Cape Cod To Sandy Hook ■ Chapter 3 ■ 193 the size of the State of Texas. Its southern boundary is SHAPE TYPES OF ICEBERGS the latitude of New York City and it reaches halfway Blocky across the Atlantic with Newfoundland on the north- Tilted Blocky DESCRIPTION west and Greenland and Iceland on its north and north- east. A normal flight lasts seven hours and can cover Drydock Steep sides with flat top. Very solid. 35,000 square miles. Pinnacled Length-height ratio less than 5:1. (241) Once sighted, a berg’s location, size and shape are Dome entered into a computer drift model, used until the Tabular Blocky iceberg which has tilted to present berg is re-sighted or melts. The IIP attempts to locate a triangular shape from the side. and track all icebergs south of the 50th parallel, and particularly those south of 48°N., which may be haz- Eroded such that a large U-shaped slot is ardous to navigation near the Grand Banks. When formed with twin columns. Slot extends sighting data is entered into the drift program, pre- into or near waterline. dicted positions of bergs are calculated for 1200 UTC. (242) All shipping is requested to assist the IIP by report- Large central spiral or pyramid. ing all sightings of ice at once to the IIP through any U.S. or Canadian Coast Guard communications station. Large round smooth top. Solid-type ice- Ice sightings reports should include: precise position, berg. size and shape of berg, sea surface temperature, and concentration and thickness of sea ice. Reports can be Flat-topped iceberg with length-height sent to COMINTICEPAT GROTON CT through ratio greater than 5:1. INMARSAT-C: Code 42. There is no charge for iceberg reports made using Code 42. Principal Ports (243) The IIP Operations Center can be reached by tele- (247) The principal deep-draft commercial ports within phone at 860-441-2626, or via the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Operations Center at 757-398-6231. the area of this Coast Pilot are: New Bedford and Fall (244) A radio facsimile chart of the area depicting 1200Z River, Mass.; Tiverton and Providence, R.I.; New Lon- ice distribution is broadcast three times daily. A list of don and Bridgeport, Conn.; New York, Albany and Port the radio stations broadcasting IIP Bulletins and fre- Jefferson, N.Y.; and Elizabeth and Newark, N.J. quencies and times of broadcasts is published annually (248) Other deep-draft facilities are located on Cape Cod in Local Notices to Mariners of the First Coast Guard Canal; Narragansett Bay; off Northville and Northport, District and in Radio Navigational Aids, Pub. 117, is- N.Y., on Long Island Sound; and on the Hudson River sued by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. between New York City and Albany, N.Y. (245) The IIP seeks comment on its services to mariners, particularly on the effectiveness of the times and fre- Pilotage quencies of radio transmissions. Mariners are re- (249) Pilotage, with few minor exceptions, is compulsory quested to mail facsimile charts received at sea to: (246) International Ice Patrol, 1082 Shennecossett Road, for all foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register Groton, CT 06340-6095. The frequency used, time of entering and departing the Port of New York and New receipt, and vessel position at time of receipt should be Jersey and other ports within the area of this Coast Pi- indicated. Additional customer comments can be di- lot, and for all such vessels transiting Block Island rected to IIP Customer Service at 877-423-7287. Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound. (See 207.20, chapter 2, for Pilotage Regulations on the Cape Cod Canal.) (250) Pilotage is optional for coastwise vessels that have on board a pilot properly licensed by the Federal Gov- ernment for the waters which the vessel travels. (251) Arrangements for pilots should be made by the ships’ agents at least 24 hours in advance at all of the ports. New York is the only port at which the pilot boat remains on station. Detailed information on pilotage procedures is given in the text for the ports concerned. SIZES OF ICEBERGS Towage (252) Tugs are available at all major ports; they can usu- SIZE HEIGHT LENGTH ally be obtained for the smaller ports on advance notice (feet) (meters) (feet) (meters) if none are available locally. Arrangements for tugs should be made in advance through ships’ agents or the Growler (G) 0-3 0-1 0-19 0-5 pilots. (See the text for the ports concerned as to the availability of tugs.) Small (S) 4-50 1-15 20-200 6-60 Medium (M) 51-150 16-45 201-400 61-122 Large (L) 151+ 46+ 401+ 123+
194 ■ Chapter 3 ■ Volume 2 Vessel Arrival Inspections Greenwich mean time (G.m.t.). Example: When it is (253) Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricul- 1000 at Greenwich it is 0500 at New York City. tural quarantine officials are stationed in most major Daylight saving time U.S. ports. (See Appendix A for addresses.) Vessels sub- (260) Throughout the area of this Coast Pilot, clocks are ject to such inspections generally make arrangements in advance through ships’ agents. Unless otherwise di- advanced 1 hour on the second Sunday of March and rected, officials usually board vessels at their berths. are set back to standard time on the first Sunday of No- (254) Harbormasters, where appointed, are mentioned vember. in the text. They usually have charge of the anchorage and berthage of vessels. Legal public holidays (261) New Year’s Day, January 1; Martin Luther King, Supplies (255) General supplies, including fuel oil, diesel oil and Jr.’s Birthday, third Monday in January; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Memorial Day, last fuel, gasoline, water, and marine supplies are available Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, at the principal ports. Similar items but in more lim- first Monday in September; Columbus Day, second ited quantities can be obtained at many places men- Monday in October; Veterans Day, November 11; tioned under descriptions of the different ports. Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; and Christmas Day, December 25. The national holidays are Repairs-salvage-wrecking observed by employees of the Federal Government and (256) Complete facilities for large vessels are available in the District of Columbia, and may not be observed by all the States in every case. New York Harbor. The extent and types of facilities at (262) In addition, the following holidays are also ob- other places are shown in the text under the descrip- served in the States covered by this Coast Pilot: tion of the ports. (263) Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12: Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Small-craft facilities (264) Evacuation Day, March 17: Massachusetts, Boston (257) There are numerous places where fuel, supplies, and Suffolk County only. (265) Good Friday: Connecticut and New Jersey. repairs, slips for dockage, and launching ramps are (266) Patriots Day, third Monday in April: Massachusetts. available for small craft. For the various towns and iso- (267) Rhode Island Independence Day, May 4: Rhode Is- lated places, the Coast Pilot includes generalized infor- land. mation about marine facilities; details are given in the (268) Bunker Hill Day, June 17: Massachusetts, Boston series of small-craft charts published for many places. and Suffolk County only. (258) A vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in (269) Victory Day, second Monday in August: Rhode Is- length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage land. of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a nar- (270) General Election Day, first Tuesday after the first row channel or fairway. (Navigation Rules, Interna- Monday in November: New Jersey, New York, and tional-Inland Rule 9(b).) Rhode Island. Standard Time (259) The area covered by this Coast Pilot uses eastern standard time (e.s.t.), which is 5 hours slow of
Cape Cod To Sandy Hook ■ Chapter 3 ■ 195
196 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 ’ ’
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 197 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod North Atlantic Right Whales and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and (5) Federally designated critical habitat for the endan- the southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Har- gered North Atlantic right whale lies within Cape Cod bor, and the other numerous fishing and yachting cen- Bay (See 50 CFR 226.101 and 226.203, chapter 2, for ters along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering habitat boundary). It is illegal to approach closer than Nantucket Sound. 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR 224.103(c), chapter 2, for limits and regulation.) Recommended COLREGS Demarcation Lines Two-Way Whale Avoidance Routes and a Recom- (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are mended Two-Way Whale Avoidance Track have been charted within Cape Cod Bay to reduce interactions be- described in 80.135 and 80.145, chapter 2. tween vessels and right whales. When right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: December Chart 13246 through May), NOAA recommends that mariners use these routes and take the precautionary measures rec- (3) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the easterly ommended in chapter 3 to reduce the risk of ship extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then ex- such, in chapter 3 for more information on right tends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms the whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the with whales.) Caution: Full bottom coverage surveys northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern have not been conducted within the entire route nor shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, along the entire track, so uncharted dangers may exist. forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the (6) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall Cape, is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United settled and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the with high bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area between Jan- The portion of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape uary 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cod Canal is known as the Upper Cape. This region is Cape Cod Bay with a northern boundary of wooded and is well settled by numerous towns and vil- 42°41'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to 42°12'W., thence due west lages. back to shore. The restriction applies to a Seasonal Management Area off Race Point between March 1 and Tides and Currents April 30. The area is defined as the waters bounded by: (4) The tidal current velocities between Race Point and (7) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W.; (8) 42°12'N., 70°12'W.; Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to less (9) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham (10) 42°30'N., 70°30'W.; Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and (11) 42°30\"N., 69°45'W.; southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of (12) 41°41'N., 69°45'W.; thence due west to the shore. current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, lim- occurring about 2 hours later off Nauset Beach Light itations, and exceptions.) than off Chatham Light.
198 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 Area to be avoided 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the (13) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship area extending about 100 yards around the piers in Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this strikes to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be fairway. avoided was established in the Great South Channel, (23) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 east of the Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 mile southwest of the town pier. gross tons and above should avoid the area bounded by (24) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard lines connecting the following geographical positions: pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while (14) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; navigating in the area. (15) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; (25) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. Com- (16) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and plete information about the harbors and ports in Cape (17) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Pilot 1, April 1 through July 31. Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. Chart 13249 Charts 13249, 13246 (18) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the (26) Between Wood End (42°01.2'N., 70°11.3'W.) and northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter of Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, shoals about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the Atlan- that rise abruptly from deep water extend a maximum tic Coast, having a sizable anchorage area in depths of of about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light 12 to 57 feet with excellent holding ground. Coasters (42°03'45\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the water, is and fishermen find protection here in gales from any shown from a white tower on the northwest point of direction. Cape Cod. (19) The historical town of Provincetown, on the north- (27) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth western side of the harbor, is at the site of the first land- of 10 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. ing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. En- (28) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for gine repairs are available by arrangement. about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area should be given a berth of at least 2 miles. Keeping in a (20) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of depth of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pilgrim off the eastern side of Cape Cod. Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above the water; two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward and Chart 13246 a steel tank is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monu- ment. A 2,500-foot stone breakwater is about 300 yards (29) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves southeastward of the end of the town pier (MacMillan northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for Wharf). The breakwater extends northeastward from a about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of point in 42°02'45\"N., 70°10'55\"W., approximately parallel bare sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes be- to the shoreline. The east and west ends of the breakwa- gin to be covered with a brownish-looking growth of ter are each marked by a light. Strangers should exer- grass, and the land is higher as the Highlands are ap- cise caution when operating in the area. Numerous proached. The water shoals somewhat abruptly within fishing vessels work out of Provincetown during the 0.5 mile of the shore and care must be taken not to go year. During the summer, floats are set out that are ca- inside the 10-fathom curve. pable of mooring vessels up to 40 feet. Larger vessels must tie up at permanent piers. Anchorage inside the (30) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 breakwater is reported to be fair to poor, mud bottom feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white with much debris. The marina close southwest of tower with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 mooring buoys on the of the Highlands. west side of the harbor. Prominent objects (21) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under (31) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated the control of the harbormaster, who has an office at the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors tower, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar domes VHF-FM channel 16, 24 hours a day. on the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Highland Light. (22) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established a fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N.,
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 199 (32) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 Charts 13248, 13246 miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The ter- rain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. (39) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of the water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of Chatham Harbor. Several spires and a tall stack at the shore. Chatham are prominent. A conspicuous standpipe with a red and white checkered band around the top is at (33) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland 41°41'38\"N., 69°58'30\"W. Chatham Light (41°40'17\"N., Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore 69°57'00\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from a about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. in South Wellfleet. Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. (34) Nauset Beach Light (41°51'36\"N., 69°57'12\"W.), (40) Chatham Harbor can be entered east of Chatham 120 feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot coni- Light. Shoals are constantly shifting in the entrance cal tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, and extreme caution is advised. Currents are extremely on the beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former strong and dangerous; surf can build up quickly on the Coast Guard station, about 1 mile south of the light, are outer bar during an ebb tide. Ocean waves carry into conspicuous. the harbor and reportedly break as far north as Tern Is- land. Anchoring and even mooring in much of Chat- (35) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradually ham Harbor is not recommended. Mariners unfamiliar southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and be- with the area are advised to stay east of Chatham Beach comes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently Lighted Whistle Buoy C (41°39'12\"N., 69°55'30\"W.). back from the beach and is covered with a scanty growth of grass. (41) Chatham Inlet Bar Guide Light (41°40'17\"N., 69°57'00\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from a (36) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach white skeleton tower near Chatham Light. A white Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of (with orange border) and diamond-shaped dayboard the harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers are worded ROUGH BAR is on the light. The light will be present in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and even activated when the seas exceed 2 feet in height and are during the calmest weather. The area is extremely dan- considered hazardous for small boats. Small-boat oper- gerous for any vessel larger than a runabout or for any- ators are cautioned, however, that if the light is not one without local knowledge. Strangers should never flashing it is no guarantee that sea conditions are favor- attempt to enter. A cluster of houses is on Nauset able. Heights south of the entrance, where the ground is somewhat higher than the land just northward. (42) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of (37) The harbor has three arms extending northward shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy Is- into Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay land. There is no marked channel through the shoals. and Salt Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a about 2 miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These seasonal buoys mark the channel from the entrance to shoals are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in Town Cove. A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile the vicinity should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. from the head of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, berths, marine supplies, and a concrete ramp are avail- (43) The passage inside the barrier beach from Chat- able. Craft to 25 feet can be handled for hull or engine ham Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on the repairs, or dry open or covered storage. In 1981, depths west side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles of 4 feet were reported alongside the service dock. long and used by small-craft. The passage, marked by private, seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break (38) Nauset Beach, on the barrier island east of North through Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, Chatham, is continually changing due to the effects of Little Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House erosion and shifting sands. Waves wash across the Pond. The channel requires local knowledge. beach into the sound in several places during periods of high water. There is a break in the beach centered in ap- No-Discharge Zone proximately 41°42'16\"N., 69°55'47\"W. The break is un- (44) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of marked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided by those without local knowledge. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor. The NDZ includes the
200 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 municipal waters of Chatham, Harwich, Brewster, and (52) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles north- Orleans (see chart 13248 for limits). ward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the west (45) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. side of Namequoit Point. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (53) Namequoit River leads westward from the head of Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In 1981, depths of 2 Small-craft facility feet were reported in Namequoit River, and the channel (46) A small-craft facility is in a protected basin in the 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- cove between Morris Island and the mainland, about way, a 2-ton crane, moorings, water, marine supplies, a 0.5 mile south of Chatham Light. In 1992 it was re- launching ramp, and storage facilities; hull, rigging, ported this facility could not be reached from Chatham and sail repairs can be made. Harbor due to severe shoaling south of Chatham Light. The facility can reportedly be reached from Chatham (54) An arm, known as The River, extends northward Roads by way of a channel south of Morris Island (see from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile chart 13229). Berths, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys par- plies, launching ramp, and storage facilities are avail- tially mark the channel from The River to the pond. A able. A hydraulic trailer can handle craft to 45 feet for town landing and launching ramp are on the north side hull and engine repairs. In 1992, depths to 2 feet were of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility reported in the basin. is on the north side of the pond. In 1981, depths of 4 feet were reported in the channel to the pond. A hy- (47) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern draulic trailer at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. Island and Chatham. In 2009, the controlling depth of Berths and moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, the channel was 6.3 feet, thence 4.7 to 8 feet in the ba- water, ice, a launching ramp, and storage facilities are sin, except shoaling to 2.5 feet within 20 feet of the available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A town northern limit, with lesser depths along the east side. ramp is on the east side of the pond southeastward of Conditions are rapidly changing. A fish pier is in the ba- the small-craft facility. sin. Commercial fishing boats operate from the cove. The harbormaster can be contacted on VHF-FM chan- Chart 13237 nel 16. (55) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of (48) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Har- Cape Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of bor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A Martha’s Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard small-craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, Sound on the west to provide an inside passage. about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching Nantucket Sound has a length of about 23 miles in an ramp is close westward of the facility. Private seasonal east-west direction and a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the eastern entrance and within the sound are numerous town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. shoals. Between these shoals are well-marked channels A forklift at the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. making the navigation of these waters comparatively Gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, moorings, and easy for powered vessels and also sailing vessels with a storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs fair wind. The shoals at the eastern entrance are sub- can be made. In 1981, a reported depth of 3 feet could ject to considerable shifting while those inside are be carried to the small-craft facility. somewhat stable. Boulders are along the shores. (49) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond (56) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vine- and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club yard Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and on the north side. provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft to avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used princi- (50) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay pally by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navi- has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination gational aids are colored and numbered for passing antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is through the sound from the eastward. conspicuous. (57) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and (51) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Lit- Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore tle Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private sea- of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and sonal buoys.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 201 baffling tidal currents which set over them, their navi- Chart 13237 gation in thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the (65) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- two principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward Shoal, comparatively easy. For the purpose of descrip- and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These tion Great Round Shoal Channel will be considered as extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; the dividing line between Monomoy and Nantucket caution must be exercised in this area. Shoals. (58) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket (66) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by Cod. These areas may be marked by private lights. a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Chart 13244 Deep-draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A lighted bell buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the (59) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached 22-foot spot. shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direc- tion and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from (67) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west-southwest- Monomoy Point, the northeast entrance point of ward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 feet. Its Nantucket Sound. Narrow sloughs separate the many northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A parts of the shoals. It should be remembered that the shoal, covered 26 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the shoals are shifting in character and are subject to buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between change in location and depth. this shoal and the shoal making out southwestward from Halfmoon Shoal. (60) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is off Monomoy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. (68) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked navigating in the area. by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the (61) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand marking Cross Rip Shoal. shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. (69) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in (62) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern is eastward of Pollock Rip. end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little (63) Stone Horse Shoal, Little Round Shoal, and Great warning of approaching dangers. The main channel Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu sand shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west shoals are directly eastward of the entrance to ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on Nantucket Sound and between the two main channels. its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. Southward and eastward of these shoals are numerous shoal spots, including Orion Shoal, covered 16 to 19 (70) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound feet. are discussed with the land features near them. (64) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles south- Channels westward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to 18 feet. (71) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles southwest of the point. On the northwest side the water shoals Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through gradually and soundings will indicate an approach to Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the south- danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises erly one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between abruptly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two uneven and shifting in character. Vessels should not at- well-marked channels leading to the eastern end of tempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the Vineyard Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in southern end and southeast side of the shoal. this chapter, leads into the sound from the southward, eastward of Chappaquiddick Island.
202 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 Chart 13244 when the prevailing northerly winds keep the north shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least depth in (72) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the the channel is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted most direct channel leading from points northward of buoys mark the channel. Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward of Anchorages Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be (78) Sailing vessels working through the sound against encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small craft should avoid the area during thick or foggy a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if be- weather. The channel is well marked by navigational calmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to an- aids. Mariners should consult the chart and seek local chor and wait for a favorable current or change of wind. knowledge before entering Pollock Rip Channel and The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot draft Butler Hole because numerous shoals exist in this that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket Har- channel. Caution is advised when transiting the area. bor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, (73) Submerged piling, the remains of the former is exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3 the best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, mile southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned and along the north shore. The anchorage off Fal- lighthouse about 1.2 miles northward of the point is mouth is used in most winds by vessels with good prominent. ground tackle. In easterly winds vessels sometimes an- chor in smooth water westward of Handkerchief Shoal (74) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles south- or inside Great Point. Good shelter from easterly winds ward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large can also be found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats Harbor and Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their work- With the aid of the chart and the directions given under ing through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel the discussion of these harbors, strangers can enter the has a controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great anchorages. Round Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. Great Round (79) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket Shoal and Great Round Shoal Channel are subject to Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and continual change. 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Chart 13237 (75) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads Routes southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip (80) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel channel is used by most of the vessels bound through through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational more than ordinary care when in these waters. aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried (81) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a it seldom exceeds 24 feet. stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip (76) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy 8 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West Shoal. Chop. In some places the current sets directly on the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes (77) North Channel leads along the north side of obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bot- northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal tom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be de- and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, pended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels and through one of the openings in the shoals west- with a favorable current and with some local knowl- ward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This edge beat through the sound against a head wind in channel is used mostly by craft bound to points on the clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they north shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound come to anchor within the prescribed anchorages through the sound during northerly winds or in winter
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 203 under the lee of one of the shoals, or in one of the har- (92) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to bors until the wind or current changes. the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of cur- (82) In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be rent becomes gradually later; the average velocity at seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel are strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. cautioned against anchoring in the channel or near any of the aids. Steamers and tows passing through the Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity channel in thick weather depend almost entirely on ra- (93) Winter winds and waves along with spring and dar navigation and the sound signals of the aids, mak- ing it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these (83) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring waters. From October through March gales can be ex- to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand west- pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- ward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Lighted Whistle Buoy current interactions can also create problems. The C. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 fath- most severe of these is found at the west entrance to the oms about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of Cape Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the Pollock Rip. tide ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest (84) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents wind. Another well known “rough spot” is the West are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly Chop off the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. maximum ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- and when it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set rents. up. (85) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- (94) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time wait for a favorable tide. from November through February. In the shallow por- (86) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- waves may break before reaching these heights. ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid (95) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the air over cool water, is most frequent from April through buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst Halfmoon Shoal. and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous (87) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warn- places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at ing bells and horns may be difficult to discern night. accurately. (96) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are Currents most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- (88) The Tidal Current Tables and the Narragansett Bay pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. to Nantucket Sound Tidal Current Charts contain de- tailed current information for many locations in this Pilotage: Nantucket Sound area. (97) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (89) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 (90) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carry- end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilot- Current Tables. age is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., (91) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average mini- [email protected]. mum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface (98) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the agitation caused by upwelling may be observed across port of their departure. the 10-fathom contour east of the entrance to Great Round Shoal Channel. (See Tidal Current Tables for (99) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the predictions.) northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes anchor
204 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 fathoms Anchorage to await a favorable current for entering the sound. Off (108) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, (100) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine good holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for Protected Area (MPA), extends 1 mile offshore from small craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft Monomoy and Morris Islands. (See Appendix C, for ad- can find a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. ditional information.) (101) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in No-Discharge Zone the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood (109) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. (102) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and the the Environmental Protection Agency, has established north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Stage Harbor Com- Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout plex. The area covered includes Stage Harbor, north of and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are a line drawn across its mouth at Nantucket Sound, and marked by buoys. the following tributaries: Little Mill Pond, Mill Pond, Mitchell River, Oyster Pond River, and Oyster Pond (see Chart 13229 chart 13229 for limits). (110) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (103) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach Routes to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of (111) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of Nantucket Sound. southward should pass westward of Handkerchief Shoal and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy (104) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on of Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the sea- the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side sonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal of the entrance to Stage Harbor. covered 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chat- ham Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, (105) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeast- National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern ward of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor (106) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the ap- Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. proach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continu- The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is ing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance subject to shoaling. In 2010, the controlling depth in buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor the entrance channel was 3.0 feet (8.0 feet at Light. The channel is well marked. midchannel) except shoaling to 0.1 foot along the right outside limit and 5.8 feet at midchannel near Harding (112) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. Beach Point. (113) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each (107) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through ing one. Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 (114) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River the open position the bascule span will overhang the just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. trance to the river. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, (115) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side for drawbridge regulations.) of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 205 railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and plea- for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- sure craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings harbor and a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The ma- conspicuous. rina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of (120) In 1994, the reported controlling depth across the water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel has a some marine supplies and a launching ramp are also depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is subject to available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known locally as (116) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 feet with about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for good holding ground. 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. (121) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the chan- 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a town nel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 mile pump-out station, marine supplies, and storage facili- and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are two ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway at A patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. The engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gaso- harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor has line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by ramps, berthage, and moorings are available. telephone (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or (117) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- local conditions. bor Light, is used only at high water by small local (122) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. mark. (118) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles (123) In 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. craft. In 2009, the controlling depth was 5.2 feet at (124) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end midchannel to the anchorage basin, thence 4.8 to 6.0 of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet along- feet in the basin, except for lesser depths along the side. A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head edges. In 1993, a submerged obstruction was reported of the harbor has a 7-ton forklift and a hydraulic trailer about 10 yards south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the chan- that can handle craft up to 34 feet for hull, engine and nel, and a light marks the outer end of the east jetty. A electronic repairs. Open and covered storage, electric- marina is on the north side of the anchorage basin. ity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a pump-out sta- marine supplies and a launching ramp are available. In tion, and a launching ramp are available. In 2008, an 2008, the reported alongside depth was 5 feet. The approach depth of 6 feet was reported at the marina harbormaster who supervises Allen Harbor has his of- berths with an alongside depth of 10 feet. The marina fice at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by tele- monitors VHF-FM channel 68. The harbormaster here phone (508-430-7532) for local information. also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen Harbor, Her- (125) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, ring River, and Round Cove in Pleasant Bay. A 5 mph has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- speed limit is enforced in these areas. The mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, be- harbormaster can be contacted by telephone (508- tween two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The 430-7532). approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the (119) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded en- sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth trance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft
206 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile (129) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about west jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles south- 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with ward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower No-Discharge Zone part of the river, and thence to the highway bridge at (126) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The the Environmental Protection Agency, has established entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal regions of the bar are subject to shoaling. In 2001, the dredged the Town of Harwich. The NDZ includes major harbors entrance channel had a reported controlling depth of and contiguous beaches between and including Allen, 4.6 feet to the river mouth, just inside the jetties; Wychmere, and Saquatucket harbors and to the Her- thence in 1981, the river channel had a reported depth ring River (see chart 13229 for limits). of 5 feet to South Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the bridge (127) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether at South Dennis. In 1992, severe shoaling was reported treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. across the mouth of the river. Private seasonal buoys Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by mark the channel to Follins Pond, about 6.1 miles 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). above the mouth. (128) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring (130) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank clearance of 15 feet. just above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. (131) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 207 (132) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was re- craft to 28 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open ported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and Club is at the head of the lagoon. berths are available. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported at the boatyard. (133) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the (137) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly covered storage. Electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station and a launch- West Jetty Light. The area around the breakwater and ing ramp are available. In 2008, 6 feet was reported northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low wa- alongside the dock. The marina monitors VHF-FM ter are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. channel 16. Town landings and launching ramps are on These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A both sides of the river at and below the bridge. fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles south of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a pri- (134) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- vate seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the break- tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the water. bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, (138) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, is diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of made. the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be obtained before entering the river. In 2000, the en- (135) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the trance channel had a reported controlling depth of 4.1 river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South feet. The entrance is reported to shoal quickly after Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 dredging. A fixed highway bridge crosses the river feet vertical. about 1 mile above the entrance. (136) In 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet could be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and
208 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 (139) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor (143) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An un- as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure named creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter the breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis the creek only at high water. Small craft may enter the Port, on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and pond but there are no moorings or services available. A Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. marina is on the east side of the river just below the highway bridge; berths are available. (144) The most prominent objects when approaching the harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and (140) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church bel- marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, fry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the west- partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of ward. the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle (145) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is with numerous rocks extending southeastward from about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, Hyannis Point. In 2007, depths of 7 to 15 feet were covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and available in the protected basin northward of the break- another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles water light. south-southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets Rock. There are several submerged rocks in this area, Routes which extends in a general line running northwest and (146) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- southeast between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock to a private seasonal light 0.5 mile west of the point; the ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was re- south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the ported about 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about (141) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of 100 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center Vessels may anchor inside the breakwater on the east of the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at edge of the mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern portion about 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, of the harbor in depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be is 0.7 mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of taken to keep clear of a charted, submerged wreck, the shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, marked by a buoy. about 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about (147) Approaching from the westward, from a position 0.75 mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and mile northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vi- 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock cinity of this shoal. Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards eastward of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. (142) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south (148) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of vessels end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the prevail- West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point ing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. However, Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has during severe winters or persistent southwesterly depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Har- tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has bor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions are been closed by ice for up to 3 months. on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward from (149) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many promi- Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis Har- nent homes. A privately dredged channel, with reported bor. A rock, covered 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., depths of 6 feet in 2005, leads to the Hyannis Port Yacht 70°17'21.1\"W., is the westernmost and marked close W Club landing on the west shore of the harbor. by Hyannis Harbor Lighted Buoy 4. (150) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 209 corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort of Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. rock. The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported (158) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor dockside depth of 8 feet is available. Breakwater Light 5, is marked by a tower. Hyannis (151) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor into Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of Har- side of Centerville Harbor. bor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at the (159) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- westernmost end. In 2007, the controlling depths were bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest 5.8 feet (10.8 feet at midchannel) to the anchorage ba- Ground, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis sin, thence 9.4 to 13 feet in the basin, thence 8.5 feet to Point, has numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitat- the town wharf. The channel is well marked but is sub- ing extreme caution for vessels navigating the area. ject to shoaling, especially in the vicinity of Lewis Bay Southwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy vessel traffic should Point, is marked by a daybeacon. Unmarked rocks, be expected during summer months. A riprap jetty ex- some awash at low water and others covered 2 to 6 feet, tends 1,000 feet southerly from Dunbar Point. are between the buoy and Hyannis Point. (152) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the (160) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. An the water, deepest where it is darkest. unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked Anchorages by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock (153) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile craft can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles Hyannis Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Lim- west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is ited anchorage is reported available in the basin north awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the of Harbor Bluff. summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. (161) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, Small-craft facilities is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, (154) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spin- are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay north- dle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is ward of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tab- near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at ulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies low water and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north available.) Limited berths are also available at the town of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 marina on the west side at the head of the arm. A miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. dockmaster is usually in attendance at this marina and (162) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the can be reached by telephone (508-790-6327) or on north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis VHF-FM channel 16. Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in Centerville, the village inland from the head of the har- (155) For local information on moorings and berthings, bor, are used as guides for entering the harbor. the harbormaster can be contacted by telephone Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a (508-790-6273), through the Barnstable police depart- popular bathing beach. The approach to Centerville ment (508-775-0387), or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned police boat from the town of Barnstable and a rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat patrol Hyannis Harbor to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good during the summer. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in holding ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; Lewis Bay north of Harbor Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the in the channel leading to the yacht club. harbor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the entrance somewhat break the force of the seas from (156) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth southward, but not sufficiently to make it a safe an- in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport chorage. Strangers should not enter except in the is just north of the town. (157) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore.
210 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 daytime with clear weather. Ice may close the harbor in electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- the winter. plies, a pump-out station and storage facilities are (163) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, available. Marine railway to 40 feet, lifts to 70 tons, and has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the hull and motor repairs are available on the east side of bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East the river with an approach depth of 7 feet and alongside Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had depth of 13 feet reported in 2009. Lifts to 75 tons and a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in 1981, but hull, engine, and electronic repairs are available on the is subject to shoaling. A private light marks the end of west side with an approach depth of 5 feet and along- the jetty. Centerville River, which enters the northeast side depth of 6 feet reported in 2009. side of the bay, has been privately dredged to a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet practically to the head of (169) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- navigation. In 2005, a reported depth of about 3 feet trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay could be taken over the bar into Centerville River. to the northward. In 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet Small boats moor in the river off Centerville, or tie up was available in the narrow channel eastward of Little to private piers. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in East Island into North Bay. Strangers should obtain local in- Bay and Centerville River. formation before navigating in North Bay, which has (164) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The harbormaster can be shaped top is on the north side of the river. A town land- contacted for local information on moorings and ing is on the north side just above the tower. A launch- berthings; telephone 508-790-6273. A 6 mph speed ing ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A limit is enforced in Cotuit, North, and West Bays by the conspicuous wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 Barnstable harbormaster and police. mile southwestward of the jetty. (165) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- (170) The highway bridge across the channel between mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 southerly winds and is seldom used except by local and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) craft. The channel to the anchorage is marked by Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot draft should expe- made through the Department of Public Works. rience no difficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the (171) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is southern side of the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. feet and marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church mile northeastward of Lone Rock and about 0.7 mile spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A south of the entrance to West Bay. town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a (166) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied en- 1981-2001, a privately dredged channel, with a re- trance about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the ported controlling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit village of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A pri- Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands; thence in 2001, a vate light marks the end of the east jetty. A seasonal winding channel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves between lighted bell buoy about 1 mile southeastward of the en- Sampsons Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit Bay. The trance marks the approach. Private seasonal buoys channels into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are marked by mark the channel through West Bay. In 1981-2001, a private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of about 6 feet depth of 2.9 feet was available in the entrance channel, was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to North Bay in thence 6 feet to the highway bridge. The channel is sub- 2005. Seapuit River, south of Osterville Grand Island, ject to shoaling, and strangers should obtain local in- connects Cotuit Bay and West Bay. The privately formation before entering the bay. dredged channel in the river had a reported controlling (167) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. depth of 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay is usually closed by The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet ice each winter. alongside. (172) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is Small-craft facilities shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of the (168) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- bay. In 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was re- ported in the narrow entrance channel north-north- nel north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, west of Thatch Island. (173) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 211 station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine (180) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether supplies, and some services are available. A privately treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. Small-craft facility (174) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- (181) Great River and Little River empty into the south- chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck ramp, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered are available. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal made; lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken can be carried to the marina. ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between this shoal and Wreck Shoal. (182) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor (175) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A for beach erosion control. channel between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and (183) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance Horseshoe Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- (176) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 light mark the approach. The privately marked channel feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west end. into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a narrow feet in 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; ex- unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and treme caution and local knowledge is advised. L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of 9 feet is marked by a buoy. (184) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly (177) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In 2009, chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about a reported approach depth of 4 feet was available. 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, ma- seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In rine supplies, pump-out station, launching ramp, 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel 40-foot marine railway, 50-ton marine lift, and storage was reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, facilities are available at the boatyard; hull and engine about 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, repairs can be made. marks the approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel for about 0.8 mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht (185) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the Club is on the west side at the head of the bay. mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm (178) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Re- of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- serve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), includes ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit Waquoit Bay and associated waters and protected River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. wetlands. (See Appendix C, for additional information.) (186) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of No-Discharge Zone Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. (179) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of Menauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a the Environmental Protection Agency, has established 45-foot fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Waquoit Bay. The NDZ includes Waquoit Bay and its tributaries and salt ponds (187) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond (see chart 13229 for limits). and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow jettied entrance which, in 2001, had a reported control- ling depth of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; local knowledge is advised. A private seasonal light marks the west jetty. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the approach, and private seasonal buoys mark the channel above the jetties.
212 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 (188) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green (198) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A loran the pond, are principally summer resorts. tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a tank and several towers along the south coast are (189) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green prominent from offshore. Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot span with a clearance of 6 feet. In 2002, a reported (199) The thorofare between the western point of Esther depth of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside the Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- marina on the west side of Green Pond just north of the marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- bridge. Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and ma- ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal rine supplies are available at this facility. aids mark the channel. (190) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of (200) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. Island are low sandy islands extending westward from Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, Chart 13241 some bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. (191) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of (201) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket Is- wooded, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in land. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 sandy soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is high, is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The Sound is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and island was for more than a century a principal seat of markers. With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ the whaling industry and since has become a famous feet can be carried over the bar and channel to Hither summer resort. Creek. Local knowledge is also required to enter the harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a (192) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket Is- boatyard are in Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton land, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket mobile hoist, a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet provisions, water, and marine supplies are available at above the water and shown from a white tower. the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. (193) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east-north- North Atlantic Right Whales eastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, the (202) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the north- reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island easterly and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water (peak season: November through April). The Northeast with depths of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile north- Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mari- ward from these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chap- feet, is 2.2 miles southeastward of Nantucket Light. ter 3 for more information on right whales and recom- mended measures to avoid collisions.) (194) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of (203) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United Several large houses show prominently from seaward. States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area be- (195) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of tween November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the the waters bounded by: shore. From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the (204) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; winter the entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut (205) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; through for drainage purposes. (206) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; (207) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- (196) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'04\"N., 69°57'58\"W.), ing point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regu- 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white lations, limitations, and exceptions.) tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on the east side of the island. (197) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the is- land, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village has seasonal bus service with Nantucket.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 213 No-Discharge Zone length. An opening for small craft is in the east break- (208) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of water about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and fog signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a the Environmental Protection Agency, has established buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) for all coastal waters of the (215) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- Town of Nantucket. The NDZ includes all coastal wa- ter light marks the approach, and the channel is ters that lie within a straight line between Great Point marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. on Nantucket Island and the western tip of Muskeget (216) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. Island, to the limits of the Territorial Sea, and within a straight line between the southeast point of Muskeget Anchorages Island and the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island, (217) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in and between the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island and Smith Point on Nantucket Island (see chart 13241 depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides for limits). of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- (209) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). to vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy tackle as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly Chart 13242 winds. Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring in the fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf (210) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 (218) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is main- edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). tained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either (219) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or Woods Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates at anchor in the harbor. from Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. Routes (chart 13237) (211) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about (220) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cu- Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- pola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from white church in the town; and the navigational lights at the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head (212) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical Harbor. tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the west side of the entrance near to the harbor. A fog sig- Tides and currents nal is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is (221) The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 on the point. feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of Channels 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward and the ebb west- (213) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound to ward. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. 2005, the controlling depths were 15 feet to Buoy 9, thence 10.7 feet to Brant Point. Weather, Nantucket and vicinity (214) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both (222) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of either maximum or minimum temperatures are very
214 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are packs and remains across the entrance during north- neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high erly winds. wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. (227) (See Appendix B for Nantucket climatological ta- Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring ble.) and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as compared with inland areas. (228) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- (223) July and August are relatively cool with average tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-south- maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and av- westward of Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed on erage minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average the north and south sides by Straight Wharf and Com- temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- mercial Wharf, respectively, and its entrance is pro- ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- tected by two long bulkheads on the east and southeast mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for long and larger can be accommodated. The outer end of Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 the north side of Straight Wharf is used by excursion while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded boats. A private seasonal light is shown off the end of in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with the wharf and is operated only when tour boats are ap- temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a proaching the wharf in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do tempera- ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial tures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred Wharf. Water and electricity are available at each slip. only during June, July, and August. The basin’s dockmaster has his office on the outer end (224) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with of Commercial Wharf. The dockmaster can be con- the highest monthly averages during December through tacted on VHF-FM channel 16. April. Gales have occurred during every month except June and July. Coast storms are frequent during the (229) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile north- during the late summer and fall, may cause high winds. ward of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurricanes have roof of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There operated only when Authority vessels are approaching have been ten direct hits. The latest was tropical storm the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which Esther in 1961. Esther had been a 125-knot hurricane uncover at low water are between the boat basin and earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the is- the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- land. ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. (225) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in any given year. An average of 180 days each year records (230) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December aver- hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; aging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month is hull and engine repairs can be made. The channel lead- June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall ing to the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 1981. mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover rarely lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall (231) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in February land and daily airline service with New York and 1952. February is the snowiest month averaging nearly Boston. Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An average five days each year re- Chart 13241 cords greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An average of 18 thunderstorms affect the island in a given (232) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the la- year with the greatest frequency occurring during July goon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. Harbor. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could (226) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom be carried with local knowledge as far as the village of closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of the Har- frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which bor. Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off the sev- eral points.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 215 (233) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward of south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is well marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- settled, especially along its northern shore, and is pop- trolling depth of 6 feet in 1994. ular as a summer resort. Along the northern shore the island presents a generally rugged appearance. The Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 southern shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of which has navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching (234) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on from the south, the principal landmarks are a the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of the island, a church spire near Chilmark in the western shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay eastward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward Head on the west side. of the eastern shore of Chappaquiddick Island. Al- (239) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, air- though this channel is partly buoyed, strangers should line, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are never attempt it as tidal currents with velocities of 2 to Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents (240) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chappaquiddick through the channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may ap- knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 pear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge miles east of Wasque Point. The flood sets Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the wa- north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. ter, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape. (241) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- (235) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sec- The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque tor of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of the Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore west- Channel. ward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 mile west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the (236) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a western side of the shoal water. least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern (242) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in the side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In 1981, to 6 feet. it was reported that 4 feet could be carried through the entrance channel with local knowledge. (237) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel (243) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an which are separated by unmarked channels. Tuckernuck outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the a lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into Shovelful Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- covered 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to Shovelful Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, Edgartown, a fishing and resort town on the western south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 shore. Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor feet. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal during the summer. and covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north (244) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its northwestern and has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 southwestern ends. mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. Charts 13238, 13233 (238) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island have Prominent features a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are sepa- (245) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., 70°30'11\"W.), rated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the nar- row slough connecting them. The northern extremity 45 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower on the west side of the head of Edgartown outer
216 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 harbor. Also prominent are: a church belfry in the town, a obstruction covered 19 feet was reported in about microwave tower 1 mile to the west-southwestward of the 41°23'31\"N., 70°29'27\"W. light, a standpipe about 1 mile southwestward of the light, (251) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown and the numerous beach cabanas on Chappaquiddick Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except Point. for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is not difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner har- Channels bor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. (246) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor has Routes (chart 13237) depths of 20 to 36 feet until nearly to Edgartown Light. (252) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the Near the light, the channel narrows and makes a sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves at the town. In eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of 2007, a depth of 15 feet could be carried from the outer Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21, can steer 267°, head- harbor to off the town. Abreast the town, the channel ing for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward narrows and has depths of 13 to 33 feet. The channel, of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Muskeget Channel bordered on the eastern side by Middle Ground, curves Bell Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head southward to Katama Bay with depths of 15 to 31 feet south-southwestward into the harbor. available to the bay. Katama Bay is subject to frequent (253) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- changes, as is the shoreline between the bay and the ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° ocean; a breach in the shoreline occurred in 2007. course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- Anchorages bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash (247) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is neces- found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the sary to keep in the channel. outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor Tides and currents about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from (254) The mean range of tide is 1.9 feet. The tidal current Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for in the narrow part of the channel inside Edgartown sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the Light and off the town has a double flood and a double channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south approximate slack preceded and followed by maximum of Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bot- of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 knot. (See tom. the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) In 2007, it (248) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage was reported that a breach had occurred on South in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and Beach just southward of Katama Bay. The breach has 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) affected the published tide and tidal current predic- tions so that mariners are cautioned about the accu- Dangers racy of the information. (249) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal (255) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown times appear without warning. Drift ice from the Light. A bell buoy marks the northern edge of the sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, obstructs shoal; vessels entering or leaving the harbor pass east- the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the win- ward of this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the ter. It is reported that the harbor is normally closed by shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash and sev- ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick eral rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should never ferry channel is usually kept open. The tidal currents attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel into keep the inner harbor open except for a few days at a Edgartown Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and time during severe winters. unlighted buoys. (250) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about (256) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- seldom used and none are available. Fishing craft or the bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. the entrance to the inner harbor. In 2004, an
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 217 Harbormaster summer resort and fishing village on the harbor. Prom- (257) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of inent are a church dome and a cupola in the village and the bluff north of the entrance. vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the (266) In 2005, the entrance channel had a reported con- Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted on trolling depth of 10 feet, thence depths of 11 to 14 feet VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone (508-627-4746). were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged Copies of harbor regulations may be obtained from the rocks, covered 10 to 15 feet, are in the harbor approach, harbormaster. in an area within 0.4 mile of shore bounded on the north by a line extending northeasterly from the break- (258) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at waters and on the south by Lone Rock. A submerged the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, obstruction, covered 10 feet, is reported in this area in boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The about 41°27'37\"N., 70°33'04\"W. A buoy is about 75 boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft to 9 yards southwest of the obstruction. The chart is the tons for hull and engine repairs and dry open or cov- best guide for approaching the harbor; however, it is ered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine advised that mariners transiting the area exercise ex- supplies, and moorings are available. Launch service to treme caution as other uncharted rocks may exist. moored craft is available. (267) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. (259) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and The town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to berths with electricity, a launching ramp, a pump-out Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with ter, ice and some marine supplies are available; hull Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. and engine repairs can be made. (268) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road (260) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between close westward of the town. The harbormaster moni- Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which tors VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508-693-4355. are subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the (269) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. main entrance and had a reported controlling depth of (270) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the 10 feet in 1981. There are no public landings in the breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet pond, and it is used by local and fishing craft only. The at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths south entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the with a 13-foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed wharf face. A private seasonal light and fog signal are highway bridge over the north entrance also has a operated from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry clearance of 5 feet. vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There is sea- sonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole and (261) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- between Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Sea- west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 13 sonal fast ferry service is maintained from Quonset, to 18 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a Rhode Island, and year-round fast ferry passenger ser- bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. vice is maintained from New Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a port of call for cruise ships. The Vineyard Transit Au- (262) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Senge- thority provides island-wide transit service year-round. kontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately There is air service from Martha’s Vineyard Airport dredged channel between two short jetties. In 2000, a about 4.5 miles southwestward of the town. depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. The pond (271) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services or land- daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is ings in the pond. about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is ad- vised. (263) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is (272) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter Oak Bluffs wharf. 5. (264) Rhode Island Rock, covered 14 feet, is about 700 yards northward of the breakwater light. (265) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a
218 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 219 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (1) This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buz- Anchorages zards Bay following the Massachusetts coast of Vine- (6) Woods Hole is the only anchorage providing shel- yard Sound, the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay, the Cape ter from all winds for vessels drawing more than 10 Cod Canal, and the western shore of Buzzards Bay. Also feet. In northerly and westerly winds, good anchorage described are Woods Hole, Cuttyhunk, Onset, may be had in Tarpaulin Cove. In southerly winds, shel- Wareham, and the port of New Bedford, as well as the ter can be had in Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard numerous fishing and yachting centers along the Haven is generally used. Several general anchorages sound and bay. are in Vineyard Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) (1), (c) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regula- COLREGS Demarcation Lines tions.) (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are Tides and currents described in 80.145, chapter 2. (7) The mean range of tide in Vineyard Sound varies Charts 13230, 13237, 13218 from 1.4 feet at West Chop to 2.9 feet at Gay Head. The time of current becomes somewhat earlier from Hedge (3) Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are deep and Fence westward through Vineyard Sound. The current easily navigated day or night. Vineyard Sound, together velocity increases from 1.4 knots at Hedge Fence with Nantucket Sound, provides an inside route from Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to about 3 knots off West Chop New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots off Buzzards Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape Gay Head Light. (See “Current Diagram-Vineyard and Cod Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route be- Nantucket Sounds” in the Tidal Current Tables, and the tween New York and Boston. Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of the (4) Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the current.) southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Is- (8) At the western entrance to Vineyard Sound, lands, and on the south by part of Martha’s Vineyard, west-northwestward of Gay Head Light, the tidal cur- which presents a rugged and generally inaccessible rent is rotary, turning clockwise. The velocity is only shoreline. To the west, it joins Rhode Island Sound on a 0.2 to 0.5 knot. Since the tidal current is weak, winds line between Cuttyhunk Island and Gay Head. To the greatly affect it and the current frequently sets approxi- east, it joins Nantucket Sound on a line between mately with the winds. Nobska Point and West Chop and provides an inside passage clear of Nantucket Shoals. The navigational Weather: Vineyard Sound,Buzzards Bay and vicinity aids are colored and numbered for passing through the (9) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and sound from the eastward. The channel through the sound is well marked and generally free of dangers. southwest, which are common from spring through fall. Winds increase as they move from the surrounding (5) Deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Vineyard land out over the Bay. Its northeast-southwest orienta- Sound should stay at least 3.5 miles southward of the tion causes southwesterlies to strengthen as they fun- southwest end of Cuttyhunk Island and pass southeast nel up from the mouth of the Bay to its head. The result of “NA” buoy. is that speeds are often double those at nearby land sta- tions and southwesterlies may prevail even when land stations are reporting west or northwest winds. How- ever, as a general rule southwesterlies blow harder close to the Elizabeth Islands than in the middle of the
220 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Bay. The relatively shallow water of the Bay increases by vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from vessels the steepness of waves and their closeness to one an- with poor ground tackle, which are likely to drift, foul other; this can cause a stiff chop. With southerly or other vessels, and then go ashore. westerly gales there is a heavy sea in the westerly en- (17) The harbor is the approach to the village of Vine- trance to Vineyard Sound and heavy seas occur at times yard Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its off the entrance to Quicks Hole. southeastern end by a light, is on the flats on the west- ern side of the harbor near the head. The private light Pilotage: Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay on the northeast corner of the ferry wharf at the head of (10) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 the harbor is activated when a ferry approaches the slip in a fog. gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels car- Channels rying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pi- (18) The natural channel is clear; soundings are the lotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 best guide for finding anchorage. When well inside the hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- entrance, the water shoals gradually toward the west- [email protected]. ern shore, but the eastern shore is steep and should be given a berth of about 0.2 mile. Channel depths of 16 Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 feet or more are available to the ferry wharf at Vineyard Haven. (11) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points on Anchorage the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and (19) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both points terminate in high wooded bluffs which show the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. light. (20) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through (12) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 the sound, should continue on in the channel until the feet above the water, is shown from a white conical harbor is well opened before standing in for the an- tower at the summit of West Chop. A fog signal is chorage. This will help clear the entrance points. Ap- sounded from the light station. proaching from the eastward, vessels will keep clear of Squash Meadow and East Chop Flats by keeping in the (13) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the white sector of West Chop Light. Good anchorage is light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark northeastward of the breakwater buoy in 20 to 23 feet. shoal water and rocks awash to the eastward of West The anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths Chop. It has been reported that during strong tidal cur- of 5 to 12 feet and is usually filled to capacity during the rents, the buoy may be submerged. summer. When anchoring in the harbor, care must be taken to avoid obstructing the approach to the ferry (14) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the south- feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on erly side of the harbor. the east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East Chop Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile north- Dangers ward and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell (21) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy, about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, about 350 yards northward of the light, mark the flats. buoy, make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the harbor about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, (15) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight in covered 9 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.3 mile north- the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East ward of the breakwater light. Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a south- west direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the en- Tides and currents trance. This haven, easy of access, is the most (22) The mean range of tide is 1.7 feet. The tidal cur- important harbor of refuge for coasters between Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range rents have little velocity in the harbor; however, care from 46 feet at the entrance to 15 feet near the head of should be taken on the ebb, which sets westward, not to the harbor. approach too closely to West Chop as the current in that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward and northward (16) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to of the point. northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle can ride out most blows. The greatest danger encountered
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 221 (23) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of Charts 13230, 13229 vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can be (30) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south contacted on VHF-FM channel 16, or by telephone shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, af- (508-693-1368). A 4 mph speed limit is enforced inside fords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 the breakwater and within 150 feet of moored craft. mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally (24) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A sticky and good holding ground; the depths shoal grad- twin-screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, ually toward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in is based in the harbor. northerly winds; in southerly winds the sea is some- what broken by L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals (25) The ferry wharf at the head of the channel has a westward of it so that a vessel with good ground tackle depth of 24 feet reported at the outer face. The ferry slip can ride out a gale in comparative safety. (See 110.1 is on the north side and inshore end of the wharf. A pri- and 110.140 (c) (5), and (d) chapter 2, for limits and vate light is on the northeast corner of the wharf. The regulations of the anchorage area.) light and a private fog signal, on the southeastern end of the breakwater, are activated when a ferry is ap- (31) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels with proaching the slip in a fog. Several other wharves, two good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the marinas, and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile north- crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the an- ward of the breakwater. (See the small-craft facilities chorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal ar- tabulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies eas with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which available.) extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. (26) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are avail- (32) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the able off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward of southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light the ferry wharf; other moorings can be hired from the astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth boatyard and marinas. Harbor East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the (27) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach light on a north-northeasterly course, and when Tar- road near Oak Bluffs. paulin Cove and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in range, stand eastward to an anchorage. (28) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry ser- (33) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of vice from Woods Hole. Air service is available from Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, is Martha’s Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are town. numerous homes and a large hotel. (29) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard Ha- (34) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth ven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward of Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light. A short jetty, than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Har- marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end bor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of of the jutting point on the northerly side of the en- Falmouth, is one of the most prominent landmarks in trance. In 2004, the controlling depth through the en- this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just in- trance was 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The side the entrance on the east side of the harbor, are con- channel is marked by private buoys. The pond, used by spicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered local and fishing craft, has depths of 5 to 25 feet with through a dredged channel between two jetties; a light shoaler depths near the shore. Robbins Rock is off the marks the end of the west jetty. In 2004, the controlling west shore, about 1 mile above the bridge. The highway depth was 7.1 feet in the entrance channel to the inner bridge across the entrance has a 30-foot bascule span harbor; thence 6.2 feet in the inner harbor, except for with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through shoaling to 3.7 feet at the upper end of the harbor along 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Ad- the NW side. vance arrangements for bridge openings can be made by contacting the harbormaster or drawtender (tele- Tides and currents phone: 617-693-1212). (35) The mean range of tide at Falmouth Heights is 1.3 feet. The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the
222 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 flood at a velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward Charts 13233, 13229 on the ebb at 1.7 knots. (39) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly Small-craft facilities half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends (36) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the south- on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) western end. (37) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Fal- (40) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the south- mouth Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; western end of the ridge. It is separated from the Middle telephone 508-548-9796. The harbormaster monitors Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 feet. A VHF-FM channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the harbor. (41) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the north- west side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a (38) Nobska Point, about 29 miles westward of narrow jettied entrance which had a reported control- Monomoy Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light ling depth of 2½ feet in 1981. The lake, only used by lo- (41°30'57\"N., 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, cal craft, has general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A private shown from a white tower, at the south end. A fog sig- seasonal light marks the east jetty and private seasonal nal is at the light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at buoys mark the channel through a shoal area just in- low water, extends 150 yards eastward and southwest- side the entrance. ward from the point. (42) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. An- choring is prohibited in the entrance channel. (43) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies are available.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 223 (44) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent controls all berthing and mooring in the basin. The bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about harbormaster has an office at Dutcher Dock and can be 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or Chop Light. by telephone (508-645-2846). (51) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. (45) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged. western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds marine supplies are available. in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 110.1 and (52) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha to 110.140 (c) (1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. lations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers in (53) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'06\"W.), 170 feet above the water, (46) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through light. Several rocks exist between Gay Head and the a dredged channel that leads southeastward to lighted gong buoy. Menemsha Basin, on the north shore just inside the (54) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile entrance. From the basin, the dredged channel contin- northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 ues southward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. about 1 mile above the entrance. The entrance to the (55) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay creek is protected by jetties. The east jetty is marked by Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except for a light. A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwestward of a small section on its northwestern side, the shore con- the light, marks the channel approach, and buoys and sists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with daybeacons mark the channel. boulders lining the shores. In the interior of the island are many hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with (47) In 1991-1992, the controlling depth was 10 feet at considerable marshy area between the hills. A danger midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence 1½ feet could zone surrounds Nomans Land. (See 334.70, chapter 2, be carried to Menemsha Pond; thence 5½ to 10 feet was for limits and regulations.) available in the larger northwestern part of Menemsha (56) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage Basin and 3½ to 5 feet in the smaller southeastern part, between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone except for shoaling to 1 foot in the southeastern corner. Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered 4 The channel south of Menemsha Basin is reported to feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 shoal rapidly after dredging; mariners are advised to mile wide between the islands may be used by small seek local knowledge before attempting to go beyond vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile Menemsha Basin. southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost point of Martha’s Vineyard. (48) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha Basin. Menemsha Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 mile long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of the pond. Tides and currents Charts 13230, 13229 (49) The mean range of tide in Menemsha Bight is 2.7 (57) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncatena, feet. The tidal currents through the entrance have an Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are re- Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west-south- ported to occur 45 minutes after local high and low wa- west from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The islands, ters. forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard Sound, separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly (50) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and only one recommended for strangers. charter boats berth at the dock or at the private piers on the west side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard Sta- tion is on the south side of the basin. The harbormaster
224 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Charts 13235, 13229 range leads into the harbor from Vineyard Sound to the wharves at Woods Hole in Great Harbor. A lighted bell (58) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the buoy marks the entrance and lighted and unlighted southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and buoys mark the channel. When entering on the range, Nonamesset Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth mariners should guard against the current from Buz- Islands, with Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vine- zards Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. yard Sound on the southeast; it includes Great and Lit- (63) These channels are marked by buoys and lights, but tle Harbors in the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in extreme caution and slack water are required to safely the western part. Woods Hole is also the approach to navigate them with drafts greater than 8 feet. Mariners the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of entering from Buzzards Bay should keep in mind that Great Harbor. The town is a busy commercial center the buoys are colored and marked for passage from and a transshipping point for passengers and freight to Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. and from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. During the summer it is an active resort and frequently a port of Anchorages call by yachts passing through to Vineyard Sound or (64) (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter 2, for Buzzards Bay. There is considerable waterborne com- merce in seafood products and general cargo. limits and regulations of the deepwater anchorages in the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An anchorage about 0.2 Prominent features mile square, with poor holding ground and irregular (59) The most prominent landmark approaching Woods depths ranging from 19 to 62 feet, is at the head of Great Harbor. Shoals covered 5 to 9 feet are northwest Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south of the anchorage. Good anchorage in depths of 29 to 36 end of Juniper Point, the finger of land separating Lit- feet is also available about 200 yards northwest of the tle and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf. Small craft high on Juniper Point, a standpipe 0.7 miles can find good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley north-northwestward of Nobska Point, a water tower Harbor. and stacks in the town, the dome of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the buildings of the Dangers National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Bio- (65) Numerous ledges and shoals border the channel logical Laboratory. through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky Channels shoal awash at low water with a full northwest gale, lies (60) Woods Hole Passage, a dredged section through the between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is marked by a buoy. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound Ledge and covered 5 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy and Great Harbor with Buzzards Bay, and consists of 120 yards eastward of the rock. Nonamesset Shoal, The Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch at covered 10 feet, extends about 0.2 mile eastward from the western end of The Strait, and Broadway, the Nonamesset Island, at the entrance to Great Harbor. southerly entrance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. Parker Flats extend as much as 200 yards off the east- A Federal project provides for channel depths of 13 feet. ern shore of Great Harbor northward of Juniper Point. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of charts for Most of these dangers are marked by buoys. controlling depths.) The northerly entrance from (66) Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor are Great Harbor into The Strait is preferred over Broad- many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, grassy, and way with its sharp turn, which is difficult in strong cur- Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a rents, especially for low-powered vessels and vessels light, are on the western side of Great Harbor Channel. under sail. Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is (61) The passage through Woods Hole, between numer- marked by buoys, is on the south side of The Strait. A ous ledges and shoals, is marked by navigational aids. ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is However, tidal currents are so strong that the passage about 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley is difficult and dangerous without some local knowl- Rock, covered 5 feet, is some 500 yards west-south- edge. Buoys in the narrowest part of the channel some- westward of the light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky times are towed under, and a stranger should attempt shoal area extends more than 0.3 mile westward of passage only at slack water. Penzance Point, the southern extremity of Penzance, (62) The entrance to Great Harbor from Vineyard which is the curving peninsula sheltering the west and Sound, between Great Ledge and Nonamesset Shoal, northwest sides of Great Harbor. Most of the dangers has depths of over 20 feet. A 344° lighted entrance
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 225 adjoining the passage channel are marked by naviga- fog, a private fog signal is sounded, a private quick tional aids. flashing white light is shown from the southwest cor- ner of the pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light Tides and currents is shown from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. (67) The mean range of tide is 1.4 feet off Little Harbor, The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf about 60 yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings about 1.8 feet off Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- and wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- tion, and 3.6 feet off Hadley Harbor. Strong northwest- tion are northwestward of the ferry pier. North- erly winds may lower the water in the passage as much westward of the Oceanographic Institution are the as 2 feet. wharves of the Marine Biological Laboratory; the (68) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in The wharf, basin, and buildings of the National Marine Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal Cur- Fisheries Service; the town pier; and several private rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current buildings. Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the (74) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Both feet. A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwest- the velocity of the current and time of slack water are ward from the south end of the National Marine Fish- affected by strong winds. At the north entrance to eries Service wharf. The front entrance range light is Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal near the end of the breakwater. Foul ground extends current is 0.8 knot, whereas at the eastern entrance to about 50 yards northwestward of the outer end of the The Strait in Great Harbor, it is about 1.3 knots. In the breakwater. upper part of Great Harbor, near the National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf, the currents are barely per- (75) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the ceptible, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. In (69) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had a reported but seldom interferes with navigation except in unusu- controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge over the ally severe winters, when it may close the entrance entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span with a from the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in clearance of 5 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and severe winters, but powered vessels usually proceed 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The through the ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along the Great Harbor open. southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond has water, some marine supplies, limited berths with elec- Pilotage: Woods Hole tricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbormaster (70) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See Pi- has an office in Falmouth. lotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) (76) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. Routes Year-round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, (71) The following directions are good for medium- Martha’s Vineyard. draft vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Ap- (77) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west proaching from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of Ju- southward of Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly niper Point. A dredged buoyed channel leads from Vine- course until on Great Harbor Lighted Range, or from a yard Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard point close to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy 26, steer wharf on the west shore. In 2007, the controlling depth 279° until on the entrance range. Approaching from was 17 feet in the channel except shoaling to 14.2 feet the westward in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of along the eastern limits, with 15 feet available in the the Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer basin except shoaling to 12.9 feet near the channel lim- for Nobska Point Light on any bearing between 045° its. The east side of the harbor is used as a mooring area and 051° until on the entrance range. for local craft. Numerous rocks awash are in this part of the harbor; extreme caution is advised. A 6 mph Towage speed limit is enforced in the harbor by the Falmouth (72) A 200 hp tug is available at Woods Hole. Harbormaster. Wharves (78) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods (73) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a narrow, and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in
226 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 buoys, is between ledges on both sides; the northern northwestward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal Cur- ledge is marked by a private daybeacon. The inner har- rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current bor forms a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Island, for the (79) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their hourly velocities and directions of the current.) ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A pri- (87) Quicks Hole, between Pasque Island and vate wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at Nashawena Island, is the only passage between Vine- the western end of Nonamesset Island. yard Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk available for vessels of over 10-foot draft. The clearly Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 defined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile wide, is about 4 miles southwestward of Tarpaulin Cove (80) Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Is- and about 5 miles north of Gay Head. The passage is lands, extends west-southwestward from Uncatena and used considerably by tows, especially during westerly Nonamesset Islands. or southerly winds, to avoid the very heavy sea in the entrance to Vineyard Sound, and also because a secure (81) Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the north- anchorage from these winds can be had, if necessary, eastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. on the north side of Nashawena Island. The passage is considered unsafe for a long tow at night, but otherwise (82) Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile it may be used by steamers either night or day. northeastward of the northernmost of the Weepecket (88) Vessels should follow a midchannel course through Islands, is covered 8 feet, and is marked by a lighted the passage. The channel is nearly straight with a width gong buoy. of about 0.2 mile. General depths are 30 feet or more, but there are several shoaler spots. Rocks covered 27 to (83) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs 37 feet are near the center of the channel. Because of Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is the broken nature of the bottom, the passage is not rec- shoal with numerous bare rocks. ommended for a stranger drawing more than 21 feet. Buoys mark the channel. Note (89) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered (84) In 1990, unexploded World War II ordnance was re- for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. (90) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no at- ported about 0.5 mile southeastward of Lackeys Bay in tempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of Nashawena Island, is covered 15 feet and marked by a (85) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of buoy. Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in (91) A sunken wreck, covered 30 feet, is on the west side the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords of the passage in about 41°26.6'N., 70°51.1'W. shelter from northerly and westerly winds, and is fre- (92) Lone Rock, covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted quently used. A light is on the southwest side of the buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile cove. Anchorage in depths of 14 to 18 feet, good holding northward of North Point, the northeastern extremity ground, is in the cove with the light bearing between of Nashawena Island. Tide rips have been observed be- 212° and 189°. Deep-draft vessels should anchor far- tween North Point and Lone Rock during spring tides. ther out in depths of 36 feet or more. The eastern and northern shores should be given a berth of 200 yards. Rocks are near the western shore and should be given a berth of over 300 yards; buoys mark the dangers. Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 Tides and currents (93) The mean range of tide is 2.5 feet at the south end (86) Robinsons Hole is a narrow buoyed passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay between the western and 3.5 feet at the north end of Quicks Hole. The tidal end of Naushon Island and the eastern end of Pasque Is- currents have considerable velocity in Quicks Hole, land. It has numerous rocks and ledges, and strong about 2 to 2.5 knots, and a sailing vessel should not at- tidal currents. The buoys often tow under, and the pas- tempt to pass through unless with a strong favorable sage should never be attempted by strangers; it is used wind on a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels should occasionally by local fishermen. It has been reported be careful not to be set off their courses. With a strong that currents sometimes reach a velocity of 5 knots in westward current through Vineyard Sound, there is a the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 northward current through Quicks Hole; with a strong knots. The flood sets southeastward and the ebb eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the current sets southward through Quicks Hole. Strong winds affect the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 227 Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, (96) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monu- Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly ment on an island in Westend Pond on the western end velocities and directions of the current.) of Cuttyhunk Island. (94) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 miles (97) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally ap- northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern ex- proach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers are tremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends from marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 mile the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the southeastward. No attempt should be made to pass be- northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not tween them. Rocky ledges extend southward and west- be taken in. The approach from northeastward is ward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern edge deeper. of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor from Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. (98) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of Cuttyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by (95) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight between small boats and is partially marked by buoys. In 2007, Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the western- the channel had a controlling depth of 4 feet. The buoys most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor at this entrance are often dragged off station by strong are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, which currents and heavy seas. The channel should never be shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. The used during a heavy ground swell. With southerly harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. winds, heavy seas will break across the entrance. Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen some- times use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is Channels the approach to the village of Cuttyhunk and to (99) A dredged channel leads from Cuttyhunk Harbor Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a dredged cut in the eastern end of Cuttyhunk Island. into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning basin at the western Copicut Neck forms the northerly side of Cuttyhunk terminal in the pond and an anchorage basin in the Pond. eastern part of the pond north of the channel. In 2007, the entrance channel into the pond had a controlling depth of 2.1 feet (7.2 feet at midchannel), thence 9.2
228 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 feet in the pond channel to the turning basin, with 8.3 Penikese Island, the flood sets eastward and the ebb to 10 feet in the turning basin. The anchorage basin westward at about 0.8 knot. (See Tide Tables and Tidal had depths of 8.5 to 10 feet. The jettied entrance is Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current marked by a light on the north jetty and by a buoy off Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the the end of the submerged south jetty. A bell buoy marks hourly velocities and directions of the current.) the entrance to the channel. (105) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe Anchorage winters. (100) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding Small-craft facilities ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in (106) There is a service wharf on the south side of the Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the har- bor are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the south side of the basin at the head of the channel in Dangers the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the is- (101) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cutty- land. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with elec- tricity, and some marine supplies are available. Limited hunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at lodging in cottages is available on the island. The low water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile harbormaster can be reached by telephone north of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to (508-966-9295). There is daily launch service with New the harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 Bedford in the summer and twice weekly in the winter; mile east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 seaplane service is also available. feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These dangers, except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An un- Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeast- (107) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, ward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and many small towns and villages, and the entrance of ledges covered 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Is- Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of land and the ledges southwestward of Penikese and Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction Gull Islands. The eastern point at the entrance and the from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the eastern shore of the harbor should be given a berth of south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the over 300 yards. Elizabeth Islands. Routes (108) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and (102) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward in broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are common, in places extending a considerable distance Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile from shore, thus making close approach to the shore northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Island. dangerous. Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East Entrance Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), and (109) The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- thence to anchorage according to draft in the harbor. proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Ves- (103) In approaching from westward, from a position sels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk areas in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Cau- until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance 600 tion must also be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and shown on the chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings Penikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge Neck, above which the bay is full of shoals. and the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then swinging southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or (110) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Protected southward to the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. Area (MPA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of Tides and currents Massachusetts. (See Appendix C, for additional infor- (104) The mean range of tide at Cuttyhunk Pond en- mation.) trance is 3.4 feet. The current velocity in Canapitsit (111) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has Channel is 2.6 knots on the flood which sets been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay south-southeastward, and 1.7 knots on the ebb which through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and sets northwestward. In the channel southward of 12300.)
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 229 (112) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- (122) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles fic lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and zone and a precautionary area. The Scheme is recom- there are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because mended for use by vessels approaching or departing these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, ves- from Buzzards Bay, but is not necessarily intended for sels of 16-foot draft or more must exercise extra cau- tugs, tows, or other small vessels which traditionally tion when entering the bay. In heavy southwest gales operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close in- the sea breaks over some of these spots. shore. (123) The best guides for entering the bay from westward (113) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay En- to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way to trance Light are the guides for vessels approaching supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. from the southward. Separation zones are intended to separate inbound and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, (124) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'49\"N., and should not be used except for crossing purposes. 71°02'05\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from a Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about traffic lanes and separation zones. (See Traffic Separa- 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk tion Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the sides. A fog signal and racon are at the light. (114) The precautionary area in the southwest part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered (125) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) has on 41°06'06\"N., 71°23'22\"W., excluding those areas of been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended be- through Rhode Island Sound. tween the outer limits of the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is com- (126) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- mon to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the ap- dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massa- proaches to both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. chusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel Narragansett Bay is described in chapter 6.) Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards (115) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to in the following positions: follow the designated routes. These routes were de- signed to provide safe, established routes for these ves- (116) (i) 41°10'09\"N., 71°19'09\"W., sels, to reduce the potential for conflict with (117) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small (118) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or col- lision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at are not required to remain inside the route nor are fish- a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of erman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, Small vessels should exercise caution in and around thence steer usual courses to destination. the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF (119) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. lane at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a course of 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane Anchorages to a junction with the precautionary area. (127) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage for (120) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. (121) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords an- are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use ex- chorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the cept by small craft with local knowledge. The four ma- small-craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly jor entrances are the main channel, from westward, winds. A good anchorage sheltered from all southerly passing north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal winds may be had off the north shore of Nashawena Is- from northeastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole land eastward of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are 40 to 48 feet. This anchorage, frequently used by tows, Canapitsit Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nasha- is available for vessels of any draft; however, care must wena Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and be taken to stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. Naushon Islands. Two general anchorages are off the western entrance to
230 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Cape Cod Canal. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) (1), (b) (149) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, is (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island. Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted No-Discharge Zone bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. (128) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (150) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots the Environmental Protection Agency, has established with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Buzzards Bay. The area southward of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted covered is bounded by the points gong buoy off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy (129) 41°29'48\"N., 71°07'13\"W. marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile (130) 41°25'05\"N., 71°05'46\"W. north-northwestward of the north end of Penikese Is- (131) 41°25'25\"N., 71°03'32\"W. land. An unmarked rocky shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 (132) 41°22'30\"N., 70°59'52\"W. mile north of the island. (133) 41°24'33\"N., 70°56'57\"W. (134) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'30\"W. Tides and currents (135) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'12\"W. (151) The mean range of tide varies from 3.0 feet at (136) 41°26'24\"N., 70°51'20\"W. (137) 41°26'45\"N., 70°50'23\"W. Westport Harbor to 4.2 feet at Bird Island near the head (138) 41°26'57\"N., 70°48'29\"W of the bay. The tidal currents in the passages between (139) 41°26'59\"N., 70°48'18\"W. Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable (140) 41°30'35\"N., 70°42'06\"W. velocity and require special attention. At Hen and (141) 41°30'38\"N., 70°41'58\"W. Chickens Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is ro- (142) 41°30'55\"N., 70°40'52\"W. tary, turning clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is (143) 41°31'14\"N., 70°40'58\"W. running against the current. Maximum velocities are (144) 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'27\"W. (west canal entrance), and about 0.5 knot. Minimum velocities average about 0.2 (145) 41°44'11\"N., 70°37'21\"W. (east canal entrance), knot. (See the Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for and includes all waters of Buzzards Bay (see chart predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett 13218 for limits). Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and (146) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether directions of the current.) treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by Ice 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (152) The head of Buzzards Bay and the harbors in that Dangers vicinity are generally closed to navigation during the (147) Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 miles southward winter. The approaches to the harbors on the eastern shore are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe of Gooseberry Neck, is a reef consisting of many large winters the drift ice extends across the bay and joins boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is the local formations on the western shore, forming an in two large groups; the southerly group is the larger. impassable barrier for short periods. Ice forms more Numerous covered rocks are well away from the visible rapidly in the bay with winds from north to west as the part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to 14 feet western shore forms a shelter from such winds. When extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible part the field ice extends sufficiently out toward the channel of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north of the ledge. Old as to be affected by the winds from north to west, the Cock, a rock awash, and The Wildcat, covered 5 feet outer edges are broken up and carried off to the eastern and unmarked, are in the southern shoal area. The or southern shore where they form drift ice. Under or- south edge of the shoal is marked by a buoy. Strangers dinary circumstances a northeast wind, if continued are advised to stay outside the 5-fathom curve in this for 48 hours, will clear the bay of ice. Southerly winds, vicinity. especially southeastern, diminish the extent and (148) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, weaken the strength of the pack. Some of the lighted extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from buoys are removed from station or replaced by Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted unlighted buoys when endangered by ice. bell buoy. An unmarked rock strewn shoal, covered 20 feet, is 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numer- (153) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk ous obstructions and rocks were reported to extend as to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this much as 3 miles southward of Sow and Pigs Reef. chapter.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 231 Charts 13230, 13229 in 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (154) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small plea- Charts 13236, 13229 sure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point of the entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of (160) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles north- the harbor are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles ward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south side of northeastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or easterly winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The en- (155) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and trance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private sea- feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, sonal aids mark the best water to the northeast end of and buoys mark the shoals extending from the en- the harbor. In 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was reported trance points. The shores are foul, and the easterly part available in the channel. Mariners are advised to steer a of the harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the pri- midchannel course through the entire entrance chan- vately dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a nel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides of the chan- small basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A nel. stone jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 110.1 (156) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor and 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor (161) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. In off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported alongside has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to the wharf. Ice and provisions are available. have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, some marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine (162) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of railways up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine re- North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered pairs can be made. The harbormaster can be contacted between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck on through the boatyard. the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as the rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is (157) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of marked at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with wharf are just inside the breakwater. In 1981, depths of twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer 4 to 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf; water is end, extends about 1 mile westward of the point. available. The harbor has extensive shoals and ledges, Gifford Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north- but by following the buoyed channel a draft of about 8 northwestward of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset feet can be carried to an anchorage in the outer harbor Rock, awash and marked by a private seasonal day- in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Inside the breakwater, an- beacon, is 0.4 mile offshore about 1.1 miles northward chorage is available in 6 to 12 feet, taking care to avoid of Hamlin Point. A shoal area, foul with rocks awash the shoals on the north side of the harbor and the rock and covered, extends 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the awash near the center in 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. daybeacon. Cataumet Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a buoy, is on the south side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on the (158) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of north side and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater (163) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, small-craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett the north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on Harbor, about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet the northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and Rock. A channel, privately dredged to a reported depth the summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are promi- of 7 feet, leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a nent. The entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell dredged basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal buoy and an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an lighted buoy marks the approach, and private buoys unlighted buoy on the north side; these buoys mark mark the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump- reefs that extend westward from both entrance points. out station and wet and dry storage are available; lift ca- Seasonal private buoys mark the channel in the harbor. pacity, 35 tons. Hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In April 2002, the reported approach and (159) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken alongside depth was 7 feet. through the narrow, privately marked channel in the harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the har- bor. Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf
232 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 (164) Halftide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 southward through the channel that leads through yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett break- Hospital Cove. Hen Cove is immediately northward of water. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers Red Brook Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In 1981, Cove, is a private boat basin with little or no water. reported depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be carried through the north and south channels, respectively. (165) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is en- Because of numerous submerged rocks in and near the tered through a narrow channel from the head of edges of the channel, local knowledge is advised. Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a (171) A marina is on the east shore of Red Brook Harbor reported depth of about 2 feet in 1981; however, depths about 500 yards southeastward of Handy Point; a of 5 to 7 feet are reported to be available in the channel 60-ton lift is available. A boatyard with a 35-ton mobile to the harbor; local knowledge is advised. The village of lift is on the east side of the small cove, about 300 yards Cataumet is on the northerly shore of the harbor. south of the marina. Both facilities have berths, elec- tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, (166) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of and storage facilities, and can make hull and engine re- Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor pairs. Electronic repairs can be made at the marina. entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a Depths of 8 feet are reported at the marina berths and buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. at the boatyard berths. Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. (172) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, ex- Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward tends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction into of Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, ir- by 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, regular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward western, and southern sides. A rock awash is in the of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A northerly shoal. yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of the neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are displayed (167) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, chapter 2, common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings for details.) Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from (173) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering north side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side channel that leads southward between two jetties to a of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can highway bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 to 2001, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds. bridge. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 7 Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is feet. Only very small boats go above the bridge. A covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. Water, berths with electricity, storage facilities, a 35-foot marine railway, and a 5-ton lift are available; (168) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth of hull and engine repairs can be made. A town wharf and about 8 feet in 1981, leads north of Bassetts Island to floats are on the north side of the river at the bridge. Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the northeast (174) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A small-craft Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys Har- launching ramp is just south of the landing. bor, is connected to the mainland by a causeway. (175) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the east (169) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached from southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another a point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis buoyed channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend of Rock to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about the approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be 6 feet can be carried in the channel, and there are carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are depths of 8 to 14 feet in the anchorage. In 1981, a shoal available in the approach channel. The harbor is used at the south tip of Bassetts Island was reported to be as an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee Island, once shifting westward in the vicinity of Buoy 3; caution is an island, is now connected with the mainland by a advised. A boulder reef extends northeastward from landfill causeway. A group of rocks awash, marked by a Scraggy Neck in the approach to the cove. Several pri- buoy, is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and vate piers with depths of 5 to 8 feet alongside are in the cove. (170) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is approached from the northward through the channel that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 233 another rock, covered 4 feet, and marked by a buoy, is Cape Cod Canal 0.1 mile north of Tobys Island. (176) The village of Monument Beach is on the east (179) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The water- the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 way is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge Light feet is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, elec- to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens the tricity, a pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are distance between points north and south of Cape Cod available. by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to (177) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the near its entrance, empties into the north side of Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 207.20, Phinneys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, ad- entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway bridge cross- ministration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) ing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed spans with a minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is (180) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located at on the south bank between the bridges. In 1981, a the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal depth of about 1½ feet was reported available in the Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal at river to the boatyard. A forklift is used to haul out boats Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island up to 26 feet at the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all ves- length can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved sels over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the ramp at Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard canal. (See 207.20 (h), chapter 2, for detailed informa- for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- tion on signals.) age. A launching ramp and marine supplies are avail- able at the yard. Prominent features (178) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the (181) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., Back River. 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson on the east side of the entrance channel approaching Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and fog signal are at the light station. The railroad bridge over
234 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 the canal at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the high- privately maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New way bridge at Bourne are also prominent. England Petroleum Company wharf about 1.2 miles (182) Canal Breakwater Light 6 (41°46'47\"N., west of Canal Breakwater Light 6. 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a (184) The approach channels from both the west and the red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwa- east are marked with lighted ranges and other naviga- ter at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape tional aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both Cod Bay. A fog signal is at the light. The most promi- banks by mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. nent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is the tall lighted stack of the powerplant about 1.1 Anchorages miles west-southwestward of Canal Breakwater Light (185) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland 6. The high-level highway bridge across the canal at Sagamore, 2.5 miles west of the breakwater light, is Ledge Channel between Cleveland Ledge Light and also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance Wings Neck. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) and (d), to the canal should not be confused with the smaller chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, a dan- jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the southeast- gerous submerged rock was reported just inside the ward, nor should the two white church spires back of easterly edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure 70°40'17\"W. In 1984, an obstruction was reported in marking the entrance to the canal. Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W. (186) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both Channels ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island (183) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare in about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in deep through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mari- 1979. The other is just inside the eastern entrance to ners and latest editions of the chart for controlling the canal. A small boat basin is on the south side of the depths.) Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest in- channel just inside the eastern entrance to the canal; formation as to available depths so as to pass through depths of 8 to 13 feet were available in the basin in the canal during maximum stages of high water if the 1969. draft of the vessel is near the controlling depth. In 1981, it was reported that the east entrance was being
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 235 Bridges strikes. When right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (187) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. (peak season: December through May), vessels transiting Cape Cod Bay are urged to use Recom- The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 mended Two-Way Whale Avoidance Routes to reduce miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a verti- the likelihood of collisions with right whales. (See cal-lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chap- up. The span is normally maintained in the raised posi- ter 3 for more information on right whales and recom- tion and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 117.1 mended measures to avoid collisions with whales.) through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, (194) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall for drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area between Jan- feet. The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at uary 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Sagamore, 11.8 miles above Cleveland East Ledge Cape Cod Bay with a northern boundary of Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. 42°41'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to 42°12'N., 70°12'W., thence (188) The minimum clearance of the overhead power ca- due west back to shore. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chap- bles across the canal is 160 feet. ter 2 for regulations, limitations, and exceptions.) Tides and currents Pilotage: Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay (189) The mean range of tide is 3.5 feet at the railroad (195) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or bridge near the Buzzards Bay entrance and 8.7 feet at “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels the Cape Cod Bay entrance. The large differences in 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all range and timing of the tide between Buzzards Bay and vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents in the canal. Tides required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to enter- may lower the canal level 2 feet below mean low water ing the waterway with information as specified in Sec. or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. 207.20 (k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). (190) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod (196) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Cur- vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under rent Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal current register of 350 gross tons or more and towing vessels has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets east- in-tow with single hull tank barges carrying 5,000 bar- ward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets westward. rels or more of petroleum and hazardous cargoes. Fed- (191) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, espe- eral and State pilots are available from Northeast cially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should Marine Pilots, Inc. and from Boston Coastwise Pilots. await slack water or favorable current. Navigators are Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; warned to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” http://www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone 401-847- and “bank cushion,” the effects of which may cause a 9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-841-9052; vessel to take a sudden and decided sheer. email: [email protected]. Boston Coast- wise Pilots is in Winthrop, MA 02152; telephone 617- Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity 510-0082, 508-801-4904; email: [email protected]. (192) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal Twenty-four hour advance notice and 3 hour updates are requested. than outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the (197) The Northeast Marine pilot boats which serve the canal to such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. canal and Buzzards Bay are the NORTHEAST I and The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occa- NORTHEAST V. The NORTHEAST I is a 37-foot boat sionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so with a black hull and white superstructure. The congested with ice that navigation through the canal is NORTHEAST V is a 38-foot boat with a black hull and prevented. gray superstructure. Both boats have the word PILOT on both sides. North Atlantic Right Whales (198) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II and NORTH-EAST (193) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been IV serve for boarding eastbound vessels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST IV is a 52 foot boat; reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity both have unpainted aluminum hulls and superstruc- of the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traf- tures with the word PILOT in red on both sides. All fic Controllers provide information regarding North Atlantic right whale sightings and locations. The Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational mate- rial to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship
236 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Northeast pilot boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 13 requested to proceed slowly to avoid damage to lines and 10, and work on 13 or 10. and other equipment at the pier. (199) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- (212) The New England Petroleum Company mooring trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position miles westward of Canal Breakwater Light 6, provides 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long with drafts (200) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot draft Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day bounded by: or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage (201) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., tanks ashore. (202) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., (203) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., Supplies (204) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is (213) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Sakonnet Point. and a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just in- (205) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point Ju- side the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary dith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius cir- berthage and anchorage are also available at the basin. cle centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. (206) Eastbound vessels can also meet pilots in the pilot Communications boarding area located about 1 mile NW of Buzzards Bay (214) Information on operating conditions, widths, Entrance Light Tower in about 41°23'48\"N., 71°02'01\"W. (207) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance depths, or other data on the canal is available at all by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. hours, day or night, by calling the canal office at Buz- zards Bay (508-759-4431). Launch service (215) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal will (208) Launch service is also available; arrange through monitor channel 16 continuously to establish contact with traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to Boston Coastwise Pilots or Northeast Marine Pilots, switch to channel 12 or channel 14 as a working chan- Inc. nel to pass information between the traffic controllers and the vessel. However, channel 13 may be used only Towage when the above channels are not available. (209) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buz- (216) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, Buzzards Bay, Mass., is in continuous operation. Call zards Bay; arrangements for their services are usually letters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM 13, 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication channel 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep 18A as a working frequency. their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. Coast Guard (217) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards (210) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile north- Cape Cod Canal. In 2004, the controlling depth was 5 eastward of Sandwich Harbor. feet to the railroad bridge about 1.1 miles above the channel entrance, except for severe shoaling at Wharves midchannel and in the right quarter between Buoy 3 (211) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime and Buoy 5. In 1992, a rock was reported just below the railroad bridge in about 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. Two Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile bridges cross Cohasset Narrows; the railroad bridge has below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet, but is kept in a is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berth- closed position and used as a fixed bridge. The highway ing face. In 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was reported in the bridge, immediately above, has a fixed span with a basin off the berthing face in about 41°44'15\"N., clearance of 9 feet. Several small piers for shallow-draft 70°37'35\"W. In 1981, the reported controlling depth on boats are the only facilities in Buttermilk Bay. Gasoline the channel side of the pier was 25 feet. Permission to is available in the bay. berth at the pier must be obtained from the academy. Vessels should not attempt to go alongside or leave the pier except at periods of slack water. Passing vessels are
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 237 (218) Butler Cove, on the western side of Cohasset Nar- (226) Wareham River, which empties into the northern rows southwesterly of the bridges, has depths of 3 to 5 end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of feet. Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long (219) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and Beach Point, is prominent when approaching the river. Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of A brick stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicu- Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from ous. The buoyed channel to the town is crooked and Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a twisting; in 1986, the controlling depth was about 4 turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one feet from Wareham River Buoy 13 to the upstream on each side of the channel, are at the head of the chan- limit of the project. In 1987, a sunken wreck was re- nel. In 1995, the midchannel controlling depth was 14 ported in the vicinity of Wareham River Entrance Buoy feet to the turning basin, thence depths of 13 to 15 feet 10. A rock covered 6 feet is in the entrance about 350 were available in the basin; depths of 6 to 8 feet were yards south-southwest of Dry Ledge in about available in the eastern anchorage basin with 7½ feet 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and several rocks and available in the western anchorage basin. shoal spots covered 9 to 14 feet are within 0.75 mile west to southwest of the ledge. A shoal makes off south- (220) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the easterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile southward of middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel Long Beach Point. In 1981, it was reported that Long are frequently towed under because of the strong cur- Beach Point covers at high water; caution is advised. rents. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel en- The section near Quahaug Bar, north of Long Beach trance about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to 2 and 3 Light 21. In 1981, two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were feet close to the buoyed channel. Small craft some- reported on the north edge of the channel between times anchor just north of Long Beach Point. Highway Buoys 2 and 4; caution is advised. and railroad bridges over the river above the wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance of 1 foot. (221) A special anchorage is in the northern part of On- set Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits (227) The mean range of the tide at the entrance to and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available Wareham River is about 4.1 feet. The velocity of the at the head of the dredged channel. current is not great enough to materially interfere with a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the first (222) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Is- half of the ebb the current below the wharves of the land. town sets across the flats westward of the channel, and during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats east- (223) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the ward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The over for short periods during most winters. harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. (228) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- Several small-craft facilities are on the north side of the zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and bay along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See the steer 351° to the buoyed channel. Strangers should ob- small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for ser- tain local information regarding channel depths before vices and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. navigating the river. (224) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of On- (229) The depth at the Wareham town landing was re- set. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an anchorage just ported to be about 4½ feet in 1981. The Wareham Har- above the highway bridge which connects Onset and bor Patrol patrols the harbor during the summer Long Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance boating season and enforces a speed limit of 5 knots. A of 11 feet. boatyard, on the western side of Wareham Neck about 0.3 mile below the bridges, has a marine railway that (225) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 can handle craft up to 45 feet for hull and engine re- feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly pairs or storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, marine from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The breakwa- supplies, and a 25-ton mobile hoist are available. In ter protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland Ledge 1981, depths of about 6 feet were reported alongside Channel Range Front Light is on the outer end of the the boatyard service float. Wareham has bus service. breakwater. Abiels Ledge, between the channel and the south end of the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, 1 (230) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to mile northwestward of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile and Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 northward, is surrounded by uneven bottom with depths of 2 to 19 feet between it and the northerly shore of Buzzards Bay.
238 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 feet. The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot Marion provide limited guest moorings, electricity, channel was dredged by the State through the cove gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a from the 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at the entrance pump-out station and a surfaced launch ramp. Mobile to Cedar Island Creek. hoists to 50 tons and dry winter storage are available; (231) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly ob- 2009, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the structed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can boatyard at the head of the harbor. The harbormaster, be carried past the rocks and as far as the highway who controls all mooring and anchoring in the harbor, bridge, with local knowledge. The channel is not monitors VHF-FM channel 68. marked. An overhead power cable crossing the river (238) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky ar- about 1.4 miles above the mouth has a clearance of 51 eas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 feet. The highway bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, a mouth, has two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly from The channel is through the northeasterly 45-foot span. Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. At The river is navigable for 2 miles above the highway Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the island bridge by small craft drawing less than 2 feet. A small and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. The marina is just above the bridge. Gasoline, water, ice, currents in the narrow portion of the channel have storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and engine considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwest- haul out boats to 25 feet. ward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported (232) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is depth of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion. indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending off- (239) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on shore nearly 2 miles in places. the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common (233) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast of entrance northward of Ram Island. They have general Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer coves. Gibbs Rock, marked by a private seasonal section. The cove affords protection from westerly daybeacon, is 50 yards off the north point of Ram Is- winds; it is used only by small local craft. land. A rock awash is charted 120 yards north of the (234) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican daybeacon. Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward (240) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of from the point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island Sippican Harbor is shallow and used only by small local marked by a light. craft. The approach to the cove is marked by private (235) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several seasonal buoys. Charted obstructions are close west- buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 ward of the buoys. feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 (241) The mean range of tide at Marion is 4.0 feet. Ice mile southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a month or feet. The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 more each winter. feet, are about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard (242) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of Shoal. An unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot southward of Bird Island. spot is near the center of the cove in about (236) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat ac- 41°40'23.2\"N., 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is tivity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay foul. The harbor is protected from all winds except about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor southeast. An unmarked channel with depths of less is the approach to Marion, a small town on the western than 1 foot leads to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. shore. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and Local knowledge and a high tide are required to navi- Converse Point on the west. Prominent features in- gate to the boatyard, which can haul out craft up to 40 clude the abandoned lighthouse on Bird Island and the feet in length. The yard does general repairs and ma- conspicuous house and flagpole on Converse Point. chine work. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, and marine The standpipe on Sippican Neck can also be seen for a supplies are available. The other coves between considerable distance. Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors are foul and seldom (237) The town dock at Marion, approached through a entered. channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has re- ported depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 239 Chart 13229 (250) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. (243) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest of Ledges with very little water over them surround the Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of New daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; Mattapoisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The during the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of winds, the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the about 15 feet. sea from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor be- (251) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant tween Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. Rock on the east and West Island on the west. North- ward and westward of West Island the bay is greatly ob- (244) The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw- structed by rocks and small islands. Because of these berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on the obstructions, only small craft proceed through the bay west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural channel to Little Bay, at the head, or up Nasketucket River. The leads through the numerous rocks and ledges in the edges of Little Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The chan- all but strong southerly winds is available in the center nel has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the bro- of the bay in 3 to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is ken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over made treacherous by obstructions and wind and should areas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet not be attempted without local knowledge. Numerous greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of enter at night. West Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed (245) There are many shoals and rocks, most of them span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the west depth at the bridge is 6 feet. The approach from south- side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledge extends about ward to the west side of West Island runs among many a mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett Neck. Nye sunken rocks and shoals, and is very dangerous. The Ledge, covered 7 to 18 feet, about 0.4 mile southeast- causeway between Long Island and Sconticut Neck, the ward of Mattapoisett Ledge, is marked by a seasonal neck of land forming the east side of New Bedford Har- lighted bell buoy. In or near the entrance channel are bor, completely blocks passage between the two. Gallatin Rock, covered 10 feet; Sunken Ledge, covered 3 feet; Snow Rock, covered 5 feet; and Barstow Rock, (252) Bare rocks and shoaling extend about 1 mile south- covered 8 feet. Near the town wharf, a rock, covered 3 erly of West Island, and from there to the New Bedford feet, is marked by a buoy. Harbor entrance are numerous isolated rocks and ledges, the most dangerous of which are buoyed. (246) A special anchorage is in Mattapoisett Harbor. (See Mosher Ledge, about 1.1 miles south of Wilbur Point, 110.1 and 110.45a, chapter 2, for limits and regula- has a least depth of 6 feet. Strangers should stay south tions.) of the buoys marking these dangers. (247) The mean range of tide in the harbor is 3.9 feet. The (253) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth stone wharf at the town has a reported depth of 6 feet of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of Buz- alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, marine zards Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bedford supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard and the town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 feet in miles from The Battery at New York via Long Island draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced Sound, and 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. in the mooring areas. The harbor includes all the tidewater lying northerly of a line from Clarks Point at the southern extremity of (248) A boatyard on the east side of the harbor provides New Bedford to Wilbur Point at the southern end of limited guest berths and moorings, electricity, gaso- Fairhaven and extends to the head of navigation on line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a Acushnet River at Acushnet. The outer harbor consists pump-out facility, a 35-ton mobile hoist, and storage of the area south of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Is- facilities; hull, engine, and electronic repairs are avail- land, and the inner harbor consists of the area north of able. In 2009, a reported depth of 15 feet could be car- the barrier to a short distance above the New Bed- ried to the boatyard with 5 feet alongside. ford-Fairhaven Bridge. (249) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of (254) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side to Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and shoal water surround the island.
240 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of gen- western sides of the opening are shown from the top of eral cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. each of the two gate operations houses, 48 feet above Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The the water. A fog signal is sounded from the west barrier deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. light. (255) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges (260) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the and shoals, between which are several channels leading north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed Clarks Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate with caution when crossing areas off the general track is open. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes be- when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet fore the start of closing the gate through reopening. In greater than the draft. addition to the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe lights are shown; two from atop the west barrier oper- Prominent features ating house, one facing toward the harbor and one fac- (256) From the main channel numerous landmarks can ing toward the bay, and a third light facing toward the bay adjacent to the old fort at Clarks Point. These syn- be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 5A chronized lights flash every 20 seconds, but flash every off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the channel, 2 seconds from 20 minutes before the start of closing is conspicuous. About 0.5 mile westward of the radar the gate through reopening. dome on Round Hill Point is a radio tower. Clarks Point, on the west side of the channel, is marked by a (261) The controlling depth above the turning basin to granite fort. About 0.7 mile northeast of the point is the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A group of that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except three stacks is on the west side of the inner harbor. Al- by launches and small craft. though there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Fort Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just Routes east of the channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. (262) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is from Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. A tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the inner harbor. Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB A private light is on the northeast point of Palmer Is- (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed chan- land, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane barrier. The nel eastward of Negro Ledge. lights marking the eastern and western sides of the (263) There are several other passages with least depths hurricane barrier are also prominent. of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New (257) Butler Flats Light (41°36'12\"N., 70°53'40\"W.), a Bedford Harbor west of the main channel. However, private aid 25 feet above the water, is shown from a they are not as well marked as the main channel; un- white conical tower on a black cylindrical pier about marked shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the 0.7 mile north-northeast of Clarks Point. course lines. (264) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Mishaum COLREGS Demarcation Lines Ledge Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can (258) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vine- be set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks Light 5A to about 500 yards northwest of Decatur Rock yard Sound are described in 80.145, chapter 2. Buoy 12, thence on a 006° course to join the main channel near Butler Flats Light. Channels (265) An alternate approach can be made from a position (259) A Federal project provides for a 30-foot deep chan- about 0.3 mile southeastward of Wilkes Ledge Lighted Buoy 7 on a course of 004° to join the main channel nel from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fair- the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mar- haven is a good leading mark for this leg. iners and latest edition of charts for controlling (266) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford depths.) The 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visi- 150 feet by a hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, ble. Vessels should proceed with caution where the protecting New Bedford Harbor, extending from the charted depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the western shore over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on draft, because of the broken character of the bottom. the east. The 150-foot gated opening will be kept in the open position during fair weather, but is closed during periods of high winds or high tides, or when a hurri- cane is expected. Lights marking the eastern and
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 241 Anchorages minutes before the time of low or high water; that the (267) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, ves- maximum ebbing velocity occurred about 2 hours after the time of high tide; that the maximum flooding ve- sels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about locity occurred about 4 hours after the time of low tide; 0.7 mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at are in the outer harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (a) about the same time as the most rapid change in the and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the vertical height of the tide was taking place. inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged an- chorage areas on either side of the channel in depths of Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity 25 to 30 feet. (274) The prevailing winds during the winter are from Dangers north to west, and during the summer from south to (268) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly with little warning in New Bedford Harbor. and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions near the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The Ice chart is the best guide. (275) The channels and anchorage area usually are navi- (269) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is gable throughout the year, although in prolonged peri- on the easterly rock. A buoy marks the southeastern ods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of portion of the shoal area around the rocks, and a gong Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of buoy is about 400 yards east of the light. ice. Such conditions are infrequent and of short dura- (270) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round tion. Steamers generally can make their way through Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance the ice in the harbor. to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwest- Pilotage, New Bedford ward of the wreck. (276) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 Bridges gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of (271) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. 350 gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a RI 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800- swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 117.1 274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@nema- through 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for draw- rinepilots.com. bridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF- (277) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern FM channel 16 and works on channel 13; call sign entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ WHH-238. About 1 mile above this drawbridge is the mile east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate Coggeshall Street Bridge, which has a fixed span with a position 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. clearance of 8 feet. A highway bridge with a fixed span (278) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef and a clearance of 8 feet is just below the Coggeshall Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett Street Bridge. About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area Street Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. bounded by (279) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., Tides (280) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., (272) The mean range of tide is 3.7 feet. (281) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., (282) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is Currents southward of a line extending from Point Judith to (273) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other ar- observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers rangements may be made with the pilot office. over a 2-day period in 1965 at the center of the naviga- (283) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III tion opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, it serve the canal and are owned and operated by North- was revealed that the maximum flooding and ebbing east Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38-foot boat velocities were about 2.4 knots; average flood setting with black hull and white superstructure and the word 344° and the ebb 144°. During flooding or ebbing a PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot boat slight set towards the east barrier abutment may be ex- with black hull and white superstructure. perienced. During this same period it was further re- vealed that the time of slack water occurred about 30
242 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 (284) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- companies. sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST (295) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards north- IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum ward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 feet hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red long, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of petro- on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor leum products; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by New England Petroleum Corp. (285) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance (296) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford by ships’ agents. Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet Towage alongside; 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt (286) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance and shipment of general cargo; owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Wa- when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp are terways. based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their ser- (297) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; vices are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet of monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and and use channel 18A as a working frequency. chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned (287) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. and operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. (298) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Is- Quarantine,customs,immigration,and agricultural land; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic feet quarantine of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled food- (288) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- stuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. pendix A for addresses.) (299) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: (289) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 to tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public 28 feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated Health Service, chapter 1.) space, 57,500 square feet of freezer space, 34,700 (290) New Bedford has several hospitals. square feet of covered storage space; receipt of frozen (291) Coast Guard vessels moor at the State Pier. fish; owned and operated by Frionor Norwegian Frozen Fish Ltd. Harbor regulations (300) New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards (292) The New Bedford Harbor Development Commis- northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet along- side; 14 acres of open storage; owned by New Bedford sion, through the harbormaster, enforces the harbor Harbor Development Commission and operated by var- regulations. The State Pier Traffic Manager is the State ious tenants. authority who directs anchoring, berthing, and move- ment of vessels, and discharging operations at the State Supplies Pier. Vessels are expected to proceed slowly in the vicin- (301) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, and marine ity of the piers. State laws forbid pollution and dumping of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. The harbor- supplies of all kinds are available. Diesel oil and marine master has an office just north of the State Pier. bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excel- lent for drinking and boiler use; a water boat services Wharves craft at anchor. (293) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers and Repairs wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these facili- (302) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that can ties. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, and the alongside depths for these facilities are reported; for in- make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage facil- formation on the latest depths contact the operator. All ities are also available. The largest marine railway in of the facilities described have highway connections, the area can handle vessels up to 210 feet. Lifts to 99 and most have rail connections. Water is available at tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually are available for above-the-waterline repairs and en- handled by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame gine repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compres- derrick is available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. sors and diving equipment, are also available. (294) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage;
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