of access. In some cases jetties and breakwaters extend Federal waters of RI, MA, NH, and ME. offshore from the entrances. The entrances to the in- (33) Offshore Lobster Waters, about 60 miles offshore lets along the south shore of Long Island are subject to to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) edge, extend frequent change due to the shifting sand bars. from the U.S. Canadian border to Cape Hatteras, NC. (23) Traffic Separation Schemes (Traffic Lanes) have (34) Southern Nearshore Lobster Waters and Mid- been established in the approaches to Buzzards Bay, Atlantic Coastal Waters Area includes the State and Narragansett Bay, and New York Harbor. (See chapters Federal waters along the continental shelf from Long 5, 6, and 11, respectively, for details.) Island to Cape Hatteras, NC. (24) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 161.1 through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) Channels Dangers (25) Federal project depth is the dredging depth of (35) The most important dangers confronting the navi- a channel as authorized by an Act of Congress upon gator when approaching the area are the great banks recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army. and shoals in the eastern approach. The remainder of Controlling depth in a channel is its least depth; it re- the isolated dangers throughout the area and in the stricts use of the channel to drafts less than that depth. approaches to the harbors are for the most part well marked and charted.
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 163 Pipelaying barges may occur, vessel operators should maintain a sharp (36) With the increased number of pipeline laying op- lookout for whales and reduce speeds when consistent with safe navigation. In any given year oceanographic erations, operators of all types of vessels should be aware variability may affect the seasonal distribution of right of the dangers of passing close aboard, close ahead, or whales. In 1986, right whales were frequently sighted close astern of a jetbarge or pipelaying barge. Pipelay- within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary ing barges and jetbarges usually move at 0.5 knot or throughout the summer, and in the early spring of 1998 less and have anchors which extend out about 3,500 to a large number of right whales were documented near 5,000 feet in all directions and which may be marked by the Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation lighted anchor buoys. The exposed pipeline behind the Scheme. Three areas in U.S. waters have been desig- pipelaying barge and the area in the vicinity of anchors nated as critical habitats for North Atlantic right whales. are hazardous to navigation and should be avoided. The The northern critical habitats, the Great South Channel pipeline and anchor cables also represent a submerged (east of Cape Cod) and Cape Cod Bay extending into hazard to navigation. It is suggested, if safe navigation Massachusetts Bay, are feeding and nursery grounds. permits, for all types of vessels to pass well ahead of The southern critical habitat, off coastal Florida and the pipelaying barge or well astern of the jetbarge. The Georgia (Sebastian Inlet, Florida to the Altamaha River, pipelaying barge, jetbarge, and attending vessels may Georgia), is a calving area. (See 50 CFR 226.203, chap- be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 (156.80 MHz) for ter 2 for limits, regulations and exceptions). passage instructions. North Atlantic Right Whales Seasonal occurrence of North Atlantic right whales (37) The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world's Location Season Comments most endangered large whale species. North Atlantic right whales are found primarily in continental shelf Central Gulf of Maine April-June waters between Florida and Nova Scotia. They migrate (Jordan Basin, October-December annually along the east coast between the feeding Cashes Ledge) grounds off New England and Canada and the calv- ing grounds off Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Cape Cod Bay December-May Because right whales mate, rest, feed and nurse their young at the surface, and often do not move out of the Great South Channel, March-July way of oncoming ships, they are highly vulnerable to be- northern edge of ing struck. Pregnant females and females with nursing Georges Bank calves appear to be particularly vulnerable to collisions with ships. Ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements Bay of Fundy, Scotian July-October Most of the population can are the two known sources of human-related mortal- Shelf (Browns Bank, be found in this area during ity. Intentionally approaching within 500 yards of right Roseway Basin) this time. whales is prohibited and is a violation of federal law. (See 50 CFR 224.103, chapter 2 for limits, regulations and Jeffreys Ledge October-December Whales are frequently exceptions.) sighted in this area. (38) Description of North Atlantic right whale: Right whales are large baleen whales. Adults are generally 45 Stellwagen Bank Year-round Peak sightings occur in the to 55 feet in length and can weigh up to 70 tons. The National Marine early spring with infrequent body is mostly black, but irregularly shaped white Sanctuary sightings in the summer. patches may be present on the ventral surface. The best field identification marks are a broad back with no dor- New York to North November-April The migration corridor sal fin, irregular bumpy white patches (callosities) on Carolina between right whale the head, and a distinctive two-column V-shaped blow habitats is within 30 miles when viewed from directly behind or in front of the of the Atlantic coast. whale. The whales have broad, paddle-shaped flippers and a broad, deeply notched tail. (See following dia- South Carolina, November-April Calving right whales have grams and photographs.) Right whales are slow moving Georgia and Florida been sighted as far north and seldom travel faster than 5 or 6 knots. They can stay calving area as Cape Fear, NC and as submerged for 10 to 20 minutes and may appear sud- far south as Miami, FL with denly when surfacing to breathe. They are often seen rare sightings in the Gulf of alone or in small groups. At times, right whales form Mexico. large courtship groups of 20 to 30 animals. (40) Mandatory Speed Restrictions: Vessels 65 feet or (39) Seasonal occurrence of North Atlantic right greater in length overall (L.O.A.) are subject to manda- whales: During seasons and in areas where right whales tory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in seasonal management areas (SMA) along the U.S. East Coast dur- ing times when right whales are likely to be present (See following maps for locations of SMAs). The Northeast- ern 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 Sound, entry into the Ports of New York/New Jersey, Delaware Bay, En- trance to Chesapeake Bay, and the Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC, and within a continuous bound- ary approximately 20 nautical miles from shore around the major ports of Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Speed restrictions are in place in the
164 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 165 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 Philadelphia Block Island Baltimore 40°N 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 Ports F Mid-Atlantic Seasonal Management Areas N G 75°W 70°W 80°W
166 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 Southeastern U.S. SMA from November 15 to April 15; (48) Before entering right whale habitat (See “Seasonal this area extends from shore approximately 30 nautical Occurrence” table), check Coast Guard Broadcast No- miles eastward and contains the major ports of Bruns- tices to Mariners, NAVTEX, NOAA Weather Radio, Man- wick, GA, Fernandina Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL. datory Ship Reporting (MSR) system, Cape Cod Canal (See 50 CFR 224.105, chapter 2 for regulations, limita- Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel Traffic tions, and exceptions and complete description of the Control, as well as other sources for recent right whale SMAs.) NOAA Fisheries may also establish voluntary sighting reports. Local ship pilots also have information Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) when right whales on whale sightings and safe local operating procedures. are present in areas and times not covered by the SMAs. Information about established DMAs will be announced (49) Review right whale identification materials and over NOAA's customary maritime communication me- maintain a sharp watch with lookouts familiar with dia. 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 dif- ficult to spot. Area to be avoided (41) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship (50) Avoid transiting through the right whale habitats and areas where right whales have recently been sight- strikes to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be ed. If transiting between ports within critical habitats, avoided was established in the Great South Channel, minimize transit distance. Route around observed or east of the Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 recently reported right whales and anticipate delays due gross tons and above should avoid the area bounded by to prudent seamanship in response to whale sightings. lines connecting the following geographical positions: Avoid transits at night or during periods of low visibility. (42) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; (43) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; (51) If a right whale is sighted from the ship or reported (44) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and along the intended track of the ship, mariners should (45) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of exercise caution, post a lookout and reduce speed to 10 April 1 through July 31 knots when consistent with safe navigation. If a right whale is sighted, a vessel must steer a course away from the right whale and immediately leave the area at slow safe speed. Do not assume right whales will move out (46) Early Warning and Sighting Advisory Systems: As of the way of an approaching vessel. Mariners should weather and conditions permit, dedicated seasonal pro- keep in mind that it is illegal to approach a right whale grams of aerial and vessel surveys are conducted in the closer than 500 yards. (See 50 CFR 224.103, chapter Northeast and Southeast U.S. to provide whale sighting 2 for limits, regulations and exceptions.) information to mariners. Surveys typically occur in the following locations at the specified times: a) Cape Cod (52) Any whale accidentally struck, dead whale carcass, Bay, the Gulf of Maine, the Great South Channel, and and sighting of an injured or entangled whale should Rhode Island, Block Island, and Long Island Sounds be reported immediately to the Coast Guard or NOAA from January through July; b) South Carolina/North National Marine Fisheries Service noting the precise Carolina border south to Crescent Beach, FL from De- location, date, and time of the accident or sighting. Call cember through March. Survey planes occasionally use 978-281-9351 for reports to NOAA for the area from VHF-FM channel 16 to contact ships directly if whales Virginia to Maine, or 877-433-8299 for the area from have been spotted in close proximity to that vessel. North Carolina to Florida. In the event of a strike or However, many right whales go undetected by surveys. sighting of a dead, injured or entangled whale, the fol- Seasonal right whale advisories and sighting reports lowing information should be provided: are broadcast periodically for these and surrounding areas by Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners, (53) location, date, and time of the accident or sighting NAVTEX, NOAA Weather Radio, Cape Cod Canal Vessel of a carcass or an entangled whale, Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel Traffic Control, and are included in the return message from the Right (54) speed and course of the vessel, Whale Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) systems. Gen- (55) vessel specifications such as size and propulsion, eral sighting information may be obtained by sending (56) water depth, an e-mail to [email protected] (Northeast) or (57) environmental conditions such as visibility, wind [email protected] (Southeast). speed and direction, (47) Precautions when transiting right whale habitat (58) description of the impact, and areas of recently reported right whale sightings: (59) fate of the animal, and NOAA recommends the following precautionary mea- (60) species and size, if known. sures be taken to avoid adverse interactions with North (61) Recommended Two-Way Routes to Avoid Whales: Atlantic right whales: To reduce the possibility of vessel strikes with right whales, Two-Way Routes were developed for vessels en- tering and transiting through Cape Cod Bay and arriving and departing the ports of Brunswick, GA, Fernandina Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL. The routes were devel- oped from an analysis of historical right whale sightings
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 167 and are designed to reduce the likelihood of adverse (72) WHALESNORTH interactions between large vessels and right whales. The (73) WHALESNORTH// routes are found on the latest NOAA Nautical Charts. In (74) M/487654321// 2007, the northern leg of the Boston Traffic Separation (75) A/CALYPSO/NRUS// Scheme (TSS) was shifted to direct ship traffic away (76) B/031401Z APR// from an area of high whale density. Use of the modi- (77) E/345// fied TSS is expected to considerably reduce the risk of (78) F/15.5// striking a whale. (79) H/031410Z APR/4104N/06918W// (62) Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (MSR) (80) I/BOSTON/032345Z APR// WHALESNORTH and WHALESSOUTH (81) L/WP/4104N/06918W/15.5.// (63) Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) systems require (82) L/WP/4210N/06952W/15.5// all vessels, 300 gross tons or greater, to report to the U.S. (83) L/WP/4230N/07006W/15.5// Coast Guard upon entering two designated reporting (84) WHALESSOUTH areas off the east coast of the United States. (See 33 CFR (85) WHALESSOUTH// 169, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Sovereign (86) M/412345678// immune vessels are exempt from the requirement to (87) A/BEAGLE/NVES// report, but are encouraged to participate. (88) B/270810Z MAR// (64) The two reporting systems will operate indepen- (89) E/250// dently of each other. The system in the northeastern (90) F/17.0// United States will operate year round and the system in (91) H/270810Z MAR/3030N/08052W// the southeastern United States will operate each year (92) I/MAYPORT/271215Z MAR// from November 15 through April 15. Reporting ships (93) L/RL/17.0// are only required to make reports when entering a re- porting area during a single voyage (that is, a voyage Charts 13204, 13200, 13203 in which a ship is in the area). Ships are not required to report when leaving a port in the reporting area nor (94) Georges Bank is an extensive bank with depths when exiting the system. of less than 50 fathoms, extending for over 150 miles (65) Mariners should check all MSR messages care- northeastward from the offshore end of Nantucket fully before transmittal to ensure the message includes Shoals. the correct address and format. Additional greeting or comments in the message will preclude message receipt (95) In heavy weather the danger area may be consid- by the MSR system. Failure to receive a timely return ered to be the oval-shaped top of the bank which is about message from the MSR system that provides locations 80 miles long in a northeast and southwest direction of recent right whale sightings and precautionary guid- and which has a maximum width of about 50 miles. ance should be reported to the local Coast Guard Sector The bottom within this area is extremely broken and Office. irregular, with a great number of ridges and shoal spots (66) Northeastern reporting system/Southeastern re- having depths of less than 10 fathoms. Between these porting system (See 33 CFR 169.105 and 169.115, shoals are channels of varying widths in which depths chapter 2, for limits.) of about 20 fathoms may be found. All of this area lies (67) Vessels shall make reports in accordance with the within the 30-fathom curve and so much of it has depths format in IMO Resolution A.858 (20) in accordance of less than 20 fathoms that it may practically all be with the International Convention for the Safety of Life considered to lie within a generalized 20-fathom curve. at Sea 1974 (SOLAS 74). (See 33 CFR 169.135 and 169.140, chapter 2, for additional information.) Vessels (96) On the southeast side of the bank, outside the should report via INMARSAT C or via alternate satellite 20-fathom curve, the water deepens gradually and with communications to one of the following addresses: such regularity that soundings would be of considerable (68) Email: [email protected] or value in approaching the bank. On the northwest side (69) Telex: 48156090. the water deepens more rapidly. (70) Vessels not equipped with INMARSAT C or Telex should submit reports to the U.S. Coast Guard's Com- (97) The bottom is generally of sand, sometimes with munication Area Master Station Atlantic (CAMSLANT) shell, and in places pebbles. Bottom samples as obtained via HF voice frequencies on 2182 kHz, 4125 kHz, 6215 during surveys are shown in a great many places on the kHz, 8291 kHz, 12290 kHz, and 16420 kHz or by calling charts. 1-800-742-8519x0. Vessels equipped only with VHF-FM voice communications should submit reports to the (98) The two principal dangers on Georges Bank are nearest U.S. Coast Guard Sector. Georges Shoal and Cultivator Shoal, which are near the (71) Example Reports: center of the danger area. Around these shoals the sea breaks in depths of 10 fathoms during heavy weather, and the locality should be avoided by deep-draft vessels. (99) Georges Shoal is a ridge about 13 miles long on which are several shallow depths of 1½ to 3 fathoms.
168 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 (100) Cultivator Shoal, about 20 miles westward of (108) 41°04.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; Georges Shoal, is a ridge nearly 15 miles long, on which (109) 41°23.5'N., 69°31.5'W.; and depths of 3 to 10 fathoms are found. The 3-fathom spot (110) 41°23.4'N., 70°02.8'W. is near the north end of the shoal. In 1980, a submerged obstruction was reported about 8.7 miles northwest of the 3-fathom spot in about 41°43'N., 68°23'W.; vessels engaged in bottom operations are advised to exercise (111) The currents in the area are strong and erratic, caution in the area. reaching a velocity of 3 to 5 knots around the edges of (101) The entire area within the 20-fathom curve has an the shoals. They are made erratic by the obstruction extremely broken bottom. There are numerous ridges and shoal spots on which depths dangerous to naviga- of the shoals, in some cases being deflected to such an tion, particularly in heavy weather, may be found. These shoal spots generally have steep sides, and very little or extent as to cause the direction to change 180° from one no indication of their existence is given by soundings. Tide rips and swirls, as well as overfalls, are common side of 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 (112) 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 alongside them. Small, detached overfalls may be seen velocity at strength of about 2.5 knots, but this prob- in 20 fathoms of water. The tidal currents are rotary with no period of slack water. The velocity at strength ably varies appreciably from place to place. Similarly the is about 2 knots, and the velocity of the minimum cur- rent which occurs about midway between the times direction of the current at strength probably depends on of strength is about 1 knot. The hourly velocities and directions of the tidal current are shown by means of the orientation of channels between shoal areas. current roses on National Ocean Service charts. (113) Since the current is rotary, there is no true slack. (102) A navigator must bear in mind while in an area Observations in the area show an average minimum of of this character that it is impossible for the surveyor, without a vast expenditure of time, to determine and about 0.5 knot. locate all of the shoalest spots on the many dangerous shoals found. Sudden shoaling on such a bank must be (114) The tidal current south of Asia Rip is rotary, turn- considered an indication of possibly dangerous water. ing clockwise. The average velocity at strength is 0.8 This bank has not been wire dragged. knot; the average minimum is 0.6 knot. (103) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- merous different broken shoals which lie southeastward (115) Hourly average velocities and directions for Davis of Nantucket Island and make this one of the most dan- Bank and the area south of Asia Rip, referred to pre- gerous parts of the coast of the United States for the navigator. These shoals extend 23 miles eastward and dicted times of maximum flood at Pollock Rip Channel, 40 miles southeastward from Nantucket Island. They are shifting in nature, and the depths vary from 3 to 4 are furnished in the Tidal Current Tables. However the feet on some to 4 and 5 fathoms on others, while slues with depths of 10 fathoms or more lead between those tidal currents are appreciably influenced by winds. farthest offshore. The easterly edge of the shoals has depths of 3 and 4 fathoms in places. (116) Nantucket Shoals should be entirely avoided by deep-draft vessels when possible and by light-draft ves- Area to be avoided (104) Because of the great danger of stranding and for sels without local knowledge, on account of the treach- reasons of environmental protection, the International erous currents. There are, however, channels through Maritime Organization (IMO) has established an area to be avoided in the area of Nantucket Shoals. All vessels these various shoals which can be negotiated with local carrying cargoes of oil or hazardous materials and all other vessels of more than 1,000 gross tons should avoid knowledge and caution. In calm weather at slack wa- the area bounded by the following points: (105) 41°16.5'N., 70°12.5'W.; ter these shoals are sometimes difficult to see, and a (106) 40°43.2'N., 70°00.5'W.; (107) 40°44.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; vessel is liable to be taken into shoaler water than was intended. (117) 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. (118) 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 proximity of shoals and possibility of dragging due to the winds and currents. Generally it has been found best to avoid the deeper channels and, when rougher water is experienced, to anchor in the lee of a shoal, which would tend to knock down the heavier swells. A scope of five to one or greater should always be used. North Atlantic Right Whales (119) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur along the northern edge of Georges Bank (peak season: March through July). (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in this chapter for more information on right whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions.)
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 169 (120) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall of the bank about 13 miles north-northeastward of the (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United southern end of the bank. States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in (134) The channel westward of Davis Bank is marked on the Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area its west side by lighted and unlighted buoys. A radar bea- between April 1 and July 31. The area is defined as the con (Racon) is at the northernmost lighted buoy. The waters bounded by: use of this channel should be restricted to clear weather due to the strong currents encountered throughout this (121) 42°30'N., 69°45'W.; area. (122) 42°30'N., 67°27'W.; (123) 42°09'N., 67°08.4'W.; Chart 13200 (124) 41°00'N., 69°05'W.; (125) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; thence back to starting point. (135) The inner Nantucket Shoals all lie within the 10-fathom curve. The area is very foul. Only a few of (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limi- the shoals are described. Davis South Shoal, about 20 tations, and exceptions.) miles south-southeast of Sankaty Head, consists of two spots of 2¾ and 2½ fathoms about 1.5 miles apart. (136) Old South Shoal, consisting of two spots of 2½ (126) Georges Bank Closure Areas, Marine Protected Ar- fathoms with a 2-fathom spot and foul ground between eas (MPAs), extend S and E of Cape Cod to the boundary them, is about 13.5 miles southeast of Sankaty Head. with the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Nantucket This shoal is unmarked. Lightship Closed Areas include waters S and E of Nan- tucket Island extending to the west edge of Georges Charts 13200, 13237 Bank. (137) Great Rip, about 13 miles east-southeast of Sankaty (127) Nantucket Shoals is made up of the following parts: Head, has depths of 1 to 2¾ fathoms. This shoal is about (128) 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 Nantucket Shoals, is about 6.5 miles long and 2.5 miles from it by depths of 14 to 19 fathoms is an unnamed wide. A lighted whistle buoy, marking the entrance to and unmarked shoal of 1½ to 2½ fathoms. Breakers are the Boston Harbor Traffic Separation Scheme, is about usually observed on the shoal. 12 miles eastward of Phelps Bank. (129) Asia Rip, the shoalest point of the bank with 5¾ (138) 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. OREGON, covered 3¼ fathoms, is at 40°45'N., 69°19'W., The shoal extends about 5 miles northward and then 3 miles south-southeastward of Asia Rip. 3 miles westward. Depths of 1¼ and 1½ fathoms are (130) Middle Rip, with a least-found depth of 4 fathoms found in the leg of the boot, a depth of ½ fathom forms and lying north-northwest of Phelps Bank, is about 13.5 the heel, and a depth of 1¼ fathoms is found in the toe. miles long and 4.5 miles wide. This shoal consists of Northward of the toe of Rose and Crown is a shoal with two large parts with depths of 4 fathoms on the east foul ground and spots of 1½ and 2½ fathoms. Rose and and 6 fathoms on the west, separated by a channel with Crown breaks heavily. a depth of 7 fathoms and four outlying shoals of 8 to 10 fathoms. (139) Bass Rip, about 2.5 miles eastward of Sankaty (131) Fishing Rip, bow-shaped, with depths of 3 to 10 Head, is about 3.5 miles long north and south. A depth fathoms, is about 26 miles long north and south and of ½ fathom is 3 miles 115° from the light. The northern 6.5 miles wide at its widest point. The north point is end of the shoal has a depth of 2 fathoms. Old Man Shoal 20 miles 073° and the south point is 27.5 miles 136°, extends 4.5 miles southwestward from a point 1.5 miles respectively, from Sankaty Head Light. A large wreck off the southeastern end of Nantucket Island. Depths of area is near the southern part of Fishing Rip. A wreck 1¼ to 2¾ fathoms are found on this shoal. and a submerged obstruction are also near the southern portion of the rip in about 41°00.0'N., 69°27.0'W. and (140) McBlair Shoal, the northernmost of the Nantuck- 41°01.0'N., 69°29.7'W., respectively. et Shoals and marked on its northern side by lighted (132) The unmarked channel westward of Fishing Rip buoys, forms part of the southern side of Great Round is obstructed by three shoals in the northern section Shoal Channel. Depths on this shoal vary from 2¼ to which have least-found depths of 7½, 4½, and 10 fath- 3½ fathoms. oms. In the southern part of this channel are four shoals with depths of 8 to 10 fathoms. (141) Great South Channel is the passage between the (133) Davis Bank, the innermost of the outer Nantucket easternmost of the Nantucket Shoals and the western- Shoals, is bow-shaped and has depths of 2¾ to 10 fath- most shoal spots of Georges Bank. The approximate cen- oms of water over it. The bank is about 30 miles long ter of the channel extends from 40°36'N., 68°55'W. to north and south and has a greatest width of 4 miles. 41°38'N., 68°55'W. The channel is about 27 miles wide The wreck of the vessel PROGRESS is off the inner edge and has depths of 19 fathoms and greater throughout,
170 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 with lesser depths along the eastern and western edges. trend, are Lydonia Canyon, 67°40'W.; Gilbert Can- The Great South Channel is a feeding area for endan- yon, 67°50'W.; Oceanographer Canyon, 68°05'W.; and gered North Atlantic right whales in spring and sum- Welker Canyon, 68°30'W. Southeastward and south- mer (peak season: March through July, although right ward of Nantucket Shoals, having a northerly trend, whales have been seen in the area year round). are Hydrographer Canyon, 69°00'W.; Veatch Canyon, 69°35'W.; and Atlantis Canyon, 70°15'W. Block Canyon, North Atlantic Right Whales 71°20'W., is south-southeasterly of Block Island Sound (142) Great South Channel lies within the federally des- and has a north-northwesterly trend. Hudson Canyon, 72°20'W., extends northwestward to the mouth of the ignated critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales Hudson River. The inshore section of this canyon is (see 50 CFR 226.203(a), chapter 2). In some years, called Mud Gorge. more than a third of the remaining population of (152) Many vessels have been wrecked along this coast as North Atlantic right whales can be found in the Great a result of collision, foundering, and other causes. Most South Channel at any one time. It is illegal to approach of the offshore wrecks have been located and surveyed closer than 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR to determine the least depth over the highest projecting 224.103(c), chapter 2, for limit and regulation.) It is part. Dangerous wrecks for the most part are marked recommended that all large vessels (over 100 gross by buoys of various colors and shapes and often show a tons) avoid operating in the critical habitat during the quick-flashing or an interrupted quick-flashing light. peak period of right whale occurrence (March through (153) Many vessels have grounded in fog on the south July). When the area cannot be avoided, precautionary side of Long Island and on Block Island. Probably many measures should be taken to reduce the risk of ship of these wrecks could have been avoided if frequent strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as soundings had been taken in approaching the coast. such, in chapter 3 for more information on right whales Vessels equipped to do so should make good use of the and recommended measures to avoid collisions with electronic aids to navigation systems along the coast to whales.) check their position frequently. (143) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall (154) The coastal waters contain numerous lobster pots. (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United Small painted wooden buoys of various designs and col- States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in ors, secured by small lines, float on the surface; in some the Great South Channel Seasonal Management Area cases a second buoy, usually an unpainted wooden stick between April 1 and July 31. The area is defined as the or bottle and difficult to see, is attached to the lobster waters bounded by: pot. These buoys extend from shore out to, and in many (144) 42°30'N., 69°45'W. cases across, the sailing routes. Small yachts and motor (145) 42°30'N., 67°27'W. boats are cautioned against fouling them, which is liable (146) 42°09'N., 67°08.4'W. to result in a sprung shaft or lost propeller. Fishtraps (147) 41°00'N., 69°05'W. and fish havens are discussed in chapter 1. (148) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; thence back to starting point. (155) Fishweirs are numerous along the outside coast (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limi- and inside waters. The stakes often become broken off tations, and exceptions.) and form a hazard to navigation, especially at night. The areas within which fishweirs are permitted have been established under Federal authority and are shown on charts of 1:80,000 scale and larger. The exact locations (149) Restricted Lobster and Gillnet Marine Protected of the weirs within the designated areas are not shown. Areas (MPAs) are in Great South Channel. Strangers should proceed with caution when crossing areas of possible fishweirs, and should avoid crossing (150) Submarine canyons are indentations in the edge of such areas at night. the Continental Shelf which is bounded on its seaward (156) Danger zones have been established within the side by the 100-fathom curve. They may be traced from area of this Coast Pilot. (See Part 334, chapter 2, for depths of 1,000 fathoms or more to the shoaler areas of limits and regulations.) the Continental Shelf. The navigator who has available some means of echo sounding should have in mind the Drawbridges various canyons found in this locality. The soundings in (157) The general regulations that apply to all draw- crossing them are very characteristic in each case, and such soundings may be used to determine the vessel’s bridges are given in 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, position with considerable accuracy. and the specific regulations that apply only to certain drawbridges are given in Part 117, Subpart B, chapter (151) The names of some of the most important subma- 2. Where these regulations apply, references to them are rine canyons are shown on the charts. The longitude made in the Coast Pilot under the name of the bridge or following the name is approximate and only given to the waterway over which the bridge crosses. assist in locating the feature on the chart. Corsair Can- yon, 66°10'W., on the eastern side of Georges Bank, has a northwesterly trend. On the southern side and toward the western end of Georges Bank, having a northerly
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 171 (158) The drawbridge opening signals (see 117.15, chap- (167) Deep-draft vessels coming from Cape Hatteras, ter 2) have been standardized for most drawbridges Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, or New York usually en- within the United States. The opening signals for those ter the precautionary area southeast of Asia Rip, then few bridges that are nonstandard are given in the spe- head north through Great South Channel to Cape Cod cific drawbridge regulations. The specific regulations or the Gulf of Maine. also address matters such as restricted operating hours and required advance notice for openings. (168) Vessels of medium draft coming from the south- ward, or southbound from Boston or ports farther east, (159) The mariner should be acquainted with the general may use Cape Cod Canal, or Vineyard and Nantucket and specific regulations for drawbridges over waterways Sounds via Pollock Rip Channel. Great Round Shoal to be transited. Channel is also available, but seldom used, as an en- trance to or exit from Nantucket Sound. The control- Routes ling depth for these passages is from 27 to 32 feet. They (160) Approaching this section of the coast is dangerous avoid Nantucket Shoals and are used by coasting vessels. Small vessels and pleasure craft usually pass through for all vessels because of the off-lying banks and shoals, Long Island Sound when proceeding coastwise. the strong and variable currents, frequency of fog, and the broken nature of the bottom. Soundings alone are Currents of little value in establishing the position of a vessel, but (169) The Tidal Current Tables should be consulted for the depth should be checked frequently to ensure that the vessel clears all dangers. specific information about times, directions, and veloci- (161) In thick weather especially, the greatest caution is ties of the current at the numerous locations through- necessary, and vessels equipped to do so should make out the area. It must be borne in mind that the current good and timely use of the electronic aids to navigation to which a vessel is subjected at any time is the combina- systems to check their position frequently. The depth tion of tidal current, wind current, and other currents should never be shoaled to less than 15 fathoms without such as those due to drainage or oceanic circulation. an accurate fix having been obtained, and it is advisable (170) Away from the immediate vicinity of the shore, to remain offshore in depths of 20 fathoms or more. the tidal currents are generally rotary. They shift di- (162) The part of Georges Bank lying between latitude rection, usually clockwise, at an average rate of about 41°05'N., and 42°00'N., and longitude 67°17'W., and 30° an hour. They attain velocities of 1 to 2.4 knots or 68°35'W. should be avoided. In heavy weather the sea more throughout the Nantucket Shoals-Georges Bank breaks on the spots with 10 fathoms or less, and strong area, the larger velocities occurring generally over the tide rips are encountered. The tide rips do not always shoaler parts of the area. Between Nantucket Island and indicate shoal water. Sandy Hook their velocities generally do not exceed 0.5 (163) Vessels passing southward of the dangerous part knot except in the vicinities of the entrances to the of Georges Bank should keep in 30 fathoms or more. larger bays and inland waterways, where the velocities Approaching this part of the bank from eastward or increase as the entrances are approached. For consid- southward, the water shoals gradually. Approaching erable distances from the entrances, strengths of flood from the westward, the depths are irregular and the and ebb set, respectively, toward and away from those water shoals abruptly in places of 20 fathoms or less. entrances, and minimums of velocity, corresponding to On the north side of Georges Bank between longitudes the slacks of reversing currents, set at right angles to 66°00'W., and 68°00'W., the 100-fathom and 50-fathom the directions of the flood and ebb strengths. curves are only a few miles apart, and when approaching (171) Offshore and away from the influence of the tidal the dangerous part of the bank from northward 50 fath- flow into and out of the Gulf of Maine and the larger oms may be taken as a good depth to avoid the shoals. bays, the tidal current maintains an approximate uni- (164) Vessels equipped with echo sounding devices and form velocity. Shifting its direction continuously to the following the 100-fathom curve along the south side of right, it sets in all directions of the compass during each Georges Bank can frequently verify their position when tidal cycle of 12.4 hours. crossing the several submarine gorges or canyons. (172) In the offshore area between Cape Cod and Sandy (165) Approaching New York from the area south of Asia Hook there is a resultant southward drift which is stron- Rip, a slight allowance should be made for a southwest- ger in winter than in summer and has an average veloc- erly set of the current. Should the wind be easterly, it is ity less than 0.1 knot. customary to allow, in order to make a course good, a set of the current with it of at least 0.5 knot. Wind currents (166) The North Atlantic Lane Routes are described in (173) Wind currents are very complicated. Their veloci- NV PUB. 106, Atlas of Pilot Charts, North Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico), published by the ties and directions depend upon a number of factors National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Washington, such as velocity, direction, and duration of the wind, the D.C. proximity of the coast and the direction of the coastline. Generally in the Northern Hemisphere the wind-driven current sets somewhat to the right of the wind, but in
172 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 coastal waters there are many exceptions to this general Summary. The ISMCS is a CD-ROM jointly produced rule, the current often setting to the left of the wind, due by the National Climatic Data Center, Fleet Numerical to the tendency of the current to follow the direction of Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment-Asheville, the coastline or to other local conditions. and the U.S. Air Force Environmental Technical Ap- (174) The velocity of the current relative to that of the plications Center, Operating Location-A. The meteo- wind also varies with the location. It follows, therefore, rological tables for the ocean areas are compiled from that local wind current information is desirable. Such observations made by ships in passage and extracted information based upon extensive current and wind ob- from the National Climatic Data Center’s Tape Deck- servations at a number of stations is given in the Tidal 1129, Surface Marine Observations. Listed in Appendix Current Tables. A are National Weather Service offices and radio stations (175) The largest current velocities likely to occur dur- which transmit weather information. ing storms at a number of locations offshore and in the (179) Marine Weather Services Charts published by the sounds are given as follows: 1.5 miles east of Broken Part National Weather Service show radio stations that of Pollock Rip, 2.5 knots; Stone Horse Shoal, 4 knots; 1 transmit marine weather broadcasts and additional in- mile east of Great Round Shoal Channel Lighted Buoy formation of interest to mariners. These charts are for 2, Nantucket Entrance, 2.5 knots; 13 miles southeast of sale by the National Ocean Service Distribution Division Asia Rip, 2.5 knots; Cross Rip Shoal, 2.5 knots; Hedge (N/ACC3). (See Appendix A for address.) Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22, Nantucket Sound, 2.5 knots; 1.5 miles southeast of Buzzards Bay Entrance Extratropical Cyclones Light, 2 knots; Brenton Reef, 1.5 knots; 0.5 mile south (180) One of the biggest problems in these waters is of Bartlett Reef, Long Island Sound, 2.5 knots; 3 miles southward of Cornfield Point, 4 knots; 3 miles north of the winter storm; the most powerful of these is the Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted Whistle Buoy NB, 1.5 “Nor’easter”. It generates rough seas, strong winds and knots. high tides that threaten safety at sea and cause damage in port. These storms do not often come without warn- Weather, Cape Cod to Sandy Hook ing. Approaching from the U.S. mainland or from the (176) From Georges Bank and the shoals of Nantucket seas to the south they are usually well forecasted. Dif- ficulty arises when they develop or deepen explosively to New York Harbor, fog, currents, winds and waves are off the mid-Atlantic coast. Sometimes called “Hatteras constant threats to safe navigation. The following text Storms”, these lows can grow from small, weak frontal describes the weather problems that face the mariner waves to full blown systems in less than 24 hours. Not when navigating these waters. This section presents only can their circulation expand to cover most of the an overall, seasonal picture of the weather that can be western North Atlantic but they often accelerate rap- expected in the offshore waters along the coast of the idly northeastward. In the exposed waters these storms mid-Atlantic region from Cape Cod, MA, to Sandy Hook, can generate 40-foot (12 m) waves and hurricane force NJ. Detailed information, particularly concerning navi- winds. Each year more than 40 extratropical systems gational weather hazards, can be found in the weather move across or close to this coast. They average about articles in the following chapters. two to four per month, but as many as ten can affect the (177) All weather articles in this volume are the product region in a single month. Most systems are weak but a of the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) and few generate gales and rough seas for hundreds of miles, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The meteo- particularly from September through April. rological and climatological tables are the product of (181) The major winter storm track runs in a line ap- the NCDC. Both centers are entities of the National proximately from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. Most of Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service the storms that follow this track intensify; the center (NESDIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- of intensification is off Delaware Bay. In addition to the ministration (NOAA). If further information is needed forecast, certain atmospheric changes indicate a storm in relation to the content of the weather articles, me- is approaching. The most dependable early indicator is teorological tables or climatological tables, contact the falling pressure. A definite weather change is likely if National Climatic Data Center, Attn: Customer Service you observe pressure falls exceeding 2 mb every 3 hours; Division, Federal Building, 151 Patton Avenue, Room a drop of 5 mb/3 hours indicates a strong change while 120, Asheville, NC 28801-5001. You may also contact 10 mb/3 hours warns of an impending extreme event. the CSD at 828-271-4994, or fax your request to 828- (182) As a storm approaches, winds strengthen, clouds 271-4876. thicken and lower and precipitation begins. Early in the (178) Climatological tables for coastal locations, meteo- storm’s life wind waves can become steep very quickly, rological tables for the coastal ocean areas, and a table of making it difficult to reach port especially when you mean surface water temperatures and densities relevant have to navigate an inlet where breaking waves are to locations discussed within this volume are in Appen- treacherous. In deeper waters, waves can build to over dix B. The climatological tables are a special extraction 20 feet. During winter the possibility of superstructure from the International Station Meteorological Climate
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 173 icing calls for an early course of action based upon the (189) While the following term is not normally used latest forecast and a knowledge of your vessel. in tropical cyclone advisories it may appear in related products. Cold Fronts (183) This weather hazard usually approaches from the (190) (1) Tropical Wave.–A minor tropical disturbance in the easterly trade winds, which could develop into a west through north. Ahead of the front, winds are usu- tropical depression but lacks evidence of a closed circu- ally squally and often blow out of the south through lation; also known as easterly wave. southwest. Cirrus clouds give way to Altocumulus or Altostratus and Nimbostratus, then Cumulonimbus. (191) Along the coast, greater damage may be inflicted Pressure falls moderately and showers, and perhaps by water than by wind. Prolonged winds blowing toward thunderstorms, occur. Seas become choppy. With the shore can increase water levels from about 3 to 10 feet (1 frontal passage winds shift rapidly to the west and to 3 m) above normal. This storm tide may begin when northwest. Strong gusts and squalls continue. Clearing the tropical cyclone center is 500 miles or more away. usually occurs a short distance behind the front as the It gradually increases until the winds change direction. cold air moves in. Cold fronts can move through the On top of this the low pressure in the storm’s center can area quite rapidly. Their speed varies from about 10 to create a ridge or wall of water known as a surge. This 20 knots in summer up to 40 knots in winter. From will move in the direction of the storm’s movement and spring through fall these fronts are often preceded by can be disastrous. The effect may be similar to that of dense fog. a tsunami (seismic sea wave) caused by earthquakes in (184) During the spring and summer when the air ahead the ocean floor. Storm surges can push these tides to 20 of the cold front may be very unstable, a line of thun- feet (6.1 m) or more above normal. About 3 to 4 feet (1 derstorms, known as a squall line, may develop. These to 1.2 m) of this is due to the decrease of atmospheric instability lines can form 50 to 300 miles ahead of a fast pressure and the rest to the strong winds. Additional moving front. They may even contain tornados or wa- water damage results from the pounding of sea and terspouts. These storms can inflict considerable damage swell. Torrential rains, generated by tropical cyclones, on fishing vessels and small craft. can cause both flash floods and river floods from inland rains. Tropical Cyclones Tropical Cyclone climatology (185) A tropical cyclone is a warm core, low pressure (192) In an average season nine or ten tropical cyclones system that develops over tropical oceans. It exhibits develop and five of these reach hurricane strength; a rotary, counterclockwise circulation in the Northern about two hurricanes reach the U.S. While they may Hemisphere around a center or “eye”. In small tropical develop in any month, June through November is gen- cyclones the diameter of the area of destructive winds erally considered the tropical cyclone season, with a may not exceed 25 miles while in the greatest storms peak in August, September and October. Early and pre- the diameter may reach 500 miles. At the center is a season storms, from May through mid-July, are most comparatively calm, sometimes clear, area known as the likely to originate in the western Caribbean Sea and Gulf eye. The diameter of the eye can vary from about 5 to 25 of Mexico. From mid-July through late September this miles. Winds are usually strongest near the center. They development is spread through the main basin of the can reach 175 knots or more in an intense hurricane. In tropical Atlantic and a much more persistent westerly the North Atlantic Region (West Indies, Caribbean Sea, movement is noticeable. From late September through Gulf of Mexico and waters off the U.S. East Coast) the November, activity gradually confines itself to the Carib- following terminology is used in tropical cyclone warn- bean and Gulf of Mexico. A northerly movement, similar ings issued by the National Hurricane Center (National to early season storms, becomes more apparent. Howev- Weather Service): er, because of the large reservoir of heat available at the (186) (1) Tropical Depression.–An organized system of end of the season, these storms are often more intense clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation than their early season counterparts. and maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour (33 (193) The most common path is curved, the storms first knots) or less. moving in a general westward direction, turning later to (187) (2) Tropical Storm.–An organized system of strong the northwestward and finally toward the northeast. A thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum considerable number, however, remain in low latitudes sustained winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour (34 and do not turn appreciably toward the north. Freak to 63 knots). movements are not uncommon, and there have been (188) (3) Hurricane.–An intense tropical weather sys- storms that described loops, hairpin-curved paths, and tem with a well-defined circulation and a maximum other irregular patterns. Movement toward the south- sustained wind speed of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) east is rare, and, in any case, of short duration. The or greater. entire Caribbean area, the Gulf of Mexico, the coastal regions bordering these bodies of water, and the Atlantic
174 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 Coast are subject to these storms during the hurricane cyclone that approaches within 180 miles is considered season. a “threat”. Data is also incorporated from the Global (194) The average speed of movement of tropical cy- Tropical/Extratropical Cyclone Climatic Atlas CD-ROM clones is about 10 to 15 knots. This speed, however, jointly produced by the National Climatic Data Center varies considerably according to the storm’s location, and the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanogra- development and the associated surface and upper air phy Detachment-Asheville. patterns. The highest rates of speed usually occur in the (198) The classical doctrine held by most mariners middle and higher latitudes and range up to 40 to 50 is that ocean-going ships should leave ports that are knots. Storms are slowest during recurvature or when threatened by a hurricane. Despite this natural caution, looping. They can also become stationary in the absence ships continue to be damaged in port or after leaving of steering currents. port, as a result of tropical cyclone encounters. This often stems from the difficulty in forecasting tropical Hurricane Warnings and Forecasts cyclone movement, although these forecasts have im- (195) The civilian hurricane warning service for the proved significantly in the past two decades. In addition to evaluating the forecast it is necessary to assess the North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane risks of remaining in port or putting to sea according Center/Tropical Prediction Center, Miami, Florida. It to the circumstances of the threat, the facilities of the collates ship, aircraft, radar and satellite data to produce port and the capabilities of the vessel and crew. For an and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts for evaluation as to a course of action, several factors are the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea important. The risk of a particular port experiencing and Gulf of Mexico as well as the Eastern North Pacific a hurricane is often dependent on seasonal and geo- Ocean. Its principal product is the Tropical Cyclone graphic influences. Forecasts of hurricane movements Advisory message especially tailored for Marine, Avia- are more reliable in some areas, particularly the lower tion, Military and public interests. They are issued ev- latitudes. In the mid-latitudes where storms are of- ery 6-hours with intermediate bulletins provided when ten recurving, the difficulty increases. It is important needed. to know the sheltering capabilities of the port that is (196) For tropical storms and hurricanes threatening being considered and the speed of advance of tropical to cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are is- cyclones in the latitudes that you may be sailing. When sued to the public by the National Hurricane Center the tropical cyclone speeds approach or exceed vessel through local Hurricane Warning Offices in order that speed, options become limited. defense against damage, and perhaps evacuation, can (199) Of the 117 tropical cyclones that threatened New be implanted. Two levels of warnings are employed. The York from 1842-1995, 100 occurred from August “Hurricane Watch” is a preliminary alert that a hur- through October with the main threat in September. ricane may threaten a specified portion of the coast. It The hurricane (winds>_1; 64 knots) threat has a peak is issued approximately 36 hours before landfall could in August and September; 81 of the 117 hurricanes oc- occur. The second level is the “Hurricane Warning”, curred in those months. Tropical cyclones usually move which indicates that hurricane conditions are expected in from the south or southwest. During this same period within 24 hours in advance of landfall. It is aimed at New Haven was threatened by 108 tropical cyclones, 91 providing the best compromise between timeliness and of which occurred from August through October. Hur- accuracy for civil defense purposes so that its warning ricanes are most likely during August and September may be too late to allow ocean-going vessels to get un- when 75 out of the total of 108 occurred. The direction derway and complete a successful evasion in open water. of approach is most likely from the south or southwest. To compensate for this, the Marine Advisory contains Because of the natural protection offered by the shape additional guidance in the form of probabilities of hur- of the coast from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras, most re- ricane strikes, for coastal locations and even offshore curving storms either make landfall south of Hatteras coordinates, and storm position forecasts for up to 72 or pass New England well offshore to the southeast. hours in advance. The majority of storms pass well to the southeast of New England, following the Gulf Stream. Occasionally Hurricane Havens storms accelerate on a more northerly track similar to (197) This section is condensed from the Hurricane the disastrous hurricane of 1938, which advanced rapidly up the east coast, offshore near Hatteras, across central Havens Handbook for the North Atlantic Ocean pub- Long Island, into Connecticut and finally through Ver- lished by the Marine Meteorology Division, Naval Re- mont. This hurricane’s forward speed reached 52 knots, search Laboratory, Monterey, CA 93943, and available an advance that would be difficult to prepare for, even on the internet at http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/pubs. with today’s sophisticated warning methods. It is the htm. While this study concentrates on New York, NY, exceptionally fast-moving storm that poses the greatest New London, CT, and Newport, RI, the climatology and threat. For example, based on climatology, a September principles of navigation can be applied to the entire re- storm located off Miami would reach New York in about gion; the navigation information can be applied to win- ter storms as well. For practical purposes any tropical
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 175 3 or 4 days. However, the 1938 hurricane traveled this (203) In summary, New York Harbor is recommended distance in about 30 hours. Tropical cyclones tend to as a hurricane haven. It is a large national harbor with accelerate as they move north of about 30°N. Forward many excellent berthing facilities and good deep-water speeds range from 25 to 30 knots for those crossing the anchorages. Natural topographic features and numer- New York – New England coast compared to 20 to 25 ous man-made structures offer good wind protection. knots for those passing offshore to the southeast. The bathymetry and orientation of the harbor relative to (200) 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 hur- sufficient threat. The main New London harbor is not a ricane produced 64-knot winds at Central Park and 70- haven for most vessels during a hurricane although the knot winds at La Guardia. Other hurricanes that have inner harbor is considered safe for most ships. The sur- caused considerable damage were storms in September rounding topography provides some protection from 1821, September 1938, August 1954 (Carol) and Sep- east through southeast winds for the eastern shore of tember 1960 (Donna). During a recent 44-year period the main and inner harbor, however the lower western along the Connecticut-Rhode Island coast, three hurri- shore of the main harbor is very exposed to southeast canes produced winds that have been estimated to have through south winds. The entire harbor is subject to the reached at least minimal hurricane strength. The 1944 possibility of major storm surge flooding. The port of hurricane, Carol and the 1938 storm were the three. The Newport is located inside Narragansett Bay, which has 1938 storm was the worst as winds in the New London deep water anchorages within its confines. Although area were estimated at 78 to 87 knots. these anchorages are not well sheltered from winds, (201) In addition to strong winds, the hurricane brings they have proven hurricane haven properties for ships rough seas, heavy rains, and storm surges. New York’s able to steam at anchor. Lower Bay is subject to wave action due to an open quadrant, east through south, to the Atlantic. The size (204) Flooding associated with hurricane-induced high and depth of the bay also provide sufficient fetch for a tides is the principle threat to small craft in the area. strong wind to generate destructive waves. Deep ocean They should be hoisted and secured ashore above pro- swells approaching from the open quadrant would be jected flood levels whenever possible. Best protection is reduced by shoals at the entrance to Lower Bay, between inside some type of storage building to prevent possible Sandy Hook and Rockaway Point. Upper Bay, Newark damage by flying objects or to prevent the possibility of Bay, lower Hudson River and East River are subject to broken tie-downs in high winds. Local knowledge is the limited wave action. Long Island Sound is a deep water best guide to weathering a storm in small harbors. sound with a generous fetch in an east-west direction. New London Harbor is well protected from wave ac- Waves tion. Although a west wind can produce large seas in (205) In late March of 1984 a 968-mb Low off the New the Sound they are greatly reduced on entering the harbor channel. Within Narragansett Bay wave action Jersey coast generated a 33-foot (10.1 m) wave at Buoy is severely limited by short fetch for most wind direc- 44005 (42.7°N., 68.3°W) while Buoy 41002 (40.1°N., tions. Wave action generated within the Bay will create 73.0°W) measured a 47-foot (14.3 m) wave during Gloria minimal problems for ships at anchor if the scope of in September 1985. Systems similar to these are partly chain employed is set to give the best riding conditions. responsible for the rough seas encountered along this (202) Storm tides can produce a high water level, which coast from September through April. The Buoy closest in addition to inundating coastal areas, may allow wind to the area, 44003, (40.8°N., 68.5°W), in 10 years of op- waves to cause destruction in areas normally unaf- eration has measured a 29-foot (8.8 m) wave in February fected by waves. Combined storm surge and tide have and 25-foot (7.6 m) waves from October through April. produced water levels of over 10 feet (3 m) above mean It has been estimated that over the open waters along low water in the New York Harbor area and levels greater this coast maximum significant waves should reach than 15 feet (4.6 m) above mean low water in western 30 feet (9 m). The table below (extracted from Marine Long Island Sound. New London is one of the few east Weather of Western Washington. Kenneth E. Lilly, Jr., coast ports to have experienced a major storm surge in Commander, NOAA, Starpath School of Navigation, this century. The storm surge of September 21, 1938 1983) shows the relationship between significant and hit New London as an apparent tidal bore (wall of wa- other wave heights. ter) causing considerable destruction. This surge was (206) This table can be used to project a range of wave slightly greater than that expected once in a hundred heights that might be expected in deep water. If signifi- years and was likely due to the fast moving nature of cant wave heights of 10 feet (3 m) are forecast then the this hurricane. At Newport storm tides were measured most frequently observed waves should be 5- to 6-foot at 10.8 feet (3.3 m) above mean sea level during the 1938 (1.7 to 1.8 m) range while one wave in 100 should reach hurricane. The top winter extratropical storm produced 17 feet. a 6.0-ft (1.8 m) surge on the 30th of November, 1963. (207) A giant or rogue wave might reach 25 feet (7.6 m) in these circumstances. These rogue or “killer” waves occur when the large number of different waves that
176 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 make up a sea occasionally reinforce each other. This ship’s speed produces synchronism between the period action creates a wave that is much steeper and higher of encounter and the ship’s natural pitching period–this than the surrounding waves. These rogue waves often often occurs at or near normal ship speeds. occur in a stormy sea and are described by mariners who (211) When in running before a following sea, the great- have experienced them, as coming out of nowhere and est danger arises when speed is equal to that of the waves disappearing just as quickly. If significant wave heights or when the waves overtake the ship so slowly that an are observed at 20 feet (6.1 m) then a rogue wave could almost static situation is created with the vessel lying on reach 50 feet (15.2 m) if the water depth could support the wave crest. In this latter case stability is so reduced it. that a small vessel could capsize. Waves on the quarter or astern can also result in very poor steering quality. As Wave Heights from Significant Wave Heights (SWH) seas move along the vessel from aft to forward the rud- der is less effective and the boat may be slewed across the Most frequent wave heights 0.5 x SWH face of a sea filling the decks with water as she broaches. Average wave heights 0.6 x SWH She could lose her stability and capsize, particularly if Significant wave height the boat is trimmed by the head. (average height of highest 33%) 1.0 x SWH Height of highest 10% of the waves Winds One wave in 1,175 waves 1.3 x SWH (212) Migratory weather systems cause winds that fre- One wave in 300,000 waves 1.9 x SWH 2.5 x SWH quently change in strength and direction. In general winds are generally westerly but often take on a norther- (208) Rough sea conditions are usually generated by ly component in winter and a southerly one in summer. gales out of the northwest through northeast. Waves Strongest winds are generated by lows and cold fronts in greater than 8 feet (2.4 m) occur about 10 to 15 percent fall and winter and by fronts and thunderstorms during of the time in winter. From fall through spring, wave spring and summer. Extreme winds are usually associ- heights of more than 7 feet (2.1 m) frequently last one ated with a hurricane or severe northeaster and could day or more; in midwinter they often last 2 days or more. reach 125 knots. Sustained winds of 100 knots should In addition to coastal storms, cold fronts with rapidly occur about every 50 years on the average; gusts are shifting winds can create dangerous seas. usually about 30 percent higher. (213) In the open seas, away from the influence of land, (209) Steep waves are often more dangerous than high winds are stronger and less complex. From December waves with a gentle slope. Waves appear menacing when through March they are mainly out of the west through the ratio of wave height to length reaches about 1/18. north with gales occurring about 6 to 12 percent of the They begin to break when this ratio is about 1/10. Steep- time. Windspeeds, in general, increase with distance est waves develop when strong winds first begin to blow from the coast. If winds persist for a long time over a or early in a storm’s life. The ship no longer rides easily long fetch they will generate rough seas. Winter wind- but is slammed. Steep waves are particularly dangerous speeds of 20 knots or more persist for more than 12 to small craft. When wave heights are greater than 5 hours about 50 percent of the time; however these winds feet, periods of less than 6 seconds can create problems often shift and a new fetch is established. Summer winds for boats under 100 feet in length. Waves of 10 feet or are usually out of the south through southwest and more with periods of 6 to 10 seconds can affect comfort gales are infrequent. During the spring and fall winds in 100- to 200-foot (30.5 to 61 m) vessels. When wind are more variable. waves reach 20 feet they become hazardous to vessels (214) Coastal winds are complex since they are influ- under 200 feet in length and provide a rough ride for enced by the topography. Over land speeds are reduced. larger ships. Waves moving into shallow water become However channels and headlands can redirect the wind steeper and break when the depth is about 1.3 times and even increase the speed by funneling the wind. In the wave height. Areas such as Nantucket Shoal and general you will find southerly components in summer Georges Shoals are dangerous in heavy weather. Wave and northerly ones in winter. In sheltered waters like steepness is also increased by tidal currents, particularly Buzzard Bay, Narragansett Bay and the harbors of Long when they oppose the wind. Island Sound there are a large percentage of calms, par- ticularly during the morning hours. When the existing (210) Swells can create problems for larger vessels. About circulation is weak and there is a difference between one-half of the waves of 10 feet (3 m) or more, in these land and water temperature, a land-sea breeze circula- waters, are swells from distant storms. They are uncom- tion may be set up. As the land heats faster than the fortable to ships that roll or pitch in sympathy. Swells water, a sea breeze is established during the day; this with 500- to 1000-foot (152 to 305 m) wave lengths af- onshore flow may reach 15 knots or more. At night the fect ships of these lengths. When steaming into such land cools more rapidly often resulting in a weak breeze swells a resonance is set up until the bow digs into the off the land. In many locations the sea breeze serves to waves. The resulting pitch will cause more of a power reinforce the prevailing summer wind. loss than a roll caused by a sea. Swells with wave lengths that range from about three-fourths to twice the ship’s length can have this effect. Pitching is heaviest when the
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 177 Visibilities and is called severe. December, January and February (215) Fog, precipitation, smoke and haze all reduce vis- are the worst months. The potential for moderate icing exists about 5 to 10 percent of the time. ibilities. Fog is the most restrictive and persistent. It (222) In addition to sea spray, ice is also caused by freez- forms when warm, moist air moves across colder water, ing rain or drizzle and fog in freezing conditions. While when very cold air moves over warmer water, or when these two causes could create enough weight on the rig- moist air is cooled to near its dew point by radiation or ging to cause it to fall, this is minor in comparison with rainfall. These conditions can be triggered by a number the freezing spray hazard. Icing on the superstructure of weather situations. elevates the center of gravity, decreasing the metacen- (216) Prior to the arrival of a cold front there is often a tric height. It increases the sail area and heeling mo- warm, southerly flow of air across cool Gulf waters re- ment due to wind action. Its non-uniform distribution sulting in dense fog. Warm or stationary fronts can also changes the trim. It can hamper steerability and lower bring fog while rainfall from lows and fronts can create ship speed. Icing also creates hazardous deck condi- an evaporation fog. Along the coast radiation fog is com- tions. mon on clear, calm nights although it usually burns off (223) If you can’t avoid the weather conditions that during the morning hours. In the spring, coastal fog cause icing, experience and research have helped de- may occur near the mouths of rivers and streams that velop some guidelines. The first two courses of action are fed by cold snowmelt. when encountering potential icing conditions are to (217) Sea temperatures increase, in general, from north seek shelter from the sea and to steer towards warmer to south, but the variation is usually only a few degrees water. Once icing has begun it is prudent to slow down over open water. Close to the coast, water temperatures enough so that little or no spray is taken aboard. It is are usually warmer in summer and colder in winter also important to keep ice from building up by whatever than offshore readings. Water temperatures in summer means are available. This includes crewmen using tools range from about 66° to 74°F (18.9 to 23.3°C) while in or baseball bats to remove ice from the deck and super- winter the range is from about 34° to 37°F (1.1 to 2.8°C). structure. (218) Advection fog is most common in late spring and (224) Any effort to control the rate of accumulation will early summer when south and southwest winds bring buy time. In general heaving to with the bow into the warm humid air over the still-cold Labrador Current. wind and sea as much as possible and varying the course Near Georges Bank visibilities fall to less than 1 mile up slightly to ensure a minimum symmetrical build up is to 30 percent of the time. While these frequencies drop a good rule. However, experiments have shown that on to the southwest, fog remains a problem in this season. a trawler with its stern to the wind, loss of stability is (219) The areas along the coast, at the heads of bays only about one-half of that in the ahead condition. When within the rivers, may be comparatively clear while fog the wind is 30 degrees off the bow the loss of stability is is very thick outside. The frequency of fog over land 50 percent greater than in the ahead condition. Also ice and water is usually in opposition. Land fog is often accumulates more rapidly on the windward side causing most frequent in fall and winter compared to the spring a heeling into the wind. This listing is partially offset and summer maximum of sea fog. Consequently figures by the action of the wind so that a shift to a reciprocal for poor visibility at inland or sheltered harbors are no course after icing has built up could be disastrous. When guide to conditions at sea or in the approaches. ice builds up significantly it is important to remember that the removal of one ton of ice 50 feet from the ves- Superstructure Icing sel’s center of gravity is as effective as removing 10 tons (220) Heavy winter weather can cause ice to collect on of ice 5 feet above the center of gravity. ships sailing these waters. At its worst superstructure Optical Phenomena icing can sink a vessel. When air temperature drops be- (225) Optical phenomena range from electromagnetic low the freezing point of sea water (About 28.6°F) strong winds and rough seas will cause large amounts of sea displays to intricate geometrical patterns. The aurora spray to freeze to the superstructure and those parts of and Saint Elmo’s fire are electromagnetic displays. Ha- the hull that escape a frequent washing by the sea. Ice los, coronas, parhelia, sun pillars, and related effects amounts increase rapidly with falling air and sea tem- are optical phenomena associated with the refraction peratures as well as increasing windspeeds. The most and diffraction of light through suspended cloud par- dangerous conditions exist when gales last for several ticles; mirages, looming, and twilight phenomena such days in temperatures of 28°F or lower. The ice buildup as the “green flash” are associated with refraction of on a trawler can exceed 5 tons per hour. light through air of varying density. Occasionally, sun- (221) A moderate rate of ice accumulation usually oc- light is refracted simultaneously by cloud suspensions curs when air temperatures are equal to or less than and by dense layers of air producing complex symmetric 28°F with winds of 13 knots or more. When air tempera- patterns of light around the sun. A mirage is caused tures drop to 16°F or below and winds reach 30 knots or by refraction of light rays in a layer of air whose den- greater, ice collects more rapidly. On a 300- to 500-ton sity increases or decreases rapidly, near the surface. A vessel it would accumulate at more than 4 tons per hour
178 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 marked decrease in density with increasing altitude Thus, sunlight that is reflected from ice crystals is causes looming, towering, and superior mirages. Loom- transformed into sun pillars and parhelic circles. When ing occurs when objects appear to rise above their true both phenomena occur in combination they form the elevation. Objects below the horizon may actually be remarkable sun cross. Paricelenci circles are observed brought into view. This apparent effect often leads to with moonlight. a serious underestimation of horizontal distances. Un- (231) The auroral borealis (northern lights) and St. El- impressive landmarks, and distant ships may acquire mo’s fire are two types of electrical phenomena some- startling characteristics through apparent vertical times observed in this region. The zone of maximum stretching; this phenomenon is known as towering. A auroral frequency extends along the periphery of a 20- superior mirage is so named because of the appearance to 25- degree circle whose center is at the magnetic of an image above the actual object. Ships have been pole. Auroras are generally associated with moonless seen with an inverted image above and an upright image nights. An artificial maximum exists in winter because floating above that. of the longer hours of darkness. No conclusive evidence (226) Inferior mirages result from the upward bending is available to show that a seasonal variation in the fre- of light rays in an unstable air mass. This phenomenon quency of auroras exists. However, periods of intense is observed locally whenever a superheated land mass sunspot activity are reflected in a maximum occurrence or a wide expanse of open water is overrun by cold air. of this electrical phenomenon. Sinking below the horizon, of relatively close objects, (232) Generally auroras may be classified as having ei- may result in an overestimation of horizontal distances. ther a ray structure (rays, streams, draperies, corona) or Occasionally, a complicated vertical temperature distri- a nebulous appearance (homogeneous quiet arc, homo- bution may transform hilly coastlines into impressive geneous band, pulsating arcs, pulsating surfaces, diffuse walls of lofty pinnacles. This phenomenon is known as luminous surfaces, and feeble glow). Flaming auroras, Fata Morgana. On clear days, just as the upper rim of which fall in neither category, may be added to this list. the sun disappears below the horizon, green light is Moreover, auroras may remain uniformly red, green, sometimes refracted from the solar spectrum. This brief or purple, or assume a rapid succession of these colors. phenomenon is called the green flash. Brilliant shifting auroras are invariably accompanied by (227) Floating ice crystals (cirriform clouds, light snow magnetic storms and electrical interference with com- flakes, ice fog, or drifting snow) may cause the refrac- munications. tion of light into a variety of faintly colored arcs and ha- (233) St. Elmo’s fire is occasionally observed in this los. This phenomenon, which may be recognized from area, but because of its faintness it is most commonly the fact that the red band is closest to the light source, observed during the night hours and on dark overcast includes halos, arcs that open toward or away from the days. These eerie flickers of bluish light are usually sun, mock images, and various geometrical figures that caused by the unusual electrification of the snow-filled may be located in various parts of the sky with refer- air, which is most likely when the wind is strong. St. ences to the sun. Elmo’s fire is restricted to the tips of such objects as (228) Fogbows, resulting from refraction through sus- ship masts, wind vanes, and airplane wings. pended water particles, are seen in the region of the sky directly opposite from the sun, or the antisolar point. Dew Point These bows, although occasionally brilliantly colored, (234) The temperature at which condensation to water are normally seen as broad white bands with faintly col- ored borders. Rainbows are also observed. droplets occurs is called the dew point. If this dew point (229) When atmospheric particles are about equal in size is above freezing, condensation will be in the form of to the wavelength of light, diffraction is likely to oc- water. When the dew point reaches freezing, ice crystals cur. Diffractional phenomena frequently show proper- will be deposited on cold surfaces. Knowledge of the ties similar to those of refraction except for the rever- dew point along with cargo temperature and moisture sal in the spectrum colors, violet now being closest to content is vital for hold ventilation decisions. It is also the source of light. The Brocken bow, or glory, appears a parameter used in forecasting fog formation. on clouds or fog banks as a colored ring around the projected shadow of the observers head. The solar and Cargo Care lunar coronas, which are observed only through high (235) When free air has a dew point temperature higher clouds, resemble the halo except that they may assume increasingly larger diameters as the size of the particles than the temperature of the surface with which it comes decrease. When the light from the sun or the moon in contact, the air is often cooled sufficiently below its is diffracted by cirrus or cirrostratus, iridescence may dew point to release moisture. When this happens on sharply delineate the outline of clouds in brilliant green, board ship, condensation will take place on relatively blue, pink, orange, or purple. cold cargo or on the ship’s structure within the hold (230) Refraction of sunlight takes place whenever the where it later drips onto the cargo. Thus, if cargo is intervening particles are larger than the wavelength. stowed in a cool climate and the vessel sails into warmer waters, ventilation of the hold with outside air will likely lead to sweat damage in any cargo sensitive to moisture.
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 179 Under such conditions external ventilation should, as size and shape of berg, sea surface temperature, and a rule, be closed off entirely, unless the cargo gener- concentration and thickness of sea ice. Reports can be ates internal heat, that hazard being greater than sweat sent to COMINTICEPAT NEW LONDON CT through damage. In the opposite case, when a vessel is loaded INMARSAT-C: Code 42. There is no charge for iceberg during a warm period, and moves into cooler weather, reports made using Code 42. vulnerable cargo should be ventilated. (243) The IIP Operations Center can be reached by tele- (236) A safe rule for ventilation directed toward moisture phone at 860-271-2626/877-423-7287, or via the Coast control may be stated as follows: Whenever accurate Guard Atlantic Area Operations Center at 757-398- measurements show the outside air has a dew point be- 6700. low the dew point of the air surrounding the cargo to (244) A radio facsimile chart of the area depicting 1200Z be protected, such outside air is capable of removing ice distribution is broadcast three times daily. A list of moisture from the hold and the ventilation process can the radio stations broadcasting IIP Bulletins and fre- be safely started. Whenever the reverse is true, and the quencies and times of broadcasts is published annually outside dew point is higher than the dew point tempera- in Local Notices to Mariners of the First Coast Guard ture around the cargo, then ventilation will increase the District and in Radio Navigational Aids, Pub. 117, issued moisture content of the hold and may readily result in by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. sweating within the ship. The above does not take into (245) The IIP seeks comment on its services to mariners, account possible fumes or gases in the compartment. particularly on the effectiveness of the times and fre- In such cases discretion must be used. quencies of radio transmissions. Mariners are requested to mail facsimile charts received at sea to: Ice (246) International Ice Patrol, 1 Chelsea Street, New (237) (Refer to discussion under ports affected.) London, CT 06320. The frequency used, time of receipt, (238) During some winter months or when threatened by and vessel position at time of receipt should be indi- cated. Additional customer comments can be directed icing conditions, lighted buoys may be removed from to IIP Customer Service at 877-423-7287. station or replaced by unlighted buoys; unlighted buoys, daybeacons and lights on marine sites also may be re- Sizes of Icebergs moved. (See Light List.) (239) The International Ice Patrol (IIP) was formed in Size Height Length 1914 to patrol the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, to detect icebergs, and to warn mariners of their location. Growler (G) (feet) (meters) (feet) (meters) Under the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Conven- Small (S) tion, 17 member-nations agree to share the $5 million 0-3 0-1 0-19 0-5 annual cost of operating the patrol. The U.S. Coast Medium (M) Guard conducts the patrol and maintains IIP records. Large (L) 4-50 1-15 20-200 6-60 (240) The IIP is coordinated from its operations center at New London, Connecticut. Its staff numbers 16, in- 51-150 16-45 201-400 61-122 cluding Coast Guard and civil service specialists. The ice season typically runs from February through July, 151+ 46+ 401+ 123+ but can last longer. Flying out of St. John’s, Newfound- land, USCG aircraft cover the ice danger area, a piece of Types of Icebergs water twice the size of the State of Texas. Its southern boundary is the latitude of New York City and it reaches Shape Description halfway across the Atlantic with Newfoundland on the Blocky northwest and Greenland and Iceland on its north and Steep sides with flat top. Very solid. Length-height northeast. A normal flight lasts seven hours and can Tilted Blocky ratio less than 5:1. cover 35,000 square miles. (241) Once sighted, a berg’s location, size and shape are Drydock Blocky iceberg which has tilted to present a triangu- entered into a computer drift model, used until the berg lar shape from the side. is re-sighted or melts. The IIP attempts to locate and Pinnacled track all icebergs south of the 50th parallel, and particu- Dome Eroded such that a large U-shaped slot is formed larly those south of 48°N., which may be hazardous to Tabular with twin columns. Slot extends into or near navigation near the Grand Banks. When sighting data waterline. is entered into the drift program, predicted positions of bergs are calculated for 1200 UTC. Large central spiral or pyramid. (242) All shipping is requested to assist the IIP by report- ing all sightings of ice at once to the IIP through any Large round smooth top. Solid-type iceberg. U.S. or Canadian Coast Guard communications station. Ice sightings reports should include: precise position, Flat-topped iceberg with length-height ratio greater than 5:1. Principal Ports (247) The principal deep-draft commercial ports within the area of this Coast Pilot are: New Bedford and Fall River, MA; Tiverton and Providence, RI; New London and Bridgeport, CT; New York, Albany and Port Jeffer- son, NY; and Elizabeth and Newark, NJ. (248) Other deep-draft facilities are located on Cape Cod Canal; Narragansett Bay; off Northville and Northport, NY, on Long Island Sound; and on the Hudson River between New York City and Albany, NY.
180 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Volume 2 Pilotage Small-craft facilities (249) Pilotage, with few minor exceptions, is compulsory (257) There are numerous places where fuel, supplies, re- for all foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register pairs, slips for dockage, and launching ramps are avail- entering and departing the Port of New York and New able for small craft. For the various towns and isolated Jersey and other ports within the area of this Coast Pilot, places, the Coast Pilot includes generalized information and for all such vessels transiting Block Island Sound, about marine facilities; details are given in the series of Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound. (See 207.20, small-craft charts published for many places. chapter 2, for Pilotage Regulations on the Cape Cod (258) A vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in Canal.) length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage (250) Pilotage is optional for coastwise vessels that have of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow on board a pilot properly licensed by the Federal Gov- channel or fairway. (Navigation Rules, International- ernment for the waters which the vessel travels. Inland Rule 9(b).) (251) Arrangements for pilots should be made by the ships’ agents at least 24 hours in advance at all of the Standard Time ports. New York is the only port at which the pilot boat (259) The area covered by this Coast Pilot uses eastern remains on station. Detailed information on pilotage procedures is given in the text for the ports concerned. standard time (e.s.t.), which is 5 hours slow of Green- wich mean time (G.m.t.). Example: When it is 1000 at Towage Greenwich it is 0500 at New York City. (252) Tugs are available at all major ports; they can usu- Daylight saving time ally be obtained for the smaller ports on advance no- (260) Throughout the area of this Coast Pilot, clocks are tice if none are available locally. Arrangements for tugs should be made in advance through ships’ agents or the advanced 1 hour on the second Sunday of March and pilots. (See the text for the ports concerned as to the are set back to standard time on the first Sunday of availability of tugs.) November. Vessel Arrival Inspections Legal public holidays (253) Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricul- (261) New Year’s Day, January 1; Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tural quarantine officials are stationed in most major Birthday, third Monday in January; Washington’s Birth- U.S. ports. (See Appendix A for addresses.) Vessels sub- day, third Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Mon- ject to such inspections generally make arrangements day in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first in advance through ships’ agents. Unless otherwise di- Monday in September; Columbus Day, second Monday rected, officials usually board vessels at their berths. in October; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving (254) Harbormasters, where appointed, are mentioned Day, fourth Thursday in November; and Christmas Day, in the text. They usually have charge of the anchorage December 25. The national holidays are observed by em- and berthage of vessels. ployees of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia, and may not be observed by all the States in Supplies every case. (255) General supplies, including fuel oil, diesel oil and (262) In addition, the following holidays are also ob- served in the States covered by this Coast Pilot: fuel, gasoline, water, and marine supplies are available (263) Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12: CT, NJ, and NY. at the principal ports. Similar items but in more limited (264) Evacuation Day, March 17: MA, Boston and Suffolk quantities can be obtained at many places mentioned County only. under descriptions of the different ports. (265) Good Friday: CT and NJ. (266) Patriots Day, third Monday in April: MA. Repairs-salvage-wrecking (267) Rhode Island Independence Day, May 4: RI. (256) Complete facilities for large vessels are available in (268) Bunker Hill Day, June 17: MA, Boston and Suffolk County only. New York Harbor. The extent and types of facilities at (269) Victory Day, second Monday in August: RI. other places are shown in the text under the description (270) General Election Day, first Tuesday after the first of the ports. Monday in November: NJ, NY, and RI.
Chapter 3 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 181 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.1 -- 13203 Georges Shoal (outer coast) 41°42'N/67°46'W 4.5 4.3 0.2 -- 13203 Davis Bank, Nantucket Shoals 41°08'N/69°39'W 1.5 1.3 -- 0.2 13237 Hyannis Port, Nantucket Sound 41°38'N/70°18'W 3.8 3.5 13237 Siasconset, Nantucket Island 41°16'N/69°58'W 1.3 1.2 13237 Wasque Point, Chappaquiddick Island 41°22'N/70°27'W 1.2 1.1 13237 Nantucket, Nantucket Island 41°17'N/70°06'W 3.6 3.2 * 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 August 2011
182 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 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°
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 183 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod vessels and right whales. When right whales are present and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: December through May), the southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. NOAA recommends that mariners use these routes and Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Har- take the precautionary measures recommended in bor, and the other numerous fishing and yachting cen- chapter 3 to reduce the risk of ship strikes. (See North ters along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for Nantucket Sound. more information on right whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions with whales.) Caution: COLREGS Demarcation Lines Full bottom coverage surveys have not been conducted (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are within the entire route, so uncharted dangers may exist. (6) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall (L.O.A.) described in 80.135 and 80.145, chapter 2. and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Cape Cod Chart 13246 Bay Seasonal Management Area between January 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cape Cod Bay (3) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the east- with a northern boundary of 42°41'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to erly extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the 42°12'W., thence due west back to shore. The restriction mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then applies to a Seasonal Management Area off Race Point extends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms between March 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the the southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the waters bounded by: northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern (7) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W.; shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, (8) 42°12'N., 70°12'W.; forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the Cape, (9) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well settled (10) 42°30'N., 70°30'W.; and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, with high (11) 42°30'N., 69°45'W.; bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. The portion (12) 41°41'N., 69°45'W.; thence due west to the shore. of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape Cod Canal is (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limi- known as the Upper Cape. This region is wooded and is tations, and exceptions.) well settled by numerous towns and villages. Currents Area to be avoided (4) The tidal current velocities between Race Point (13) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship and Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to strikes to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be less than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham avoided was established in the Great South Channel, Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and east of the Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of gross tons and above should avoid the area bounded by current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb lines connecting the following geographical positions: occurring about 2 hours later off Nauset Beach Light (14) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; than off Chatham Light. (15) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; (16) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and North Atlantic Right Whales (17) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of (5) Federally designated critical habitat for the endan- April 1 through July 31. gered North Atlantic right whale lies within Cape Cod Chart 13249 Bay (See 50 CFR 226.101 and 226.203, chapter 2, for habitat boundary). It is illegal to approach closer than (18) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR 224.103(c), northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter chapter 2, for limits and regulation.) Recommended of about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the At- Two-Way Whale Avoidance Routes and a Recommend- lantic Coast, having a sizable anchorage area in depths ed Two-Way Whale Avoidance Track have been charted of 12 to 60 feet with excellent holding ground. Coasters within Cape Cod Bay to reduce interactions between
184 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 and fishermen find protection here in gales from any (28) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for direction. about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area should (19) The historical town of Provincetown, on the north- be given a berth of at least 2 miles. Keeping in a depth western side of the harbor, is at the site of the first land- of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles off the ing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and eastern side of Cape Cod. hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. En- gine repairs are available by arrangement. Chart 13246 (20) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pil- (29) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves grim Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for the water; two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of bare and another is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monu- sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes begin to ment. A 2,500-foot stone breakwater is about 300 yards be covered with a brownish-looking growth of grass, southeastward of the end of the town pier (MacMillan and the land is higher as the Highlands are approached. Wharf). The east and west ends of the breakwater are The water shoals somewhat abruptly within 0.5 mile of each marked by a light. Strangers should exercise cau- the shore and care must be taken not to go inside the tion when operating in the area. Numerous fishing ves- 10-fathom curve. sels work out of Provincetown during the year. During the summer, floats are set out that are capable of moor- (30) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 ing vessels up to 40 feet. Larger vessels must tie up feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white at permanent piers. Anchorage inside the breakwater tower with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff is reported to be fair to poor, mud bottom with much of the Highlands. debris. The marina close southwest of MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 mooring buoys on the west side of the (31) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated tow- harbor. er, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar domes on (21) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Highland Light. the control of the harbormaster, who has an office at the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors (32) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 VHF-FM channel 16, 24 hours a day. miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The (22) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established terrain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. a fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N., From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance the 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of the area extending about 100 yards around the piers in shore. Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this fairway. (33) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland (23) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore mile southwest of the town pier. about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light (24) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard in South Wellfleet. pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while navigating in the area. (34) Nauset Beach Light (41°51'36\"N., 69°57'12\"W.), (25) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. Com- 120 feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot coni- plete information about the harbors and ports in Cape cal tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Pilot 1, on the beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. Coast Guard station, about 1 mile south of the light, are conspicuous. Charts 13249, 13246 (35) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradu- (26) Between Wood End (42°01'12\"N., 70°11'19\"W.) ally southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and and Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, becomes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently shoals that rise abruptly from deep water extend a maxi- back from the beach and is covered with a scanty growth mum of about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light of grass. (42°03'44\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on the northwest point of (36) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach Cape Cod. Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of the harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers (27) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth are present in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and of 11 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. even during the calmest weather. The area is extremely dangerous for any vessel larger than a runabout or for anyone without local knowledge. Strangers should never attempt to enter. A cluster of houses is on Nau- set Heights south of the entrance, where the ground is somewhat higher than the land just northward. (37) The harbor has three arms extending northward into Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 185 and Salt Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is the west side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles about 2 miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private long and used by small-craft. The passage, marked by seasonal buoys mark the channel from the entrance to private, seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break Town Cove. A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile through Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, from the head of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, Little Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House berths, marine supplies, and a concrete ramp are avail- Pond. The channel requires local knowledge. able. Craft to 25 feet can be handled for hull or engine repairs, or dry open or covered storage. In 1981, depths No-Discharge Zone of 4 feet were reported alongside the service dock. (44) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (38) Nauset Beach, on the barrier island east of North Chatham, is continually changing due to the effects the Environmental Protection Agency, has established of erosion and shifting sands. Waves wash across the a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of beach into the sound in several places during periods Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor. The NDZ includes the of high water. There is a break in the beach centered municipal waters of Chatham, Harwich, Brewster, and in approximately 41°42'16\"N., 69°55'47\"W. The break is Orleans (see chart 13248 for limits). unmarked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided (45) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether by those without local knowledge. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by Charts 13248, 13246 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (39) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of Chatham Harbor. A conspicuous standpipe with (46) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern a red and white checkered band around the top is at Island and Chatham; a fish pier is in the basin. The 41°41'38\"N., 69°58'30\"W. Chatham Light (41°40'17\"N., area is subject to frequent changes. Commercial fishing 69°57'01\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from boats operate from the cove. The harbormaster can be a white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. contacted on VHF-FM channel 16. Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. (47) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Har- (40) Chatham Harbor can be entered east of Chatham bor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A Light. Shoals are constantly shifting in the entrance small-craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, and extreme caution is advised. Currents are extremely about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching strong and dangerous; surf can build up quickly on the ramp is close westward of the facility. Private seasonal outer bar during an ebb tide. Ocean waves carry into the aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the harbor and reportedly break as far north as Tern Island. town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. Anchoring and even mooring in much of Chatham Har- A forklift at the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. bor is not recommended. Mariners unfamiliar with the Gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, moorings, and area are advised to stay east of Chatham Beach Lighted storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs Whistle Buoy C (41°39'12\"N., 69°55'30\"W.). can be made. In 1981, a reported depth of 3 feet could be carried to the small-craft facility. (41) Chatham Inlet Bar Guide Light (41°40'18\"N., 69°57'00\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from a (48) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond white skeleton tower near Chatham Light. A white (with and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club orange border) and diamond-shaped dayboard worded on the north side. ROUGH BAR is on the light. The light will be activated when the seas exceed 2 feet in height and are consid- (49) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay ered hazardous for small boats. Small-boat operators has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination are cautioned, however, that if the light is not flashing antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is it is no guarantee that sea conditions are favorable. conspicuous. (42) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what (50) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Little shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy Is- Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private seasonal land. There is no marked channel through the shoals. buoys. Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These (51) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles north- shoals are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in the ward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the west vicinity should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south side of Namequoit Point. (43) The passage inside the barrier beach from Cha- tham Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on (52) Namequoit River leads westward from the head of Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In 1981, depths of 2 feet were reported in Namequoit River, and the 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 rail- way, a 2-ton crane, moorings, water, marine supplies,
186 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 a launching ramp, and storage facilities; hull, rigging, Chart 13244 and sail repairs can be made. (53) An arm, known as The River, extends northward (58) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direction to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys partially and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from Mono- mark the channel from The River to the pond. A town moy Point, the northeast entrance point of Nantucket landing and launching ramp are on the north side of the Sound. Narrow sloughs separate the many parts of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility is on shoals. It should be remembered that the shoals are the north side of the pond. In 1981, depths of 4 feet were shifting in character and are subject to change in loca- reported in the channel to the pond. A hydraulic trailer tion and depth. at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. Berths and moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, water, ice, a (59) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is launching ramp, and storage facilities are available; hull off Monomoy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. and engine repairs can be made. A town ramp is on the Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while east side of the pond southeastward of the small-craft navigating in the area. facility. (60) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 Chart 13237 miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. (54) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of Cape Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of Martha’s Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard Sound on the (61) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, west to provide an inside passage. Nantucket Sound has is eastward of Pollock Rip. a length of about 23 miles in an east-west direction and a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the eastern entrance and (62) Stone Horse Shoal, Little Round Shoal, and Great within the sound are numerous shoals. Between these Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of sand shoals are well-marked channels making the navigation shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These shoals are of these waters comparatively easy for powered vessels directly eastward of the entrance to Nantucket Sound and also sailing vessels with a fair wind. The shoals at and between the two main channels. Southward and the eastern entrance are subject to considerable shifting eastward of these shoals are numerous shoal spots, in- while those inside are somewhat stable. Boulders are cluding Orion Shoal, covered 16 to 19 feet. along the shores. (63) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles south- (55) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vine- westward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to 18 feet. yard Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles southwest provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft to of the point. On the northwest side the water shoals avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used principally gradually and soundings will indicate an approach to by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navigational danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises abrupt- aids are colored and numbered for passing through the ly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is uneven sound from the eastward. and shifting in character. Vessels should not attempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the southern end (56) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and and southeast side of the shoal. southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore Chart 13237 of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and baf- fling tidal currents which set over them, their naviga- (64) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- tion in thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These two principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; Shoal, comparatively easy. For the purpose of descrip- caution must be exercised in this area. tion Great Round Shoal Channel will be considered as the dividing line between Monomoy and Nantucket (65) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket Shoals. 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 (57) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Deep- Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A lighted Cod. These areas may be marked by private lights. bell buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the 22-foot spot. (66) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west-southwest- ward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 feet. Its northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A shoal, covered 28 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between this
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 187 shoal and the shoal making out southwestward from controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great Round Halfmoon Shoal. Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. Great Round Shoal and (67) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in Great Round Shoal Channel are subject to continual places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked change. 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. (74) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads south- (68) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge ward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip Channel, Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the fairway the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and thence end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The channel is the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little used by most of the vessels bound through Nantucket warning of approaching dangers. The main channel Sound and is well marked by navigational aids. With passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried through the Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west channel, but the draft of the vessels using it seldom ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on exceeds 24 feet. its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. (69) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound (75) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., are discussed with the land features near them. 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip Shoal. Channels (70) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into (76) North Channel leads along the north side of Nan- tucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through Pollock northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the southerly one and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between the nu- and through one of the openings in the shoals westward merous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two well-marked of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This chan- channels leading to the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. nel is used mostly by craft bound to points on the north Muskeget Channel, discussed later in this chapter, leads shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound through into the sound from the southward, eastward of Chap- the sound during northerly winds or in winter when the paquiddick Island. prevailing northerly winds keep the north shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least depth in the channel Chart 13244 is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted buoys mark the channel. (71) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the Anchorages most direct channel leading from points northward of (77) Sailing vessels working through the sound against Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if of Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may becalmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to be encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and anchor and wait for a favorable current or change of small craft should avoid the area during thick or foggy wind. The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot weather. The channel is well marked by navigational draft that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket aids. Mariners should consult the chart and seek lo- Harbor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. cal knowledge before entering Pollock Rip Channel Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, is and Butler Hole because numerous shoals exist in this exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds the channel. Caution is advised when transiting the area. best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, and along the north shore. The anchorage off Falmouth is (72) Submerged piling, the remains of the former used in most winds by vessels with good ground tackle. Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3 In easterly winds vessels sometimes anchor in smooth mile southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned light- water westward of Handkerchief Shoal or inside Great house about 1.2 miles northward of the point is promi- Point. Good shelter from easterly winds can also be nent. found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown Harbor and (73) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles south- Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. With the aid of ward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large fish- the chart and the directions given under the discussion ing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New Bed- of these harbors, strangers can enter the anchorages. ford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats that (78) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket Sound are headed by the wind so as to prevent their working and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and 110.140(c) through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel has a
188 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 (3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and (87) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the regulations.) flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. Routes (88) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western (79) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal Current Tables. rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which may be encountered in the narrow parts of the chan- (89) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the nel through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average more than ordinary care when in these waters. velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average mini- (80) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are read- mum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface ily distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable agitation caused by upwelling may be observed across a stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The the 10-fathom contour east of the entrance to Great strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip Round Shoal Channel. (See Tidal Current Tables for Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy predictions.) 8 and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West Chop. In some places the current sets directly on (90) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes to the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of the current becomes gradually later; the average velocity at shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bottom is strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be depended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels with a fa- Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity vorable current and with some local knowledge beat (91) Winter winds and waves along with spring and through the sound against a head wind in clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they come to anchor early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these within the prescribed anchorages under the lee of one waters. From October through March gales can be ex- of the shoals, or in one of the harbors until the wind or pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- current changes. quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and (81) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desir- current interactions can also create problems. The most ing to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand severe of these is found at the west entrance to the Cape westward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the tide Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Beach Lighted Whistle ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest wind. Buoy C. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 Another well known “rough spot” is the West Chop off fathoms about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a maximum Pollock Rip. ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here and when (82) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set up. are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly (92) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- from November through February. In the shallow por- rents. tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but (83) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- waves may break before reaching these heights. nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should (93) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm wait for a favorable tide. air over cool water, is most frequent from April through (84) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warning shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of bells and horns may be difficult to discern accurately. Halfmoon Shoal. (94) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are (85) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. night. Pilotage, Nantucket Sound Currents (95) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (86) The Tidal Current Tables contain detailed current gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 information for many locations in this area. gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carry- ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., New- port, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours),
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 189 N Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@ northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- nemarinepilots.com. land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore (96) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach port of their departure. to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of Nantucket Sound. (102) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 (97) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, nar- the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side row spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes of the entrance to Stage Harbor. anchor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to (103) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching 6 fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the sound. Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. (98) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine Pro- (104) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from tected Area (MPA), extends 1 mile offshore from Mono- Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. moy and Morris Islands. The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is subject to shoaling. In 2010, the controlling depth in (99) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in the entrance channel was 3.0 feet (8.0 feet at midchan- the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood nel) except shoaling to 0.1 foot along the right outside current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. limit and 5.8 feet at midchannel near Harding Beach Point. (100) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and (105) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal the north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that marked by buoys. has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in the open position the bascule span will overhang the Chart 13229 (101) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend
190 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 Saquatucket Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy Island. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, Approaching from the westward pass either side of Bish- for drawbridge regulations.) op and Clerks and thence southward of the seasonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal covered Anchorage 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chatham (106) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in range. be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, good This course will lead about 500 yards southeastward holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for small of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the buoy craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft can find marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern side a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor Light. An No-Discharge Zone anchorage may be had northward of the approach buoy (107) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continuing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance buoys about the Environmental Protection Agency, has established 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor Light. The a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Stage Harbor Com- channel is well marked. plex. The area covered includes Stage Harbor, north of a line drawn across its mouth at Nantucket Sound, and the following tributaries: Little Mill Pond, Mill Pond, Mitchell River, Oyster Pond River, and Oyster Pond (see (110) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. chart 13229 for limits). (111) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each (108) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by ing one. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (112) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite Routes Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River (109) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- trance to the river. southward should pass westward of Handkerchief Shoal
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 191 (113) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the harbor and of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are conspicu- on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine ous. railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet (118) In 1994, the reported controlling depth across for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- the bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel has a age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is subject to diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known locally as are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 feet with marina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet good holding ground. of water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facili- (119) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on ties, some marine supplies and a launching ramp are the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on also available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the chan- nel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump- (114) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for out station, marine supplies, and storage facilities are about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A patrol 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol boat Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. The harbor- the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend master who supervises Wychmere Harbor has his office in 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a town at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by telephone wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 mile (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or local condi- and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are two tions. boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway at (120) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gaso- Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An ramps, berthage, and moorings are available. elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- mark. (115) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- (121) In 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance bor Light, is used only at high water by small local craft. channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the The entrance between the jetties was reported to have channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small craft. 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham Radio (122) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of the of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet along- jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats side. A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. of the harbor has a 7-ton forklift and a hydraulic trailer that can handle craft up to 34 feet for hull, engine and (116) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles electronic repairs. Open and covered storage, electric- westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel ity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the marine supplies and a launching ramp are available. In head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. 2008, the reported alongside depth was 5 feet. The har- In 2009, the controlling depth was 5.2 feet at midchan- bormaster who supervises Allen Harbor has his office nel to the anchorage basin, thence 4.8 to 6.0 feet in the at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by telephone basin, except for lesser depths along the edges. In 1993, (508-430-7532) for local information. a submerged obstruction was reported about 10 yards (123) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the channel, and a light has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- marks the outer end of the east jetty. A marina is on the mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, north side of the anchorage basin. Berths, electricity, between two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The gasoline, water, ice, a pump-out station, and a launch- approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the ing ramp are available. In 2008, an approach depth of 6 outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- feet was reported at the marina berths with an alongside sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth depth of 10 feet. The marina monitors VHF-FM channel was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in 68. The harbormaster here also supervises Wychmere the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft Harbor, Allen Harbor, Herring River, and Round Cove drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile in Pleasant Bay. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in these above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- areas. The harbormaster can be contacted by telephone ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about (508-430-7532). 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained (117) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded en- trance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is hook- 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
192 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 No-Discharge Zone bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, (124) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be the Environmental Protection Agency, has established made. a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal regions of (133) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the the Town of Harwich. The NDZ includes major harbors river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South and contiguous beaches between and including Allen, Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 Wychmere, and Saquatucket harbors and to the Herring feet vertical. River (see chart 13229 for limits). (134) In 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet could be (125) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether carried at high water to a marina and boatyard on Kel- treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. lys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and highway Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out craft to 28 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and berths are avail- able. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported at the boatyard. (126) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring (135) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River just above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. West Jetty Light 11. The area around the breakwater and northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low water (127) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A fish west jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles south- haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles south ward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a private marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the breakwater. from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light through (136) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower part of is entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles the river, and thence to the highway bridge at South northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge has a 25- the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The entrance obtained before entering the river. In 2000, the entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over the bar channel had a reported controlling depth of 4.1 feet. are subject to shoaling. In 2001, the dredged entrance The entrance is reported to shoal quickly after dredging. channel had a reported controlling depth of 4.6 feet to A fixed highway bridge crosses the river about 1 mile the river mouth, just inside the jetties; thence in 1981, above the entrance. the river channel had a reported depth of 5 feet to South (137) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the bridge at South Dennis. in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An unnamed In 1992, severe shoaling was reported across the mouth creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads westward of the river. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel to 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter the creek Follins Pond, about 6.1 miles above the mouth. only at high water. Small craft may enter the pond but there are no moorings or services available. A marina (128) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river is on the east side of the river just below the highway between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 bridge; berths are available. miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a (138) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward clearance of 15 feet. of Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, (129) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. is marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, (130) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was water extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle reported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted Club is at the head of the lagoon. buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the (131) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, up to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and and covered storage. Electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles south- water, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station and a southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets Rock. launching ramp are available. In 2008, 6 feet was re- ported alongside the dock. The marina monitors VHF- FM channel 16. Town landings and launching ramps are on both sides of the river at and below the bridge. (132) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the
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