United States Coast Pilot 2 Atlantic Coast - Cape Cod, MA to Sandy Hook, NJ 2003

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Navigation Regulations I Chapter 2 I 145 vessel operating companies to the Army Corps of Engi- The specific exemption codes are listed in the direc- neers. The forms are available at the following address: tions for ENG Form 3925. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterborne Commerce (2507) (3) Refer to 19 CFR part 24 for detailed information Statistics Center, Post Office Box 62180, New Orleans, on exemptions and ports subject to the Harbor Mainte- LA 70161-1280. nance Tax. (2494) (A) All movements of domestic waterborne com- (2508) (ii) Annual Reports. Annually an inventory of ves- mercial vessels shall be reported, including but not sels available for commercial carriage of domestic com- limited to: Dry cargo ship and tanker moves, loaded merce and vessel characteristics must be filed on ENG and empty barge moves, towboat moves, with or with- Forms 3931 and 3932. out barges in tow, fishing vessels, movements of crew (2509) (iii) Transaction Reports. The sale, charter, or lease boats and supply boats to offshore locations, tugboat of vessels to other companies must also be reported to moves and movements of newly constructed vessels assure that proper decisions are made regarding each from the shipyard to the point of delivery. company’s duty for reporting vessel movements during (2495) (B) Vessels idle during the month must also be re- the year. In the absence of notification of the transac- ported. tion, the former company of record remains responsi- (2496) (c) Notwithstanding the above requirements, the ble until proper notice is received by the Corps. following waterborne vessel movements need not be (2510) (iv) Reports to Lockmasters and Canal Operators. reported: Masters of self-propelled non-recreational vessels (2497) (1) Movements of recreational vessels. which pass through locks and canals operated by the (2498) (2) Movements of fire, police, and patrol vessels. Army Corps of Engineers will provide the data specified (2499) (3) Movements of vessels exclusively engaged in on ENG Forms 3102b, 3102c, and/or 3102d to the construction (e.g., piledrivers and crane barges). Note: lockmaster, canal operator, or his designated represen- however, that movements of supplies, materials, and tative in the manner and detail dictated. crews to or from the construction site must be timely (2511) (c) Penalties for Noncompliance. The following reported. penalties for noncompliance can be assessed for of- (2500) (4) Movements of dredges to or from the dredging fenses and violations. site. However, vessel movements of dredged material (2512) (1) Criminal Penalties. Every person or persons vi- from the dredging site to the disposal site must be re- olating the provisions of this regulation shall, for each ported. and every offenses, be liable to a fine of not more than (2501) (5) Specific movements granted exemption in writ- $5,000, or imprisonment not exceeding two months, to ing by the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center. be enforced in any district court in the United States (2502) (D) ENG Forms 3925 and 3925b shall be completed within whose territorial jurisdiction such offense may and filed by vessel operating companies each month for have been committed. all voyages or vessel movements completed during the (2513) (2) Civil Penalties. In addition, any person or entity month. Vessels that did not complete a move during that fails to provide timely, accurate, and complete the month shall be reported as idle or in transit. statements or reports required to be submitted by this (2503) (E) The vessel operating company may request a regulation may also be assessed a civil penalty of up to waiver from the Army Corps of Engineers, and upon $2,500 per violation under 33 U.S.C. 555, as amended. written approval by the Waterborne Commerce Center, (2514) (3) Denial of Passage. In addition to these fines, the company may be allowed to provide the requisite penalties, and imprisonments, the lockmaster or canal information of the above paragraph (D), on computer operator can refuse to allow vessel passage. printouts, magnetic tape, diskettes, or alternate me- (2515) (d) Enforcement Policy. Every means at the dis- dium approved by the Center. posal of the Army Corps of Engineers will be utilized to (2504) (F) Harbor Maintenance Tax information is re- monitor and enforce these regulations. quired on ENG Form 3925 for cargo movements into (2516) (1) To identify vessel operating companies that or out of ports that are subject to the provisions of sec- should be reporting waterborne commerce data, The tion 1402 of the Water Resources Development Act of Corps will make use of, but is not limited to, the follow- 1986 (Pub. L. 99-662). ing sources. (2505) (1) The name of the shipper of the commodity, and (2517) (i) Data on purchase and sale of vessels. the shipper’s Internal Revenue Service number or So- (2518) (ii) U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation and re- cial Security number, must be reported on the form. ports. (2506) (2) If a specific exemption applies to the shipper, (2519) (iii) Data collected at Locks, Canals, and other facil- the shipper should list the appropriate exemption code. ities operated by the Corps. (2520) (iv) Data provided by terminals on ENG Form 3926. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:02 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 146 I Chapter 2 I Navigation Regulations (2521) (v) Data provided by the other Federal agencies in- the Chief of the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Cen- cluding the Internal Revenue Service, Customs Ser- ter. vice, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Commerce. (2531) The purpose of this part is to: (2532) (a) Prescribe procedures for establishing, amend- (2522) (vi) Data provided by ports, local facilities, and State or local governments. ing and disestablishing danger zones and restricted area; (2523) (vii) Data from trade journals and publications. (2533) (b) List the specific danger zones and restricted ar- (2524) (viii) Site visits and inspections. eas and their boundaries; and (2525) (2) Notice of Violation. Once a reporting violation (2534) (c) Prescribe specific requirements, access limita- tions and controlled activities within the danger zones is determined to have occurred, the Chief of the and restricted areas. Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center will notify the responsible party and allow 30 days for the reports to be (2535) (a) Danger zone. A defined water area (or areas) filed after the fact. If the reports are not filed within this used for target practice, bombing, rocket firing or 30-day notice period, then appropriate civil or criminal other especially hazardous operations, normally for the actions will be undertaken by the Army Corps of Engi- armed forces. The danger zones may be closed to the neers, including the proposal of civil or criminal penal- public on a full-time or intermittent basis, as stated in ties for noncompliance. Typical cases for criminal or the regulations. civil action include, but are not limited to, those viola- tions which are willful, repeated, or have a substantial (2536) (b) Restricted area. A defined water area for the impact in the opinion of the Chief of the Waterborne purpose of prohibiting or limiting public access to the Commerce Statistics Center. area. Restricted areas generally provide security for (2526) (3) Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties. Government property and/or protection to the public Civil penalties may be assessed in the following man- from the risks of damage or injury arising from the ner. Government’s use of that area. (2527) (i) Authorization. If the Chief of the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center finds that a person or en- (2537) (a) General. The general regulatory policies stated tity has failed to comply with any of the provisions in 33 CFR part 320 will be followed as appropriate. In specified herein, he is authorized to assess a civil pen- addition, danger zone and restricted area regulations alty in accordance with the Class I penalty provisions of shall provide for public access to the area to the maxi- 33 CFR part 326. Provided, however, that the proce- mum extent practicable. dures in 33 CFR part 326 specifically implementing the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(4)), public notice, (2538) (b) Food fishing industry. The authority to pre- comment period, and state coordination, shall not ap- scribe danger zone and restricted area regulations ply. must be exercised so as not to unreasonably interfere (2528) (ii) Initiation. The Chief of the Waterborne Com- with or restrict the food fishing industry. Whenever the merce Statistics Center will prepare and process a pro- proposed establishment of a danger zone or restricted posed civil penalty order which shall state the amount area may affect fishing operations, the District Engi- of the penalty to be assessed, described by reasonable neer will consult with the Regional Director, U.S. Fish specificity the nature of the violation, and indicate the and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior and applicable provisions of 33 CFR part 326. the Regional Director, National Marine Fisheries Ser- (2529) (iii) Hearing Requests. Recipients of a proposed vice, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration civil penalty order may file a written request for a hear- (NOAA), ing or other proceeding. This request shall be as speci- fied in 33 CFR part 326 and shall be addressed to the (2539) (c) Temporary, occasional or intermittent use. If Director of the Water Resources Support Center, Casey the use of the water area is desired for a short period of Building, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5586, who will pro- time, not exceed thirty days in duration, and that vide the requesting person or entity with a reasonable planned operations can be conducted safely without opportunity to present evidence regarding the issu- imposing unreasonable restrictions on navigation, and ance, modification, or revocation of the proposed or- without promulgating restricted area regulations in der. Thereafter, the Director of the Water Resources Center shall issue a final order. (2530) (4) Additional Remedies. Appropriate cases may also be referred to the local U.S. Attorney for prosecu- tion, penalty collection, injunctive, and other relief by Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:02 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Navigation Regulations I Chapter 2 I 147 accordance with the regulations in this section, appli- (2548) (i) Applicable statutory authority or authorities; cants may be informed that formal regulations are not (40 Stat. 266; 33 U.S.C. 1) and (40 Stat. 892; 33 U.S.C. required. Activities of this type shall not reoccur more 3). often than biennially (every other year), unless danger zone/restricted area rules are promulgated under this (2549) (ii) A reasonable comment period. The public no- Part. Proper notices for mariners requesting that ves- tice should fix a limiting date within which comments sels avoid the area will be issued by the Agency request- will be received, normally a period not less than 30 days ing such use of the water area, or if appropriate, by the after publication of the notice. District Engineer, to all known interested persons. Copies will also be sent to appropriate State agencies, (2550) (iii) The address of the District Engineer as the re- the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC cipient of any comments received. 20590, and Director, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Hydrographic Center, Washington, DC 20390, (2551) (iv) The identity of the applicant/proponent; ATTN: Code NS 12. Notification to all parties and (2552) (v) The name or title, address and telephone num- Agencies shall be made at least two weeks prior to the planned event, or earlier, if required for distribution of ber of the Corps employee from whom additional infor- Local Notice to Mariners by the Coast Guard. mation concerning the proposal may be obtained; (2553) (vi) The location of the proposed activity accompa- (2540) (a) Application. Any request for the establishment, nied by a map of sufficient detail to show the bound- amendment or revocation of a danger zone or re- aries of the area(s) and its relationship to the stricted area must contain sufficient information for surrounding area. the District Engineer to issue a public notice, and as a (2554) (3) Distribution. Public notice will be distributed in minimum must contain the following: accordance with 33 CFR 325.3(d)(1). In addition to this general distribution, public notices will be sent to the (2541) (1) Name, address and telephone number of re- following Agencies: questor including the identity of the command and (2555) (i) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) DoD facility and the identity of a point of contact with where the use of airspace is involved. phone number. (2556) (ii) The Commander, Service Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, if a proposed action involves a danger zone off the (2542) (2) Name of waterway and if a small tributary, the U.S. Atlantic coast. name of a larger connecting waterbody. (2557) (iii) Proposed danger zones on the U.S. Pacific coast must be coordinated with the applicable com- (2543) (3) Name of closest city or town, county/parish and mands as follows: state. (2558) Alaska, Oregon and Washington: (2559) Commander, Naval Base, Seattle (2544) (4) Location of proposed or existing danger zone or (2560) California: restricted area with a map showing the location, if pos- (2561) Commander, Naval Base, San Diego sible. (2562) Hawaii and Trust Territories: (2563) Commander, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor (2545) (5) A brief statement of the need for the area, its in- (2564) (c) Public hearing. The District Engineer may con- tended use and detailed description of the times, dates duct a public hearing in accordance with 33 CFR part and extent of restriction. 327. (2565) (d) Environmental documentation. The District (2546) (b) Public notice. (1) The Corps will normally pub- Engineer shall prepare environmental documentation lish public notices and Federal Register documents in accordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part 325. concurrently. Upon receipt of a request for the estab- (2566) (e) District Engineer’s recommendation. After clo- lishment, amendment or revocation of a danger zone sure of the comment period, and upon completion of or restricted area, the District Engineer should forward the District Engineer’s review he/she shall forward the a copy of the request with his/her recommendation, a case through channels to the Office of the Chief of En- copy of the draft public notice and a draft Federal Reg- gineers, ATTN: CECW-OR with a recommendation of ister document to the Office of the Chief of Engineers, whether or not the danger zone or restricted area regu- ATTN: CECW-OR. The Chief of Engineers will publish lation should be promulgated. The District Engineer the proposal in the Federal Register concurrent with shall include a copy of environmental documentation the public notice issued by the District Engineer. prepared in accordance with appendix B to 33 CFR part 325, the record of any public hearings, if held, a sum- (2547) (2) Content. The public notice and Federal Regis- mary of any comments received and a response thereto, ter documents must include sufficient information to and a draft of the regulation as it is to appear in the Fed- give a clear understanding of the proposed action and eral Register. should include the following items of information: Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:02 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 148 I Chapter 2 I Navigation Regulations (2567) (f) Final decision. The Chief of Engineers will no- 1315 East-West Highway, Station 6147, Silver Spring, tify the District Engineer of the final decision to either MD 20910-3282. approve or disapprove the regulations. The District En- gineer will notify the applicant/proponent and publish (2572) (a) The danger zone. A circular area with a radius of a public notice of the final decision. Concurrent with 1,000 yards having its center on the aircraft bombing issuance of the public notice the Office of the Chief of target hulk James Longstreet in Cape Cod Bay at lati- Engineers will publish the final decision in the Federal tude 41°49'46\", longitude 70°02'54\". Register and either withdraw the proposed regulation or issue the final regulation as appropriate. The final (2573) (b) The regulations. (1) No vessel shall enter or re- rule shall become effective no sooner than 30 days after main in the danger zone at any time, except as autho- publication in the Federal Register unless the Chief of rized by the enforcing agency. Engineers finds that sufficient cause exists and pub- lishes that rationale with the regulations. (2574) (2) This section shall be enforced by the Comman- dant, First Naval District, and such agencies as he may (2568) (a) Upon receipt of a request from any agency for designate. the disestablishment of a danger zone, the District En- gineer shall notify that agency of its responsibility for (2575) (a) Atlantic Ocean in vicinity of Nomans Land– returning the area to a condition suitable for use by the (2576) (1) The area. The waters surrounding Nomans public. The agency must either certify that it has not used the area for a purpose that requires cleanup or Land within an area bounded as follows: Beginning at that it has removed all hazardous materials and muni- (2577) 41°12'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence northwesterly to tions, before the Corps will disestablish the area. The (2578) 41°15'30\", 70°51'30\"; thence northeasterly to agency will remain responsible for the enforcement of (2579) 41°17'30\", 70°50'30\"; thence southeasterly to the danger zone regulations to prevent unauthorized (2580) 41°16'00\", 70°47'30\"; thence south to entry into the area until the area is deemed safe for use (2581) 41°12'30\", 70°47'30\"; thence westerly to the point by the public and the area is disestablished by the Corps. of beginning. (2582) (2) The regulations. No vessel or person shall at (2569) (b) Upon receipt of the certification required in paragraph (a) of this section, the District shall forward any time enter or remain within a rectangular portion the request for disestablishment of the danger zone of the area bounded on the north by latitude 41°16'00\", through channels to CECW-OR, with its recommenda- on the east by longitude 70°47'30\", on the south by lati- tions. Notice of proposed rulemaking and public proce- tude 41°12'30\", and on the west by longitude 70°50'30\", dures as outlined in §334.4 are not normally required or within the remainder of the area between November before publication of the final rule revoking a restricted 1 and April 30, inclusive, except by permission of the area or danger zone regulation. The disestablish- enforcing agency. ment/revocation of the danger zone or restricted area (2583) (3) The regulations in this paragraph shall be en- regulation removes a restriction on a waterway. forced by the Commandant, First Naval District, and such agencies as he may designate. (2570) (a) Geographic coordinates expressed in terms of (2584) (a) The area: The open waters of the Thames River latitude or longitude, or both, are not intended for plot- approximately 5 nautical miles upriver from its mouth ting on maps or charts whose reference horizontal da- along the boundary between Groton and Waterford, tum is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), Connecticut, within an area bounded as follows: unless such geographic coordinates are expressly la- beled NAD 83. Geographic coordinates without the (2585) From a point on the eastern shore at NAD 83 reference may be plotted on maps or charts ref- (2586) 41°24'14.4\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W., then northerly along erenced to NAD 83 only after application of the appro- priate corrections that are published on the particular the coast to map or chart being used. (2587) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'37.9\"W., then westerly across (2571) (b) For further information on NAD 83 and Na- the river to a point on the western shore at tional Service nautical charts please contact; Director, (2588) 41°24'20.0\"N., 72°05'55.5\"W., then southerly along Coast Survey (N/CG2), National Ocean Service, NOAA, the coast to a point on the western shore at Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:02 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Navigation Regulations I Chapter 2 I 149 (2589) 41°24'05.0\"N., 72°05'55.7\"W., then easterly to the must also leave the restricted area when notified by western edge of the dredged channel to a point located personnel of the New London Submarine Base that at such use will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations or security. (2590) 41°24'04.1\"N., 72°05'51.2\"W., then southerly along (2611) (3) Vessels which are owned, operated or sponsored the western edge of the dredged channel to a point at by local, state municipalities or academic institutions preparing for or participating in a water sport or water (2591) 41°24'00\"N., 72°05'52.6\"W., then southerly along related recreational event sponsored by those local or the western edge of the dredged channel to a point lo- state municipalities or academic institutions, or pri- cated at vate or commercial vessels engaged in observing the conduct of the above event shall be exempt from the re- (2592) 41°23'57.1\"N., 72°05'52.5\"W., then southerly to strictions above, providing: buoy “11” located at a point at (2612) (i) The Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New London, and the Coast Guard Captain of the (2593) 41°23'45.6\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly to Port are advised in writing at least 4 hours in advance of buoy “B” on the northeastern shore of Mamacoke Hill the event, or to a point at (2613) (ii) The event was publicized in such a manner that the local public in general had a reasonable opportu- (2594) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'53.7\"W., then southerly along nity to learn of the event 48 hours in advance. the shore to buoy “A” at (2614) (4) The regulations in this section shall be enforced by the Commander, U.S. Naval Submarine Base New (2595) 41°23'25.0\"N., 72°05'45.4\"W., then southeasterly London, Connecticut, and such agencies as he/she may to buoy “9” at a point located at designate. (2596) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'35.0\"W., then easterly to a (2615) (a) The area. The open waters of Rhode Island point on the eastern shore at Sound approximately 4.0 nautical miles due south of Lands End, Newport, Rhode Island, within an area (2597) 41°23'15.0\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then northerly along bounded as follows: Beginning at the shore to a point on the eastern shore at (2616) 41°20'29\"N., 71°19'54\"W.; thence 2000 yards east- (2598) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'17.9\"W., then along the fol- erly to lowing points: (2617) 41°20'29\"N., 71°18'34\"W.; thence 3000 yards (2599) 41°23'15.8\"N., 72°05'22.0\"W. southerly to (2600) 41°23'25.9\"N., 72°05'29.9\"W. (2601) 41°23'33.8\"N., 72°05'34.7\"W. (2618) 41°18'57\"N., 71°18'34\"W.; thence 2000 yards west- (2602) 41°23'37.0\"N., 72°05'38.0\"W. erly to (2603) 41°23'41.0\"N., 72°05'40.3\"W. (2604) 41°23'47.2\"N., 72°05'42.3\"W. (2619) 41°18'57\"N., 71°19'54\"W.; thence 3000 yards (2605) 41°23'53.8\"N., 72°05'43.7\"W. northerly to the point of beginning. (2606) 41°23'59.8\"N., 72°05'43.0\"W. (2607) 41°24'12.4\"N., 72°05'43.2\"W. Then to the point of (2620) (b) The regulations. (1) No persons, vessels or other watercraft will be allowed to enter the designated beginning on the eastern shore. area during minefield training. (2608) (b) The regulations. (2609) (1) Vessels and other watercraft within the desig- (2621) (2) The practice minefield will consist of six inert drill mines each 16 inches in diameter and 5 feet long nated navigation channel may proceed through the re- and one concrete sonar target 48 inches in diameter stricted area at normal operating speeds without and 48 inches high located within the designated area. stopping. Vessels and watercraft may also utilize the The sonar target will be permanently located in the ex- water area within the restricted area located between treme northeast corner within the designated drill the western edge of the designated channel and the minefield area. The six drill mines will be steel with all western shore for fishing, anchoring and other recre- internal mechanisms and explosives removed and con- ational uses. However, all persons, vessels and crete filled. Drill mines will be removed from the desig- watercraft, except U.S. military personnel and vessels nated area within 72 hours after each minehunting must leave the restricted area when notified by person- training exercise. nel of the New London Submarine Base that such use will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations or security. (2610) (2) Commercial fishermen and shell fishermen may fish within the restricted area provided their ves- sels display registration numbers issued by the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. The regis- tration numbers may be obtained by contacting the Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New Lon- don. All commercial fishermen and shell fishermen Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:03 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 150 I Chapter 2 I Navigation Regulations (2622) (3) Training activities will be limited to minehunt- supervision or contract to local military or Naval au- ing operations using only onboard sonar. Neither vari- thority, vessels of the United States Coast Guard, and able depth sonar devices or mechanical minesweeping local or state law enforcement vessels, are prohibited operations will be utilized in the area. from entering the restricted area without specific per- mission from the Commanding Officer, Naval Station (2623) (4) Training periods will be 2-3 days in length and Newport, USN, Newport, Rhode Island or his/her au- 10-15 times a year, however during the time period July thorized representative. 1–mid-October, minehunting exercises will be held to (2643) (c) Enforcement. The regulation in this section, minimum. promulgated by the United States Army Corps of Engi- neers, shall be enforced by the United States Navy, (2624) (5) Notice to mariners will be issued 6–8 weeks in Commanding Officer Naval Station Newport, and/or advance of a scheduled practice exercise by the Com- such agencies or persons as he/she may designate. mander, U.S. Naval Base, Newport, Rhode Island. (2625) (6) The regulations of this section shall be enforced by the Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Newport, Rhode Island, and such agencies as he/she may designate. . (2626) (a) Beginning at a point on the east shore of (2644) (a) The area. The waters of New York Harbor begin- Conanicut Island at ning at a point on shore at (2627) 41°33'15\"; thence southeasterly to (2628) 41°32'44\", 71°21'17\"; thence southerly to (2645) 40°38'02\"N., 074°04'24\"W.; thence easterly to (2629) 41°32'09\", 71°21'17\"; thence southeasterly to (2630) 41°31'50\", 71°21'10\"; thence southeasterly to (2646) 40°38'02.5\"N., 074°04'09\"W.; thence southerly to (2631) 41°31'26\", 71°20'33\"; thence easterly to (2632) 41°31'27\", 71°20'06\"; thence northerly to a point (2647) 40°37'53\"N., 074°04'07\"W.; thence on the southwesterly shore of Prudence Island at east-southeasterly to (2633) 41°35'00\"; thence northerly along the southwest- (2648) 40°37'50\"N., 074°03'50.2\"W.; thence erly shore of Prudence Island to a point at (2634) 41°35'43\", 71°20'15.5\"; thence northwesterly to south-southeasterly to (2635) 41°37'21\", 71°20'48\"; thence west to (2636) 41°37'21\", 71°21'48\"; and thence south to (2649) 40°37'37.5\"N., 074°03'46\"W.; thence southwesterly (2637) 41°33'54\", 71°21'48\". (2638) (b) The regulations: (1) No person or vessel shall at to the shore line at any time, under any circumstances, anchor or fish or (2650) 40°37'24.5\"N., 074°04'18\"W.; thence northerly tow a drag of any kind in the prohibited area because of the extensive cable system located therein. along the shore line to the point of origin. (2639) (2) Orders and instructions issued by patrol craft or other authorized representatives of the enforcing (2651) (b) The regulations. (1) The portion of the re- agency shall be carried out promptly by persons or ves- sels in or in the vicinity of the prohibited area. stricted area extending from the shore out a line 600 (2640) (3) The regulations in this section shall be enforced by the Commander U.S. Naval Base, Newport, R.I., and feet east of the U.S. Pierhead Line is closed to all per- such agencies as he may designate. sons and vessels except those vessels owned by, under (2641) (a) The area. All of the navigable waters of Coddington Cove east of a line that connects hire to or performing work for Naval Station New York, Coddington Point at 41°31'24.0\"N., 71°19'24.0\"W.; with the outer end of the Coddington Cove breakwater Staten Island, New York. on the north side of the cove at 41°31'55.7\"N., 71°19'28.2\"W. (2652) (2) The portion of the restricted area beginning 600 (2642) (b) The regulation. All persons, swimmers, vessels feet seaward of the U.S. Pierhead Line is open to and other craft, except those vessels under the transiting vessels only. Vessels shall proceed across the area by the most direct route and without unnecessary delay. For vessels under sail, necessary tacking shall constitute a direct route. (2653) (3) Commercial vessels at anchor will be permitted to swing into the seaward portion of the restricted area while at anchor and during the tide changes. (2654) (c) Enforcement. The regulations in this section shall be enforced by the Commanding Officer, Naval Station New York, and such agencies as he/she shall designate. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:03 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Navigation Regulations I Chapter 2 I 151 (2655) Self-propelled vessels engaged in foreign commerce (2670) (a) The regulations of parts 222, 223, and 224 of are required to use a pilot holding an appropriately en- this chapter implement the Endangered Species Act dorsed Federal first class pilot’s license issued by the (Act), and govern the taking, possession, transporta- Coast Guard when operating in the navigable waters of tion, sale, purchase, barter, exportation, importation the United States specified in this subpart. of, and other requirements pertaining to wildlife and plants under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Com- (2656) The following U.S. navigable waters located within merce and determined to be threatened or endangered the States of New York and New Jersey when the vessel pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. These regulations is making an intra-port transit, to include, but not limited are implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Ser- to, a movement from a dock to a dock, from a dock to an vice, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- anchorage, from an anchorage to a dock, or from an an- tion, U.S. Department of Commerce, This part pertains chorage to an anchorage, within the following listed op- to general provisions and definitions. Specifically, parts erating areas: 223 and 224 pertain to provisions to threatened species and endangered species, respectively. Part 226 enumer- (2657) (a) East River from Execution Rocks to New York ates designated critical habitat for endangered and Harbor, Upper Bay; threatened species. Certain of the endangered and threatened marine species enumerated in §§ 224.102 (2658) (b) Hudson River from Yonkers, New York to New and 223.102 are included in Appendix I or II to the Con- York Harbor, Upper Bay; vention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The importation, exportation, (2659) (c) Raritan River from Grossman Dock/Arsenal to and re-exportation of such species are subject to addi- New York Harbor, Lower Bay; tional regulations set forth at 50 CFR part 23, chapter I. (2660) (d) Arthur Kill Channel; (2671) (b) For rules and procedures relating to species de- (2661) (e) Kill Van Kull Channel; termined to be threatened or endangered under the ju- (2662) (f) Newark Bay; risdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, see 50 CFR (2663) (g) Passaic River from Point No Point to Newark parts 10 through 17. For rules and procedures relating to the general implementation of the Act jointly by the Bay; Departments of the Interior and Commerce and for (2664) (h) Hackensack River from the turning basin to certain species under the joint jurisdiction of both the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, see 50 CFR Newark Bay; and Chapter IV. Marine mammals listed as endangered or (2665) (i) New York Harbor, Upper and Lower Bay. threatened and subject to these regulations may also be subject to additional requirements pursuant to the Ma- §15.1040 Massachusetts. rine Mammal Protection Act (for regulations imple- (2666) The following U.S. navigable waters located within menting that act, see 50 CFR part 216). the State of Massachusetts when the vessel is in transit, (2672) (c) No statute or regulation of any state shall be but not bound to or departing from a port within the fol- construed to relieve a person from the restrictions, lowing listed operating areas: conditions, and requirements contained in parts 222, (2667) (a) Cape Cod Bay south of 41°48'54\"N.; 223, and 224 of this chapter. In addition, nothing in (2668) (b) The Cape Cod Canal; and parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, including any (2669) (c) Buzzards Bay east of a line extending from the permit issued pursuant thereto, shall be construed to southernmost point of Wilbur Point (41°34'55\"N., relieve a person from any other requirements imposed 70°51'15\"W.) to the easternmost point of Pasque Island by a statute or regulation of any state or of the United 41°26'55\"N., 70°50'30\"W.). States, including any applicable health, quarantine, ag- ricultural, or customs laws or regulations, or any other Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:03 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 152 I Chapter 2 I Navigation Regulations National Marine Fisheries Service enforced statutes or (2684) (iv) Paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do regulations. not apply to an aircraft unless the aircraft is conducting whale watch activities. (2685) (v) Paragraph (b)(2) of this section does not apply to the extent that a vessel is restricted in her ability to maneuver and, because of the restriction, cannot com- ply with paragraph (b) of this section. (2673) (c) Approaching North Atlantic right whales. (2686) The regulations contained in this part identify (2674) (1) Prohibitions. Except as provided under para- those habitats designated by the Secretary of Com- merce as critical under section 4 of the Act, for endan- graph (b)(3) of this section, it is unlawful for any person gered and threatened species under the jurisdiction of subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to com- the Secretary of Commerce. Those species are enumer- mit, attempt to commit, to solicit another to commit, ated at §223.102 of this chapter, if threatened and at or cause to be committed any of the following acts: Sec. 224.101 of this chapter, if endangered. For regula- (2675) (i) Approach (including by interception) within tions pertaining to the designation of critical habitat, 500 yards (460 m) of a right whale by vessel, aircraft, or see part 424 of this title, and for regulations pertaining any other means; to prohibitions against the adverse modification or de- (2676) (ii) Fail to undertake required right whale avoid- struction of critical habitat, see part 402 of this title. ance measures specified under paragraph (b)(2) of this Maps and charts identifying designated critical habitat section. that are not provided in this section may be obtained (2677) (2) Right Whale avoidance measures. Except as upon request to the Office of Protected Resources (see provided under paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the §222.102, definition of \"Office of Protected Re- avoidance measures must be taken if within 500 yards sources\"). (460 m) of a right whale: (2678) (i) If underway, a vessel must steer a course away (2687) Northern Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) from the right whale and immediately leave the area at (2688) (a) Great South Channel. The area bounded by a slow safe speed; (2689) 41°40'N., 69°45'W.; (2679) (ii) An aircraft must take a course away from the (2690) 41°00'N., 69°05'W.; right whale and immediately leave the area at a con- (2691) 41°38'N., 68°13'W.; and stant airspeed. (2692) 42°10'N., 68°31'W. (2680) (3) Exceptions. The following exceptions apply to (2693) (b) Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. The area this section, but any person who claims the applicabil- ity of an exception has the burden of proving that the bounded by exception is applicable: (2694) 42°04.8'N., 70°10'W.; (2681) (i) Paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do (2695) 42°12'N., 70°15'W.; not apply if a right whale approach is authorized by the (2696) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; National Marine Fisheries Service through a permit is- (2697) 41°46.8'N., 70°30'W. and on the south and east by sued under part 222, subpart C, of this chapter (Gen- eral Permit Procedures) or through a similar the interior shore line of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. authorization. (2698) (c) Southeastern United States. The Coastal waters (2682) (ii) Paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do not apply where compliance would create an imminent between 31°15'N., and 30°15'N. from the coast out 15 and serious threat to a person, vessel, or aircraft. nautical miles; and the coastal waters between (2683) (iii) Paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do 30°15'N. and 28°00'N. from the coast out 5 nautical not apply when approaching to investigate a right miles. whale entanglement or injury, or to assist in the disen- tanglement or rescue of a right whale, provided that permission is received from National Marine Fisheries Service or designee prior to the approach. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:03 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 153 Cape Cod To Sandy Hook (1) The Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Sandy Hook (8) Among the islands in Narragansett Bay are Rhode embraces part of the coast of Massachusetts and all of (Aquidneck) Island, Conanicut, and Prudence. These the coasts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. rather large islands are gently sloping, undulating, and To the mariner this area presents problems of unusual covered with cultivated fields and orchards, and occa- difficulty because of the off-lying shoals, strong and sional groves of trees. variable currents, large amounts of fog, and turbulence of wind and sea in the great storms that so frequently (9) Westerly from Point Judith to Napatree Point is a sweep it. Additionally, the mariner is faced with the continuous line of beaches behind which are many great volume of waterborne traffic that moves through saltponds. These ponds have been formed by the sea the area to and from the Port of New York. breaking through the outer sand barrier and then de- positing sand to close the opening. The shore near the (2) The principal geographic features include Georges water is low, grassy, and nearly level, but gradually rises Bank, Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards Bay, with a series of gentle curves to higher wooded lands Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound and tributaries, some distance back. and New York Harbor and tributaries including the Hudson River. (10) Block Island is another formation of the glacier. A prominent feature of the island is the entire absence of (3) Cape Cod, a long peninsula jutting eastward from trees. The surface when viewed from eastward has a the mainland of Massachusetts, may be likened to an grassy undulating appearance, and the hills in many arm bent upward at the elbow. It was originally formed places show steep sandy faces. Near the shoreline the by the last great glacier and has been refashioned by the land is low, but rapidly rises toward the center of the is- seas and wind. The outer end of The Cape, as it is called land to steep hills covered only with grass and dotted by eastern New Englanders, is a barren region of sand occasionally with houses. dunes with long yellow beaches, while much of the re- mainder of the forearm is bleak grassy country. The (11) The boundary line between Rhode Island and Con- southern side of the deltalike plain of Cape Cod has necticut follows the Pawcatuck River to above the head been cut along high bluffs by the surf and waves. This of navigation. section of the coast is covered with growth of pitch pine and scrub oak. (12) The coastline of Connecticut is rockbound and rugged, with numerous sandy beaches and occasional (4) Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Is- salt meadows or marshland. The surface is mildly roll- lands, and numerous smaller islands were also formed ing near the shore. The depression of small valleys by the glacier. The plains of Martha’s Vineyard and along the shore has created a number of good harbors. Nantucket are broad grassy heaths. The Elizabeth Is- The shoreline has been well developed commercially lands are hilly and partly wooded, and generally the and residentially. It is lined with seaside resorts, State shores are low bluffs. parks, and bathing beaches. (5) The western shore of Buzzards Bay is of moderate (13) The boundary line between Connecticut and New height, very gently sloping, cleared, and cultivated with York follows the Byram River for slightly over 1 mile. occasional groves of trees. Several towns and the city of New Bedford are visible along the shores. (14) Long Island, originally formed by the glacier and thrusting about 105 miles eastward from New York Bay (6) Between Buzzards and Narragansett Bays the coast to a point abreast of New London, faces the New Eng- is a mass of sand dunes with steep faces forming a line land coast across Long Island Sound on the north. The along the shore. Several headlands along this stretch of long, narrow outline of the island resembles that of a coast have fine sand beaches between them. whale. Its eastern end is split by Peconic Bay and the 35- and 25-mile peninsulas thus formed are the north (7) The boundary line between Massachusetts and and south flukes. The island is almost a plain. On the Rhode Island strikes the coast just westward of Quick- north coast, bluffs rise to a height of 200 feet. South of sand Point. these, extending well into the island’s midsection, run several chains of hills. The south shore is a barrier beach from about 30 miles west of the eastern Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:04 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 154 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook extremity to the western end, which has been devel- offshore from the entrances. The entrances to the in- oped into a series of bathing resorts. lets along the south shore of Long Island are subject to frequent change due to the shifting sand bars. (15) These areas are rarely mentioned in the Coast Pilot, (24) Traffic Separation Schemes (Traffic Lanes) have but are shown on the nautical charts. (See Disposal been established in the approaches to Buzzards Bay, Sites and Dumping Grounds, chapter 1, and charts for Narragansett Bay, and New York Harbor. (See chapters limits.) 5, 6, and 11, respectively, for details.) (16) Lights, and buoys are the principal guides that (25) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the mark the approaches to the important harbors. Many of U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 161.1 the light stations have fog signals, particularly those in through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) the vicinity of the larger ports. (26) Federal project depth is the dredging depth of a (17) (See the Light List for a complete description of nav- channel as authorized by an Act of Congress upon rec- igational aids.) ommendation of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army. Controlling depth in a channel is its least depth; it re- (18) Loran C provides the mariner with good navigation stricts use of the channel to drafts less than that depth. coverage along this section of the coast. (27) Where deepwater channels are maintained by the (19) Radar is an important aid in most of this area, but Corps of Engineers and the controlling depths are should not be relied upon for ranges to the beach in ar- printed on the charts in tabular form, the Coast Pilot eas such as the south coast of Long Island which offer a usually gives only the project depths. Owing to con- relatively low relief. Many of the coastal buoys are stant shoaling in places, depths may vary considerably equipped with radar reflectors. Radar is of particular between maintenance dredgings; consult the Notice to importance in detecting other traffic and in the preven- Mariners for channel depths subsequent to charted in- tion of collisions during periods of low visibility, which formation. are common in this area. (28) Where secondary channels are maintained regu- (20) Lines have been established to delineate those wa- larly by the Corps of Engineers, the Coast Pilot gives ters upon which mariners must comply with the Inland the controlling depths together with the dates of the Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Inland Rules). The wa- latest surveys. ters inside of the lines are Inland Rules Waters, and the waters outside of the lines are COLREGS Waters. (See (29) In the case of other channels, the controlling Part 80, chapter 2, for specific lines of demarcation.) depths printed in the Coast Pilot are from the latest available reports which may, however, be several years (21) (See Part 160, chapter 2, for regulations governing old. vessel operations and requirements for notification of arrivals, departures, hazardous conditions, and certain (30) There are numerous anchorages in Nantucket and dangerous cargoes to the Captain of the Port.) Vineyard Sounds, Buzzards, Narragansett, and Gardiners Bays, and Long Island Sound, where vessels (22) Regulated Navigation Areas have been established with good ground tackle can ride out any gale. Between within the navigable waters of the First Coast Guard Cape Cod and Sandy Hook, the more important har- District to increase operational safety for towing ves- bors, either commercially or as harbors of refuge, are sels and tank barges. (See 165.100, chapter 2, for limit New Bedford, Newport, Providence, New London, New and regulations.) Haven, and Bridgeport on the mainland, Greenport and Port Jefferson on Long Island, City Island, New York, (23) The entrances to most of the harbors have dredged and vast New York Harbor. (See Part 110, chapter 2, for channels marked with navigational aids and are easy of limits and regulations.) access. In some cases jetties and breakwaters extend (31) The most important dangers confronting the navi- gator when approaching the area are the great banks and shoals in the eastern approach. The remainder of the isolated dangers throughout the area and in the Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:04 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 155 approaches to the harbors are for the most part well designated critical habitats for right whales. marked and charted. Stellwagen Bank and Jefferys Ledge are located in the federally designated Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank (32) With the increased number of pipeline laying oper- National Marine Sanctuary. The Grand Manan Basin is ations, operators of all types of vessels should be aware a Canadian whale conservation area. Seasonal right of the dangers of passing close aboard, close ahead, or whale advisories and sighting reports are broadcast pe- close astern of a jetbarge or pipelaying barge. riodically for these areas by Coast Guard Broadcast No- Pipelaying barges and jetbarges usually move at 0.5 tice to Mariners, NAVTEX, NOAA Weather Radio, Cape knot or less and have anchors which extend out about Cod Canal Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Ves- 3,500 to 5,000 feet in all directions and which may be sel Traffic Control, and are included in the return mes- marked by lighted anchor buoys. The exposed pipeline sage from the Right Whale Mandatory Ship Reporting behind the pipelaying barge and the area in the vicinity (MSR) System. of anchors are hazardous to navigation and should be (35) Description of northern right whale: The species avoided. The pipeline and anchor cables also represent reaches lengths of 45 to 55 feet and is black in color. a submerged hazard to navigation. It is suggested, if The best field identification marks are a broad back safe navigation permits, for all types of vessels to pass with no dorsal fin, irregular bumpy white patches (cal- well ahead of the pipelaying barge or well astern of the jetbarge. The pipelaying barge, jetbarge, and attending vessels may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 (156.80 MHz) for passage instructions. (33) Northern right whales are the world’s most endan- losities) on the head, and a distinctive two-column gered large whale. Right whales migrate annually V-Shaped blow. They have paddle like flippers nearly as along the east coast between the northern feeding wide as they are long, and a broad, deeply notched tail, grounds off New England and the southern calving see diagrams following. grounds off Florida and Georgia. Right whales may oc- (36) Sighting Advisory System: As weather and condi- cur south of Cape Cod off the mid-Atlantic from Febru- tions permit, a dedicated seasonal-program (January ary through April (northern migration) and from through the end of June) of overflights and vessel sur- October through December (southern migration). Be- veys (principally in Cape Cod Bay and the Great South cause right whales mate, rest, feed, and nurse their Channel) provide whale sighting information to the young at the surface, and often do not move out of the way of oncoming ships, they are highly vulnerable to being struck by ships. Calves returning north with their mothers appear to be particularly susceptible to collision with ships. Ship strikes are one of the known sources of human-related mortality. (34) Seasonal occurrence of northern right whales: In seasons and in areas that right whales may occur, vessel operators should maintain a sharp lookout for right whales. Right whales occur seasonally in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: January through April), the Great South Channel (peak season: April through June), Stellwagen Bank (peak season: July through September), Jefferys Ledge (peak season: July through mid-December), the Bay of Fundy (Grand Manan Basin) (peak season: June through December), Platts Bank (peak season: April through June), Cashes Ledge and Fippennies Ledge (peak season: June through mid-December), the Rhode Island Sound area in or proximal to the Narragansett Bay Traffic Approach Lanes (peak season: March through April), and along the southern side of Long Is- land (peak season: February through April and Septem- ber through October). The first two areas are federally Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:08 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 156 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:08 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 157 Coast Guard, NOAA Weather Radio, Mandatory Ship the event of a strike or sighting, the following informa- Reporting System, and others for broadcast purposes. tion should be provided to the Coast Guard: Many right whales however, go undetected. (46) location and time of the accident or sighting, (37) Precautions: The National Marine Fisheries Ser- (47) speed of the vessel, vice’s Northeast Implementation Team recommends (48) size of the vessel, the following precautionary measures be taken to avoid (49) water depth, northern right whales. (50) wind speed and direction, (51) description of the impact, When transiting right whale critical habitat and (52) fate of the animal, and areas of recently reported right whale sightings: (53) species and size, if known. (38) As soon as possible prior to entering right whale (54) Right whales can occur anywhere along the east critical habitat, check Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to coast. Therefore, mariners are urged to exercise pru- Mariners, NAVTEX, NOAA Weather Radio, Cape Cod dent seamanship in their efforts to avoid right whales. Canal Vessel Traffic Control, the Bay of Fundy Vessel (55) Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems Traffic Control, Mandatory Ship Reporting System, and (56) (WHALESNORTH and WHALESSOUTH), have other sources for recent right whale sighting reports. been established within the area of this Coast Pilot. (39) To the extent possible, review right whale identifi- These Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) systems re- cation materials and maintain a sharp watch with look- quire all vessels, 300 gross tons or greater, to report to outs familiar with spotting whales. the U.S. Coast Guard prior to entering two designated (40) When planning passage through a right whale crit- reporting areas off the east coast of the United States. ical habitat or a recently reported sighting location, at- (See 33 CFR 169, chapter 2, for limits and regula- tempt to avoid night-time transits, and whenever tions.) Sovereign immune vessels are exempt from the practical, minimize travel distances through the area. requirement to report, but are encouraged to partici- Anticipate delays due to whale sightings. pate. (41) When the ability to spot whales is reduced (e.g. (57) The two reporting systems will operate independ- night, fog, rain, etc.), mariners should bear in mind ently of each other. The system in the northeastern that reduced speed may minimize the risk of ship United States will operate year round and the system in strikes. Two of the best documented ship strikes in- the southeastern United States will operate each year volve a juvenile right whale struck and killed by a vessel from November 15 through April 15. Reporting ships proceeding at 15 knots and an unidentified whale, pos- are only required to make reports when entering a re- sibly a humpback whale, struck but not re-sighted by porting area during a single voyage (that is, a voyage in the vessel, also moving at 15 knots. which a ship is in the area). Ships are not required to report when leaving a port in the reporting area nor In all coastal and offshore waters along the east when exiting the system. coast: (58) Vessels shall make reports in accordance with the (42) If a right whale sighting is reported within format in IMO Resolution A.858 (20) in accordance 20-nautical miles of a ship’s position, post a lookout fa- with the International Convention for the Safety of Life miliar with spotting whales. at Sea 1974 (SOLAS 74). (See 33 CFR 169.135 and (43) If a right whale is sighted from the ship, or reported 169.140, chapter 2, for additional information.) Ves- along the intended track of a large vessel, mariners sels should report via INMARSAT C or via alternate sat- should exercise caution and proceed at a safe speed ellite communications to one of the following within a few miles of the sighting location, bearing in addresses: mind that reduced speed may minimize the risk of ship (59) Email: [email protected] or Telex: strikes. 236737831 (44) Do not assume right whales will move out of your (60) Vessels not equipped with INMARSAT C or Telex way. Right whales, generally slow moving, seldom should submit reports to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Com- travel faster than 5-6 knots. Consistent with safe navi- munication Area Master Station Atlantic (CAMSLANT) gation, maneuver around observed right whales or re- via narrow band direct printing (SITOR) or HF voice. cently reported sighting locations. It is illegal to Vessels equipped only with VHF-FM voice communica- approach closer than 500-yards of any right whale (See tions should submit reports to the nearest U.S. Coast 50 CFR 224.103, Chapter 2). Guard activity or group. (45) Any whale accidentally struck, any dead whale car- (61) Example Reports: cass, and any whale observed entangled should be re- (62) WHALESNORTH-To: [email protected] ported immediately to the Coast Guard noting the (63) WHALESNORTH// precise location and time of the accident or sighting. In Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:09 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 158 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook (64) M/487654321// breaks in depths of 10 fathoms during heavy weather, (65) A/CALYPSO/NRUS// and the locality should be avoided by deep-draft vessels. (66) B/031401Z APR// (89) Georges Shoal is a ridge about 13 miles long on (67) E/345// which are several shallow depths of 1½ to 3 fathoms. (68) F/15.5// (90) Cultivator Shoal, about 20 miles westward of Geor- (69) H/031410Z APR/4104N/06918W// ges Shoal, is a ridge nearly 15 miles long, on which (70) I/BOSTON/032345Z APR// depths of 3 to 10 fathoms are found. The 3-fathom spot (71) L/WP/4104N/06918W/15.5.// is near the north end of the shoal. In December 1980, a (72) L/WP/4210N/06952W/15.5// submerged obstruction was reported about 8.7 miles (73) L/WP/4230N/07006W/15.5// northwest of the 3-fathom spot in about 41°43'N., (74) WHALESSOUTH-To: [email protected] 68°23'W.; vessels engaged in bottom operations are ad- (75) WHALESSOUTH// vised to exercise caution in the area. (76) M/412345678// (91) The entire area within the 20-fathom curve has an (77) A/BEAGLE/NVES// extremely broken bottom. There are numerous ridges (78) B/270810Z MAR// and shoal spots on which depths dangerous to naviga- (79) E/250// tion, particularly in heavy weather, may be found. (80) F/17.0// These shoal spots generally have steep sides, and very (81) H/270810Z MAR/3030N/08052W// little or no indication of their existence is given by (82) I/MAYPORT/271215Z MAR// soundings. Tide rips and swirls, as well as overfalls, are (83) L/RL/17.0//. common in the vicinity of these spots, but are not al- ways visible. They show best with a smooth sea and (84) Georges Bank is an extensive bank with depths of with the current flowing in certain directions. These less than 50 fathoms, extending for over 150 miles disturbances are not usually over the shoalest depths, northeastward from the offshore end of Nantucket but are commonly alongside them. Small, detached Shoals. overfalls may be seen in 20 fathoms of water. The tidal currents are rotary with no period of slack water. The (85) In heavy weather the danger area may be consid- velocity at strength is about 2 knots, and the velocity of ered to be the oval-shaped top of the bank which is the minimum current which occurs about midway be- about 80 miles long in a northeast and southwest direc- tween the times of strength is about 1 knot. The hourly tion and which has a maximum width of about 50 velocities and directions of the tidal current are shown miles. The bottom within this area is extremely broken by means of current roses on National Ocean Service and irregular, with a great number of ridges and shoal charts. spots having depths of less than 10 fathoms. Between (92) A navigator must bear in mind while in an area of these shoals are channels of varying widths in which this character that it is impossible for the surveyor, depths of about 20 fathoms may be found. All of this without a vast expenditure of time, to determine and area lies within the 30-fathom curve and so much of it locate all of the shoalest spots on the many dangerous has depths of less than 20 fathoms that it may practi- shoals found. Sudden shoaling on such a bank must be cally all be considered to lie within a generalized considered an indication of possibly dangerous water. 20-fathom curve. This bank has not been wire dragged. (93) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- (86) On the southeast side of the bank, outside the merous different broken shoals which lie southeast- 20-fathom curve, the water deepens gradually and with ward of Nantucket Island and make this one of the most such regularity that soundings would be of consider- dangerous parts of the coast of the United States for the able value in approaching the bank. On the northwest navigator. These shoals extend 23 miles eastward and side the water deepens more rapidly. 40 miles southeastward from Nantucket Island. They are shifting in nature, and the depths vary from 3 to 4 (87) The bottom is generally of sand, sometimes with feet on some to 4 and 5 fathoms on others, while slues shell, and in places pebbles. Bottom samples as ob- with depths of 10 fathoms or more lead between those tained during surveys are shown in a great many places farthest offshore. The easterly edge of the shoals has on the charts. depths of 3 and 4 fathoms in places. (88) The two principal dangers on Georges Bank are (94) Because of the great danger of stranding and for Georges Shoal and Cultivator Shoal, which are near the reasons of environmental protection, the International center of the danger area. Around these shoals the sea Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:09 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 159 Maritime Organization (IMO) has established an area the winds and currents. Generally it has been found to be avoided in the area of Nantucket Shoals. All ves- best to avoid the deeper channels and, when rougher sels carrying cargoes of oil or hazardous materials and water is experienced, to anchor in the lee of a shoal, all other vessels of more than 1,000 gross tons should which would tend to knock down the heavier swells. A avoid the area bounded by the following points: scope of five to one or greater should always be used. (95) 41°16.5'N., 70°12.5'W.; (96) 40°43.2'N., 70°00.5'W.; (109) Nantucket Shoals Lighted Horn Buoy N (40°30'N., (97) 40°44.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; 69°26'W.), replacing Nantucket Shoals Lightship, is a (98) 41°04.5'N., 69°19.0'W.; large navigational buoy (LNB) about 51 miles (99) 41°23.5'N.; 69°31.5'W.; and south-southeastward of Nantucket Island. The buoy, 40 (100) 41°23.4'N., 70°02.8'W. feet in diameter, is red with the words U.S. COAST (101) The currents in the area are strong and erratic, GUARD on the buoy body and the letter N on the reaching a velocity of 3 to 5 knots around the edges of daymarks. The buoy shows a light 40 feet above the wa- the shoals. They are made erratic by the obstruction of ter and is equipped with a fog signal, and a radar beacon the shoals, in some cases being deflected to such an ex- (Racon). tent as to cause the direction to change 180° from one side of the shoal to the other. (110) Nantucket Shoals is made up of the following parts: (102) The tidal current over the shoals is rotary, turning (111) This buoy is centered inside the traffic separation clockwise. Observations in the area indicate an average velocity at strength of about 2.5 knots, but this proba- zone of the traffic separation lanes of “Eastern Ap- bly varies appreciably from place to place. Similarily proach Off Ambrose” to the “Traffic Separation Scheme the direction of the current at strength probably de- Off New York”. (See charts 12300 and 13006.) pends on the orientation of channels between shoal ar- (112) Phelps Bank, the southeasternmost part of the eas. Nantucket Shoals, is about 6.5 miles long and 2.5 miles (103) Since the current is rotary, there is no true slack. wide. A lighted whistle buoy, marking the entrance to Observations in the area show an average minimum of the Boston Harbor Traffic Separation Scheme, is about about 0.5 knot. 12 miles eastward of Phelps Bank. (104) The tidal current near Nantucket Shoals Lighted (113) Asia Rip, the shoalest point of the bank with 5¾ Horn Buoy N is rotary, turning clockwise. The average fathoms, is at the southern end. The wreck of the SS velocity at strength is 0.8 knot; the average minimum OREGON, covered 3¼ fathoms, is at 40°45'N., 69°19'W., is 0.6 knot. 3 miles south-southeastward of Asia Rip. (105) Hourly average velocities and directions for Davis (114) Middle Rip, with a least-found depth of 4 fathoms Bank and the area near Nantucket Shoals Lighted Horn and lying north-northwest of Phelps Bank, is about Buoy N, referred to predicted times of maximum flood 13.5 miles long and 4.5 miles wide. This shoal consists at Pollock Rip Channel, are furnished in the Tidal Cur- of two large parts with depths of 4 fathoms on the east rent Tables. However the tidal currents are appreciably and 6 fathoms on the west, separated by a channel with influenced by winds. a depth of 7 fathoms and four outlying shoals of 8 to 10 (106) Nantucket Shoals should be entirely avoided by fathoms. deep-draft vessels when possible and by light-draft ves- (115) Fishing Rip, bow-shaped, with depths of 3 to 10 sels without local knowledge, on account of the treach- fathoms, is about 26 miles long north and south and erous currents. There are, however, channels through 6.5 miles wide at its widest point. The north point is 20 these various shoals which can be negotiated with local miles 073° and the south point is 27.5 miles 136°, re- knowledge and caution. In calm weather at slack water spectively, from Sankaty Head Light. A large wreck these shoals are sometimes difficult to see, and a vessel area, marked by a lighted gong buoy, is near the south- is liable to be taken into shoaler water than was in- ern part of Fishing Rip. A wreck and a submerged ob- tended. struction are also near the southern portion of the rip (107) Calm, clear days are few; when the sea is calm it is in about 41°00.0'N., 69°27.0'W. and 41°01.0'N., usually foggy, and when clear, it is usually rough. Also 69°29.7'W., respectively. to be expected is a considerable amount of hazy (116) The unmarked channel westward of Fishing Rip is weather, which limits visibility. obstructed by three shoals in the northern section (108) Should it become necessary to anchor in this area, which have least-found depths of 7½, 4½, and 10 fath- open sea anchorage may be had anywhere that depths oms. In the southern part of this channel are four permit. Due consideration should be given to the close shoals with depths of 8 to 10 fathoms. proximity of shoals and possibility of dragging due to (117) Davis Bank, the innermost of the outer Nantucket Shoals, is bow-shaped and has depths of 2¾ to 10 fath- oms of water over it. The bank is about 30 miles long Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:09 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 160 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook north and south and has a greatest width of 4 miles. Shoals Channel. Depths on this shoal vary from 2¼to 3½ The wreck of the vessel PROGRESS is off the inner edge fathoms. of the bank about 13 miles north-northeastward of the (125) Great South Channel is the passage between the southern end of the bank. easternmost of the Nantucket Shoals and the western- (118) The channel westward of Davis Bank is marked on most shoal spots of Georges Bank. The approximate its west side by lighted and unlighted buoys. A radar center of the channel extends from 40°36'N., 68°55'W. beacon (Racon) is at the northernmost lighted buoy. to 41°38'N., 68°55'W. The channel is about 27 miles The use of this channel should be restricted to clear wide and has depths of 19 fathoms and greater weather due to the strong currents encountered throughout, with lesser depths along the eastern and throughout this area. western edges. (119) The inner Nantucket Shoals all lie within the (126) Great South Channel lies within the federally des- 10-fathom curve. The area is very foul. Only a few of the ignated critical habitat for northern right whales, the shoals are described. Davis South Shoal, about 20 most endangered large whale species in the world miles south-southeast of Sankaty Head, consists of two (fewer than 350 animals). The designated critical habi- spots of 2¾ and 2½ fathoms about 1.5 miles apart. tat delineates the only known area where these whales give birth. (See chart 13200). These slow moving ani- (120) Old South Shoal, consisting of two spots of 2½ mals are vulnerable to collisions with ships and this is fathoms with a 2-fathom spot and foul ground between the leading cause of documented mortality for north- them, is about 13.5 miles southeast of Sankaty Head. ern right whales. It is recommended that all large ves- This shoal is unmarked. sels (over 100 gross tons) operating in the critical habitat: (121) Great Rip, about 13 miles east-southeast of Sankaty Head, has depths of 1 to 2¾ fathoms. This shoal is about (127) (a) Keep a watch for whales during daylight hours. 7 miles long north and south and 1 to 2 miles wide. A (128) (b) Monitor NAVTEX transmissions for informa- lighted buoy marks its southern end. About 1.5 miles westward of Great Rip and separated from it by depths tion on the location of right whales sighted in the vicin- of 14 to 19 fathoms is an unnamed and unmarked shoal ity. Local ships’ pilots may also provide such of 1½ to 2½ fathoms. Breakers are usually observed on information when it is available. the shoal. (129) (c) If a right whale is reported within 20 nautical miles of a vessel’s intended course, it is recommended (122) Rose and Crown is a boot-shaped shoal with its that the vessel proceed with caution during the 24 hour southern end about 10.5 miles east of Sankaty Head. period following the time of the sighting. It is known The shoal extends about 5 miles northward and then 3 that right whales can accelerate to a speed of approxi- miles westward. Depths of 1¼ and 1½ fathoms are found mately 6 knots. When it is believed that a vessel will in the leg of the boot, a depth of ½ fathom and marked pass in close proximity of whales, it may be reasonable by a lighted whistle buoy northeastward of it forms the and prudent to slow a vessel’s speed accordingly, when heel, and a depth of 1¼ fathoms is found in the toe. a reduction in speed will not hinder the safe operation Northward of the toe of Rose and Crown is a shoal with of the vessel. (See 50 CFR 226.101 and 226.203, foul ground and spots of 1½ and 2½ fathoms. Rose and chapter 2, for habitat boundary and regulations.) Crown breaks heavily. (130) Submarine canyons are indentations in the edge of (123) Bass Rip, about 2.5 miles eastward of Sankaty the Continental Shelf which is bounded on its seaward Head, is about 3.5 miles long north and south. A depth side by the 100-fathom curve. They may be traced from of ½ fathom is 3 miles 115° from the light. The north- depths of 1,000 fathoms or more to the shoaler areas of ern end of the shoal has a depth of 2 fathoms. Old Man the Continental Shelf. The navigator who has available Shoal extends 4.5 miles southwestward from a point some means of echo sounding should have in mind the 1.5 miles off the southeastern end of Nantucket Island. various canyons found in this locality. The soundings Depths of 1¼ to 2¾ fathoms are found on this shoal. in crossing them are very characteristic in each case, and such soundings may be used to determine the ves- (124) McBlair Shoal, the northernmost of the Nantucket sel’s position with considerable accuracy. Shoals and marked on its northern side by lighted buoys, forms part of the southern side of Great Round (131) The names of some of the most important subma- rine canyons are shown on the charts. The longitude following the name is approximate and only given to assist in locating the feature on the chart. Corsair Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:09 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 161 Canyon, 66°10'W., on the eastern side of Georges Bank, when crossing areas of possible fishweirs, and should has a northwesterly trend. On the southern side and to- avoid crossing such areas at night. ward the western end of Georges Bank, having a north- (136) Danger zones have been established within the erly trend, are Lydonia Canyon, 67°40'W.; Gilbert area of this Coast Pilot. (See Part 334, chapter 2, for Canyon, 67°50'W.; Oceanographer Canyon, 68°05'W.; limits and regulations.) and Welker Canyon, 68°30'W. Southeastward and southward of Nantucket Shoals, having a northerly (137) The general regulations that apply to all draw- trend, are Hydrographer Canyon, 69°00'W.; Veatch bridges are given in 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, Canyon, 69°35'W.; and Atlantis Canyon, 70°15'W. and the specific regulations that apply only to certain Block Canyon, 71°20'W., is south-southeasterly of drawbridges are given in Part 117, Subpart B, chapter Block Island Sound and has a north-northwesterly 2. Where these regulations apply, references to them trend. Hudson Canyon, 72°20'W., extends are made in the Coast Pilot under the name of the northwestward to the mouth of the Hudson River. The bridge or the waterway over which the bridge crosses. inshore section of this canyon is called Mud Gorge. (138) The drawbridge opening signals (see 117.15, chap- (132) Many vessels have been wrecked along this coast as ter 2) have been standardized for most drawbridges a result of collision, foundering, and other causes. Most within the United States. The opening signals for those of the offshore wrecks have been located and wire few bridges that are nonstandard are given in the spe- dragged to determine the least depth over the highest cific drawbridge regulations. The specific regulations projecting part. Dangerous wrecks for the most part also address matters such as restricted operating hours are marked by buoys of various colors and shapes and and required advance notice for openings. often show a quick-flashing or an interrupted quick-flashing light. (139) The mariner should be acquainted with the general and specific regulations for drawbridges over water- (133) Many vessels have grounded in fog on the south ways to be transited. side of Long Island and on Block Island. Probably many of these wrecks could have been avoided if frequent (140) Approaching this section of the coast is dangerous soundings had been taken in approaching the coast. for all vessels because of the off-lying banks and shoals, Vessels equipped to do so should make good use of the the strong and variable currents, frequency of fog, and electronic aids to navigation systems along the coast to the broken nature of the bottom. Soundings alone are check their position frequently. of little value in establishing the position of a vessel, but the depth should be checked frequently to insure (134) The coastal waters contain numerous lobster pots. that the vessel clears all dangers. Small painted wooden buoys of various designs and colors, secured by small lines, float on the surface; in (141) In thick weather especially, the greatest caution is some cases a second buoy, usually an unpainted necessary, and vessels equipped to do so should make wooden stick or bottle and difficult to see, is attached to good and timely use of the electronic aids to navigation the lobster pot. These buoys extend from shore out to, systems to check their position frequently. The depth and in many cases across, the sailing routes. Small should never be shoaled to less than 15 fathoms with- yachts and motor boats are cautioned against fouling out an accurate fix having been obtained, and it is ad- them, which is liable to result in a sprung shaft or lost visable to remain offshore in depths of 20 fathoms or propeller. Fishtraps and fish havens are discussed in more. chapter 1. (142) The part of Georges Bank lying between latitude (135) Fishweirs are numerous along the outside coast 41°05'N., and 42°00'N., and longitude 67°17'W., and and inside waters. The stakes often become broken off 68°35'W. should be avoided. In heavy weather the sea and form a hazard to navigation, especially at night. breaks on the spots with 10 fathoms or less, and strong The areas within which fishweirs are permitted have tide rips are encountered. The tide rips do not always been established under Federal authority and are indicate shoal water. shown on charts of 1:80,000 scale and larger. The exact locations of the weirs within the designated areas are (143) Vessels passing southward of the dangerous part of not shown. Strangers should proceed with caution Georges Bank should keep in 30 fathoms or more. Ap- proaching this part of the bank from eastward or south- ward, the water shoals gradually. Approaching from the westward, the depths are irregular and the water shoals abruptly in places of 20 fathoms or less. On the north side of Georges Bank between longitudes 66°00'W., and Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:09 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 162 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook 68°00'W., the 100-fathom and 50-fathom curves are exceed 0.5 knot except in the vicinities of the entrances only a few miles apart, and when approaching the dan- to the larger bays and inland waterways, where the ve- gerous part of the bank from northward 50 fathoms locities increase as the entrances are approached. For may be taken as a good depth to avoid the shoals. considerable distances from the entrances, strengths of (144) Vessels equipped with echo sounding devices and flood and ebb set, respectively, toward and away from following the 100-fathom curve along the south side of those entrances, and minimums of velocity, corre- Georges Bank can frequently verify their position when sponding to the slacks of reversing currents, set at crossing the several submarine gorges or canyons. right angles to the directions of the flood and ebb (145) Approaching New York from the vicinity of strengths. Nantucket Shoals Lighted Horn Buoy N, a slight allow- (151) Offshore and away from the influence of the tidal ance should be made for a southwesterly set of the cur- flow into and out of the Gulf of Maine and the larger rent. Should the wind be easterly, it is customary to bays, the tidal current maintains an approximate uni- allow, in order to make a course good, a set of the cur- form velocity. Shifting its direction continuously to the rent with it of at least 0.5 knot. right, it sets in all directions of the compass during (146) The North Atlantic Lane Routes are described in each tidal cycle of 12.4 hours. Pub. No. 140, Sailing Directions, North Atlantic (152) In the offshore area between Cape Cod and Sandy Ocean (Planning Guide), published by the National Hook there is a resultant southward drift which is Imagery and Mapping Agency, Washington, D.C. They stronger in winter than in summer and has an average are shown on *Pilot Chart No. 16 of the North Atlantic velocity less than 0.1 knot. Ocean. (147) Deep-draft vessels coming from Cape Hatteras, (153) Wind currents are very complicated. Their veloci- Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, or New York usually ties and directions depend upon a number of factors make Nantucket Shoals Lighted Horn Buoy N, thence such as velocity, direction, and duration of the wind, through Great South Channel to Cape Cod or the Gulf the proximity of the coast and the direction of the of Maine. coastline. Generally in the Northern Hemisphere the (148) Vessels of medium draft coming from the south- wind-driven current sets somewhat to the right of the ward, or southbound from Boston or ports farther east, wind, but in coastal waters there are many exceptions may use Cape Cod Canal, or Vineyard and Nantucket to this general rule, the current often setting to the left Sounds via Pollock Rip Channel. Great Round Shoals of the wind, due to the tendency of the current to follow Channel is also available, but seldom used, as an en- the direction of the coastline or to other local condi- trance to or exit from Nantucket Sound. The control- tions. ling depth for these passages is from 27 to 32 feet. They avoid Nantucket Shoals and are used by coasting ves- (154) The velocity of the current relative to that of the sels. Small vessels and pleasure craft usually pass wind also varies with the location. It follows, therefore, through Long Island Sound when proceeding coast- that local wind current information is desirable. Such wise. information based upon extensive current and wind ob- servations at a number of stations is given in the Tidal (149) The Tidal Current Tables should be consulted for Current Tables. specific information about times, directions, and veloc- ities of the current at the numerous locations through- (155) The largest current velocities likely to occur dur- out the area. It must be borne in mind that the current ing storms at a number of locations offshore and in the to which a vessel is subjected at any time is the combi- sounds are given as follows: Pollock Rip Entrance nation of tidal current, wind current, and other cur- Lighted Whistle Buoy PR, 2.5 knots; Stone Horse rents such as those due to drainage or oceanic Shoal, 4 knots; Great Round Shoal Channel Entrance circulation. Lighted Horn Buoy GRS, Nantucket Entrance, 2.5 knots; 3 miles north of Nantucket Shoals Lighted Horn (150) Away from the immediate vicinity of the shore, the Buoy N, 2.5 knots; Cross Rip Shoal, 2.5 knots; Hedge tidal currents are generally rotary. They shift direction, Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22, Nantucket Sound, 2.5 usually clockwise, at an average rate of about 30° an knots; 3.3 miles southwestward of Cuttyhunk Light, 2 hour. They attain velocities of 1 to 2.4 knots or more knots; Brenton Reef, 1.5 knots; 0.5 mile south of Bart- throughout the Nantucket Shoals-Georges Bank area, lett Reef, Long Island Sound, 2.5 knots; 3 miles south- the larger velocities occurring generally over the ward of Cornfield Point, 4 knots; 3 miles north of shoaler parts of the area. Between Nantucket Island Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted Whistle Buoy NB, 1.5 and Sandy Hook their velocities generally do not knots; Ambrose Light, 2 knots. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 163 (156) From Georges Bank and the shoals of Nantucket to (160) One of the biggest problems in these waters is the New York Harbor, fog, currents, winds and waves are winter storm; the most powerful of these is the constant threats to safe navigation. The following text “Nor’easter”. It generates rough seas, strong winds and describes the weather problems that face the mariner high tides that threaten safety at sea and cause damage when navigating these waters. This section presents an in port. These storms do not often come without warn- overall, seasonal picture of the weather that can be ex- ing. Approaching from the U.S. mainland or from the pected in the offshore waters along the coast of the seas to the south they are usually well forecasted. Diffi- mid-Atlantic region from Cape Cod, MA, to Sandy culty arises when they develop or deepen explosively off Hook, NJ. Detailed information, particularly concern- the mid Atlantic coast. Sometimes called “Hatteras ing navigational weather hazards, can be found in the Storms”, these lows can grow from small, weak frontal weather articles in the following chapters. waves to full blown systems in less than 24 hours. Not only can their circulation expand to cover most of the (157) All weather articles in this volume are the product western North Atlantic but they often accelerate rap- of the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) idly northeastward. In the exposed waters these storms and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The can generate 40-foot (12 m) waves and hurricane force meteorological and climatological tables are the prod- winds. Each year more than 40 extratropical systems uct of the NCDC. Both centers are entities of the Na- move across or close to this coast. They average about tional Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information two to four per month, but as many as ten can affect the Service (NESDIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmo- region in a single month. Most systems are weak, but a spheric Administration (NOAA). If further information few generate gales and rough seas for hundreds of is needed in relation to the content of the weather arti- miles; particularly from September through April. cles, meteorological tables or climatological tables, contact the National Climatic Data Center, Attn: Cus- (161) The major winter storm track runs in a line approx- tomer Service Division, Federal Building, 151 Patton imately from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod. Most of the Avenue, Room 120, Asheville, NC 28801-5001. You may storms that follow this track intensify; the center of in- also contact the CSD at 828-271-4994, or fax your re- tensification is off Delaware Bay. In addition to the fore- quest to 828-271-4876. cast certain atmospheric changes indicate a storm is approaching. The most dependable early indicator is (158) Climatological tables for coastal locations, meteo- falling pressure. A definite weather change is likely if rological tables for the coastal ocean areas, and a table you observe pressure falls exceeding 2 mb every 3 of mean surface water temperatures and densities rele- hours; a drop of 5 mb/3 hours indicates a strong change vant to locations discussed within this volume, follow while 10 mb/3 hours warns of an impending extreme the appendix. The climatological tables are a special ex- event. traction from the International Station Meteorological Climate Summary. The ISMCS is a CD-ROM jointly (162) As a storm approaches, winds strengthen, clouds produced by the National Climatic Data Center, Fleet thicken and lower and precipitation begins. Early in Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Detach- the storm’s life wind waves can become steep very ment-Asheville, and the U.S. Air Force Environmental quickly making it difficult to reach port especially Technical Applications Center, Operating Location-A. when you have to navigate an inlet where breaking The meteorological tables for the ocean areas are com- waves are treacherous. In deeper waters, waves can piled from observations made by ships in passage and build to over 20 feet. During winter the possibility of extracted from the National Climatic Data Center’s superstructure icing calls for an early course of action Tape Deck-1129, Surface Marine Observations. Listed based upon the latest forecast and a knowledge of your in the appendix are National Weather Service offices vessel. and radio stations which transmit weather informa- tion. (163) This weather hazard usually approaches from the west through north. Ahead of the front, winds are usu- (159) Marine Weather Services Charts published by the ally squally and often blow out of the south through National Weather Service show radio stations that southwest. Cirrus clouds give way to Altocumulus or transmit marine weather broadcasts and additional in- Altostratus and Nimbostratus, then Cumulonimbus. formation of interest to mariners. These charts are for Pressure falls moderately and showers, and perhaps sale by the National Ocean Service Distribution Divi- thunderstorms, occur. Seas become choppy. With the sion (N/ACC3). (See appendix for address.) frontal passage winds shift rapidly to the west and northwest. Strong gusts and squalls continue. Clearing Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 164 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook usually occurs a short distance behind the front as the when the tropical cyclone center is 500 miles or more cold air moves in. Cold fronts can move through the away. It gradually increases until the winds change di- area quite rapidly. Their speed varies from about 10 to rection. On top of this the low pressure in the storm’s 20 knots in summer up to 40 knots in winter. From center can create a ridge or wall of water known as a spring through fall these fronts are often preceded by surge. This will move in the direction of the storm’s dense fog. movement and can be disastrous. The effect may be (164) During the spring and summer when the air ahead similar to that of a tsunami (seismic sea wave) caused of the cold front may be very unstable, a line of thun- by earthquakes in the ocean floor. Storm surges can derstorms, known as a squall line, may develop. These push these tides to 20 feet (6.1 m) or more above nor- instability lines can form 50 to 300 miles ahead of a fast mal. About 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 m) of this is due to the moving front. They may even contain tornados or wa- decrease of atmospheric pressure and the rest to the terspouts. These storms can inflict considerable dam- strong winds. Additional water damage results from age on fishing vessels and small craft. the pounding of sea and swell. Torrential rains, gener- ated by tropical cyclones, can cause both flash floods (165) A tropical cyclone is a warm core, low pressure sys- and river floods from inland rains. tem that develops over tropical oceans. It exhibits a ro- tary, counterclockwise circulation in the Northern (172) In an average season nine or ten tropical cyclones Hemisphere around a center or “eye”. In small tropical develop and five of these reach hurricane strength; cyclones the diameter of the area of destructive winds about two hurricanes reach the U.S. While they may may not exceed 25 miles while in the greatest storms develop in any month, June through November is gen- the diameter may reach 500 miles. At the center is a erally considered the tropical cyclone season, with a comparatively calm, sometimes clear, area known as peak in August, September and October. Early and the eye. The diameter of the eye can vary from about 5 pre-season storms, from May through mid July, are to 25 miles. Winds are usually strongest near the cen- most likely to originate in the western Caribbean Sea ter. They can reach 175 knots or more in an intense and Gulf of Mexico. From mid July through late Sep- hurricane. In the North Atlantic Region (West Indies, tember this development is spread through the main Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and waters off the U.S. basin of the tropical Atlantic and a much more persis- East Coast) the following terminology is used in tropi- tent westerly movement is noticeable. From late Sep- cal cyclone warnings issued by the National Hurricane tember through November, activity gradually confines Center (National Weather Service): itself to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. A northerly movement, similar to early season storms, becomes (166) (1) Tropical Depression–An organized system of more apparent. However, because of the large reservoir clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation of heat available at the end of the season, these storms and maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour (33 are often more intense than their early season counter- knots) or less. parts. (167) (2) Tropical Storm.–An organized system of strong (173) The most common path is curved, the storms first thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maxi- moving in a general westward direction, turning later mum sustained winds between 39 and 73 miles per to the northwestward and finally toward the northeast. hour (34 to 63 knots). A considerable number, however, remain in low lati- tudes and do not turn appreciably toward the north. (168) (3) Hurricane.–An intense tropical weather system Freak movements are not uncommon, and there have with a well-defined circulation and a maximum sus- been storms that described loops, hairpin-curved tained wind speed of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or paths, and other irregular patterns. Movement toward greater. the southeast is rare, and, in any case, of short dura- tion. The entire Caribbean area, the Gulf of Mexico, the (169) While the following term is not normally used in coastal regions bordering these bodies of water, and the tropical cyclone advisories it may appear in related Atlantic Coast are subject to these storms during the products. hurricane season. (170) (1) Tropical Wave.–A minor tropical disturbance in (174) The average speed of movement of tropical cy- the easterly trade winds, which could develop into a clones is about 10 to 15 knots. This speed, however, var- tropical depression but lacks evidence of a closed circu- ies considerably according to the storm’s location, lation; also known as easterly wave. development and the associated surface and upper air patterns. The highest rates of speed usually occur in (171) Along the coast, greater damage may be inflicted by water than by wind. Prolonged winds blowing toward shore can increase water levels from about 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 m) above normal. This storm tide may begin Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 165 the middle and higher latitudes and range up to 40 to Meteorology and Oceanography Detach- 50 knots. Storms are slowest during recurvature or ment-Asheville. when looping. They can also become stationary in the (178) The classical doctrine held by most mariners is that absence of steering currents. ocean-going ships should leave ports that are threat- ened by a hurricane. Despite this natural caution, ships (175) The civilian hurricane warning service for the continue to be damaged in port or after leaving port, as North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane a result of tropical cyclone encounters. This often Center/Tropical Prediction Center, Miami, Florida. It stems from the difficulty in forecasting tropical cyclone collates ship, aircraft, radar and satellite data to pro- movement, although these forecasts have improved duce and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts significantly in the past two decades. In addition to for the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean evaluating the forecast it is necessary to assess the risks Sea and Gulf of Mexico as well as the Eastern North Pa- of remaining in port or putting to sea according to the cific Ocean. Its principal product is the Tropical Cy- circumstances of the threat, the facilities of the port clone Advisory message especially tailored for Marine, and the capabilities of the vessel and crew. For an evalu- Aviation, Military and public interests. They are issued ation as to a course of action, several factors are impor- every 6-hours with intermediate bulletins provided tant. The risk of a particular port experiencing a when needed. hurricane is often dependent on seasonal and geo- graphic influences. Forecasts of hurricane movements (176) For tropical storms and hurricane threatening to are more reliable in some areas, particularly the lower cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are issued latitudes. In the mid latitudes where storms are often to the public by the National Hurricane Center recurving, the difficulty increases. It is important to through local Hurricane Warning Offices in order that know the sheltering capabilities of the port that is be- defense against damage, and perhaps evacuation, can ing considered and the speed of advance of tropical cy- be implanted. Two levels of warnings are employed. The clones in the latitudes that you may be sailing. When “Hurricane Watch” is a preliminary alert that a hurri- the tropical cyclone speeds approach or exceed vessel cane may threaten a specified portion of the coast. It is speed, options become limited. issued approximately 36 hours before landfall could oc- (179) Of the 117 tropical cyclones that threatened New cur. The second level is the “Hurricane Warning”, York from 1842-1995, 100 occurred from August which indicates that hurricane conditions are expected through October with the main threat in September. within 24 hours in advance of landfall. It is aimed at The hurricane (winds> 64 knots) threat has a peak in providing the best compromise between timeliness and August and September; 81 of the 117 hurricanes oc- accuracy for civil defense purposes so that its warning curred in those months. Tropical cyclones usually may be too late to allow ocean-going vessels to get un- move in from the south or southwest. During this same derway and complete a successful evasion in open wa- period New Haven was threatened by 108 tropical cy- ter. To compensate for this, the Marine Advisory clones, 91 of which occurred from August through Oc- contains additional guidance in form of probabilities of tober. Hurricanes are most likely during August and hurricane strikes, for coastal locations and even off- September when 75 out of the total of 108 occurred. shore coordinates, and storm position forecasts for up The direction of approach is most likely from the south to 72 hours in advance. or southwest. Because of the natural protection offered by the shape of the coast from Cape Cod to Cape (177) This section is condensed from the Hurricane Ha- Hatteras, most recurving storms either make landfall vens Handbook for the North Atlantic Ocean pub- south of Hatteras or pass New England well offshore to lished by the Naval Environmental Prediction Research the southeast. The majority of storms pass well to the Facility at Monterey, CA. While this study concentrates southeast of New England, following the Gulf Stream. on New York, NY, New London, CT, and Newport, RI, Occasionally storms accelerate on a more northerly the climatology and principles of navigation can be ap- track similar to the disastrous hurricane of 1938, plied to the entire region; the navigation information which advanced rapidly up the east coast, offshore near can be applied to winter storms as well. For practical Hatteras, across central Long Island, into Connecticut purposes any tropical cyclone that approaches within and finally through Vermont. This hurricane’s forward 180 miles is considered a “threat”. Data is also incorpo- speed reached 52 knots, an advance that would be diffi- rated from the Global Tropical/Extra tropical Cyclone cult to prepare for, even with today’s sophisticated Climatic Atlas CD-ROM jointly produced by the Na- warning methods. It is the exceptionally fast-moving tional Climatic Data Center and the Fleet Numerical storm that poses the greatest threat. For example, based on climatology, a September storm located off Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 166 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook Miami would reach New York in about 3 or 4 days. of water) causing considerable destruction. This surge However, the 1938 hurricane traveled this distance in was slightly greater than that expected once in a hun- about 30 hours. Tropical cyclones tend to accelerate as dred years and was likely due to the fast moving nature they move north of about 30 N. Forward speeds range of this hurricane. At Newport storm tides were mea- from 25 to 30 knots for those crossing the New York – sured at 10.8 feet (3.3 m) above mean sea level during New England coast compared to 20 to 25 knots for the 1938 hurricane. The top winter extratropical storm those passing offshore to the southeast. produced a 6.0-ft (1.8 m) surge on the 30th of Novem- (180) Since wind records were available in the New York ber, 1963. Harbor area, sustained winds have reached hurricane (183) In summary New York Harbor is recommended as a force (64 knots) only once. The September 1944 hurri- hurricane haven. It is a large national harbor with cane produced 64-knot winds at Central Park and many excellent berthing facilities and good deep-water 70-knot winds at La Guardia. Other hurricanes that anchorages. Natural topographic features and numer- have caused considerable damage were storms in Sep- ous man-made structures offer good wind protection. tember 1821, September 1938, August 1954 (Carol) The bathymetry and orientation of the harbor relative and September 1960 (Donna). During a recent 44-year to the normal path of hurricanes tend to mitigate the period along the Connecticut-Rhode Island coast, wind wave and ocean swell danger although storm three hurricanes produced winds that have been esti- surge is a sufficient threat. The main New London har- mated to have reached at least minimal hurricane bor is not a haven for most vessels during a hurricane strength. The 1944 hurricane, Carol and the 1938 although the inner harbor is considered safe for most storm were the three. The 1938 storm was the worst as ships. The surrounding topography provides some pro- winds in the New London area were estimated at 78 to tection from east through southeast winds for the east- 87 knots. ern shore of the main and inner harbor, however the (181) In addition to strong winds, the hurricane brings lower western shore of the main harbor is very exposed rough seas, heavy rains, and storm surges. New York’s to southeast through south winds. The entire harbor is Lower Bay is subject to wave action due to an open subject to the possibility of major storm surge flooding. quadrant, east through south, to the Atlantic. The size The port of Newport is located inside Narragansett Bay, and depth of the bay also provide sufficient fetch for a which has deep water anchorages within its confines. strong wind to generate destructive waves. Deep ocean Although these anchorages are not well sheltered from swells approaching from the open quadrant would be winds, they have proven hurricane haven properties for reduced by shoals at the entrance to Lower Bay, be- ships able to steam at anchor. tween Sandy Hook and Rockaway Point. Upper Bay, (184) Flooding associated with hurricane-induced high Newark Bay, lower Hudson River and East River are tides is the principle threat to small craft in the area. subject to limited wave action. Long Island Sound is a They should be hoisted and secured ashore above pro- deep water sound with a generous fetch in an east-west jected flood levels whenever possible. Best protection is direction. New London Harbor is well protected from inside some type of storage building to prevent possible wave action. Although a west wind can produce large damage by flying objects or to prevent the possibility of seas in the Sound they are greatly reduced on entering broken tie-downs in high winds. Local knowledge is the the harbor channel. Within Narragansett Bay wave ac- best guide to weathering a storm in small harbors. tion is severely limited by short fetch for most wind di- rections. Wave action generated within the Bay will (185) In late March of 1984 a 968-mb Low off the New create minimal problems for ships at anchor if the Jersey coast generated a 33-foot (10.1 m) wave at Buoy scope of chain employed is set to give the best riding 44005 (42.7°N., 68.3°W) while Buoy 41002 (40.1°N., conditions. 73.0°W) measured a 47-foot (14.3 m) wave during Glo- (182) Storm tides can produce a high water level, which ria in September 1985. Systems similar to these are in addition to innundating coastal areas, may allow partly responsible for the rough seas encountered wind waves to cause destruction in areas normally un- along this coast from September through April. The affected by waves. Combined storm surge and tide have Buoy closest to the area, 44003, (40.8°N., 68.5°W), in produced water levels of over 10 feet (3 m) above mean 10 years of operation has measured a 29-foot (8.8 m) low water in the New York Harbor area and levels wave in February and 25-foot (7.6 m) waves from Octo- greater than 15 feet (4.6 m) above mean low water in ber through April. It has been estimated that over the western Long Island Sound. New London is one of the open waters along this coast maximum significant few east coast ports to have experienced a major storm waves should reach 30 feet (9 m). The table below (ex- surge in this century. The storm surge of September tracted from Marine Weather of Western Washington. 21, 1938 hit New London as an apparent tidal bore (wall Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 167 Kenneth E. Lilly, Jr., Commander, NOAA, Starpath hazardous to vessels under 200 feet in length and pro- School of Navigation, 1983) shows the relationship be- vide a rough ride for larger ships. Waves moving into tween significant and other wave heights. shallow water become steeper and break when the (186) This table can be used to project a range of wave depth is about 1.3 times the wave height. Areas such as heights that might be expected in deep water. If signifi- Nantucket Shoal and Georges Shoals are dangerous in cant wave heights of 10 feet (3 m) are forecast then the heavy weather. Wave steepness is also increased by tidal most frequently observed waves should be 5- to 6-foot currents, particularly when they oppose the wind. (1.7 to 1.8 m) range while one wave in 100 should reach (190) Swells can create problems for larger vessels. 17 feet. About one-half of the waves of 10 feet (3 m) or more, in these waters, are swells from distant storms. They are Wave Heights from Significant Wave Heights (SWH) uncomfortable to ships that roll or pitch in sympathy. Swells with 500- to 1000-foot (152 to 305 m) wave Most frequent wave heights: 0.5 x SWH lengths affect ships of these lengths. When steaming into such swells a resonance is set up until the bow digs Average wave heights: 0.6 x SWH into the waves. The resulting pitch will cause more of a power loss than a roll caused by a sea. Swells with wave Significant wave heights (average height 1.0 x SWH lengths that range from about three-fourths to twice of of highest 33%): the ships length can have this effect. Pitching is heavi- est when the ship’s speed produces synchronism be- Height of highest 10% of the waves: 1.3 x SWH tween the period of encounter and the ships natural pitching period–this often occurs at or near normal One wave in 1,175 waves: 1.9 x SWH ship speeds. (191) When in running before a following sea, the great- One wave in 300,000 waves: 2.5 x SWH est danger arises when speed is equal to that of the waves or when the waves overtake the ship so slowly (187) A giant or rogue wave might reach 25 feet (7.6 m) that an almost static situation is created with the vessel in these circumstances. These rogue or “killer” waves lying on the wave crest. In this latter case stability is so occur when the large number of different waves that reduced that a small vessel could capsize. Waves on the make up a sea occasionally reinforce each other. This quarter or astern can also result in very poor steering action creates a wave that is much steeper and higher quality. As seas move along the vessel from aft to for- than the surrounding waves. These rogue waves often ward the rudder is less effective and the boat may be occur in a stormy sea and are described by mariners slewed across the face of a sea filling the decks with wa- who have experienced them, as coming out of nowhere ter as she broaches. She could lose her stability and and disappearing just as quickly. If significant wave capsize, particularly if the boat is trimmed by the head. heights are observed at 20 feet (6.1 m) then a rogue wave could reach 50 feet (15.2 m) if the water depth (192) Migratory weather systems cause winds that fre- could support it. quently change in strength and direction. In general winds are generally westerly but often take on a north- (188) Rough sea conditions are usually generated by erly component in winter and a southerly one in sum- gales out of the northwest through northeast. Waves mer. Strongest winds are generated by lows and cold greater than 8 feet (2.4 m) occur about 10 to 15 percent fronts in fall and winter and by fronts and thunder- of the time in winter. From fall through spring, wave storms during spring and summer. Extreme winds are heights of more than 7 feet (2.1 m) frequently last one usually associated with a hurricane or severe north- day or more; in midwinter they often last 2 days or easter and could reach 125 knots. Sustained winds of more. In addition to coastal storms, cold fronts with 100 knots should occur about every 50 years on the av- rapidly shifting winds can create dangerous seas. erage; gusts are usually about 30 percent higher. (189) Steep waves are often more dangerous than high (193) In the open seas, away from the influence of land, waves with a gentle slope. Waves appear menacing winds are stronger and less complex. From December when the ratio of wave height to length reach about through March they are mainly out of the west through 1/18. They begin to break when this ratio is about 1/10. north with gales occurring about 6 to 12 percent of the Steepest waves develop when strong winds first begin time. Windspeeds, in general, increase with distance to blow or early in a storm’s life. The ship no longer from the coast. If winds persist for a long time over a rides easily but is slammed. Steep waves are particu- long fetch they will generate rough seas. Winter larly dangerous to small craft. When wave heights are greater than 5 feet, periods of less than 6 seconds can create problems for boats under 100 feet in length. Waves of 10 feet or more with periods of 6 to 10 seconds can affect comfort in 100- to 200-foot (30.5 to 61 m) vessels. When wind waves reach 20 feet they become Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:10 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 168 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook windspeeds of 20 knots or more persist for more than to 30 percent of the time. While these frequencies drop 12 hours about 50 percent of the time; however these to the southwest, fog remains a problem in this season. winds often shift and a new fetch is established. Sum- (199) The areas along the coast, at the heads of bays mer winds are usually out of the south through south- within the rivers may be comparatively clear while fog west and gales are infrequent. During the spring and is very thick outside. The frequency of fog over land and fall winds are more variable. water is usually in opposition. Land fog is often most (194) Coastal winds are complex since they are influ- frequent in fall and winter compared to the spring and enced by the topography. Over land speeds are reduced. summer maximum of sea fog. Consequently figures for However channels and headlands can redirect the wind poor visibility at inland or sheltered harbors are no and even increase the speed by funneling the wind. In guide to conditions at sea or in the approaches. general you will find southerly components in summer and northerly ones in winter. In sheltered waters like (200) Heavy winter weather can cause ice to collect on Buzzard Bay, Narragansett Bay and the harbors of Long ships sailing these waters. At its worst superstructure Island Sound there are a large percentage of calms, par- icing can sink a vessel. when air temperature drops be- ticularly during the morning hours. When the existing low the freezing point of sea water (About 28.6°F) circulation is weak and there is a difference between strong winds and rough seas will cause large amounts land and water temperature, a land-sea breeze circula- of sea spray to freeze to the superstructure and those tion may be set up. As the land heats faster than the wa- parts of the hull that escape a frequent washing by the ter, a sea breeze is established during the day; this sea. Ice amounts increase rapidly with falling air and onshore flow may reach 15 knots or more. At night the sea temperatures as well as increasing windspeeds. The land cools more rapidly often resulting in a weak most dangerous conditions exist when gales last for breeze off the land. In many locations the sea breeze several days in temperatures of 28°F or lower. The ice serves to reinforce the prevailing summer wind. buildup on a trawler can exceed 5 tons per hour. (195) Fog, precipitation, smoke and haze all reduce (201) A moderate rate of ice accumulation usually occurs visibilities. Fog is the most restrictive and persistent. It when air temperatures are equal to or less than 28°F forms when warm, moist air moves across colder water, with winds of 13 knots or more. When air temperatures when very cold air moves over warmer water, or when drop to 16°F or below and winds reach 30 knots or moist air is cooled to near its dew point by radiation or greater, ice collects more rapidly. On a 300- to 500-ton rainfall. These conditions can be triggered by a number vessel it would accumulate at more than 4 tons per of weather situations. hour and is called severe. December, January and Feb- ruary are the worst months. The potential for moderate (196) Prior to the arrival of a cold front there is often a icing exists about 5 to 10 percent of the time. warm, southerly flow of air across cool Gulf waters re- sulting in dense fog. Warm or stationary fronts can also (202) In addition to sea spray, ice is also caused by freez- bring fog while rainfall from lows and fronts can create ing rain or drizzle and fog in freezing conditions. While an evaporation fog. Along the coast radiation fog is these two causes could create enough weight on the common on clear, calm nights although it usually rigging to cause it to fall, this is minor in comparison burns off during the morning hours. In the spring, with the freezing spray hazard. Icing on the super- coastal fog may occur near the mouths of rivers and structure elevates the center of gravity, decreasing the streams that are fed by cold snowmelt. metacentric height. It increases the sail area and heel- ing moment due to wind action. Its non-uniform distri- (197) Sea temperatures increase, in general, from north bution changes the trim. It can hamper steerability and to south, but the variation is usually only a few degrees lower ship speed. Icing also creates hazardous deck over open water. Close to the coast water temperature conditions. are usually warmer in summer and colder in winter than offshore readings. Water temperatures in summer (203) If you can’t avoid the weather conditions that cause range from about 66° to 74°F (18.9 to 23.3°C) while in icing, experience and research have helped develop winter the range is from about 34° to 37°F (1.1 to some guidelines. The first two courses of action when 2.8°C). encountering potential icing conditions are to seek shelter from the sea and to steer towards warmer water. (198) Advection fog is most common in late spring and Once icing has begun it is prudent to slow down early summer when south and southwest winds bring enough so that little or no spray is taken aboard. It is warm humid air over the still-cold Labrador Current. also important to keep ice from building up by what- Near Georges Bank visibilities fall to less than 1 mile up ever means are available. This includes crewmen using Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 169 tools or baseball bats to remove ice from the deck and the Huddle for small groups. Both require a life pre- superstructure. server. HELP involves holding the upper arm firmly (204) Any effort to control the rate of accumulation will against the sides of the chest, keeping the thighs to- buy time. In general heaving to with the bow into the gether, and raising the knees to protect the groin area. wind and sea as much as possible and varying the In the Huddle, people face each other and keep their course slightly to ensure a minimum symmetrical bodies as close together as possible. These positions build up is a good rule. However, experiments have improve survival time in 48°F water to 4 hours, approx- shown that on a trawler with its stern to the wind, loss imately two times that of a swimmer and one and of stability is only about one-half of that in the ahead one-half times that of a person in the passive position. condition. When the wind is 30 degrees off the bow the (209) Near-drowning victims in cold water (less than loss of stability is 50 percent greater than in the ahead 70°F) show much longer periods of revivability than condition. Also ice accumulates more rapidly on the usual. Keys to a successful revival are immediate windward side causing a heeling into the wind. This cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administra- listing is partially offset by the action of the wind so tion of pure oxygen. Don’t bother with total rewarming that a shift to a reciprocal course after icing has built at first. The whole revival process may take hours and up could be disastrous. When ice builds up significantly require medical help. Don’t give up! The U.S. Coast it is important to remember that the removal of one Guard has an easy to remember rule of thumb for sur- ton of ice 50 feet from the vessels center of gravity is as vival time: 50 percent of people submersed in 50°F wa- effective as removing 10 tons of ice 5 feet above the cen- ter, will die within 50 minutes. ter of gravity. Survival Time Versus Water Temperature (205) Immersion hypo-thermia is the loss of heat when a Water Tempera- Exhaustion or Expected Time of body is immersed in water. With few exceptions, hu- mans die if their normal rectal temperature of approxi- ture Unconsciousness Survival mately 99.7°F drops below 78.6°F. Cardiac arrest is the most common direct cause of death. Except in tropical 32°F 15 min. 15-45 min. waters warmer than 68° to 77°F, the main threat to life 32°-41°F 15-30 min. 30-90 min. during prolonged immersion is cold or cold and 41°-50°F 30-60 min. 1-3 hrs. drowning combined. 50°-59°F 1-2 hrs. 1-6 hrs. 59°-68°F 2-7 hrs. 2-40 hrs. (206) Cold lowers body temperature, which in turn slows 68°-77°F 3-12 hrs. 3 hrs. - indef. the heartbeat, lower the rate of metabolism, and in- 77°F and above indefinite indefinite creases the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. Re- sulting impaired mental capacity is a major factor in (210) When the body is warmer than its surroundings it death by hypothermia. Numerous reports from ship- begins to lose heat. The rate of loss depends on barriers wrecks and accidents in cold water indicate that people such as clothing and insulation, the speed of air move- can become confused and even delirious, further de- ment and the air temperature. Heat loss increases dra- creasing their chances of survival. matically in moving air that is colder than skin temperature (91.4°F). Even a light wind increases heat (207) The length of time that a human survives in water loss while a strong wind can actually lower the body depends on the water temperature and, to a lesser ex- temperature if the rate of loss is greater than the body’s tent, on a person’s behavior. The table below shows the heat replacement rate. approximate human survival time in the sea. Body type can cause deviations, since thin people become (211) The equivalent wind chill temperature relates a hypothermic more rapidly than fat people. Extremely particular wind and temperature combination to what- fat people may survive almost indefinitely in water near ever temperature would produce the same heat loss at 32°F if they are warmly clothed. about 3 knots, the normal speed of a person walking. At extremely cold temperatures, wind and temperature ef- (208) The cooling rate can be slowed by the person’s be- fect may account for only two-third of the heat loss havior and insulated gear. In a study which closely from the body. For example, in -40°F temperatures monitored more than 500 immersions in the water about one-third of the heat loss from the body occurs around Victoria, B.C., temperatures ranged from 39° to 60°F. Using this information it was reasoned that if the critical heat loss areas could be protected, survival time would increase. The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) was developed for those in the water alone and Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 170 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook through the lungs in the process of breathing. On the Looming occurs when objects appear to rise above other hand heat loss is not as great in bright sunlight. their true elevation. Objects below the horizon may ac- (212) When the skin temperature drops below 50°F, tually be brought into view. This apparent effect often there is a marked constriction of the blood vessels lead- leads to a serious underestimation of horizontal dis- ing to vascular stagnation, oxygen want, and some cel- tances Unimpressive landmarks, and distant ships may lular damage. The first indication that something is acquire startling characteristics through apparent ver- wrong is a painful tingling. Swelling of varying extent tical stretching; this phenomenon is known as tower- follows, provided freezing has not occurred. Excruciat- ing. A superior mirage is so named because of the ing pain may be felt if the skin temperature is lowered appearance of an image above the actual object. Ships rapidly, but freezing of localized portions of the skin have been seen with an inverted image above and an may be painless when the rate of change is slow. upright image floating above that. (213) Cold allergy is a term applied to the welts which (217) Inferior mirages result from the upward bending of may occur. Chilblains usually affect the fingers and light rays in an unstable air mass. This phenomenon is toes and appear as reddened, warm, itching, swollen observed locally whenever a superheated land mass or a patches. Trench foot and immersion foot present es- wide expanse of open water is overrun by cold air. sentially the same picture. Both result from exposure Sinking below the horizon, of relatively close objects, to cold and lack of circulation. Wetness can add to the may result in an overestimation of horizontal dis- problem as water and wind soften the tissues and accel- tances. Occasionally a complicated vertical tempera- erate heat loss. The feet swell, discolor, and frequently ture distribution, may transform hilly coastlines into blister. Secondary infection is common and gangrene impressive walls of lofty pinnacles. This phenomenon may result. is known as Fata Morgana. On clear days, just as the up- (214) Injuries from the cold may, to a large extent, be per rim of the sun disappears below the horizon, green prevented by maintaining natural warmth through the light is sometimes refracted from the solar spectrum. use of proper footgear and adequate, dry clothing; by This brief phenomenon is called the green flash. avoiding cramped positions and constricting clothing; (218) Floating ice crystals (cirriform clouds, light snow and by active exercise of the hands, legs and feet. flakes, ice fog, or drifting snow) may cause the refrac- (215) Frostbite usually begins when the skin tempera- tion of light into a variety of faintly colored arcs and ha- ture falls within the range of 14° to 4°F. Ice crystals los. This phenomenon, which may be recognized from form in the tissues and small blood vessels. Once the fact that the red band is closest to the light source, started, freezing proceeds rapidly and may penetrate includes halos, arcs that open toward or away from the deeply. The rate of heat loss determines the rate of sun, mock images, and various geometrical figures that freezing, which is accelerated by wind, wetness, ex- may be located in various parts of the sky with refer- treme cold, and poor blood circulation. Parts of the ences to the sun. body susceptible to freezing are those with surfaces (219) Fogbows, resulting from refraction through sus- large in relation to their volume, such as toes, fingers, pended water particles, are seen in the region of the sky ears, nose, chin and cheeks. directly opposite from the sun, or the antisolar point. These bows, although occasionally brilliantly colored, (216) Optical phenomena range from electromagnetic are normally seen as broad white bands with faintly col- displays to intricate geometrical patterns. The aurora ored borders. Rainbows are also observed. and Saint Elmo’s fire are electromagnetic displays. (220) When atmospheric particles are about equal in size Halos, coronas, parhelia, sun pillars, and related effects to the wavelength of light, diffraction is likely to occur. are optical phenomena associated with the refraction Diffractional phenomena frequently show properties and diffraction of light through suspended cloud parti- similar to those of refraction except for the reversal in cles; mirages, looming, and twilight phenomena such the spectrum colors, violet now being closest to the as the “green flash” are associated with refraction of source of light. The Brocken bow, or glory, appears on light through air of varying density. Occasionally, sun- clouds or fog banks as a colored ring around the pro- light is refracted simultaneously by cloud suspensions jected shadow of the observers hear. The solar and lu- and by dense layers of air producing complex symmet- nar coronas, which are observed only through high ric patterns of light around the sun. A mirage is caused clouds, resemble the halo except that they may assume by refraction of light rays in a layer of air whose density increasingly larger diameters as the size of the particles increases or decreases rapidly, near the surface. A decrease. When the light from the sun or the moon dif- marked decrease in density with increasing altitude fracted by cirrus or cirrostratus, iridescence may causes looming, towering, and superior mirages. sharply delineate the outline of clouds in brilliant green, blue, pink, orange, or purple. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 171 (221) Refraction of sunlight takes place whenever the in- on board ship, condensation will take place on rela- tervening particles are larger than the wavelength. tively cold cargo or on the ship’s structure within the Thus, sunlight that is reflected from ice crystals is hold where it later drips onto the cargo. Thus, if cargo transformed into sun pillars and parhelic circles. When is stowed in a cool climate and the vessel sails into both phenomena occur in combination they form the warmer waters, ventilation of the hold with outside air remarkable sun cross. Paricelenci circles are observed will likely lead to sweat damage in any cargo sensitive with moonlight. to moisture. Under such conditions external ventila- tion should, as a rule, be closed off entirely, unless the (222) The auroral borealis (northern lights) and St. cargo generates internal heat, that hazard being Elmo’s fire are two types of electrical phenomena greater than sweat damage. In the opposite case, when sometimes observed in this region. The zone of maxi- a vessel is loaded during a warm period, and moves into mum auroral frequency extends along the periphery of cooler weather, vulnerable cargo should be ventilated. a 20- to 25- degree circle whose center is at the mag- (227) A safe rule for ventilation directed toward moisture netic pole. Auroras are generally associated with control may be stated as follows: Whenever accurate moonless nights. An artificial maximum exists in win- measurements show the outside air has a dew point be- ter because of the longer hours of darkness. No conclu- low the dew point of the air surrounding the cargo to be sive evidence is available to show that a seasonal protected, such outside air is capable of removing variation in the frequency of auroras exists. However, moisture from the hold and the ventilation process can periods of intense sunspot activity are reflected in a be safely started. Whenever the reverse is true, and the maximum occurrence of this electrical phenomenon. outside dew point is higher than the dew point temper- ature around the cargo, then ventilation will increase (223) Generally auroras may be classified as having ei- the moisture content of the hold and may readily result ther a ray structure (rays, streams, draperies, corona) in sweating within the ship. The above does not take or a nebulous appearance (homogeneous quiet arc, ho- into account possible fumes or gases in the compart- mogeneous band, pulsating arcs, pulsating arcs, pul- ment. In such cases discretion must be used. sating surfaces, diffuse luminous surfaces, and feeble glow). Flaming auroras, which fall in neither category, (228) (Refer to discussion under ports affected.) may be added to this list. Moreover, auroras may re- (229) During some winter months or when threatened main uniformly red, green, or purple, or assume a rapid succession of these colors. Brilliant shifting auroras by icing conditions, lighted buoys may be removed are invariably accompanied by magnetic storms and from station or replaced by unlighted buoys; unlighted electrical interference with communications. buoys, and daybeacons and lights on marine sites also may be removed. (See Light List.) (224) St. Elmo’s fire is occasionally observed in this area, (230) The International Ice Patrol (IIP) was formed in but because of its faintness it is most commonly ob- 1914 to patrol the Grand Banks of Newfoundland to de- served during the night hours and on dark overcast tect icebergs and warn mariners of their location. Un- days. These eerie flickers of bluish light are usually der the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) Convention, caused by the unusual electrification of the snow-filled 20 member-nations agreed to share the $2.5 million air, which is most likely when the wind is strong. St. annual cost of operating the patrol. The U.S. Coast Elmo’s fire is restricted to the tips of such objects as Guard conducts the patrol and maintains IIP records. ship masts, wind vanes, and airplane wings. (231) Today the IIP is coordinated from its operations center at Groton, Connecticut. Its staff presently num- (225) The temperature at which condensation to water bers 13, including Coast Guard and civil service spe- droplets occurs is called the dew point. If this dew point cialists. The usual ice season runs from March through is above freezing, condensation will be in the form of September but can vary. Flying out of the Canadian water. When the dew point reaches freezing, ice crys- Forces Base at Gander, Newfoundland, USCG aircraft tals will be deposited on cold surfaces. Knowledge of cover the ice area, a piece of water twice the size of the the dew point along with cargo temperature and mois- State of Texas. Its southern boundary is nearly the lati- ture content is vital for hold ventilation decisions. It is tude of New York City and it reaches halfway across the also a parameter used in forecasting fog formation. Atlantic, with Newfoundland on the northwest and Greenland and Iceland on the north and northeast. A (226) When free air has a dew point temperature higher normal flight lasts seven hours and can cover 35,000 than the temperature of the surface with which it co- square miles. mes in contact, the air is often cooled sufficiently below its dew point to release moisture. When this happens Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 172 I Chapter 3 I Cape Cod To Sandy Hook (232) Once sighted, a berg’s location, size, and configura- TYPES OF ICEBERGS tion all are entered into a computer drift model, used until it is resighted or melts. Tilted Blocky (V) Blocky iceberg which has tilted to present a triangular shape from the (233) The IIP attempts to locate and track bergs south of side. the 52nd parallel, and particularly those south of the 48th which may be hazardous to navigation near the Eroded such that a large U-shaped Grand Banks. When sighting data is entered into the Drydock (K) slot is formed within twin columns. drift program, predicted positions of bergs are calcu- lated at 0000 and 1200 GMT. Slot extends into or near waterline. (234) All shipping is requested to assist in the operation Pinnacled (P) Large central spiral or pyramid of the IIP by radio reporting all sightings of ice at once to the IIP through any U.S. Coast Guard communica- Dome (D) Large round smooth top. tions station. Ice sightings reports should include: pre- Solid-type iceberg. cise position, size and shape of berg, concentration of ice, and thickness of ice (refer to IIP chart for filing re- Flat-topped iceberg with ports). A list of the radio stations broadcasting IIP Bul- Tabular (T) length-height ratio greater than letins and frequencies and times of broadcasts is published annually in Local Notices to Mariners of the 5:1. First and Third Coast Guard Districts and in Radio Nav- igational Aids, Pub. 117, issued by the National Imag- (237) The principal deep-draft commercial ports within ery and Mapping Agency. the area of this Coast Pilot are: New Bedford and Fall River, Mass.; Tiverton and Providence, R.I.; New Lon- (235) The IIP operations center can be reached by tele- don and Bridgeport, Conn.; New York, Albany and Port phone at (203) 441-2626, or the Coast Guard Opera- Jefferson, N.Y.; and Elizabeth and Newark, N.J. tions Center in New York at (212) 668-7878. Vessels carrying Marisat equipment can send messages at their (238) Other deep-draft facilities are located on Cape Cod own expense to COAST GUARD NY (Telex 126831). Canal; Narragansett Bay; off Northville and Northport, N.Y., on Long Island Sound; and on the Hudson River (236) Once daily, a radio facsimile chart of the area de- between New York City and Albany, N.Y. picting ice distribution is broadcast. The IIP seeks com- ments on its services to mariners, particularly on the (239) Pilotage, with few minor exceptions, is compulsory effectiveness of the times and frequencies of radio for all foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register transmissions. Mariners are requested to mail facsim- entering and departing the Port of New York and New ile charts received at sea to International Ice Patrol, Jersey and other ports within the area of this Coast Pi- 1082 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340-6095. lot, and for all such vessels transiting Block Island The frequency used, time of receipt, and vessel position Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound. (See at time of receipt should be indicated. 207.20, chapter 2, for Pilotage Regulations on the Cape Cod Canal.) SIZES OF ICEBERGS (240) Pilotage is optional for coastwise vessels that have SIZE HEIGHT LENGTH on board a pilot properly licensed by the Federal Gov- ernment for the waters which the vessel travels. Growler (feet) (meters) (feet) (meters) (241) Arrangements for pilots should be made by the Small (G) 0-3 0-1 0-19 0-5 ships’ agents at least 24 hours in advance at all of the ports. New York is the only port at which the pilot boat Medium (S) 4-50 1-15 20-200 6-60 remains on station. Detailed information on pilotage Large procedures is given in the text for the ports concerned. (M) 51-15 16-45 201-400 61-122 0 (242) Tugs are available at all major ports; they can usu- ally be obtained for the smaller ports on advance notice (L) 151+ 46+ 401+ 123+ if none are available locally. Arrangements for tugs should be made in advance through ships’ agents or the TYPES OF ICEBERGS pilots. (See the text for the ports concerned as to the availability of tugs.) SHAPE DESCRIPTION Blocky (243) Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricul- (B) Steep sides with flat top. Very solid. tural quarantine officials are stationed in most major Length-height ratio less than 5:1 Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Cape Cod To Sandy Hook I Chapter 3 I 173 U.S. ports. (See appendix for addresses.) Vessels subject Greenwich mean time (G.m.t.). Example: When it is to such inspections generally make arrangements in 1000 at Greenwich it is 0500 at New York City. advance through ships’ agents. Unless otherwise di- rected, officials usually board vessels at their berths. (250) Throughout the area of this Coast Pilot, clocks are (244) Harbormasters where appointed are mentioned in advanced 1 hour on the first Sunday in April and are set the text. They usually have charge of the anchorage and back to standard time on the last Sunday in October. berthage of vessels. (245) General supplies, including fuel oil, diesel oil and (251) New Year’s Day, January 1; Martin Luther King, fuel, gasoline, water, and marine supplies are available Jr.’s Birthday, third Monday in January; Washington’s at the principal ports. Similar items but in more lim- Birthday, third Monday in February; Memorial Day, last ited quantities can be obtained at many places men- Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, tioned under descriptions of the different ports. first Monday in September; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Veterans Day, November 11; (246) Complete facilities for large vessels are available in Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; and New York Harbor. The extent and types of facilities at Christmas Day, December 25. The national holidays are other places are shown in the text under the descrip- observed by employees of the Federal Government and tion of the ports. the District of Columbia, and may not be observed by all the States in every case. (247) There are numerous places where fuel, supplies, repairs, slips for dockage, and launching ramps are (252) In addition, the following holidays are also ob- available for small craft. For the various towns and iso- served in the States covered by this Coast Pilot: lated places, the Coast Pilot includes generalized infor- mation about marine facilities; details are given in the (253) Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12: Connecticut, New series of small-craft charts published for many places. Jersey, and New York. (248) A vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in (254) Evacuation Day, March 17: Massachusetts, Boston length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage and Suffolk County only. of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a nar- row channel or fairway. (Navigation Rules, Interna- (255) Good Friday: Connecticut and New Jersey. tional-Inland Rule 9(b)). (256) Patriots Day, third Monday in April: Massachusetts. (257) Rhode Island Independence Day, May 4: Rhode Is- (249) The area covered by this Coast Pilot uses eastern standard time (e.s.t.), which is 5 hours slow of land. (258) Bunker Hill Day, June 17: Massachusetts, Boston and Suffolk County only. (259) Victory Day, second Monday in August: Rhode Is- land. (260) General Election Day, first Tuesday after the first Monday in November: New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:11 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 174 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:14 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 175 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the Atlan- and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and tic Coast, having a sizable anchorage area in depths of the southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. 12 to 57 feet with excellent holding ground. Coasters Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Har- and fishermen find protection here in gales from any bor, and the other numerous fishing and yachting cen- direction. ters along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering (6) The historical town of Provincetown, on the north- Nantucket Sound. western side of the harbor, is at the site of the first land- ing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. En- described in 80.135 and 80.145, chapter 2. gine repairs are available by arrangement. (7) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of (3) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the easterly dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pilgrim extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above the mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then ex- water; two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward and tends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms the a steel tank is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monu- southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the ment. A 2,500-foot stone breakwater is about 300 yards northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern southeastward of the end of the town pier (MacMillan shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, Wharf). The breakwater extends northeastward from a forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the point in 42°02'45\"N., 70°10'55\"W., approximately par- Cape, is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well allel to the shoreline. The east and west ends of the settled and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, breakwater are each marked by a light. Strangers with high bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. should exercise caution when operating in the area. In The portion of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape September 1981, an 8-foot shoal spot was reported in Cod Canal is known as the Upper Cape. This region is the approach to the town pier in about 42°02'50\"N., wooded and is well settled by numerous towns and vil- 70°10'56\"W. Numerous fishing vessels work out of lages. Provincetown during the year. During the summer, floats are set out that are capable of mooring vessels up (4) The tidal current velocities between Race Point and to 40 feet. Larger vessels must tie up at permanent Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to less piers. Anchorage inside the breakwater is reported to than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham be fair to poor, mud bottom with much debris. The ma- Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and rina close southwest of MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of mooring buoys on the west side of the harbor. current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb (8) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under occurring about 2 hours later off Nauset Beach Light the control of the harbormaster, who has an office at than off Chatham Light. the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 24 hours. (5) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the (9) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established a northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter of fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N., 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the area extending about 100 yards around the piers in Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this fairway. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:14 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 176 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (10) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance mile southwest of the town pier. the water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of the shore. (11) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard (20) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore navigating in the area. about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light in South Wellfleet. (12) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. Com- (21) Nauset Beach Light (41°51.6'N., 69°57.2'W.), 114 plete information about the harbors and ports in Cape feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot conical Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Pilot 1, tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, on Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. the beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former Coast Guard station, about 1 mile south of the light, are con- (13) Between Wood End (42°01.2'N., 70°11.3'W.) and spicuous. Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, shoals (22) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradually that rise abruptly from deep water extend a maximum southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and be- of about about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light comes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently (42°03'45\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the water, is back from the beach and is covered with a scanty shown from a white tower on the northwest point of growth of grass. Cape Cod. (23) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of (14) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth the harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers are of 10 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. present in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and even during the calmest weather. The area is extremely dan- (15) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for gerous for any vessel larger than a runabout or for any- about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area one without local knowledge. Strangers should never should be given a berth of at least 2 miles. A lighted attempt to enter. A cluster of houses is on Nauset whistle buoy is about 2.5 miles off the bar and about 5 Heights south of the entrance, where the ground is miles northwestward of Highland Light. Keeping in a somewhat higher than the land just northward. depth of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles (24) The harbor has three arms extending northward off the eastern side of Cape Cod. into Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay and Salt Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is (16) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves about 2 miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for seasonal buoys mark the channel from the entrance to about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of Town Cove. A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile bare sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes be- from the head of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, gin to be covered with a brownish-looking growth of berths, marine supplies, and a concrete ramp are avail- grass, and the land is higher as the Highlands are ap- able. Craft to 25 feet can be handled for hull or engine proached. The water shoals somewhat abruptly within repairs, or dry open or covered storage. In August 1981, 0.5 mile of the shore and care must be taken not to go depths of 4 feet were reported alongside the service inside the 10-fathom curve. dock. (25) The outer coast is eroding from east of North Chat- (17) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 ham northward for about 3 miles. Waves wash across feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white the beach barrier into the sound in several places at tower with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff high water. A conspicuous standpipe with a red and of the Highlands. white checkered band around the top is about 0.6 mile southward of Chatham Port. (18) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated (26) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset tower, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of domes on the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Chatham Harbor. Chatham Light (41°40'17\"N., Highland Light. 69°57'01\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from a (19) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The ter- rain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:14 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 177 white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. The facility can reportedly be reached from Chatham Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. Roads by way of a channel south of Morris Island (see (27) Several spires and a tall stack at Chatham are chart 13229). Berths, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- prominent. plies, launching ramp, and storage facilities are avail- (28) In January 1987, a break occurred in Nauset able. A hydraulic trailer can handle craft to 45 feet for Beach, the barrier beach protecting Chatham Harbor, hull and engine repairs. In June 1992, depths to 2 feet creating a new inlet into the harbor east of Chatham were reported in the basin. Light. This break is now the only entrance into Chat- (32) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern ham Harbor. The break is used by small local fishing Island and Chatham. In March-June 1995, the control- and pleasure craft with a smooth sea. The break is un- ling depth of the dredged channel was 6 feet with 8 feet marked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided in the basin. Conditions are rapidly changing. A fish by those without local knowledge. The Coast Guard has pier is in the basin. Commercial fishing boats operate established a rough bar advisory light, 62 feet above from the cove. The harbormaster can be contacted on the water, on a skeleton tower near Chatham Light in VHF-FM channel 16. about 41°40'17.4\"N., 69°57'00.1\"W. to promote safety (33) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Har- for small-boat operators. The light has a dayboard bor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A which is diamond-shaped, painted white with an inter- small-craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, national orange border, and with the words “Rough about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching Bar” in black letters. The light, when activated, is flash- ramp is close westward of the facility. Private seasonal ing yellow. The light will be activated when the seas ex- aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the ceed 2 feet in height and are considered hazardous for town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. small boats. Small-boat operators are cautioned, how- A forklift at the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. ever, that if the light is not flashing it is no guarantee Gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, moorings, and that sea conditions are favorable. Currents are ex- storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs tremely strong and dangerous surf can build up quickly can be made. In August 1981, a reported depth of 3 feet on the outer bar with an ebb current. Shoals are con- could be carried to the small-craft facility. stantly shifting near the break and extreme caution is (34) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond advised. Ocean waves carry into the harbor and report- and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club edly break as far north as Tern Island. Anchoring and on the north side. even mooring in much of Chatham Harbor is not rec- (35) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay ommended. Mariners unfamiliar with the area are ad- has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination vised to stay east of Chatham Beach Lighted Whistle antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is Buoy C (41°39'12\"N., 69°55'30\"W.). conspicuous. (29) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what (36) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Lit- shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy Is- tle Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private sea- land. There is no marked channel through the shoals. sonal buoys. Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a (37) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles north- smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These ward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the west shoals are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south the vicinity should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. side of Namequoit Point. (30) The passage inside the barrier beach from Chat- (38) Namequoit River leads westward from the head of ham Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on the Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In August 1981, west side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles depths of 2 feet were reported in Namequoit River, and long and used by small-craft. The passage, marked by the channel into the pond had depths of 3 feet. A private, seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break small-craft facility on the north side of the pond has a through Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, 50-foot marine railway, a 2-ton crane, moorings, water, Little Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House marine supplies, a launching ramp, and storage facili- Pond. The channel requires local knowledge. ties; hull, rigging, and sail repairs can be made. (31) A small-craft facility is in a protected basin in the (39) An arm, known as The River, extends northward cove between Morris Island and the mainland, about from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile 0.5 mile south of Chatham Light. In 1992 it was re- to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys par- ported this facility could not be reached from Chatham tially mark the channel from The River to the pond. A Harbor due to severe shoaling south of Chatham Light. town landing and launching ramp are on the north side Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:14 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 178 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility Monomoy Point, the northeast entrance point of is on the north side of the pond. In August 1981, depths Nantucket Sound. Narrow sloughs separate the many of 4 feet were reported in the channel to the pond. A hy- parts of the shoals. It should be remembered that the draulic trailer at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. shoals are shifting in character and are subject to Berths and moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, change in location and depth. water, ice, a launching ramp, and storage facilities are (45) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is off available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A town Monomy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. ramp is on the east side of the pond southeastward of Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while the small-craft facility. navigating in the area. (46) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 (40) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand Cape Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. Martha’s Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. Sound on the west to provide an inside passage. (47) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, Nantucket Sound has a length of about 23 miles in an is eastward of Pollock Rip. east-west direction and a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the (48) Stone Horse Shoal, Little Round Shoal, and Great eastern entrance and within the sound are numerous Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of shoals. Between these shoals are well-marked channels sand shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These making the navigation of these waters comparatively shoals are directly eastward of the entrance to easy for powered vessels and also sailing vessels with a Nantucket Sound and between the two main channels. fair wind. The shoals at the eastern entrance are subject Southward and eastward of these shoals are numerous to considerable shifting while those inside are some- shoal spots, including Orion Shoal, covered 16 to 19 what stable. Boulders are along the shores. feet. (49) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles south- (41) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vine- westward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to 18 feet. yard Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles southwest provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft of the point. On the northwest side the water shoals to avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used princi- gradually and soundings will indicate an approach to pally by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navi- danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises gational aids are colored and numbered for passing abruptly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is through the sound from the eastward. uneven and shifting in character. Vessels should not at- tempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the (42) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and southern end and southeast side of the shoal. southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore (50) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and baf- merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward fling tidal currents which set over them, their naviga- and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These tion in thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the caution must be exercised in this area. two principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round Shoal, comparatively easy. For the purpose of descrip- (51) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket tion Great Round Shoal Channel will be considered as Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by the dividing line between Monomoy and Nantucket a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and Shoals. 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Deep-draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A (43) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket lighted gong buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape 22-foot spot. Cod. These areas may be marked by private lights. (52) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles (44) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached west-southwestward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direc- depth of 11 feet. Its northern edge is marked by a tion and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from lighted gong buoy. A shoal, covered 26 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the buoy. Caution must be exercised Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:15 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 179 in passing between this shoal and the shoal making out fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New southwestward from Halfmoon Shoal. Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats (53) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their work- places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked ing through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides has a controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the Round Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal. (60) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads (54) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little channel is used by most of the vessels bound through warning of approaching dangers. The main channel Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on it seldom exceeds 24 feet. its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. (55) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound (61) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26.9'N., are discussed with the land features near them. 70°17.5'W.), replacing Cross Rip Lightship, marks the northern edge of Cross Rip Shoal. (56) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through (62) North Channel leads along the north side of Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the south- Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, erly one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, well-marked channels leading to the eastern end of and through one of the openings in the shoals west- Vineyard Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in ward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This this chapter, leads into the sound from the southward, channel is used mostly by craft bound to points on the eastward of Chappaquiddick Island. north shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound through the sound during northerly winds or in winter (57) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the when the prevailing northerly winds keep the north most direct channel leading from points northward of shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least depth in Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- the channel is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward of buoys mark the channel. Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small (63) Sailing vessels working through the sound against 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, (58) 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 (59) 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 outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:15 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 180 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Edgartown Harbor and Vineyard Haven are the best an- (70) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- chorages. With the aid of the chart and the directions nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should given under the discussion of these harbors, strangers wait for a favorable tide. can enter the anchorages. (64) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket (71) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid limits and regulations.) the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot (65) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which Halfmoon Shoal. may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use (72) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has more than ordinary care when in these waters. broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at (66) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily night. distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The (73) The Tidal Current Tables and the Narragansett Bay strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip to Nantucket Sound Tidal Current Charts contain de- Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy 8 tailed current information for many locations in this and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West area. Chop. In some places the current sets directly on the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes (74) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bot- tom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be de- (75) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western pended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal with a favorable current and with some local knowl- Current Tables. edge beat through the sound against a head wind in clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they (76) In the vicinity of Great Round Shoal Channel En- come to anchor within the prescribed anchorages un- trance Lighted Whistle Buoy GRS, off the south end of der the lee of one of the shoals, or in one of the harbors Great Round Shoal, the tidal current is rotary, turning until the wind or current changes. clockwise. The average velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average minimum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips (67) In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be and water surface agitation caused by upwelling may be seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel are observed across the 10-fathom contour east of Buoy cautioned against anchoring in the channel or near any GRS. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) of the aids. Steamers and tows passing through the channel in thick weather depend almost entirely on ra- (77) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to dar navigation and the sound signals of the aids, mak- the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of cur- ing it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. rent becomes gradually later; the average velocity at strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. (68) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand west- (78) Winter winds and waves along with spring and ward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Bar Lighted Gong Buoy waters. From October through March gales can be ex- 1. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 fath- pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- oms about 3 miles south-southwestward of Pollock Rip quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and Entrance Lighted Horn Buoy PR and northeastward of current interactions can also create problems. The Broken Part of Pollock Rip. most severe of these is found at the west entrance to the Cape Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the (69) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents tide ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly wind. Another well known “rough spot” is the West winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. Chop off the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- maximum ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here rents. and when it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set up. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:15 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 181 (79) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of from November through February. In the shallow por- Nantucket Sound. tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but (88) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 waves may break before reaching these heights. feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side (80) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm of the entrance to Stage Harbor. air over cool water, is most frequent from April through (89) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warn- (90) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from ing bells and horns may be difficult to discern Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. accurately. The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is subject to shoaling. In February 2002, the controlling (81) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are depth in the entrance channel was 6.0 feet. most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- (91) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that (82) Pilotage is not compulsory for vessels passing has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in through Nantucket Sound; it is only compulsory for the open position the bascule span will overhang the foreign and U.S. vessels under register entering or channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. clearing ports. Pilots for the sound or Monomoy and (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, Nantucket Shoals may be obtained at Boston by vessels for drawbridge regulations.) coming from northward, or at New York by vessels (92) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can coming from westward. be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, good holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for (83) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the small craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft port of their departure. can find a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. (84) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the (93) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow southward should pass westward of Handkerchief spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes an- Shoal and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy chor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the of Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the sea- sound. Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, sonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. covered 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chat- ham Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, (85) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeast- current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. ward of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern (86) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and the side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the ap- and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are proach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continu- marked by buoys. ing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor (87) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket Light. The channel is well marked. Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- (94) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The roads is the approach Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:15 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 182 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (95) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each depth of 4 feet was reported at the marina berths. The winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- marina monitors VHF-FM channel 68. The ing one. harbormaster here also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen Harbor, Herring River, and Round Cove in Pleas- (96) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on ant Bay. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in these areas. The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite The harbormaster can be contacted by telephone Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River (508-430-7532). just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- (101) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage trance to the river. Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded en- trance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is (97) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and pleasure on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the harbor. railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the harbor for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- and a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are con- age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, spicuous. diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings (102) In August 1994, the reported controlling depth are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The ma- across the bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel rina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of has a depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is sub- water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, ject to shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known lo- some marine supplies and a launching ramp are also cally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. feet with good holding ground. (103) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on (98) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the chan- 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. nel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in pump-out station, marine supplies, and storage facili- the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. August 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a A patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol town wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 boat is equipped with VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. mile and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are The harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor two boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway has his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached at the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and by telephone (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gaso- local conditions. line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching (104) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor ramps, berthage, and moorings are available. Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. (99) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An bor Light, is used only at high water by small local elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to mark. have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham (105) In April 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. craft. (106) Allen Harbor Yacht Club is at the head of the har- (100) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles bor at the east end of the highway bridge. The pier and westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel float were reported to have 6 feet alongside. A town leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the landing and launching ramp at the west end of the head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. bridge were reported to have about 6 feet alongside. A In June 2002, the controlling depths were 4.2 feet (5.8 marina and boatyard on the west side at the head of the feet at midchannel) to Buoy 4, thence 6.0 feet at harbor has a 15-ton forklift and a hydraulic trailer that midchannel to the anchorage basin with depths of 4.8 can handle craft to 42 feet for hull and engine repairs to 6 feet in the basin, except for lesser depths along the and dry open and covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, edges. In 1993, a submerged obstruction was reported water, ice, marine supplies, and berthage in 6 feet of about 10 yards south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the chan- nel, and a light marks the outer end of the east jetty. A marina is on the north side of the anchorage basin. Gasoline, diesel fuel, limited berths, water, electricity, ice, and a launching ramp are available. In April 2000, a Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:15 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 183 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron ALLEN HARBOR, MA water are available. The harbormaster who supervises enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank Allen Harbor has his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He just above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. can be reached by telephone (508-430-7532) for local (109) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor information. Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the (107) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, west jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles south- has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- ward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, be- marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar tween two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- part of the river, and thence to the highway bridge at sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile the bar are subject to shoaling. In June 2001, the above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- dredged entrance channel had a reported controlling ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about depth of 4.6 feet to the river mouth, just inside the jet- 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with ties; thence in 1981, the river channel had a reported a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained depth of 5 feet to South Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. bridge at South Dennis. In December 1992, severe (108) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring shoaling was reported across the mouth of the river. River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, Private seasonal buoys mark the channel to Follins which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft Pond, about 6.1 miles above the mouth. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:20 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 184 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron BASS RIVER, MA (110) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 made. miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a (115) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the clearance of 15 feet. river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 (111) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. feet vertical. (112) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads (116) In August 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet could be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was re- on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and ported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out Club is at the head of the lagoon. craft to 28 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open (113) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up berths are available. In August 1981, depths of 5 to 6 to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and feet were reported at the boatyard. covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a (117) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River pump-out station, and a launching ramp are available. entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- In May 2002, 6 feet was reported alongside the dock. merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly The marina monitors VHF-FM channels 66 and 79. end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River Town landings and launching ramps are on both sides West Jetty Light. The area around the breakwater and of the river at and below the bridge. northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low wa- (114) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- ter are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:24 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 185 fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vi- south of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a pri- cinity of this shoal. vate seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the break- (122) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south water. end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. (118) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, is West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Har- obtained before entering the river. In December 2000, bor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions are the entrance channel had a reported controlling depth on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward from of 4.1 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal quickly af- Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis Har- ter dredging. A fixed highway bridge crosses the river bor. An obstruction, reported in 1988 and covered 11 about 1 mile above the entrance. feet in about 41°37'03.8\"N., 70°17'24.1\"W., is the wes- (119) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor ternmost and marked close W by Hyannis Harbor in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An un- Lighted Buoy 4. named creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads (123) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure the creek only at high water. Small craft may enter the craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of pond but there are no moorings or services available. A the breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis marina is on the east side of the river just below the Port, on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and highway bridge; berths are available. Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. (120) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of (124) The most prominent objects when approaching the Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church bel- the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water fry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the west- extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle ward. Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted (125) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, with numerous rocks extending southeastward from covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and Hyannis Point. In October-November 1983, depths of 7 another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles to 15 feet were available in the protected basin north- south-southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets ward of the breakwater light. Rock. There are several submerged rocks in the this area which extends in a general line running northwest (126) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- and southeast between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards to a private seasonal light 0.5 west of the point; the south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was re- reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° ported about 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about (121) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of 100 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. An- Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center chor 300 yards northeastward or northward of the east of the shoal is marked by a daybeacon on a group of end of the breakwater in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft rocks where a lighthouse tower was formerly located. bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern portion Several rocks awash at low water are on the arm of the of the harbor in depths of 6 to 12 feet, but care must be shoal that extends about 0.9 mile south of the taken to keep clear of a charted, visible wreck and the daybeacon. A rock, covered 5 feet, is 0.7 mile area around a former wharf as submerged pilings may south-southeastward of the daybeacon. The rest of the be encountered. shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, about 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about 0.75 (127) Approaching from the westward, from a position mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 mile about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and northeastward of the daybeacon, mark the limits of the Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:24 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 186 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock landing at the bulkhead on the west side at the head of Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards the arm. A dockmaster is usually in attendance at this eastward of the breakwater light in entering the har- landing from 0900 to 1700 hours and can be reached by bor. Ice seldom interferes with the movement of ves- telephone (508-775-1120) for local information on sels in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the moorings and berthings. The harbormaster can be prevailing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. How- contacted by telephone (508-790-6273), through the ever, during severe winters or persistent southwesterly Barnstable police department (508-775-0387), or winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A police boat from the tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has town of Barnstable and a Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat been closed by ice for up to 3 months. Hyannis Port is a patrol Hyannis Harbor during the summer. A 6 mph summer resort with many prominent homes. A pri- speed limit is enforced in Lewis Bay north of Harbor vately dredged channel, with reported depths of 6 feet Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor in the channel leading to in August 1981, leads to the Hyannis Port Yacht Club the yacht club. landing on the west shore of the harbor. A private sea- (133) Seasonal ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vine- sonal buoy marks the channel. yard berth in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Munic- ipal Airport is just north of the town. (128) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends (134) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. 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 seasonal light is about 0.4 mile seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. south of the rock. The club has a launching ramp and can accommodate (135) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor craft to 140 feet; a reported dockside depth of 8 feet is Breakwater Light 5, is marked by a tower. Hyannis available. Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern side of Centerville Harbor. (129) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor into (136) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of Har- bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest bor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at the Ground, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis westernmost end. In March 1998-March 1999, the con- Point, has numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitat- trolling depths were 11 feet (12 feet at midchannel) to ing extreme caution for vessels navigating the area. the anchorage basin, thence 10 feet in the basin, thence Southwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis 12 feet to the town wharf. The channel is well marked Point, is marked by a buoy. Unmarked rocks, some but is subject to shoaling, especially in the vicinity of awash at low water and others covered 2 to 6 feet, are Lewis Bay Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy vessel traf- between the buoy and Hyannis Point. fic should be expected during summer months. A rip- (137) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, rap jetty extends 1,000 feet southerly from Dunbar is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. An Point. unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked (130) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked the water, deepest where it is darkest. by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile (131) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is craft can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the Hyannis Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. Limited anchorage is reported available in the basin (138) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, north of Harbor Bluff. is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked (132) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps 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 Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:24 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 187 of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 (143) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied en- (139) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the trance about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis village of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A pri- Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in vate seasonal light marks the end of the east jetty. A Centerville, the village inland from the head of the har- seasonal lighted buoy about 1 mile southeastward of bor, are used as guides for entering the harbor. the entrance marks the approach, and an unlighted Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a buoy marks a 4-foot shoal about 0.7 mile south of the popular bathing beach. The approach to Centerville entrance. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned through West Bay. An elevated water tank, about 0.7 rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 mile northward of the bridge at Osterville, is conspicu- to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good ous. In 1981-January 2001, a reported depth of 3.3 feet holding ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; was available in the channel, thence 6 feet to the high- however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the way bridge. The channel is subject to shoaling, and harbor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the strangers should obtain local information before enter- entrance somewhat break the force of the seas from ing the bay. southward, but not sufficiently to make it a safe an- chorage. Strangers should not enter except in the day- (144) Anchorage in depths of about 6 feet may be found time with clear weather. Ice closes the harbor in the in the bay just northward of the highway bridge. Ice winter. closes the bay for about 2 months each year. The (140) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 to 10 has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the feet alongside. bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had (145) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in August nel north of the highway bridge. Gasoline, diesel fuel, 1981, but is subject to shoaling. Centerville River, marine railways up to 40 feet, lifts up to 50 tons, berths, which enters the northeast side of the bay, has been pri- moorings, water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities vately dredged to a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. The practically to the head of navigation. In August 1981, a Wianno Yacht Club is on the east side of the channel at reported depth of about 3 feet could be taken over the the highway bridge. Berths are available on Baxter bar into Centerville River. The pier ruins of a former Neck, on the channel at the head of North Bay leading footbridge are on either side of the river about 0.3 mile to Prince Cove. above East Bay. Small boats moor in the river off Centerville or tie up to private piers. A 6 mph speed (146) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- limit is enforced in the river. trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay (141) A conspicuous stone tower with a mush- to the northward. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 room-shaped top is on the north side of the river about feet was available in the narrow channel eastward of 0.5 mile above the former footbridge. A town landing is Little Island into North Bay. Strangers should obtain on the north side just above the tower. A launching local information before navigating in North Bay, ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A conspicuous which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 mile south- harbormaster at Osterville can be contacted for local westward of the jetty. information on moorings and berthing; telephone (142) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- (508-428-2017). A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals Cotuit, North, and West Bays by the police boat from which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to the town of Barnstable. southerly winds and is seldom used except by local craft. The channel to the anchorage is marked by (147) The highway bridge across the channel between buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot draft should expe- Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span rience no difficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) southern side of the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be feet and marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 made through the Department of Public Works. mile northeastward of Lone Rock. (148) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:24 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 188 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 1981-October 2001, a privately dredged channel, with a (154) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- reported controlling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands; thence in July 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private 2001, a winding channel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In between Sampsons Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel Bay. The approach is marked by a seasonal lighted bell was reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, buoy. The channels into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are about 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, marked by private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of marks the approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel about 8 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to for about 0.8 mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht North Bay in August 1981. Seapuit River, south of Club is on the west side at the head of the bay. Osterville Grand Island, connects Cotuit Bay and West Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a (155) Great River and Little River empty into the south- reported controlling depth of 5 feet in August 1981. easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west Cotuit Bay is usually closed by ice each winter. side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction (149) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is with Great River. Gasoline, limited marine supplies, shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of the and storage facilities are available; hull and engine re- bay. In October 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was pairs can be made. A reported depth of about 3 feet can reported in the narrow entrance channel be carried to the marina. north-northwest of Thatch Island. (150) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge (156) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, gasoline, about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds disel fuel, water, ice, some marine supplies, and some formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- services are available. A privately marked channel with lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore a reported depth of about 3 feet leads to a marina on for beach erosion control. Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, ice, storage facilities, and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the (157) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- (151) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range light mark the approach. The privately marked channel from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- feet in April 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck extreme caution and local knowledge is advised. Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal (158) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In Au- ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between gust 1999, a depth of 4 feet was reported available from this shoal and Wreck Shoal. inside the jetties to the boatyard. Gasoline, diesel fuel, (152) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck water, ice, berthage, a 45-foot marine railway, a 50-ton Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction lift, a pump-out station, storage facilities, and marine and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range supplies are available at the boatyard; hull and engine from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A repairs can be made. channel between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and (159) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the Horseshoe Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm (153) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west end. Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a narrow (160) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of Menauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. 9 feet is marked by a buoy. A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a 45-foot fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. (161) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow jettied entrance, which in April 2000, had a reported controlling depth of 4.7 feet (6.2 feet at midchannel). The entrance is reported to shoal rapidly after dredg- ing; local knowledge is advised. A private seasonal light Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:25 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 189 marks the west jetty. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the (171) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the is- approach, and private seasonal buoys mark the channel land, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village above the jetties. has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. (162) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of (172) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- the pond, are principally summer resorts. bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A loran (163) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot tank and several towers along the south coast are span with a clearance of 6 feet. In August 2002, a re- prominent from offshore. ported depth of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside the marina on the west side of Green Pond just north of (173) The thorofare between the western point of Esther the bridge. Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- marine supplies are available at this facility. marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- (164) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. aids mark the channel. (165) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of (174) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly Island are low sandy islands extending westward from wooded, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, sandy soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet some bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. high, is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is (175) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket Is- island was for more than a century a principal seat of land. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 the whaling industry and since has become a famous feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is summer resort. marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket (166) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket Is- Sound is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and land, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket markers. With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ (Great Point) Light (41°23'26\"N., 70°02'53\"W.), 71 feet feet can be carried over the bar and channel to Hither above the water and shown from a white tower. Creek. Local knowledge is also required to enter the harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a (167) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles boatyard are in Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton east-northeastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from mobile hoist, a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, the point, the shoal has little water over it; farther east- provisions, water, and marine supplies are available at ward the depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. the northeasterly and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water with depths of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile (176) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north northward from these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 the northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The feet, is 2.2 miles southeastward of Nantucket Light. harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small (168) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is main- Several large houses show prominently from seaward. tained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either Woods Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates (169) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of from Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the shore. From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the (177) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about winter the entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart through for drainage purposes. 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cu- pola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry (170) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'01\"N., 69°57'54\"W.), about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white white church in the town; and the navigational lights at tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. the east side of the island. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:25 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 190 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (178) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the Harbor. west side of the entrance near to the harbor. A fog sig- nal is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is (187) The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 on the point. feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward and the ebb west- (179) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound to ward. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward February 1998, the controlling depths were 12 feet (14 on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. feet at midchannel) to Buoy 9, thence 10 feet to Brant Point. (188) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool (180) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- either maximum or minimum temperatures are very waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high length. An opening for small craft is in the east break- wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. water about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and fog Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. compared with inland areas. (181) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- (189) July and August are relatively cool with average ter light marks the approach, and the channel is maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and av- marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. erage minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- (182) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average (183) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a to vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do tempera- tackle as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly tures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred winds. Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring only during June, July, and August. in the fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. (190) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with the highest monthly averages during December (184) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the through April. Gales have occurred during every harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves month except June and July. Coast storms are frequent dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find during the winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hur- more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in ricanes, during the late summer and fall, may cause Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- high winds. Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurri- edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). canes have passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There have been ten direct hits. The latest (185) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or was tropical storm Esther in 1961. Esther had been a at anchor in the harbor. 125-knot hurricane earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the island. (chart 13237) (186) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from (191) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- any given year. An average of 180 days each year records kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:25 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 191 inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December aver- had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in August aging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month is 1981. June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall (197) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 land and daily airline service with New York and mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover Boston. Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. rarely lasts more than a very few days. The greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in (198) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the la- February 1952. February is the snowiest month averag- goon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the ing nearly nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from Harbor. In September 1981, a reported depth of about 3 May through September. An average five days each year feet could be carried with local knowledge as far as the records greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An village of Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of average of 18 thunderstorms effect the island in a given the Harbor. Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off year with the greatest frequency occurring during July the several points. and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. (192) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom (199) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- packs and remains across the entrance during north- trolling depth of 6 feet in March-April 1994. erly winds. (193) (See page T-1 for Nantucket climatological table.) (194) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of (200) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on Nantucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget south-southwestward of Brant Point Light. The basin is and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of enclosed on the north and south sides by Straight shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the Wharf and Commercial Wharf, respectively, and its en- eastward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward trance is protected by two long bulkheads on the east of the eastern shore of Chappaquiddick Island. Al- and southeast sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 though this channel is partly buoyed, strangers should to 10 feet. About 180 slips are available in the basin, and never attempt it as tidal currents with velocities of 2 to yachts 100 feet long and larger can be accommodated. 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents The outer end of the north side of Straight Wharf is through the channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 used by excursion boats. A private seasonal light is knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 shown off the end of the wharf and is operated only miles east of Wasque Point. The flood sets when tour boats are approaching the wharf in fog. Gas- north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. oline, diesel fuel, and ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial Wharf. Water and electricity are (201) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, available at each slip. The basin’s dockmaster has his the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. office on the outer end of Commercial Wharf. The The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque dockmaster can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16. Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget Channel. (195) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile north- (202) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a ward of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern roof of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget operated only when Authority vessels are approaching Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 uncover at low water are between the boat basin and to 6 feet. the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. (203) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of which are separated by unmarked channels. (196) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket Tuckernuck Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile has a least depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeast- hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; ern end by a lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the hull and engine repairs can be made. The channel lead- ing to the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:25 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 192 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound northern side. Shovelful Shoal, westward of (209) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s Tuckernuck Shoal, is covered 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an northwestward of Shovelful Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used feet. Edwards Shoal, south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- least known depth of 10 feet. Norton Shoal, southwest- erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the ward of Cross Rip Shoal and covered 8 feet, is marked outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into by a buoy on its north side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- Norton Shoal, has a least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to northwestern and southwestern ends. Edgartown, a fishing and resort town on the western shore. Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor and during the summer. (204) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island (210) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small have a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling separated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 narrow slough connecting them. The northern ex- mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. tremity of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles south- eastward of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s (211) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., Vineyard is well settled, especially along its northern 70°30'11\"W.), 45 feet above the water, is shown from a shore, and is popular as a summer resort. Along the white conical tower on the west side of the head of northern shore the island presents a generally rugged Edgartown outer harbor. Also prominent are: a wooden appearance. The southern shore is low and fringed with tower and several flagpoles about 0.2 mile ponds, none of which has navigable outlets to the sea. northwestward of the light, a church belfry in the town Approaching from the south, the principal landmarks and a microwave tower 1.3 miles to the southwestward, are a standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the a standpipe about 1 mile southwestward of the light, center of the island, a church spire near Chilmark in and the numerous beach cabanas on Chappaquiddick the western part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, Point. and Gay Head on the west side. (212) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor is (205) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, air- free from dangers and has depths of 20 to 37 feet until line, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are nearly up to Edgartown Light. Near the light the chan- Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. nel narrows and makes a sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves at the town. In October 1986, depths of (206) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of 16 feet could be carried from the outer harbor to off the Chappaquiddick Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous town. Abreast the town, the channel narrows and has head, which may appear from a distance to be a small depths of 13 to 31 feet. The channel then curves south- island. Cape Poge Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 ward to Katama Bay. It is bordered on the eastern side feet above the water, is shown from a white conical by Middle Ground. Depths of 15 to 31 feet are found for tower on the cape. about 1.2 miles south of the town. The southern half of Katama Bay is full of shoals, and is subject to frequent (207) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- changes. Also subject to change is the shoreline be- eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast tween the southern part of Katama Bay and the ocean. end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sec- tor of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of the (213) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore west- found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the ward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 mile outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor western side of the shoal water. about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales (208) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in the vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In Sep- tember 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be car- ried through the entrance channel with local knowledge. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:25 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 193 sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 knot. (See Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) of Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bot- tom. (221) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at (214) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage times appear without warning. Drift ice from the in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, obstructs 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the win- ter. It is reported that the harbor is normally closed by (215) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown ferry channel is usually kept open. The tidal currents Light. A seasonal bell buoy marks two 11-foot spots at keep the inner harbor open except for a few days at a the northern edge of the shoal; vessels entering or leav- time during severe winters. ing the harbor pass eastward of this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the shoal are irregular, and there (222) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are are a rock awash and several rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. seldom used, and none is available. Fishing craft or the Strangers should never attempt to pass across this harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. shoal. The channel into Edgartown Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. (223) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the (216) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted by radio- 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- telephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and (508-627-4746). Copies of harbor regulations may be the entrance to the inner harbor. obtained from the harbormaster. (217) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown (224) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is not boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner har- boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft to 9 bor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. tons for hull and engine repairs and dry open or cov- ered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine (chart 13237) supplies, and moorings are available. Launch service to (218) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the moored craft is available. eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of (225) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21, can steer 267°, head- Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but ing for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Muskeget Channel Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. Bell Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with south-southwestward into the harbor. Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. (219) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° (226) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- are subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash main entrance and had a reported controlling depth of Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels 10 feet in August 1981. There are no public landings in seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is neces- the pond, and it is used by local and fishing craft only. sary to keep in the channel. The south entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge with a 13-foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed (220) The mean range of tide is 1.9 feet. The tidal current highway bridge over the north entrance also has a in the narrow part of the channel inside Edgartown clearance of 5 feet. Light and off the town has a double flood and a double ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. (227) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- approximate slack preceded and followed by maximum west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 5 to 16 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. (228) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Sengekontacket Pond. The entrance is through a pri- vately dredged channel between two short jetties. In August 2000, a depth of 4 feet were reported in the Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:26 PM

Color profile: Generic CMYK printer profile Composite Default screen 194 I Chapter 4 I Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound entrance. The pond has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains no services or landings in the pond. berths with electricity, a launching ramp, and guest (229) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and some 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of marine supplies are available. Oak Bluffs wharf. (234) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road (230) Rhode Island Rock, covered 9 feet, is about 700 close westward of the town. The harbormaster is at the yards northward of the breakwater light. town wharf; telephone (508-693-0920 or (231) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of 508-693-0737). Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- (235) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The (236) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a sum- at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths mer resort and fishing village on the harbor. Promi- have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the nent are a church dome and a cupola in the village and wharf face. A private seasonal light and fog signal are the bluff north of the entrance. operated from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry (232) In September 1981, the entrance channel had a re- vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There is sea- ported controlling depth of 9 feet, thence depths of 11 sonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole and feet were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained rocks, covered 10 to 15 feet, are in the harbor approach, between Falmouth and Hyannis. The ferries from Fal- in an area within 0.4 mile of shore bounded on the mouth and Hyannis berth alongside the bulkhead on north by a line extending northeasterly from the break- the east side of the harbor. Seasonal bus service con- waters and on the south by Lone Rock. A submerged nects most places on the island. There is air service obstruction, covered 9 feet, is reported in this area in from Martha’s Vineyard Airport about 4.5 miles south- about 41°27'37\"N., 70°33'04\"W. A buoy is about 75 westward of the town. yards southwest of the obstruction. The chart is the (237) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a best guide for approaching the harbor, however, it is ad- daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is vised that mariners transiting the area exercise ex- about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is ad- treme caution as other uncharted rocks may exist. vised. (233) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the (238) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter The town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the 5. Coast Pilot 2 - 32nd Ed. Wednesday, January 08, 2003 3:03:26 PM