Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 343 City Island at Belden Point. The western shore of Hart and 3 to 5 feet in the upper part. The shores of the bay Island and the wharves on City Island should be given a are fringed with boulders, and there are many shoals berth of about 150 yards. and several wrecks. Caution is essential, especially (243) The channel between City Island and Rodman Neck where the depths are not more than 3 feet greater than is used extensively as an anchorage by small pleasure the drafts. Hutchinson River empties into the north craft during the summer. A no wake speed limit is en- end of the bay. forced. Boat clubs and railways for small craft are on (253) A channel marked by buoys leads through the northwest side of City Island. The shores are gener- Eastchester Bay from 1.1 miles west of Belden Point to ally fringed with boulders and should be approached the mouth of Hutchinson River. A dredged channel with caution. The north shores of High Island and City marked by buoys leads from the mouth for about 2.8 Island northeastward of the bridge are very foul, and miles to the head of navigation at the city of Pelham. boats should avoid the shoals with depths less than 12 (254) In June-July 2008, the midchannel controlling feet on that side. depths were 4.4 feet from Eastchester Bay Channel (244) City Island is connected with Rodman Neck by a Lighted Buoy 2 to the Hutchinson River Parkway highway swing bridge, kept in the closed position, with Bridge, thence 1.2 feet at midchannel to the junction of a clearance of 12 feet. (See 117.779, chapter 2, for the East Y and West Y at Pelham, thence 3.2 feet in the drawbridge regulations.) Currents at the bridge are entrance to East Y with shoaling to bare in the north- variable and at times exceed 1.5 knots. (See the Tidal ern half and shoaling to bare in West Y; mariners are Current Tables.) cautioned that depths along the sides of the channel (245) City Island Harbor, also called Hart Island Roads, are considerably less than midchannel. is between Hart Island and City Island. It is well shel- tered from easterly and westerly winds and is an impor- Anchorages tant anchorage for coasting vessels in the western end (255) Special anchorages are in Eastchester Bay. (See of Long Island Sound. Besides serving as a harbor of refuge, it is often used by vessels desiring pilots or 110.1 and 110.60 (d), (e), and (f), chapter 2, for lim- towboats, or awaiting orders. A spire in the center of its and regulations.) City Island and a steeple in the northerly part of the is- land are conspicuous objects. (256) The dangers in Eastchester Bay include Big Tom on the east side near the entrance, covered 2 feet and Tides marked by a buoy on the east end, and Cuban Ledge, (246) The mean range of tide is 7.2 feet. covered at half tide and marked by a daybeacon and Cu- ban Ledge Lighted Buoy 2 close southwestward. Nu- Currents merous rocks and shoals are on both sides of the (247) The tidal current has a velocity of about 0.3 knot. channel near the entrance to Hutchinson River. (248) Ice seldom interferes with navigation of powered (257) Bridges and overhead cables crossing Hutchinson vessels. River are listed by type, distance above the dredged channel entrance, and clearance as follows: bascule, Supplies 0.35 mile, 13 feet; rolling lift, 0.5 mile, 8 feet; overhead (249) Gasoline, lubricants, and marine supplies of all power cable at bridge, 130 feet; bascule, 0.9 mile, 30 feet; fixed, 1.9 miles, 50 feet; fixed, 2.1 miles, 50 feet; kinds are available at City Island. Water is piped to overhead pipeline, 2.5 miles, 130 feet; bascule, 2.6 some of the wharves; ice, electrical connections, guest miles, 6 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and moorings, and dry and wet storage are readily available. 117.793, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Small-craft facilities (258) The Pelham Parkway bascule bridge, 0.35 mile (250) Many boatyards are on the east and northwest sides above the entrance and the Amtrak lift bridge, 0.5 mile above the entrance, are equipped with radiotelephones. of City Island. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call on chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) signs KU–9758, KU–6095, and KXS–298, respectively. Communications (259) Eastchester is a village on the west side of the (251) Buses serve the subway system of New York City. Hutchinson River about 1.5 miles above Pelham High- way Bridge. Commerce on the river to Eastchester is in (252) Eastchester Bay, between City Island and Throgs building materials, fuel oil, and petroleum products. Neck, has general depths of 7 to 10 feet in the lower part Pelham is on the east side of the river above Eastchester.
344 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 (260) Weir Creek is a bight on the west side of the bay mile off the entrance; the outer end of the bar is marked near the entrance. by a seasonal lighted buoy and the approach to the har- bor is marked by private lighted buoys. In June 1981, (261) There are numerous small-craft facilities in 3½ feet was reported over the bar. A private seasonal Eastchester Bay. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- daybeacon is on the east side of the entrance to the har- tion on chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) bor. Two branch channels lead from the entrance into the harbor; one leads southwestward to a steel (262) Locust Point is about 0.8 mile southeastward of bulkheaded yacht club wharf and pavilion at the village Weir Creek. A cove just southwestward of the point pro- of Stony Brook, 0.5 mile inside the entrance, and the vides small-boat shelter. Rocks, bare at low water, are other, Porpoise Channel, leads westward to a yacht on the north side of the approach. The entrance has a club at the northwestern end of the harbor; gasoline is depth of about 5 feet. Inside the cove, depths range available at both clubs. In 1994, a depth of 6 feet was re- from 20 feet at the south end to about 4 feet at the ported in both the southwesterly channel and Porpoise north end. A yacht club and marina are in the cove. A Channel. The channels are marked by private seasonal marina at the head of the cove has a mobile hoist that lighted and unlighted buoys and a private seasonal can handle craft to 30 tons for engine and hull repairs. daybeacon. The buoys are periodically moved to mark Gasoline, water, ice, and marine supplies are available the best water. at the marina; depths of about 7 to 10 feet are reported (269) A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in Stony Brook at the wharf. Harbor and Porpoise Channel. (263) The northern approach viaduct of the Throgs Neck (270) Small-craft facilities are in the harbor. (See the Bridge crosses the cove from Locust Point to Throgs small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for ser- Neck. The fixed spans of the viaduct have a minimum vices and supplies available.) clearance of 123 feet. Tides and currents (271) The railroad station is about 1 mile from the wharf (264) The mean range of tide is about 7 feet. Tidal cur- at Stony Brook. rents have a velocity of 0.4 knot in the vicinity of Big (272) A high bluff is between Stony Brook Harbor and Tom, and 0.8 knot at Pelham Bridge. Nissequogue River, another between Nissequogue River and Sunken Meadow Creek, and bluffs in places Charts 12363, 12364 between Sunken Meadow Creek and Northport Bay. (265) Old Field Point, about 5 miles southward of (273) Nissequogue River, a shallow crooked stream Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light, is a low bluff about 4 miles westward of the entrance to Stony Brook with a light and an abandoned tower on its summit. Harbor, is entered through a privately dredged channel Boulders extend a short distance off the point, and the that leads southward from Smithtown Bay for about light should be given a berth of about 0.3 mile, even by 1.4 miles into the river. In 1995, the channel had a re- small craft. A gong buoy is 0.6 mile northward of the ported controlling depth of 8 feet. Rocks and shoals, point. Depths of 14 to 18 feet are found about 0.4 mile bare at low water, are on the bar outside the entrance. northward of the light. Private seasonal lighted buoys mark the channel. Strong tidal currents are reported in the channel. A (266) Crane Neck Point, 2 miles westward of Old Field speed limit of 5 mph is enforced on the river. Guest Point, is a bare conspicuous bluff about 90 feet high moorings, gasoline, water, and limited supplies are and covered on top with brush. available at a marina on the west side of the river, about 0.9 mile above the channel entrance. In 1995, a depth (267) Smithtown Bay, a broad open bight on the south of 3 feet was reported alongside the marina. A State side of the sound, extends 7 miles westward from Crane hospital, a group of buildings with green roofs, and two Neck Point. Rocky shoals extend 1 mile in places from large red brick chimneys are prominent about 0.5 mile the shore, the water shoaling abruptly from 51 feet in southwestward of the river entrance. Farther west- places. A good summer anchorage in 30 to 50 feet shel- ward, a brick building and a stack are also prominent. tered from easterly winds is found about 1 mile south- The railroad station is at Kings Park. ward of Crane Neck Point. (268) Stony Brook Harbor is a narrow shallow bay in the southeastern part of Smithtown Bay. The approach to the harbor from the bay is over a bar which extends 0.8
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 345 Charts 12365, 12364 Tugs (279) Tug service is available from New Haven, Provi- (274) Northport Basin, about 10.5 miles westward of Old Field Point Light and 2.7 miles southeastward of Ea- dence, Brooklyn, or Staten Island on advance notice. tons Neck Point, is a small privately maintained basin with general depths of 7 to 20 feet, and formed by gravel (280) Eatons Neck is a prominent wooded headland with dredges working into the high bank; greater depths are elevations of 100 feet or more, and marked at its north available. In 1977, the privately dredged entrance chan- end by a light and tower of Eatons Neck Coast Guard nel had a controlling depth of 12 feet. The channel is Station. marked by a private lighted buoy and unlighted buoys; submerged jetties extend northward from the east and (281) Eatons Neck Light (40°57'14\"N., 73°23'43\"W.), 144 west sides of the entrance. A dangerous rock is close feet above the water, is shown from a 73-foot white northward of the seaward end of the west jetty. The four stone tower; a fog signal is at the light. stacks of a power and light company on the east side of the basin are prominent. A town launching ramp is in (282) The northwest end of the neck is a spit in the form the basin. of a hook which encloses Eatons Neck Basin. Eatons Neck Coast Guard Station is at the head of the basin. (275) An aquaculture site, marked by a private buoy, is The basin is entered through a privately dredged cut about 1.2 miles northwestward of the entrance to between two small riprap jetties about 0.5 mile south- Northport Basin. westward of the light; the jetties are covered at half tide. The channel between the jetties is buoyed, and Offshore Terminal, Northport there are buoys farther inside the basin. The basin is (276) An offshore platform for the receipt of oil, is off subject to frequent changes and the buoys in the basin are not charted because they are frequently shifted in Northport. The terminal is owned and operated by position. In March-April 1994, depths of 10 feet could Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO), Northport, be carried through the entrance. In July 1987, shoaling NY. The platform, with off-lying mooring buoys, is to an unknown depth was reported in the entrance about 1.6 miles northward of the entrance to Northport channel. Basin and about 2.4 miles eastward of Eatons Neck Light. Submerged pipelines extend from the shore to Caution the platform. The platform is marked at its eastern end (283) Eatons Neck Basin Channel is maintained ex- by a private light, and at the western end by a private light and fog signal. pressly to enhance the Eatons Neck Coast Guard Sta- (277) Upon the scheduled approach of an incoming ves- tion’s rescue response. Further, Eatons Neck Basin has sel, the platform, voice call “LILCO Northport Power become one of the most congested small-boat anchor- Station” or “LILCO Dock at Northport”, monitors ages in the area in the summer. Mariners are cautioned VHF-FM channel 19. that heavy wakes from rescue craft departing the sta- tion may be experienced by small craft anchoring in Pilotage, Offshore Terminal, Northport this area. (278) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in (284) Shoals with depths of 4 to 18 feet extend about 0.9 mile northward of Eatons Neck, and broken ridges ex- Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- tend northward for another 1.8 miles. The northern sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign end of each area is marked by a buoy. trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pi- lot by contacting the joint rotation administrator, (285) Huntington Bay, just westward of Eatons Neck, is Block Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI the approach to Northport Bay and Harbor, Centerport 02840; telephone 401-487-9050 (24 hours), 800-274- Harbor, Huntington Harbor, and Lloyd Harbor. The 1216; FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. ves- bay, protected against all but northerly winds, is an ex- sels engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to cellent anchorage for large vessels. Depths range from have a U.S. Coast Guard Federally Licensed pilot unless 36 to 25 feet, fairly close to its southern end, and an- the master has recency for the intended area. See Pilot- chorage can be selected according to draft and wind di- age, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8 rection. and Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as such), chapter 11. (286) An obstruction covered by 23 feet is about 0.8 mile southwestward of Eatons Neck Light. (287) A 017°56'–197°56' measured half nautical mile is on the west side of Eatons Neck. Triangular orange shore ranges mark the ends of the course.
346 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 (288) Anchorage with shelter from northwesterly winds marked by private buoys, with a reported controlling can be had for small vessels at the southwesterly end of depth of 2 feet in September 1990, leads from opposite Huntington Bay, 0.4 mile northeastward of Hunting- the public landing along the west side of the harbor to ton Harbor Light, in 18 to 36 feet. The arms of the bay the head. A 5 mph speed limit marker is in the entrance provide secure harbors; Northport Bay is used gener- to the harbor. ally by the larger vessels. (297) Bird Island, a bird sanctuary in the southern part of the harbor, is a low, grass-covered, man-made island. Tides (289) The mean range of tide is 7.4 feet. Ice (298) During severe winters, ice may close the harbor for Currents (290) In Huntington Bay the velocity of the tidal current about 2 months. is 0.5 knot off East Fort Point and 0.4 knot in the en- Anchorage trance to Northport Bay. (See the Tidal Current Tables (299) Vessels select anchorage according to draft in the for predictions.) harbor; bottom is soft. (291) Duck Island Harbor is a shallow cove on the north (300) A special anchorage is in Northport Harbor. (See side of Northport Bay westward of Duck Island Bluff. Depths range from 6 to 9 feet in the entrance. The 110.1 and 110.60 (a-2), chapter 2, for limits and regu- south side of Duck Island Bluff and the southeast side lations.) of Winkle Point should be given berths of 300 and 400 yards, respectively, to avoid shoal water and inshore (301) Northport is a village with bus communications on rocks. the eastern shore of Northport Harbor. Depths at the principal wharves are about 6 to 8 feet. The greatest (292) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in Duck Island Har- depth that can be taken to Northport is about 14 feet at bor. high water. (293) Northport Bay, which opens off the southeast end Small-craft facilities of Huntington Bay, provides good anchorage in 20 to 50 (302) Several small-craft facilities are on the east side feet in its western part, and in 8 to 11 feet in the eastern half. The entrance to the bay is marked by a lighted and the head of the harbor, and a yacht club is on the buoy, and the entrance channel, privately dredged to west side. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on about 12 feet, is buoyed. chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) (294) An amber light, maintained at the public landing (303) Centerport Harbor is a shoal bight on the south by the town of Northport, is a conspicuous mark at shore of Northport Bay just eastward of the entrance. night for vessels making the wharves at Northport. The harbor serves the small-boat interests of the village of Centerport. In June 1981, a reported depth of about 7 (295) A privately dredged channel at the eastern end of feet could be taken through the privately dredged chan- Northport Bay leads to a dredge basin formerly used by nel to the spit extending southwesterly from Little a sand and gravel company on the north side of Bluff Neck, thence about 3 feet to a boatyard on the west side Point. Several private landings and moorings are in the of the harbor just below the bridge. The channel is basin. In 1994, the channel had a reported controlling marked by private seasonal buoys. Berths, moorings, depth of 8 feet. electricity, water, storage, marine supplies, and a launching ramp are available. A flatbed trailer can haul (296) Northport Harbor is at the southeastern end of out craft to 32 feet; hull and engine repairs can be Northport Bay and is entered by a dredged channel that made. leads along the waterfront of Northport and an anchor- age basin west of the village. The channel is marked by Anchorage private seasonal buoys. In 1994, the controlling depth (304) A special anchorage is in Centerport Harbor. (See was 5 feet in the channel with 5 to 6 feet available in the anchorage basin. A channel leads from the town land- 110.1 and 110.60 (a-1), chapter 2, for limits and regu- ing to a boatyard and marina at the southeast end of the lations.) harbor and is marked by private seasonal buoys. In 1995, reported depths of 5 feet were available in the (305) Huntington Harbor, at the southwest end of Hun- channel. The boatyard channel is marked by buoys and tington Bay, is entered through a marked channel that by a lighted buoy at the entrance; these aids are sea- leads to an anchorage off Huntington Town Dock, sonal and privately maintained. An alternate channel, about 2 miles above the channel entrance. A depth of
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 347 about 8 feet can be carried in the channel. Huntington (316) Coindre Hall, a large brick building with a red roof Harbor Light (40°54'39\"N., 73°25'52\"W.), 42 feet above and numerous chimneys at the entrance to the harbor, the water and shown from a square concrete tower at- and Huntington Hospital, well lighted at night, at the tached to a dwelling on a rectangular pier, is on the head of the harbor are prominent. west side of the entrance to Huntington Harbor and on the south side of the entrance to Lloyd Harbor. A fog Small-craft facilities signal is at the light. (317) There are several marinas, boatyards, and private (306) The channel is marked by a light and by lighted, unlighted, and private unlighted buoys. Some of the boat clubs in Huntington Harbor. (See the small-craft private buoys are seasonal. facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for services and (307) The wharf just southward of Huntington Town supplies available.) Dock South is used by sand and gravel barges. The bay constable has an office at the head of the harbor imme- (318) Lloyd Harbor extends westward from Huntington diately southward of Huntington Town Dock North. Bay nearly to Oyster Bay, from which it is separated by a (308) A boulder reef, on the west side of the entrance, ex- narrow strip of land. Vessels can anchor just inside the tends out to Huntington Harbor Light. An obstruction, entrance, in depths of 7 to 11 feet. The entrance to the reported covered 4½ feet, is 0.35 mile eastward of the harbor is marked by buoys. A speed limit of 5 mph is light. enforced in the harbor. (309) In March 1991, a dangerous wreck was reported be- tween Buoys 9 and 11 in about 40°53'54.9\"N., (319) Oyster Bay, on the south side of Long Island Sound 73°25'46.1\"W. about 5 miles westward of Eatons Neck Light, lies be- tween Lloyd Neck and Rocky Point and is the approach Currents to Cold Spring Harbor and Oyster Bay Harbor. The har- (310) The tidal currents in the entrance channel have an bor is marked by Cold Spring Harbor Light (40°54'48\"N., 73°29'36\"W.), 37 feet above the water, estimated velocity of 2 knots. and shown from a skeleton tower on a caisson with a red triangular daymark. The entrance and harbor are Anchorage characterized by extensive shoals, boulder reefs, and (311) A special anchorage is in Huntington Harbor. (See broken ground making off from the shores. Vessels should proceed with caution if obliged to approach or 110.1 and 110.60 (a), chapter 2, for limits and regula- cross shoal areas. The bay south of Cold Spring Harbor tions.) Light is a secure harbor, available for vessels of less than 18-foot draft. No-Discharge Zone (312) The State of New York, with the approval of the En- (320) Lloyd Neck, between Huntington and Oyster Bays, is high and wooded, and has a high, yellow bluff on its vironmental Protection Agency, has established a north side 0.8 miles eastward of Lloyd Point. Many No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Greater Hunting- patches of boulders having least depths of 2 to 8 feet ex- ton-Northport Bay Complex. The water bodies included tend 0.2 to 0.5 mile offshore from East Fort Point to are Lower Huntington Bay, Northport Bay, Centerport Lloyd Point. Small craft skirting this shore should keep Harbor, Northport Harbor, Duck Island Harbor and well outside the line of buoys. Price Bend. The northern boundary line extends from the southernmost point at East Beach (Lloyd Harbor) (321) Lloyd Point, the north end of Lloyd Neck, is a low easterly to the southernmost point at West Beach spit. A rocky shoal extends 0.5 mile north-northeast- (Sand City Beach) (see chart 12365). ward from Lloyd Point. A seasonal lighted gong buoy (313) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether about 1 mile northward of Lloyd Point marks the treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. northern limit of the 30-foot curve in this vicinity. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (322) Morris Rock, about 0.5 mile eastward of Lloyd Point, is covered by a least depth of 2 feet. The rock is (314) A 5-mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. marked by a buoy. (315) Huntington and Halesite are villages at the head of (323) The long jetty, about 0.6 mile southwestward of the harbor. The yacht club landing on the east side of Lloyd Point, forms the southern entrance point to The the harbor has a depth of about 10 feet alongside. Gaso- Sand Hole, a pond that has been dredged into the spit line, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, water, and ice can be by a sand and gravel company. The pond is State con- obtained here. Yachts may anchor off the landing, but trolled and may be entered by steering a midchannel must keep clear of the channel. course through the entrance. It is used considerably by local boats as an anchorage and harbor of refuge. The holding ground is good.
348 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 (324) In June 1981, reported depths of about 12 feet were available. A reported depth of about 3 feet is available in the entrance channel and about 4 to 22 feet in the ba- alongside the facility. A town launching ramp is avail- sin. able in the harbor. (334) A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in the harbor. (325) Rocky Point, the northern promontory of Centre Island, is a small bluff on whose summit is a large Anchorages prominent house. An extensive foul area with depths of (335) Special anchorages are in Cold Spring Harbor and 2 to 17 feet extends about 1 mile northward of Rocky Point. A bell buoy marks the northern end of this foul Oyster Bay Harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.60 (t), (u), area. This area is dangerous and should be avoided. (u-2) and (u-3), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (326) A shoal area with depths of 4 to 11 feet extends east- (336) Oyster Bay Harbor, a long, crooked arm in the ward from Rocky Point nearly across Oyster Bay and is western side of Oyster Bay, has a channel with a depth marked near its eastern end by Cold Spring Harbor over 30 feet leading into the area westward of Moses Light. Small craft with local knowledge cross the shoal Point. Good anchorage is available southward of Moses at a distance of about 0.4 mile westward of the light, but Point. West of this point, the channel is narrow and strangers should not attempt it. suitable only for vessels drawing less than 10 feet. Ves- sels of less than 7-foot draft can anchor in the bight be- Tides tween Cove Neck and the wharf at Oyster Bay, and also (327) The mean range of tide is 7.4 feet. in West Harbor, the large bight on the northwest side of Centre Island. Currents (328) About 0.4 mile northwest of Cold Spring Harbor (337) A speed limit of 5 m.p.h. is enforced in the harbor. (338) The village of Oyster Bay, on the shore south of Light the velocity is about 0.5 knot; about 0.2 mile north of Cove Point, 1.2 miles southwestward, it is Oyster Bay Harbor, has rail communication. A channel, about 0.8 knot. For predictions, the Tidal Current Ta- marked by private seasonal buoys, leads southwestward bles should be consulted. from deep water in Oyster Bay Harbor to an oyster wharf in about 40°52'37\"N., 73°31'32\"W., thence west Ice to a boat basin. The oyster wharf has reported depths of (329) During severe winters ice has been known to ex- about 10 feet along the face and southeast side. Parallel to and about 200 feet off the northwest side of the wharf tend the full length of the bay during part of January is a row of sunken barges. An oil receiving wharf is and February. about 125 yards southward of the oyster wharf. (339) Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine (330) Plum Point, the easternmost point of Centre Is- Protected Area (MPA), includes the waters of Oyster land, is marked at its south end by a small stone tower; Bay and Mill Neck Creek. (See Appendix C, for addi- boat landings are on the southwest side of the point. A tional information.) yacht club with a prominent flagstaff is about 0.3 mile west of Plum Point. The yacht club landing has re- Small-craft facility ported depths of about 9½ feet. (340) A small-craft facility is close eastward of the en- (331) Cooper Bluff, at the northeast end of Cove Neck is trance to the boat basin. Berths and mooring, electric- prominent. A boulder reef extends nearly 0.3 mile ity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pumpout facility, a northward from Cove Point at the northwest end of 15-ton lift, storage, and full repairs are available. Cove Neck, and is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. (341) Brickyard Point, about 0.5 mile westward of Moses (332) Cold Spring Harbor, the southeasterly end of Oys- Point, should be given a berth of at least 0.2 mile off its ter Bay, extends about 2.3 miles southward of Cooper westerly side to avoid several dangerous rocks to the Bluff. The tower on top of a dome of a seminary on the northwestward of the point. None of these rocks is hill of West Neck, on the east side of the harbor, is marked. Extensive privately owned oyster beds, marked prominent. A depth of about 14 feet can be carried to by stakes, are in this area. near the head of the harbor by giving the shores a berth of about 0.3 mile. (342) Mill Neck Creek, at the northwest end of Oyster Bay Harbor, is crossed by a highway bridge having a bascule (333) The village of Cold Spring Harbor is on the eastern span with a clearance of 9 feet. The area westward of the shore near the head of the harbor. An oil company pier bridge has depths of 2 to 13 feet. (See 117.1 through at the village has a depth of about 13 feet alongside. A 117.59 and 117.800, chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- small-craft facility is on the east side of the cove at the tions.) head of Cold Spring Harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- ter, ice, marine supplies, berthings, and dry storage are
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 349 (343) Oak Neck Creek, northwest of Mill Neck Creek, is Vessels engaged in this commerce usually draw from 3 entered at high water as the creek is practically bare at to 12 feet. low water. Anchorage Charts 12367, 12364 (351) A special anchorage is in Hempstead Harbor. (See (344) Oak Neck Point (40°54.9'N., 73°34.1'W.), 4 miles 110.1 and 110.60 (u-1), chapter 2, for limits and reg- west-southwestward of Lloyd Point, is marked by many ulations.) large residences. Several stone jetties extend a short distance from the shore just westward of the point. A (352) Weeks Point, on the eastern side near the entrance, shoal, strewn with boulders and marked by a buoy, ex- is marked by a breakwater which protects a private boat tends 0.3 mile from the shore for part of the distance landing. Nearly 0.5 mile southward of Weeks Point is between Oak Neck Point and Matinecock Point to the the entrance to a basin protecting a private wharf westward. which has a reported depth of 8 feet at the end. The ba- sin shoals to the head, and there are rocks bare at low (345) Frost Creek, locally known as Guthries Creek, 2 water near the northern end. miles westward of Oak Neck Point, has a channel at the entrance which is well defined when the water is below (353) Glen Cove is a city with rail and bus communica- half tide. The creek is protected by a stone jetty that ex- tion on Glen Cove Creek, about 1 mile back from the tends a short distance from the shore about 50 yards eastern shore of the bay. The breakwater extends 500 eastward of the channel. The channel has a reported yards west-southwestward from Glen Cove Landing depth of about 1 foot near the entrance. The creek is and is marked at its end by a light. The anchorage be- not recommended without local knowledge. hind the breakwater is known as Glen Cove Harbor, the depths ranging from 18 to 22 feet behind its outer half (346) Peacock Point is just west of Frost Creek. A stone and 7 to 9 feet near shore. jetty to protect a private boat landing extends a short distance from the west side of the point. (354) Glen Cove Creek, 0.6 mile southward of the break- water, has a dredged channel from Mosquito Cove to (347) Matinecock Point, 1.1 miles westward of Frost the head. In July 2008, the midchannel controlling Creek, is marked on its western side by a stone pier in depth was 6.8 feet with shoaling to 3.3 feet in the last 50 ruins. A shoal extends about 600 yards off the point and feet. An overhead power cable near the head has a clear- is marked at its end by a lighted gong buoy which is re- ance of 65 feet. The entrance is buoyed. moved if endangered by ice. Small-craft facilities Charts 12366, 12364 (355) There are several small-craft facilities in Glen Cove (348) Hempstead Harbor, 4 miles wide at the entrance Creek. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on between Matinecock Point and Prospect Point, is free chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) from dangers if the shores, between the entrance and Mosquito Cove, are given a berth of 0.3 mile. It is much (356) A dredged channel, entered between Bar Beach and used by vessels seeking shelter in any but strong north- Glenwood Landing, leads alongside Glenwood Landing erly winds and affords excellent anchorage with good to South Glenwood Landing at Motts Cove. In 1991, the holding ground. Vessels can anchor in any part of the controlling depth in the dredged channel was 7 feet. A harbor according to draft and direction of wind. A good natural channel continues south through extensive anchorage for vessels drawing less than 20 feet is just flats for about 0.5 mile with a depth of about 5 feet. Lo- inside a line from Mott Point to the breakwater at Glen cal knowledge is advised. Cove Landing. Small vessels can anchor behind the breakwater. Vessels should avoid anchoring in the pipe- (357) Sea Cliff is a village on the steep hill on the south line area between Glenwood Landing and Bar Beach. side of Glen Cove Creek. From Sea Cliff southerly to the On the western shore above and below Bar Beach are northerly wharves at Glenwood Landing, a shoal ex- large sand and gravel plants. On the eastern shore are tends 300 yards from the east side of the harbor and is several villages. marked by a buoy at the north end and a light at the south end. A dredged entrance channel, marked by two (349) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. private lights, leads from deep water in the harbor (350) Waterborne commerce in the harbor is in sand, northeastward to a municipal marina just north of Glenwood Landing. In November 1999, the reported gravel, petroleum products, and building material. controlling depths were 8 feet in the entrance channel, thence 7 feet in the marina basin.
350 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 (358) Glenwood Landing is a village on the eastern shore a light and gong buoy, is at the northwesterly end of a abreast Bar Beach. The stacks of a powerplant are broken line of rocks and shoal water which extends 0.6 prominent. A private light is shown from the outer end mile northwestward from Barker Point. Success Rock, of an unloading boom when the boom is in operation. awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is about 0.2 An overhead power cable crossing from the powerplant mile southeastward of the light. to Bar Beach has a clearance of 90 feet. Depths of about (367) Manhasset Bay, between Barker Point and Hewlett 8 to 10 feet are available at the Glenwood Landing Point, affords excellent shelter for vessels of about 12 wharves. feet or less draft, and is much frequented by yachts in the summer. The depths in the outer part of the bay (359) A boatyard, reached only at high water, is at South range from 12 to 17 feet, and 7 to 12 feet in the inner Glenwood Landing. Craft to 30 tons can be hauled out part inside Plum Point. The extreme south end of the for minor hull repairs. bay is shallow with extensive mudflats. Depths of about 6 to 2 feet can be taken through a natural channel al- Tides most to the head of the bay. A 5 mph speed limit is en- (360) The mean range of tide is 7.3 feet. forced. (368) Waterborne commerce is in petroleum products, Currents carried in vessels drawing 6 to 10 feet. (361) In the channel west of the breakwater the tidal cur- Anchorages rents are weak and variable. At Bar Beach the tidal cur- (369) General and special anchorages are in Manhasset rents have a velocity of about 0.8 knot through the narrow channel. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (g) through (j), and 110.155 dictions.) (a) (6) and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) The bottom is soft and affords good holding ground. Ice (362) In severe winters ice has been known to close navi- (370) A seaplane restricted area is off Manorhaven. (See 162.15, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) gation for about 6 weeks during January and February. Tides (363) The shore between Prospect Point and Mott Point (371) The mean range of tide is 7.3 feet. (40°51.4'N., 73°40.6'W.), to the southeastward, is marked by prominent bluffs. A shoal with boulders extends 0.2 (372) Plum Point is a low spit extending southward from mile from shore between the points and for a short dis- the eastern shore about 0.6 mile southward of Barker tance south of Mott Point. Buoys mark the limits of the Point. A seasonal lighted entrance buoy is about 150 shoal eastward and northeastward of Mott Point. Picket yards southward of Plum Point. The bight eastward of Rock, with 2 feet over it, is 350 yards offshore north- Plum Point is shoal. ward of Mott Point. An obstruction covered 16 feet is about 0.7 mile north-northwestward of the point in (373) Port Washington is a village with rail communica- 40°52'05.5\"N., 73°40'59.1\"W. tion on the south side of a shoal bight about 1.2 miles southeastward of Plum Point. An apartment complex (364) Prospect Point, marked by prominent houses on on Toms Point, 0.9 mile east of Plum Point, is promi- the bluff, has a rocky shoal making out nearly 0.4 mile nent. Depths of about 8 feet can be carried in the northward from it. The shoal rises abruptly from a buoyed approach from the lighted buoy off Plum Point depth of 60 feet. The north end of the shoal is marked to the docks at Port Washington, thence through the by a lighted gong buoy that is 0.8 mile eastward of Exe- unmarked channel along the east side of the bight to its cution Rocks Light. About 0.2 mile eastward of the north end northeastward of Toms Point. In 1979, shoal- buoy are rocky patches with depths of 17 to 18 feet. An ing to 1½ feet was reported in the approach to the obstruction with 23 feet over it is east-northeastward wharves east of Toms Point in about 40°50'04\"N., from the buoy. 73°42'17\"W. In June 1981, depths of 5 feet were re- ported on the north side of the town dock with 2 and 4 (365) Sands Point, 0.7 mile west of Prospect Point, is feet on the west and south sides, respectively. Depths at marked by a daybeacon. A boulder reef extends about the other wharves are reported to range from 4 to 9 0.3 mile off the point and is marked by a lighted buoy. feet. The town’s Bay Constable monitors VHF-FM The boulders show at low water for a distance of about channels 9 and 16 from the town dock. 300 yards from shore. A stone tower is a prominent ob- ject on this point. (366) Barker Point, about 1 mile south-southwest of Sands Point, is a high bluff on the northeast side of the entrance of Manhasset Bay. Gangway Rock, marked by
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 351 Small-craft facilities June 1981, the facility had a reported depth of 4 feet (374) There are extensive small-craft facilities at Port alongside. Washington and to the eastward and westward of Toms Anchorages Point at Manorhaven. (See the small-craft facilities tab- (383) General and special anchorages are in Little Neck ulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies avail- able.) Bay. (See 110.1, and 110.60 (k), and 110.155 (a)(7) and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (375) Hewlett Point (40°50.3'N., 73°45.2'W.) is on the west side of the entrance to Manhasset Bay. A boulder Charts 12366, 12339, 12335 reef, mostly bare at low water and marked by a lighted buoy at its northern end, extends about 0.2 mile north- (384) East River is a 14-mile-long tidal strait that con- ward from the point. nects Long Island Sound with New York Upper Bay and separates the western end of Long Island from the New Anchorages York mainland. The Sound entrance is between Throgs (376) General and special anchorages are between Neck and Willets Point; the Upper Bay entrance is be- tween The Battery and Governors Island. Hell Gate, Hewlett Point and Elm Point, about 1.3 miles south- about halfway between Throgs Neck and The Battery, is eastward of Stepping Stones Light. (See 110.1, 110.60 noted for its strong tidal currents. Harlem River ex- (j)(1), and 110.155 (a)(6) and (l), chapter 2, for lim- tends northward from Hell Gate to the Hudson River. its and regulations.) Both sides of the East River, from The Battery to Port Morris, a distance of 9 miles, present an almost contin- (377) Stepping Stones Light (40°49'28\"N., 73°46'29\"W.), uous line of wharves except where shoals or currents 46 feet above the water, is shown from a red brick struc- prevent access. ture on a granite pier, with a white horizontal band on the southwest face, 1.3 miles southwest of Hewlett Channels Point. The Stepping Stones, a dangerous boulder reef (385) A Federal project provides for main-channel depths which dries in places, extend 0.8 mile southeastward from the light to the Long Island shore. In August of 35 feet from Throgs Neck to the inactive New York 1976, a submerged rock, covered 18 feet, was reported Naval Shipyard, about 2 miles from the western en- 100 yards west-northwestward of Stepping Stones trance, and thence 40 feet to deep water in New York Light. Upper Bay. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edi- tion of the chart for controlling depths.) (378) Kings Point Coast Guard Station is located at the northern end of the Kings Point boat basin. Caution (386) Mariners transiting East River in the vicinity of (379) Kings Point, marked by a private light, is 1.6 miles south-southwestward of Hewlett Point and is the site of Rikers Island and/or South Brother Island Channel are the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The 172-foot advised of the following: unguyed steel flagpole at the academy is said to be the (387) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been country’s tallest; the top of the pole is 216 feet above established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., the water. A boat basin, partially enclosed by an 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air L-shaped pier, is at the point. In 1991, the basin had re- space exists over that portion of the East River which ported depths of 12 to 14 feet. coincides with the glide path of the northeast-southwest runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast (380) Little Neck Bay is entered between Kings Point and heights in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the Willets Point, 1.2 miles to the south-southwestward. north of this buoy so as to avoid interference with the Depths are 10 to 12 feet in the entrance, decreasing glide path. gradually to the head, about 2 miles inland, where the (388) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel bay divides into two branches which almost dry; there and using the turning basin at its southern terminus are boulders in places close to the shores. shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide (381) The shores of Little Neck Bay are thickly settled, path to the northwest-southeast runway to La Guardia and there are many private boat landings. A much used Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below 125 anchorage, in depths of 2½ to 7 feet, is in the cove mid- feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be way along the east side of the bay. Small-craft facility (382) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the bay. Water, ice, and limited marine supplies are available. In
352 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 notified by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal (40°48'16\"N., 73°47'26\"W.), 60 feet above the water, is departure or channel entry. shown from a skeleton tower with a black and white di- amond-shaped daymark on the outer end of the neck. Anchorages The shoal ground which extends 0.1 mile southward (389) Several general and special anchorages are in East and eastward from the light is marked by a lighted bell buoy. River. (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, chapter 2, for (399) Fort Schuyler, on the outer end of Throgs Neck, is limits and regulations.) used as a base for the State University of New York Maritime College. The 550-foot-long wharf, on the Tides southwest side of the fort, is used to moor the school’s (390) The mean range of tide in East River is 7.1 feet at training ship. Depths of about 25 feet are reported alongside the face. Willets Point, 5.1 feet in Hell Gate, and 4.6 feet at The (400) Throgs Neck Bridge, a highway suspension bridge Battery. (See the Tide Tables for daily predictions for with a channel clearance of 138 feet and 152 feet at the The Battery.) center, crosses East River from Throgs Neck to the Long Island Shore. Currents (401) Willets Point, 0.7 mile southeastward across the (391) In East River the flood current sets eastward and entrance to East River from Throgs Neck, is marked by Fort Totten, the granite walls of which are prominent. the ebb sets westward. Note: this is the direct opposite Little Bay, westward of Willets Point, has general of conditions in Long Island Sound where the flood is depths of 6 to 10 feet and is used by local small craft. generally westward and the ebb eastward. Depths of about 9 feet can be taken in the buoyed chan- (392) The velocity of current is 0.7 knot at Throgs Neck, nel to the piers on the Little Bay side of Willets Point. 1.6 knots at Port Morris, 4 knots in Hell Gate, 3 knots at Brooklyn Bridge, and 1.5 knots north of Governors Is- Anchorage land. In Hell Gate (off Mill Rock) the velocity is 3.4 (402) A general anchorage is in Little Bay. (See 110.1 knots for the eastward current and 4.6 knots for the westward current. and 110.155 (b)(2) and (1), chapter 2, for limits and (393) The direction and velocity of the currents are af- regulations.) fected by strong winds which may increase or diminish the periods of flood or ebb. The currents generally set (403) The southern approach viaduct of the Throgs Neck with the channel, but heavy swirls are found in Hell Bridge crosses the west part of Little Bay. The fixed Gate. spans of the viaduct have a minimum clearance of 30 feet. Tides and currents (394) (See the Tidal Current Tables for the daily predic- (404) Whitestone Point, 2 miles westward of Willets Point, is a small bluff marked by a light. The town of tions of slack water and times and velocities of Whitestone is between Little Bay and Whitestone strengths of currents in Hell Gate and at other places Point. Several private boat clubs are at Whitestone. In on the East River.) June 1981, reported depths alongside the boat club (395) Mariners should exercise caution and discretion in docks ranged from ½ to 6 feet. the use of published tidal current predictions. Also, previously available Tidal Current Charts for New York (405) The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge is a suspension Harbor have been withdrawn. structure that crosses East River from Old Ferry Point on the Bronx side to a Long Island landing 0.4 mile Pilotage, East River southwestward of Whitestone Point; the channel clear- (396) See Pilotage, New York Harbor from Long Island ance is 135 feet. Sound (indexed as such), chapter 11. (406) Powell Cove, between the Long Island end of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and Tallman Island, 0.6 mile Towage to the westward, has general depths of 2 to 5 feet. Pier (397) Vessels intending to employ a tug should arrange ruins are on the east side of the cove entrance. Tallman Island, now joined to the Long Island shore, is marked to do so before proceeding westward of Rikers Island. by the prominent tanks of the NYC DEP Water Pollu- tion Control Plant. Charts 12366, 12364 (407) Old Ferry Point is on the north side of East River 2 (398) Throgs Neck, on the northwest side of the entrance miles westward of Throgs Neck. The bight between to East River, is marked by a light. Throgs Neck Light Throgs Neck and Old Ferry Point affords anchorage,
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 353 with good holding ground, in depths of 15 to 35 feet; (410) Several highway bridges, three fixed and one bas- the water shoals abruptly from 18 feet, 0.3 mile from cule, cross Westchester Creek at Unionport, 1.5 miles shore, to depths of 4 to 5 feet. Several private landings above the channel entrance. The Bruckner Expressway are on the north side of this bight. Tug and barge com- bascule bridge has a clearance of 14 feet, and the fixed panies maintain unlit commercial mooring buoys in bridges have a least clearance of 52 feet. (See 117.1 Anchorage Ground 6 for their own vessels. through 117.59 and 117.815, chapter 2, for draw- (408) Numerous obstructions exist in East River between bridge regulations.) The bridgetender at the Bruckner Throgs Neck and the entrance to Westchester Creek. Expressway bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call Mariners are advised to use the chart as a guide. sign KX-8289. (409) Westchester Creek, on the north side of East River, is entered through a dredged channel that leads north- Small-craft facilities ward through a shallow bight between Old Ferry Point (411) There is a small-craft facility on the west side of the and Clason Point (chart 12339), 0.7 mile to the west- ward, to the head of navigation at Westchester, about creek at Unionport. Water, limited supplies and storage 2.3 miles above the channel entrance. In June 2008, the facilities are available. controlling depths were 2.8 feet at midchannel from the entrance to the Bruckner Expressway bascule Chart 12339 bridge; thence in September 2007, 6.0 feet (6.5 feet at midchannel) to just below the head of the project. The (412) Clason Point (40°48.3'N., 73°50.9'W.) is on the channel is buoyed to a point about 1 mile above the en- north side of East River about 3 miles west of Throgs trance. Waterborne traffic on the creek consists chiefly Neck. Pugsley Creek, which empties into Westchester of petroleum products, sand and gravel, and crushed Creek and East River along the east side of Clason rock. Point, is very shallow and should not be entered with- out local knowledge. Small boats anchor on the flats
354 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 west of Clason Point. A flagstaff at the yacht club on (420) A restricted area is in a portion of the southern part Clason Point is prominent. of the channel through Flushing Bay. (See 162.20, (413) College Point is on the Long Island side of East chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) River opposite Clason Point. College Point Reef, cov- ered 6 feet and marked by a light, is 0.2 mile (421) A 0.6-mile-long dike, covered at high water and north-northeastward of the point. marked at either end by a light, runs close along the (414) The town of College Point is south of the point and west side of the channel to within 0.3 mile of the head on the east side of the entrance to Flushing Bay. The of the bay. wharves on the west side of the town have depths alongside ranging from ½ to 10 feet. The shallow bight (422) The L-shaped pier at the head of Flushing Bay par- north of the town has depths of 2 to 5 feet and is used as tially encloses a small-boat basin. In July 2004, depths a small-boat anchorage. of 9 to 12 feet, with shoaling near the western edge, were available in the turning basin just west of the Small-craft facilities small-boat basin. Inside the small-boat basin, depths of (415) Several small-craft facilities are at College Point. about 7 feet were reported in June 1981. The marina to the westward has a reported depth of about 5 feet in- Marine railways to 45 feet, mobile cranes to 35 tons, side. Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, water, ice, water, ice, marine supplies, storage, and hull and en- storage, and a 30-ton hoist are available; limited elec- gine repairs are available. tronic and engine repairs can be made. Tides Ice (416) The mean range of tide at College Point is 6.5 feet. (423) Ice generally obstructs navigation in Flushing Bay (417) Flushing Bay extends southeast between the town and Flushing Creek during a part of January and Feb- of College Point and La Guardia Airport, 0.6 mile to the ruary. southwest. Flushing Creek flows into the east side of the head of the bay. A dredged channel, marked by (424) The twin fixed Whitestone Expressway highway buoys and lights, extends from East River through the bridges over Flushing Creek, 0.2 mile above the mouth, bay to the mouth of the creek and thence upstream for have a clearance of 34 feet. The Northern Boulevard about 0.8 mile to the I.R.T. (Roosevelt Ave.) railroad Bridge, 0.4 mile above the mouth, has a fixed span with bridge. A turning basin is on the west side of the a clearance of 35 feet. dredged channel west of the entrance to Flushing Creek. A small-craft anchorage area extends northwest (425) Flushing is on the east side of Flushing Creek. from the turning basin. In February 2009, the control- Waterborne traffic consists chiefly of sand, gravel, ling depths were 8.7 feet (14.1 feet at midchannel) crushed rock, and petroleum products. Drafts of in- through the bay channel to the turning basin, thence bound and outbound vessels seldom exceed 12 feet. 7.5 to 15 feet in the turning basin and 3.2 to 6 feet in the Vessels must go directly to the marginal wharves be- anchorage area except shoaling to 1.4 feet within 75 cause the creek has no room for anchorage. feet of the limits, thence 10.3 feet at midchannel to the Northern Boulevard bridge, thence shoaling to bare to (426) The east entrance to Rikers Island Channel, be- the I.R.T. railroad bridge. There is shoaling northwest tween Rikers Island and the mainland, is obstructed by of Buoy 2, in the eastern part of the anchorage area. a lighted runway approach to La Guardia Airport. The Flushing Bay is mostly shallow, with depths of less than approach to Bowery Bay is from westward of Rikers Is- 6 feet outside the channel. land. (418) Depths of 8 to 14 feet are between the east side of (427) Bronx River, on the north side of East River, has a the channel and the town of College Point. Small craft project depth of 10 feet and is subject to shoaling anchor south of College Point in depths of 4 to 8 feet. throughout. It is entered through a dredged channel that leads north-northwestward through a shallow Anchorages bight between Clason Point and Hunts Point, 1.1 miles (419) General and special anchorages are in Flushing to the westward, to the head of river navigation at East 172nd Street, about 2.3 miles above the channel en- Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (1) through (1–2), (m) trance. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of through (m–2), and 110.155 (b–5), chapter 2, for charts for controlling depths.) limits and regulations.) (428) Waterborne traffic on the Bronx River consists chiefly of sand, gravel, and crushed rock. Tides (429) The mean range of tide is 6.9 feet at Hunts Point and at Westchester Avenue Bridge.
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 355 (430) Bronx River is crossed by four bridges to East has a controlling depth of about 25 feet. Shoaling to 16 172nd Street. Bruckner Expressway Bridge, 1.7 miles feet exists on the south side of the channel in about above the entrance, has a bascule span with a clearance 40°47'54\"N., 73°53'47\"W. The channel is marked by a of 27 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.771, light off the north side of South Brother Island. The chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Westchester Av- channel is narrow and subject to strong currents and enue Bridge, 2 miles above the entrance, has a fixed should not be used by vessels of limited maneuverabil- span with a clearance of 18 feet. The elevated railway ity. structure over Westchester Avenue Bridge has a fixed (437) A ledge, partly bare at low water, extends 0.2 mile span with a clearance of 61 feet. The railroad bridge, 2.1 southward from South Brother Island; the outer part of miles above the entrance, has a rolling-lift span with a the ledge is marked by a light. clearance of 8 feet, but the draw is no longer opened. (438) Port Morris, 0.2 mile westward across East River (See 117.771(b), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- main channel from North Brother Island, has rail ter- tions.) The Bruckner Expressway Bridge is equipped minals to and from which car floats are taken through with radiotelephone. The bridgetender can be con- East River. tacted on VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8189. (439) South Brother Island Channel, marked by lighted and unlighted buoys, leads from deep water east of (431) Hunts Point is on the north side of East River North Brother Island and along the west side of Rikers about 4 miles west of Throgs Neck. A marginal wharf Island to a turning basin on the west side of Bowery extends 0.3 mile northeastward from the point; depths Bay. In February 2007, the controlling depth was 29.9 of 17 to 24 feet are reported alongside. Small craft an- feet in the entrance channel to the turning basin, chor in depths of 9 to 17 feet on the flats east of the thence 33.4 feet in the turning basin. wharf. Caution (432) Rikers Island, in the middle of East River between (440) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel Hunts Point and La Guardia Airport, is partly occupied by buildings of the Department of Correction of New and using the turning basin at its southern terminus York. The island is about a mile long, southeast to shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast northwest, and 0.6 mile wide. The larger part of the is- heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide land, southeast of the buildings, is used as a trash path of the northwest-southeast runway of La Guardia dump. Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below 125 feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be noti- (433) East River main channel leads northward of Rikers fied by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal de- Island. A much-used general anchorage, with depths of parture or channel entry. 21 to 30 feet, is between the south side of the channel and the flats off the north side of the island. (See 110.1 (441) Bowery Bay, across Rikers Island Channel from and 110.155 (b) (6) and (1), chapter 2, for limits and Rikers Island, has depths of about 10 feet. A special an- regulations.) chorage is in the west part of the bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (n) and 110.155 (b) (5) and (1), chapter 2, for Caution limits and regulations.) A pipeline area is in the south- (434) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been east part of the anchorage area. A fixed highway bridge crosses Rikers Island Channel and Bowery Bay and con- established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., nects Rikers Island with the Borough of Queens, New 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air York; clearance over the channel is 52 feet for a width of space exists over that portion of the East River which 125 feet. coincides with the glide path of the northeast-south- west runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast (442) Bowery Bay may be approached from the East River heights in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the main channel from the northward through South north of this buoy so as to avoid interference with the Brother Island Channel and from the northwestward glide path. through a 100-yard-wide channel which leads between the ledges that make off from Lawrence Point on the (435) North Brother Island, 0.3 mile northwest of Rikers southwest and South Brother Island on the northeast. Island, is occupied by the ruins of former municipal The controlling depth in the 100-yard-wide channel is buildings. East River main channel leads northward about 19 feet. Caution is advised in the northwestern and westward of the island; a light marks the main approach as the channel is narrow, the bottom is rocky channel side of the island. and uneven, and tidal currents are strong. (436) The buoyed channel between North Brother Island and South Brother Island, 0.1 mile to the southward,
356 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 (443) Lawrence Point, on the southeast side of East River (453) Mill Rock, on the northwestern side of the main 0.7 mile westward of Rikers Island, is occupied by an channel through Hell Gate, is 0.2 mile southwest of extensive gas and electric plant. A light marks the outer Wards Island and the same distance northwest of part of the ledge, partly bare at low water, which ex- Hallets Point. The islet is marked by lights on its north tends 0.3 mile northeastward from the point. and south ends. (444) Randalls Island and Wards Island are on the north- Charts 12339, 12342 western side of East River between Port Morris and Hell Gate, separating that river from Harlem River, which is (454) Harlem River, which joins East River in Hell Gate described later. The islands provide recreational facili- between Wards Island and Manhattan Island, extends ties for the residents of the city of New York. northward about 7 miles and connects with Hudson River through Spuyten Duyvil Creek. The channel (445) Bronx Kill, which separates Randalls Island from through Harlem River is narrow, tortuous, and naviga- Port Morris, is a narrow passage that extends westward ble only for powered vessels. By taking care to avoid from the East River to the Harlem River. A fixed rail- several isolated 11- to 13-foot spots, a depth of about 14 road bridge with a clearance of 68 feet and a fixed high- feet can be carried to the Hudson River; the chart is the way bridge with a clearance of 51 feet cross the passage. guide. Bronx Kill is navigable but not recommended as a route of travel. It is shoal and obstructed throughout. (455) Traffic is heavy in Harlem River. Vessels with heights too great to pass under the closed drawbridges (446) Sunken Meadow is the reclaimed area now joined should make the passage against the current. to the northeast end of Wards Island and southeast end of Randalls Island. Bridges (456) There are more than a dozen draw and fixed bridges (447) Little Hell Gate, which formerly separated Wards Island from Randalls Island and formed a passage from over Harlem River. The minimum clearance under East River to Harlem River, has been mostly filled in closed drawspans is 24 feet except at the railroad bridge and together with Sunken Meadow joins Wards Island over the entrance from Hudson River where it is only 5 with Randalls Island. feet. Clearance under raised vertical-lift spans exceed 100 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.789, (448) Hell Gate Bridge, which crosses East River from chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Minimum Wards Island to Long Island 7.1 miles from The Battery, clearances under fixed bridges exceeds 100 feet at the has a fixed railroad span with a clearance of 134 feet. center of the spans. (457) Four bridges over the Harlem River, the 103rd (449) Negro Point is the southernmost point of Wards Is- Street lift bridge, the Triborough lift bridge, the Park land. Triborough Bridge, which crosses East River Avenue lift bridge, and the Conrail swing bridge at from Negro Point to Long Island 6.8 miles from The Spuyten Duyvil, at 0.1 mile, 1 mile, and 1.7 miles, and Battery, has a highway suspension span with a clear- 6.7 miles, respectively, above the entrance, are ance of 138 feet. equipped with radiotelephones. The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs KIL-820, (450) Holmes Rock and Hog Back are two bare rocks, KGW-326, and KA-5059, and KU-9797, respectively. which are on the eastern and northern parts, respec- The Conrail bridge is maintained in the open position tively, of a reef in the bight on the south side of Wards except for the passage of trains or for maintenance. Island westward of Negro Point. The western extremity of this reef is marked by a light. Tides (458) The mean range of tide in Harlem River is 5.1 feet (451) Hallets Point, on the Long Island side of East River about 0.3 mile southwestward of Negro Point, is in Hell Gate and 3.6 feet at the entrance from Hudson marked by a light. There are main-channel depths close River. to the point. Currents (452) Hell Gate is the part of East River between Wards (459) The tidal currents in Harlem River run southward Island and Roosevelt Island, 0.7 mile to the southwest. The crooked channel, the strong tidal currents, and the from Hudson River to East River while the east-going heavy traffic in Hell Gate require extra caution on the current is running in Hell Gate; and the reverse. The part of the navigator to avoid accident or collision. Ves- south-going current in Harlem River is considered the sels navigating Hell Gate on a rising tide sometimes flood. The times of slack water are subject to variations find it necessary to pass starboard-to-starboard because of the strong currents between Negro Point and Hallets Point. This situation may arise when one of the vessels does not maneuver readily or is handling a tow. North- eastward of Negro Point and southwestward of Hallets Point, the customary port passings are made.
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 357 depending upon freshet conditions in Hudson River. English Kills, which extends westward and southward The velocity of the current is 2 knots or more in the from the East Branch entrance and forms the last 0.8 narrower parts of the channel. (See the Tidal Current mile of Newtown Creek. Tables for predictions.) Channels Chart 12339 (467) A Federal project provides for a 23-foot channel in (460) Roosevelt Island (Welfare Island), 1.6 miles long Newtown Creek from the East River to and in a turning and 0.1 mile wide, is in the middle of East River south- basin about 240 yards above the Kosciusko Memorial west of Hell Gate. A gray stone tower is on the north Bridge, thence 20 feet in East Branch and in English end of the island. Kills to the Metropolitan Avenue bridge, and thence 12 feet in English Kills to the head of the project at (461) The currents on both sides of Roosevelt Island are Montrose Avenue. (See Notice to Mariners and latest strong, and caution is advised while navigating in these edition of chart for controlling depths.) areas. Tides (462) The 36th Avenue highway bridge which crosses the (468) The mean range of tide in Newtown Creek is 4.1 feet. eastern channel from Roosevelt Island to Long Island 5.6 miles from The Battery has a vertical-lift span with Currents clearances of 40 feet down and 99 feet up. (See 117.1 (469) The tidal current is weak and variable. through 117.59 and 117.781, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM chan- (470) Pulaski Bridge, which crosses Newtown Creek 0.5 nel 13; call sign KX–8184. mile above the mouth, has a bascule span with a clear- ance of 39 feet at the fenders and 46 feet at the center. (463) Queensboro Bridge, which crosses from Man- The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call hattan Island to Roosevelt Island and thence to Long Is- sign KX–8178. land 5.0 miles from The Battery, has fixed spans with clearances of 131 feet over the main channel and 133 (471) Dutch Kills, which is about 0.5 mile long, is feet over the eastern channel. An overhead cable car crossed by the following drawbridges: Long Island Rail- with overhead power cables crosses the main channel road bridge, Borden Avenue bridge, and Hunters Point immediately north of the bridge. The low point of travel Avenue bridge. Minimum clearance under the closed of the cabin is not less than 135 feet. drawspans is 2 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) In Chart 12335 July 2002, Long Island Railroad bridge was reported in- operable as a swing bridge and closed to vessel traffic. (464) Roosevelt Island Reef (Welfare Island Reef), with Clearance under the fixed bridge is 83 feet. bare islets, rocks awash, and submerged rocks, extends 0.3 mile southwestward from the island. Belmont Is- (472) Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, 1.1 miles above the land, near the southwest end of the reef, is marked by a mouth of Newton Creek, has a bascule span with a light. clearance of 24 feet at the fenders and 30 feet at the cen- ter. Kosciusko Memorial Bridge, 1.8 miles from the Chart 12338 mouth, has a fixed span with a clearance of 125 feet. Metropolitan Avenue Bridge, which crosses English (465) Newtown Creek is entered on the eastern side of Kills 3 miles from the mouth of Newtown Creek, has a East River 3.6 miles from The Battery. The creek ex- bascule span with a clearance of 10 feet at the center. tends 3.3 miles eastward and southward and has several Montrose Avenue Bridge, at the head of English Kills, short tributaries or basins. Traffic is fairly heavy and has a swing span with a clearance of 4 feet. The consists chiefly of petroleum products, sand, gravel, bridgetenders at the Greenpoint Avenue and Metropol- and crushed rock; drafts of vessels navigating the creek itan Avenue bridges monitor channel 13; call signs seldom exceed 15 feet. KX–8182 and KX–8179, respectively. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for draw- (466) Tributary basins are Dutch Kills, on the north side bridge regulations.) of Newtown Creek 0.8 mile from East River; Whale Creek, on the south side opposite Dutch Kills; Maspeth (473) Grand Avenue Bridge, which crosses East Branch, Creek, on the east side 2.2 miles from East River; East has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.1 Branch, on the east side 2.5 miles from the river; and through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for draw- bridge regulations.) The bridgetender can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8187.
358 ■ Chapter 9 ■ Volume 2 Chart 12335 maintenance platform installed at the west channel edge is 115 feet. (474) From abreast the entrance to Newtown Creek, the (478) Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses East River 0.7 mile 35-foot-project main channel of the East River crosses northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a from the west side of the river to the east side. Poor- clearance of 127 feet. house Flats Lighted Range (Front Light; 40°43.5'N., (479) East River Deepwater Lighted Range (Front Light; 73°57.8'W.), bearing 161°, is on the Brooklyn side of 40°41.9'N., 74°00.1'W.), bearing 078°, is on the Brook- the river and marks the best water in the crossover. lyn side of the river and marks the best water in the 40-foot-project main channel which leads from deep (475) Williamsburg Bridge, which crosses East River 2 water in New York Upper Bay to the East River. The miles northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span range line passes about midway between The Battery with a clearance of 133 feet. and Governors Island, 0.5 mile to the southward. (480) The channel between The Battery and Governors (476) The site of the inactive New York Naval Shipyard is Island is very congested and subject to strong currents. in Wallabout Bay, on the Brooklyn side of East River 1.7 Caution should be exercised while navigating in the miles northeast of The Battery. area. (477) Manhattan Bridge, which crosses East River 1 mile northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a clearance of 134 feet. The clearance under the
Western Long Island Sound ■ Chapter 9 ■ 359
360 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 361 South Coast of Long Island (1) This chapter describes the south coast of Long Is- including the approaches to New York Harbor (peak land from Shinnecock Inlet to and including East season: November through April). (See North Atlantic Rockaway Inlet; several other inlets making into the Right Whales, indexed as such in chapter 3, for more beach along this part of the coast; and the canals, bays, information on right whales and recommended mea- and tributaries inside the beach. Also described are the sures to avoid collisions.) towns of Patchogue and Oceanside, including Ocean- (8) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall side oil terminals; Bay Shore, a large fishing center; (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United and the many smaller communities which support a States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in a large small-craft activity. Seasonal Management Area existing around the Ports of New York/New Jersey between November 1 and April Caution 30. The area is defined as the waters within a 20-nm ra- (2) Eelgrass is found in most of the waters described in dius of 40º29'42.2\"N., 73º55'57.6\"W. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limitations, and this chapter. Eelgrass nets are often placed at the en- exceptions.) trances to canals and are sometimes difficult to see. (3) Fishtrap areas are in Moriches, Shinnecock, Tiana, Chart 12300 Quantuck, and Great South Bays. (4) South shore inlets and bays are prone to extreme (9) The south coast of Long Island has a general trend shoaling and depths as low as 1 to 2 feet at low tide. The of 247° for 68 miles from Montauk Point to Fire Island location of marked channels is subject to change in or- Inlet, and thence trends 263° for 36 miles to the west- der to mark best water. ern end of Coney Island in the Lower Bay of New York Harbor. It is a clear shore and may be safely approached COLREGS Demarcation Lines as close as 1 mile with not less than 30 feet anywhere (5) The lines established for this part of the coast are between Montauk Point and Rockaway Inlet, except off Fire Island Inlet and the inlet’s westward side where described in 80.160, chapter 2. the shore should be given a berth of at least 1.5 miles. When viewed from seaward it presents only a few prom- Weather, South Coast of Long Island and vicinity inent features. It is composed of a series of sand dunes (6) The south coast of Long Island is open to weather backed by low dark woods. from the south and southeast, but somewhat sheltered (10) Shinnecock, Moriches, Great South, and Hemp- to the west through north. Waves of 8 feet (>2.5 m) or stead Bays are inside the beach along the south coast of more are most likely in winter when they may be en- Long Island and form an inside route for boats of about countered about 6 to 10 percent of the time near the 3-foot draft. The three main inlets from the sea to these coast. During this period gales are encountered less bays are Fire Island Inlet, Jones Inlet, and East than 5 percent of the time but are more likely a few Rockaway Inlet. These inlets and all auxiliary channels hundred miles out to sea. Fogs are more apt to occur in within the south coast of Long Island have numerous late spring and early summer with a June maximum. wrecks, obstructions, frequent and extensive changes, Visibilities of less than 2 miles are observed about 5 to and, although marked in many areas, should not be 10 percent of the time from May through July. These used without local knowledge. frequencies are higher at the eastern end in May and June and between Westhampton and Ambrose in July. (11) Two small inlets, Shinnecock Inlet and Moriches Locally, Shinnecock Inlet is particularly rough when Inlet, which broke through in 1938 and 1931, respec- southerly winds climb to 15 knots or more during ebb tively, are also used by small boats for entrance to these tide; breakers fill the entrance. bays, but their use is not advisable without local knowl- edge. North Atlantic Right Whales (7) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur within 30 miles of the south coast of Long Island,
362 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 Chart 12352 Canal to Great South Bay. The cuts provide an inland waterway along the south side of Long Island. This wa- (12) Shinnecock Canal, 31.5 miles southwestward of terway, from the south end of Shinnecock Canal to a Montauk Point, is about 1 mile long and connects point in Great South Bay opposite Patchogue, a dis- Great Peconic Bay with Shinnecock Bay. The canal is tance of about 29.2 miles, is subject to frequent shoal- owned and maintained by Suffolk County of New York. ing; mariners are advised to obtain local knowledge. It is a partly dredged cut and is protected at the north (19) Shinnecock Inlet, 31 miles westward from entrance by two jetties; the east jetty is marked by a Montauk Point along the south coast of Long Island, is light. In April 1985, the east timber jetty was reported the easternmost entrance from the Atlantic to to be deteriorating. Protruding timbers and floating Shinnecock Bay and the inland water route along the debris may be encountered; caution is advised. A lock south shore of Long Island. The approach to the inlet is about midway in the canal is 250 feet long, 41 feet wide, marked by a lighted whistle buoy. The inlet should not with a depth of 12 feet over the sills. Tide gates are par- be attempted without local knowledge because of the allel to and westward of the lock. The lock gates and frequent changes in channel depths. tide gates are constructed so that tidal action opens them to allow the current to set south through the ca- Currents nal and closes them to prevent water from Shinnecock (20) Tidal currents through the inlet can be dangerous; Bay to flow back into Great Peconic Bay. The lock gates are tended 24 hours and are opened mechanically when caution is advised. the tidal current is flowing northward to allow the pas- sage of boats. Red and green traffic lights are at each (21) In January 1988, an obstruction was reported end of the lock. Vessels are allowed to enter the lock about 175 yards east of Shinnecock Inlet West Break- only on the green signal. water Light 1A. (13) The fixed bridges and overhead power cables across COLREGS Demarcation Lines the canal have a least clearance of 22 feet. Mast-step- (22) The lines established for Shinnecock Inlet are de- ping cranes are available at both ends of the canal. scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. Currents (23) Shinnecock Light (40°50'31\"N., 72°28'42\"W.), 75 (14) The maximum recorded current is 4.3 knots, feet above the water, is shown from a red skeleton tower on the west side of the inlet. A fog signal is at the light. southerly, through the lock and tide gates at peak flow Private lights are on the jetties at the entrance to the when the gates are open. At the railroad bridge, the inlet, and uncharted buoys mark the channel. current has an average speed of 1.5 knots, but it has been reported that greater speeds may be experienced. (24) The jetties extend about 120 yards beyond the (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) At times of lights marking them. high southerly current i.e., when the gates are open, there exists a dangerous eddy system extending from Small-craft facilities the south end of the lock southerly for approximately (25) There are small-craft facilities just westward of 200 yards. Tidal currents throughout the entire canal can be dangerous; caution is advised. Shinnecock Light. Berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and some marine supplies are available. (15) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the canal. (26) A fish haven and a U.S. Naval Oceanographic plat- (16) On the east side of Shinnecock Canal just south of form painted orange and white, are about 2.4 miles south and 3.4 miles south-southwestward, respec- the jetties is a boat basin in which the depth ranges tively, of Shinnecock Inlet entrance. from 7 to 10 feet. There are several small-craft facilities on both sides of the canal. (See the small-craft facilities (27) Ponquogue Point, low and sandy, is 1.2 miles tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies northwestward of Shinnecock Light. The west channel available.) from inside Shinnecock Inlet enters the Long Island (17) Hampton Bays, a station on the Long Island Rail- Intracoastal Waterway southeast of the point and has a road just west of Shinnecock Canal, is the nearest post depth of about 8 feet. The Ponquogue Bridge, a high- office. Canoe Place, the settlement at the canal, has way bridge crossing Shinnecock Bay at Ponquogue gasoline and some supplies. Small craft and fishing ves- Point, has a fixed span with a clearance of 55 feet. sels berth in the basins along both sides of the canal. (18) Long Island Intracoastal Waterway.–A Federal (28) Shinnecock Coast Guard Station is on Ponquogue project provides for a 6-foot channel from Shinnecock Point. An antenna tower, 229 feet above the water and marked by red lights, is also on the point.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 363 (29) Entrances to the small coves on the northeast side to Main Street in Westhampton Beach. A reported and the east end of Shinnecock Bay have depths of depth of about 4 feet can be carried to the yacht basin about 3 feet. just before reaching the Stevens Lane Bridge, which has a fixed span with a clearance of about 7 feet. Berths, Small-craft facilities electricity, and a launching ramp are at the yacht basin. (30) There are numerous small-craft facilities along the Gasoline, ice, and marine supplies are available at a ma- rina on the east bank of the bight; engine and hull re- shore and in the creeks making into the north shore of pairs can be made. A forklift can handle craft to 6 tons. Shinnecock Bay from Ponquogue Point to West Point, In June 1981, a reported depth of 2 feet was available at the eastern entrance point to Tiana Bay. (See the the marina. small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for ser- (37) Moriches Bay extends for about 8 miles from vices and supplies available.) Quantuck Canal to Narrow Bay and provides an inside (31) Pine Neck, 2.3 miles westward of Ponquogue Point passage for small boats. The general depths in the bay and on the west side of Tiana Bay, is low, flat, and sandy. range from 5 to 7 feet and as low as 1 to 2 feet at low A shoal extends southward from Pine Neck Point and is tide, but the southern part is shoal. The marked chan- marked on the south end by a lighted buoy. About 0.5 nel may be shifted significantly to the north in order to mile east of Pine Neck, a privately dredged channel mark best water. marked by private buoys leads to a basin at Tiana (38) When navigating the Long Island Intracoastal Wa- Beach, a small summer resort on the south side of terway through Moriches Bay northeast of Moriches Shinnecock Bay. In July 1981, depths of about 2 feet IInlet, extreme care must be taken as this area is prone were reported in the channel and basin. to extreme shoaling. (32) Weesuck Creek, on the north side near the western (39) Speonk Point, near the eastern end of Moriches end of Shinnecock Bay, is entered through a privately Bay on the north shore, is marked by several dredged channel that leads to the head of the cove at bulkheaded jetties and a prominent flagstaff. East Quogue. In April 1999, the channel, marked by (40) Seatuck Cove, on the north side of Moriches Bay, private seasonal buoys, had a reported controlling about 1 mile westward of Speonk Point, is entered depth of about 5 feet. There are two boatyards on the through a privately dredged channel that leads north- west side near the head of the creek. Berths, electricity, ward for about 1.1 miles and then forks into three water, marine supplies, storage facilities, and lifts to 30 branch channels: East Branch, the easterly branch; tons are available. The largest marine railway can han- Seatuck Creek, the northerly branch; and Little dle craft up to 65 feet in length; hull and engine repairs Seatuck Creek, the westerly branch. In June 1981, the can be made. controlling depth in the entrance channel and in the (33) Quogue Canal connects Shinnecock Bay with three branches was 7 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark Quantuck Bay. The canal is crossed by a highway bas- the entrance channel to the fork and the channel in cule bridge with a clearance of 15 feet and by overhead East Branch to the small-craft facilities just inside the power and TV cables with clearances of 75 feet. (See entrance. 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), (41) A landing at Eastport is on the point just above the chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) A 5 mph speed fork between East Branch and Seatuck Creek. In June limit is enforced in the canal. 1981, depths of 2 to 3 feet were reported at the landing. (34) Quantuck Bay joins Quogue Canal with Quantuck Berths, moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- Canal. Quantuck Creek, at the head of the bay, is ter, ice, some marine supplies, and a pump-out are crossed by a fixed bridge, which is the head of naviga- available at small-craft facilities on East Branch. Lifts tion except for small pulling boats. to 15 tons can handle craft for engine and hull repairs. (35) Quantuck Canal connects Quantuck Bay and Depths of 3 feet are reported alongside. Moriches Bay. The canal is crossed by two highway bas- (42) Hart Cove, westward of Seatuck Cove, is entered cule bridges with a least clearance of 10 feet. (See through a privately dredged channel, marked by pri- 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), vate seasonal buoys, that leads to the head of the cove. chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations). The overhead In June 1981, the channel had a reported controlling power cable at Potunk Point has a clearance of 77 feet. depth of 4 feet. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the canal. (36) About 300 yards northeastward of the bridge at Small-craft facilities Potunk Point, a privately dredged channel leads to a (43) Small-craft facilities are near the head on the west yacht basin at Westhampton Beach. The channel is along the west bank in the bight and is marked by pri- side of the cove. Gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine vate seasonal lights and buoys. A dredged cut leads up
364 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 supplies, a launching ramp, and a 30-ton mobile hoist (52) Areskonk Creek, immediately westward of Orchard are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. Neck Creek, is used as a harbor by yachtsmen. A pri- vately dredged channel, marked by private seasonal (44) Tuthill Cove, locally known as West Cove, on the buoys, leads to the head of the creek. In June 1981, the north side of Moriches Bay, 1.5 miles westward of channel had a reported controlling depth of 8 feet. Seatuck Cove, is entered through a privately dredged and partially marked channel that leads to the head of (53) Senix Creek, 0.6 mile westward of Orchard Neck the cove; in 1986, the channel had a reported control- Creek, has a narrow entrance. With local knowledge, a ling depth of 2 feet. Several privately dredged channels reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried in the lead from the main channel to small-craft facilities on channel to about 0.5 mile above the entrance. the east side of the cove. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies Small-craft facilities available.) A Coast Guard Station is on the east side of (54) Small-craft facilities near the head of the creek the entrance to Tuthill Cove. East Moriches is on the north side of the cove. have berths, electricity, storage, and a 6-ton lift; hull and engine repairs can be made. A marine railway can (45) Tuthill Point is on the west side of the entrance to haul out vessels up to 32 feet in length. Tuthill Cove. (55) Mud (West Senix) Creek, westward of Senix Creek, (46) Moriches Inlet, 44 miles westward of Montauk had a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in June Point, is a shallow entrance from seaward to the deeper 1981. The creek is used mostly by local residents. A ma- water in Moriches Bay. Weather continuously changes rina on the east side of the creek near the head has the jettied entrance which is subject to extreme shoal- berthage, electricity, gasoline, water, and a 15-ton lift; ing. Both east and west jetties are marked by a light and hull and engine repairs can be made. the approach to the inlet is marked by a lighted whistle buoy. Due to rapidly changing shoaling conditions and (56) Forge River, at the northwest end of Moriches Bay existing dangers in Moriches Inlet, it is considered un- about 0.5 mile westward of the common entrance to safe for mariners to navigate this inlet at any time. Senix and Mud Creeks, is entered through a privately Buoys are not maintained in this inlet. dredged channel that leads from the Intracoastal Wa- terway to the town dock and turning basin at Mastic, (47) A fish haven, marked by a buoy, is about 2.5 miles about 1.5 miles above the entrance west of Masury south-southwestward of Moriches Inlet East Breakwa- Point, thence for about 0.2 mile to the head of naviga- ter Light. tion. In 1981-1999, the reported controlling depth was 6 feet from the Intracoastal Waterway to the head of COLREGS Demarcation Lines navigation. Favor the east side of the channel at the en- (48) The lines established for Moriches Inlet are de- trance. The channel is marked to the turning basin by private seasonal lighted and unlighted buoys. The town scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. dock is available only to the local residents, however, overnight transient berths are available. (49) Fire Island extends west from Moriches Inlet for about 28 miles along the south shore of Long Island to (57) Old Neck Creek empties into the easterly side of Fire Island Inlet. With the exception of the State park Forge River about 0.5 mile above the entrance. A pri- occupying its westernmost 4.6 miles, all of Fire Island vately dredged channel leads from the river to the head is part of the Fire Island National Seashore, a Marine of the creek. In June 1981, the channel had a reported Protected Area (MPA). (See Appendix C, for additional controlling depth of 7 feet. A marina, just inside the information.) easterly entrance to the creek, has berths, gasoline, wa- ter, ice, marine supplies, a small-craft launching ramp, (50) Orchard Neck Creek, 1.7 miles west of Tuthill and a 15-ton mobile hoist; hull, engine, and electrical Point, is extensively used by local small craft as a moor- repairs can be made. ing basin. A reported depth of about 3 feet is available to the head of navigation. A private seasonal lighted buoy (58) Narrow Bay extends for about 3 miles from marks the entrance. Moriches Bay to Bellport Bay, and provides a continua- tion of the inside passage for small boats. The bridge Small-craft facility across the bay eastward of Smith Point has a bascule (51) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the creek span with a clearance of 18 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (d), chapter 2, for near its head. Gasoline, water, marine supplies, and a drawbridge regulations.) Caution is recommended 12-ton lift are available; hull and engine repairs can be when in the vicinity of the bridge because of the piling made. In June 1981, a depth of about 2 feet was re- ported alongside the facility.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 365 near the channel. The bridge is an excellent radar tar- the inside route, and from westward through get from 5 to 10 miles. Hempstead Bay. The southeast and southwest portions (59) Bellport Bay extends for about 3 miles from Nar- of the bay are shoal. The central portion has, for the row Bay to Great South Bay and provides a continua- most part, depths ranging from 6½ to 10 feet. In April tion of the inside passage for small boats. The bay is 2008, there was shoaling to less than 1 foot in the chan- shoal in its southern part, but has depths of 5 to 7 feet nel between Fire Island Inlet and Farm Shoals Chan- in the northern part. nel. Lights, daybeacons, and lighted and unlighted (60) Carmans River, on the northeast side of Bellport buoys mark the channels. Bay, has a depth of about 2 feet through the entrance. (67) Abets Creek and Mud Creek, on the northeast side Sometimes bush stakes are placed on each of the shoals of Great South Bay, had reported depths of 4 feet in making off from the points at the entrance. Enter in 1981 and 6 feet in April 1999, respectively. The en- midriver between these stakes, favor the east side for a trance to each creek is marked by a private seasonal distance of 0.5 mile, and then follow midriver; caution lighted buoy and stakes. A 5-mph speed limit is en- is advised. The river, marked at the entrance by private forced in Abets Creek. seasonal lighted buoys, is entered between Long Point on the west and Sandy Point on the east. Some of the Small-craft facilities land areas on both sides of the river just above the en- (68) Small-craft facilities in the creeks can provide trance are part of the Werthein National Wildlife Ref- uge, a Marine Protected Area (MPA); landing is not berths, gasoline, water, storage, and hull and engine re- permitted. (See Appendix C, for additional informa- pairs. A 7-ton marine railway is available in Abets tion.) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. Creek, and mobile lifts up to 30 tons are available in Mud Creek. Diesel fuel, ice, and a pumpout station are Small-craft facility available in Mud Creek. (61) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the river (69) Swan River, about 0.4 mile westward of Mud Creek, about 0.6 mile above the entrance. Electricity, water, is entered through a privately dredged channel that some marine supplies, a 12-ton lift, and storage facili- leads to the head of navigation about 1 mile above the ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. mouth. In 1981, the channel had a reported controlling depth of 4 feet. In September 1985, a shoal was reported (62) Beaverdam Creek, on the north side of Bellport Bay to be encroaching from the west side of the channel at about 1.5 miles westward of Carmans River, is entered the mouth of the river. A private seasonal lighted buoy through a privately dredged approach channel marked marks the entrance, and poles mark the channel above by private seasonal buoys. In August 1999, the channel the entrance. had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet. Small-craft facility (70) Several small-craft facilities are on Swan River. (63) A small-craft facility is at the head of the creek and (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) can provide berths, storage, supplies, and a 30-ton lift; engine repairs can be made. (71) Patchogue River, on the north side of Great South Bay, 3.7 miles west of Bellport and 0.9 mile westward of (64) The wharf of a yacht club is on the northwest side of Swan River, is entered through a dredged channel that Bellport Bay at the town of Bellport, about 0.5 mile leads from Great South Bay, thence through Patchogue westward of the entrance to Beaverdam Creek. In June Bay, and thence to the head of river navigation about 1 1981, depths of 6 to 8 feet were reported in the basin be- mile above the mouth. In May 2006, the midchannel hind the wharf with about 2½ to 3 feet alongside. Water controlling depth was 5.8 feet in the entrance channel and a launching ramp are available. A seasonal passen- to the west breakwater light, thence 2.2 feet in the ger ferry operates between the yacht club and Bellport channel through the harbor to the head of navigation. Beach on Fire Island. The channel is marked by a lighted and unlighted buoys from the bay to the jettied entrance. The west (65) A dockmaster manages the village dock adjacent to side of the entrance is protected by a breakwater with a the yacht club. light on the outer end, and the east side by a bulkhead and short jetty extending southward from it; a private (66) Great South Bay, on the south shore of Long Is- light is near the end of the jetty. land, extends from Bellport Bay on the east to South Oyster Bay on the west. It is about 20 miles long and about 4 miles across its widest part. It can be entered through Fire Island Inlet, from Great Peconic Bay via
366 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 (72) Patchogue, on Patchogue River, is the principal (80) Green Harbor is a privately maintained two-part town on Great South Bay. Depths at the wharves and harbor just westward of the entrance to Green Creek. piers at Patchogue range from 3 to 9 feet. The entrance to the outer basin and the connecting channel between the outer and inner basins are very (73) Passenger ferry service, summer only, is main- narrow. In September 1985, depths were reported to be tained from Patchogue to Davis Park and Watch Hill on about 6 feet. Limited berthing is available in the outer Fire Island. basin. A boatyard is in the inner basin. Small-craft facilities (81) Connetquot River, locally known as Great River, is (74) Several marinas and boatyards are on both sides of 3 miles westward of Brown Creek. In June 1981, a re- ported depth of 5 feet (with local knowledge) could be the river at Patchogue. (See the small-craft facilities carried from Nicoll Bay to the boatyards on the east tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies side of the river, thence about 2 feet to the head of navi- available.) gation at the railroad; favor the east bank of the river above the boatyards. A shoal with depths of 2 feet ex- (75) Corey Creek, 0.6 mile westward of Patchogue River, tends northeast from Nicoll Island on the southwest is entered between two jetties each marked by a private side of the river entrance. A private light marks the en- seasonal light. In June 1981, depths of 3 feet were avail- trance to the river. A prominent mansion with a tower, able in the creek. A marina, on the east side of the creek now part of a private school, is on the north shore of the just inside the entrance, has berths, electricity, gaso- entrance. line, marine supplies, water, ice, storage, and a 16-ton lift; hull, engine, and electronic repairs can be made. Small-craft facilities Depths of 5 feet were reported at the marina in Septem- (82) There are several small-craft facilities on the east ber 1985. side of the river. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- (76) Brown Creek, locally known as Browns River, 3 tion on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) miles westward of Patchogue, is entered between two short jetties extending out to a depth of about 4 feet. (83) Great River is a village on the west side of the river. The jetties are marked by lights. In March 2009, the (84) Watch Hill, part of Fire Island National Seashore, is midchannel controlling depth was 3.2 feet to the first bend (at Browns River Road), thence 2.8 feet at across Great South Bay from Patchogue. A privately midchannel to the upstream limit of the project. In dredged channel with a reported depth of 3 feet in Au- 1976, a large rock, covered 6½ feet, was reported at the gust 1999, leads from Great South Bay to a seasonally entrance to the dredged channel. Local interests advise operated marina. The channel is marked by private sea- that mariners steer a centerline course from a point sonal lighted buoys and a lighted range. Berths, elec- about 0.75 mile south of the jetty light through the en- tricity, water, ice, some supplies, and a pumpout station trance channel. are available. A passenger ferry operates between Watch Hill and Patchogue. Small-craft facilities (85) Cherry Grove, a summer resort across Great South (77) There are several small-craft facilities on the creek. Bay from Connetquot River, has a boat landing extend- ing out to a depth of 5 feet. Seasonal ferry service is Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, marine maintained with Sayville. supplies, mobile hoists to 80 tons, and hull and engine (86) Point o’ Woods, Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, and repairs are available. A marine railway can handle ves- Saltaire are summer resorts on Great South Bay west- sels to 15 feet long. ward of Cherry Grove. Provisions are available at most of these resorts. Year-round ferry service is maintained (78) Passenger ferry service, summer only, is available between Ocean Beach, Saltaire, and Bay Shore, a town from Sayville to Fire Island Pines, Sailors Haven, northwestward on the north shore of Great South Bay. Cherry Grove, and Barrett Beach on Fire Island. Seasonal service is available between the surrounding towns and Bay Shore. A privately dredged channel with (79) Green Creek, about 1 mile west of Brown Creek, is a reported depth of 9 feet in 1981 leads southward to used by many clam boats. Depths of about 5 feet were Fair Harbor. A private light marks the channel. reported available in the creek in 1981. Mariners are (87) On the north shore of Great South Bay, in the vi- advised to use care when entering the creek, especially cinity of Nicoll Point, is Heckscher State Park. A boat during strong southwest winds. Inside the creek, gaso- basin and a small-craft launching ramp are at the park line, water, marine supplies, storage, a 30-ton lift, and in a cove about 1.6 miles west of Nicoll Point. The park complete hull, engine, and electronic repairs are avail- able. A 4-mph speed limit is enforced in the creek.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 367 is open during daylight hours only. A 5 mph speed limit (94) (See Appendix B for the Islip climatological table.) is enforced. (95) The Long Island U.S. Courthouse (40°45’35\"N., (88) Sailors Haven, across Great South Bay from Nicoll Point, is part of the Fire Island National Seashore. A 73°11’25\"W.), is prominent feature in East Islip, across privately dredged and marked channel with a depth of Champlin Creek from Islip. The building is rectangular about 4 feet leads from Great South Bay to a seasonally with a cone-shaped entrance and is constructed of operated marina at which berthing, water, ice, and white and gray panels and is 281 feet high; reported to some supplies are available. A seasonal passenger ferry be visible from 20 miles offshore. operates between Sailors Haven and Sayville. (96) Great Cove, on the north side of Great South Bay (89) Islip is on the south side of Long Island just inland about 4 miles westward of Nicoll Point, has depths of 4 from Great South Bay and opposite the Fire Island Na- to 8 feet. A line of private orange and white spar buoys tional Seashore, about halfway between New York city across the mouth of Great Cove marks a shellfish clo- and Montauk Point. sure area. (90) At Islip the average annual temperature is 53°F (97) Orowoc Creek, which enters the northeast part of (11.7°C). The average high is 61°F (16.1°C) and the av- the cove, leads to the boat basin and wharves at the erage low is 44°F (6.7°C). July is the warmest month town of Islip. The channel in the cove is sometimes with an average high of 82°F (27.8°C) and an average marked by stakes, and had a reported depth of about 6 low of 67°F (19.4°C). January is the coolest month with feet in June 1981. A private light marks the westerly an average high of 39°F (3.9°C) and an average low of edge of the 3-foot shoal on the east side of the channel 24°F (-4.4°C). The warmest temperature on record for near the entrance to the creek. Islip is 101°F (38.3°C) recorded in July 1991 and the coldest temperature on record is -7°F (-21.7°C) re- Small-craft facilities corded in January 1984. On average, seven days each (98) Small-craft facilities on the creek can provide gaso- year record high temperatures in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and 98 days record minimum temperatures line, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and complete below 32°F (0°C). An average of only two days each year engine and hull repairs. A 55-foot marine railway and a has an extreme minimum below 5°F (-15°C). 25-ton mobile hoist are available. (91) Precipitation is both moderate and distributed (99) Several fish packing plants are on the creek. evenly throughout the year. August is the wettest (100) Penataquit Creek and Watchogue Creek, locally month with an average precipitation total of five inches (127 mm) and February the driest with just over three known as West Creek, about 0.5 mile westward of inches (76 mm). Average annual precipitation is about Orowoc Creek, empty into the northwest end of Great 45 inches (1143 mm). Most of the rainfall from June Cove through a common entrance. Bay Shore is a large through September comes from thunderstorms; there- fishing center on the northwest shore of Great Cove at fore, it is usually of brief duration, but relatively in- the head of the creeks. The common entrance is pro- tense. Thunderstorm days average 25 each year. From tected on its westerly side by a bulkheaded sandspit, October to April, however, precipitation is generally as- which forms a well-protected boat basin. The entrance sociated with widespread storm areas, so that day-long channel leads between the northeast end of the rain or snow is common. sandspit and the point to the east. A private light marks the entrance to the creeks. The channel had a reported (92) Snow falls an average 30 days each year and aver- depth of 6 feet in June 1981. A 4 mph speed limit is en- ages 21 inches (533 mm) in any given year. The snowi- forced on the creeks. est month is February with an average of six inches (101) The ferry landing near the entrance of Penataquit (152 mm). Snow has fallen in each month, November Creek had a reported depth of about 5 feet at its end in through April. The greatest 24-hour total snowfall was June 1981. From the landing, ferries connect with eight inches (203 mm) which fell in March 1993. Ocean Beach and Saltaire year round and with Point o’ Woods, Kismet, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, (93) Tropical storms have influenced the area several Sea View and Ocean Bay Park during the summer. times since 1871. Hurricane Gloria passed within 10 miles west of Islip in September 1985. Gloria made Small-craft facilities landfall about halfway between Kennedy and Islip and (102) There are several small-craft facilities in Pena- provided sustained winds of 75 knots at time of landfall for the Islip area. Only two days earlier, Gloria was a taquit and Watchogue Creeks. (See the small-craft fa- 125-knot hurricane. cilities tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies available.)
368 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 (103) There are several creeks and a dredged boat basin (110) Fire Island Inlet remains open throughout the between Watchogue Creek and Conklin Point to the year, but ice does become a problem in the inland chan- southwestward. These waterways are for the most part nels through Great South Bay from early January privately maintained and for the exclusive use of the lo- through about mid-March. cal property owners. (111) The area between Fire Island Inlet and Jones Inlet (104) Fire Island Inlet, about 28 miles westward along is characterized by low, sandy beaches and numerous the south coast of Long Island from Moriches Inlet, is islands fringed by vast stretches of marshy ground. the only direct entrance from the Atlantic to Great Many shallow areas, irregular in outline, are a serious South Bay. The inlet is subject to extreme shoaling and menace to the navigation of light-draft vessels. An ex- has been moving westward for many years. Mariners tensive network of bays, creeks, coves, channels, and are warned to beware of extreme tidal turbulence espe- inlets covers the entire area. cially during times of tidal change and should seek lo- cal knowledge of the latest conditions before entering. (112) The channel connecting Great South Bay with Navigation of the inlet is difficult even with relatively Jones Inlet, East Bay, and South Oyster Bay is narrow, calm seas, and for small craft it can be extremely dan- treacherous, and has numerous short bends. Caution gerous. During heavy weather, the entrance usually is should be exercised when navigating in these areas in obstructed by breakers. small boats. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (113) Several channels lead from Fire Island Inlet to (105) The lines established for Fire Island Inlet are de- places in Great South Bay and connecting inside water- ways. From the Robert Moses Causeway Bridge, located scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. just inside the inlet, the channel leads northeastward off the eastern tip of Oak Beach. It then connects with (106) Fire Island Light (40°37'57\"N., 73°13'07\"W.), 167 Farm Shoals Channel to the southeastward and later feet above the water, is shown from a black and white with East Channel, which follows the buoyed channel horizontally banded tower about 4 miles east-north- along the north side of Great South Beach and joins eastward of Democrat Point. Fire Island Coast Guard with the inside passage south of Nicoll Bay. It has a Station is about 1.9 miles west-southwestward of the depth of about 7 feet although in April 2008, there was light. A water tower, about 208 feet high, marked by shoaling to less than 1 foot between Fire Island Inlet floodlights and visible for 16 miles, is about 0.1 mile and Farm Shoals. Range Channel, just westward of southwest of the Fire Island Coast Guard Station. East Channel, has a depth of about 6 feet. West Chan- nel, just westward of Fire Islands, has a depth of about (107) The Robert Moses Causeway Bridge over Fire Is- 7 feet. Dickerson Channel, northeastward of Captree land Inlet, 2.1 miles inside the entrance, has a clear- Island, had a reported depth of 4 feet in June 1981. ance of 65 feet at the 464-foot center span. The bridge is These channels are marked with buoys that are shifted an excellent radar target at a range of more than 12 in position with changing conditions. miles. (114) From Fire Island Inlet the State Boat Channel (108) Two boat basins at the Robert Moses (Fire Island) leads westward through Great South Bay and South State Park are entered just westward of the southern Oyster Bay to Zacks Bay at Jones Beach State Park, end of the bridge. Berths and water are available in the thence westward in Hempstead Bay through winding basins between sunrise and sunset. In June 1981, channels, well marked by lights, buoys, and daybeacons depths of 7 feet and 6 feet were reported available in the to Reynolds Channel at Point Lookout, just west of east and west basins, respectively. Jones Inlet. Two buoys mark submerged obstructions on the south side of the entrance to the channel. In Currents 2005, shoaling was reported in the channel just E of (109) The currents in Fire Island Inlet, after crossing the Buoy 76. bar, have a velocity of about 2.4 knots at full strength (115) The speed of vessels is limited to 10.4 knots (12 and are influenced greatly by the force and direction of mph) in the channel and 3.5 knots (4 mph) in the areas the wind. (Consult the Tidal Current Tables for predic- designated as basin or anchorage. tions.) In the bay, currents have little velocity except in the narrow channels between the shoals and within a (116) A marina on the south side of the channel at the radius of 3 miles from Fire Island Coast Guard Station eastern end of Captree Island has berthage, gasoline, where their estimated velocity is 1 to 1.5 knots. diesel fuel, water, and ice. (117) The Robert Moses Causeway Bridge over the State Boat Channel, connecting Oak Beach with Captree Is- land, has twin bascule spans with a clearance of 29 feet
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 369 at the center. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 the privately dredged entrance channel leading north- (a) through (c) and (i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regu- ward from East West Channel. In June 1982, shoaling lations.) The twin fixed spans of this bridge and cause- to an unknown extent was reported in the channel. way over the inside passage in Great South Bay between Captree Island and Conklin Point have a clear- Small-craft facilities ance of 60 feet for a middle width of 460 feet. (124) Small-craft facilities on the river have berthage, (118) A shellfish closure area, marked by private yellow buoys, extends from the Robert Moses Causeway at gasoline, water, marine supplies, a 9-ton lift, and a Conklin Point westward for about 6.8 miles to 40-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs can be Narraskatuck Creek. made. In 1993, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported (119) Oak Island Channel, locally known as Babylon Cut, alongside at the facilities. extends northwestward from the State Boat Channel from a point opposite the northeastern end of Oak Is- (125) West Babylon Creek, locally known as Mud Creek, land to Great South Bay and Babylon Cove. In 1981, the is about 1 mile westward of Sampawams Point. In June channel, marked by seasonal buoys, had a reported 1981, the privately dredged and marked entrance chan- controlling depth of 6 feet except for shoaling to an un- nel leading northward from East West Channel had a known extent in the channel opposite Grass Island. reported controlling depth of 4 feet. From a point about 1.7 miles above the State Boat Channel, Oak Island Channel connects with a privately (126) Several small-craft facilities are on the creek. (See dredged and marked channel, locally known as East the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for West Channel, that leads westward and parallels the services and supplies available.) Several creeks to the northern shore of Great South Bay for about 6 miles to westward have been improved in a similar manner. South Oyster Bay. In June 1981, East West Channel had a reported controlling depth of about 4 feet. Several (127) In July 1980, a submerged obstruction was re- channels, some leading northward into the waterways ported about 0.55 mile southwest of the mouth of West on the north side of Great South Bay and some leading Babylon Creek in about 40°40'00\"N., 73°20'38\"W. southward to the State Boat Channel, connect with East West Channel. These connecting channels are dis- (128) Oak Beach is primarily a summer resort and fish- cussed later in this chapter. ing village on the north side of Fire Island Inlet. The (120) Babylon is a town on the north shore of Great channel to the village pier, passing eastward of Oak Is- South Bay. A flag pole and a church spire are promi- land, has a depth of about 9 feet. A tall lighted mast on nent. The public landing, about 0.3 mile northward of the south side of Oak Beach is prominent. Sampawams Point and at the mouth of Sampawams Creek, had a reported depth of 6 feet at the end in 1993. (129) Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach, westward of Oak Approaching around Sampawams Point, give the point Beach, are maintained and operated by the County and a berth of 0.3 mile when southeastward of it and head Township authorities and are not part of the Long Is- northwestward to the wharf. land State Park System. A tower is prominent east of (121) Sampawams Creek, just northward of the wharf, Cedar Beach. has been dredged to reclaim adjacent lands and is bulkheaded on the west side. The entrance is marked by (130) Neguntatogue Creek, on the north side of Great private seasonal buoys and a private light. It is used as South Bay at the town of Lindenhurst, has several an anchorage by small craft and has a depth of about 5 small-craft facilities. In June 2000, the reported con- feet through the entrance and greater depths inside. trolling depth in the entrance to the creek was 4 feet. Boats also anchor between the public landing and Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- Sampawams Point. This anchorage becomes choppy age, and marine supplies are available; hull and engine during easterly or southeasterly winds. repairs can be made. Small-craft facilities (131) Fox Creek Channel, privately dredged and marked (122) There are several small-craft facilities on the creek. by private seasonal aids, leads from the mouth of Neguntatogue Creek across Great South Bay to a junc- (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 tion with the State Boat Channel just eastward of Cedar for services and supplies available.) Island. In June 1982, the reported controlling depth was 3 feet. (123) Carlls River, westward of Sampawams Point, in June 1981, had a reported controlling depth of 5 feet in (132) Strongs Creek, westward of Neguntatogue Creek, in June 1981, had a controlling depth of 7 feet in the privately dredged entrance channel leading northward from East West Channel.
370 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 Small-craft facilities Chart 12352 (133) Small-craft facilities in the creek have storage and (143) Hempstead Bay is on the south side of Long Island a 12-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs can be inside the beach extending from the west end of Great made. South Bay to Far Rockaway. The bay has many sloughs that are subject to change in the vicinity of the inlets (134) Great Neck Creek, westward of Strongs Point, has and where dredging is done to reclaim land. Naviga- a depth of about 7 feet in the privately dredged entrance tional aids marking the main channels of the bay are channel leading northward from East West Channel; maintained by the town of Hempstead. Many shoal greater depths are inside. spots, some to a foot or less, have been reported at sev- eral areas of the rivers and channels. (135) Woods Creek is westward of Howell Point and Howell Creek. In 2005, the reported controlling depth Chart 12352 in the entrance was 3 feet. Gasoline is available just in- side the entrance and a small-craft facility at the head (144) Jones Beach State Park, on the south coast of Long of the creek can provide limited berths, electricity, gas- Island, comprises about 2,500 acres and is under the oline, water, some marine supplies, a pump-out sta- jurisdiction of the Long Island State Park and Recre- tion, winter storage, and a 30-ton lift; hull, engine and ation Commission. A prominent red brick water tower, electrical repairs can be made. 204 feet high, with a pyramid top, 3.5 miles eastward of Jones Inlet, is the center of Central Mall. The tower, (136) Amityville Creek, on the north side of the western flood-lighted at night, is visible 16 miles. Zachs Bay, a extremity of Great South Bay, had a reported control- dredged basin above Jones Beach State Park, has ling depth of about 3 feet in June 1981. The entrance to depths of 4 to 29 feet. The eastern part of Zachs Bay is the creek is marked on the west side by a private light. used as an anchorage; a swimming area marked by pri- Several boatyards on the creek have marine railways, vate buoys is in the western part of the bay. the largest of which can handle craft up to 50 feet in length; gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, (145) Stone Creek, marked by seasonal buoys and with a and complete engine and hull repairs are available. reported depth of about 2 feet in June 1981, leads northward from Sloop Channel and eastward of Green (137) Amityville is a small town on the north shore of Island to the village of Seaford at the head of Seaford Great South Bay at its western extremity . The village Creek. In August 1992, severe shoaling to an unknown wharf bares at low water at its face. Amityville Cut ex- depth was reported north of Great Island Channel tends southward from Amityville Creek and joins the Lighted Buoy Z2. State Boat Channel near Gilgo Beach. The privately maintained and marked channel had a reported con- Small-craft facilities trolling depth of 8 feet in 1993. (146) There are many small-craft facilities at Seaford and (138) Narraskatuck Creek, 0.5 miles westward of Amityville in the vicinity. Berthage, electricity, gasoline, water, Creek had a reported depth of about 3 feet in June 1981. ice, storage, marine supplies, and small-craft launch- ing ramps are available. The largest mobile hoist is 30 Small-craft facilities tons; hull, engine and electrical repairs can be made. (139) The small-craft facilities on the creek have gaso- (147) The Wantagh State Parkway bridge crosses Sloop line, berths, electricity, water, ice, storage, and marine Channel from Jones Beach State Park to Green Island supplies. Mobile hoists can handle craft up to 20 tons; and has a fixed span with a clearance of 15 feet; the hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be made. bridge is temporary. A permanent bascule bridge is be- ing built close southwest of the existing temporary (140) Carman Creek, about 0.8 mile westward of bridge with a design clearance of 14 feet. The other Amityville Creek, is used by boats drawing 4 to 5 feet. bridges, which are part of the Wantagh State Parkway, have the following clearances: 16 feet for the bascule (141) South Oyster Bay, lying between Great South Bay span over Goose Creek between Green Island and Great and Hempstead Bay, is shoal over its greater part. A Island; and 12 feet for the fixed span across Island channel marked by buoys and daybeacons, good for a Creek. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) draft of 4 feet at high water, extends through the bay. through (c) and (i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- Through traffic uses the State Boat Channel and con- tions.) necting lanes on the south side of the Bay. (142) Gilgo Heading, a channel and basin between the State Boat Channel and Gilgo Beach, has a depth of about 7 feet.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 371 Caution (155) The Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge has the (148) The current is reported to be swift during periods following clearances: 21 feet for the bascule span across Sloop Channel between Jones Beach State Park and of maximum flood and ebb at the bridge crossing the Jones Island, 14 feet for the 29-foot fixed span between Sloop Channel from Green Island to Jones Beach State West Crow Island and Pettit Marsh, and 12 feet for the Park, and has a tendency to set boats into the bridge 29-foot fixed span between Pettit Marsh and Fighting abutments. Mariners are advised to avoid this part of Island. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) the channel during these periods and to use the sec- through (c) and (h), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- ondary route in Goose Creek, north of Green Island. tions.) (149) A privately marked channel, locally known as Race- (156) The Loop Parkway Bridge has the following clear- horse Channel, with a depth of about 6 feet, leads ances: 20 feet for the fixed span over Swift Creek be- northward from Sloop Channel and westward of Green tween West Crow Island and Meadow Island, 21 feet for Island to the western entrance of Island Creek. Olivers the bascule span between Meadow Island and Alder Is- Channel, marked by private buoys and daybeacons, land, and 20 feet for the 29-foot fixed span over leads westward from near the north end of Racehorse Reynolds Channel between Alder Island and Point Channel to East Bay. Lookout. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (c) and (f), chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- (150) A fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is near the tions.) middle of East Bay. (157) Jones Inlet, about 12 miles westward along the Small-craft facilities south coast of Long Island from Fire Island Inlet, is the (151) On the north side of East Bay, there is a small-craft principal entrance from the Atlantic to the inside pas- sages and towns in Hempstead Bay. The inlet, which is facility on the west side of Nicks Point. Berths, electric- used mostly by pleasure craft and fishermen, should ity, gasoline, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 25-ton not be attempted without local knowledge because the lift, storage, and full repairs are available. channel and depths are constantly changing. (152) Sloop Channel, the main channel leading east (158) The approach is marked by a lighted whistle buoy. from Jones Inlet, extends along the north side of Short (159) A light is at the outer end of the jetty on the east Beach and Jones Beach State Park. The channel is marked by buoys and daybeacons. In June 1981, shoal- side of the entrance to Jones Inlet. A small-craft basin is ing to 3 feet was reported on the south side of Sloop inside the inlet on the north side of Jones Beach; Channel from about 0.3 mile southwest of Meadow- berths, electricity, water, and a pump-out station are brook State Parkway Bridge to about 0.45 mile north- available. Jones Beach Coast Guard Station is in the east of the bridge. In 2005, shoaling to bare was small-craft basin. reported in the channel south of Short Beach Island, (160) In March 2009, the controlling depth was 11.1 feet obstructing the eastern entrance and part of the west- in the channel from Point Lookout (40°35.6'N., ern entrance. 73°34.6'W.) to the Loop Parkway Bridge over Long Creek. The buoys and soundings in Jones Inlet are not (153) A channel with reported depths of 3 to 4 feet in charted because of continual changes; caution and lo- June 1981 leads between Snipe Island and Egg Island cal knowledge are advised. into Haunts Creek on the western side of Deep Creek Meadow and joins Sloop Channel northwestward of Currents Jones Beach State Park. (161) The tidal current in the inlet has a velocity of about (154) The channel joining Haunts Creek east of East 3 knots. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Crow Island and leading northward through Broad Creek Channel to East Bay, and thence to Merrick Tides Creek, has a depth of about 1 foot. The channel joining (162) The mean range of tide is 3.6 feet. Sloop Channel just west of the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge leads north through Swift Creek and COLREGS Demarcation Lines Neds Creek to East Bay; the channel bares at low water (163) The lines established for Jones Inlet are described about 0.7 mile north-northeastward of the bridge be- tween West Crow Island and Pettit Marsh. The channel in 80.160, chapter 2. between False Channel Meadow and Pettit Marsh has a depth of about 5 feet and leads to Freeport Creek, dis- (164) Point Lookout is a village on the east end of the cussed later in this chapter. barrier beach on the west side of Jones Inlet. A large lighted tank in the western part of the town is promi- nent.
372 ■ Chapter 10 ■ Volume 2 Small-craft facilities (173) Milburn Creek, a dredged channel extending (165) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the northward to Baldwin from Baldwin Bay, had reported depths of about 5 feet in June 1981. The entrance to the bridge. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on channel is marked by private seasonal barrel buoys. A chart 12352 for services and supplies available.) dredged channel with a reported depth of about 8 feet in June 1981 in the northern part of Middle Bay leads to (166) Long Creek, marked by seasonal lighted and Parsonage Cove. unlighted buoys, leads northward from Jones Inlet be- tween Alder Island and Meadow Island, and between (174) Reynolds Channel extends westward from Jones Smith Meadow and Pine Marsh to Freeport. The chan- Inlet to East Rockaway Inlet and is the main thorofare nel below the Loop Parkway Bridge has been improved of the route between the inlets. The channel is crossed by dredging as previously mentioned. The channel by several bridges. above the bridge at the intersection with Sea Dog Creek is subject to frequent change; local information Currents should be obtained before using these waters. The (175) Strong currents exist in the western portion of channel above the intersection with Sea Dog Creek had a reported depth of about 12 feet in June 1981. A chan- Reynolds Channel, and caution must be exercised nel between Pine Marsh and Pettit Marsh, with a re- when approaching the drawbridges, particularly with a ported depth of about 12 feet in June 1981, joins with fair current; the signal to open the bridge should be The Narrows and Long Creek about 1 mile northward given sufficiently in advance so the bridge can be of the Bay of Fundy. cleared of traffic and the draw opened before the vessel arrives there. The currents of the two inlets meet at the (167) Freeport Creek, leading northward from The Nar- entrance of the channel leading west from Cinder rows, had a controlling depth of 3½ feet in January Creek. 1980. In July 1993, a visible wreck was reported near the mouth of the creek, just east of Buoy Q9, in about (176) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the channel be- 40°37'53\"N., 73°33'55\"W. Great Sand Creek, between tween Middle Island and Point Lookout. Pettit Marsh and False Channel Meadow, had a reported depth of about 5 feet in June 1981. Several boatyards (177) A secondary channel extending northwestward and marinas are along Freeport Creek where gasoline, through Cinder Creek and westward of Parsonage Is- diesel fuel, water, and marine supplies may be obtained; land to middle Bay had a reported depth of about 3 feet complete engine and hull repairs can be made. in June 1981. The channel is not marked. (168) Hudson Channel, extending northward to the piers (178) Garrett Lead, the primary channel extending at Freeport, had a reported depth of about 4 feet in June northeastward from Reynolds Channel to Middle Bay, 1981. Woodcleft Canal, westward of Hudson Channel, is marked by a lighted buoy, a light, buoys, and had a depth of about 13 feet. daybeacons. In June 1981, the channel had a reported controlling depth of 5 feet. Barnums Channel, heading (169) Freeport is a city on the north shore of Baldwin west from Garrett Lead, leads to a small-craft facility Bay with rail and bus communications to New York providing berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- City and other points on Long Island. ter, ice, marine supplies, a pumpout facility, a lift to 35 tons, storage, and full repairs. The facility has an ap- Small-craft facilities proach depth of 17 feet and an alongside depth of 14 (170) Many small-craft facilities are at Freeport. (See the feet. small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12352 for ser- Chart 12352 vices and supplies available.) (179) Long Beach is a seaside resort on the outer beach Anchorages about 4 miles west of Point Lookout. The waterfront on (171) A general anchorage is in Randall Bay at the north- the bayside is bulkheaded. east end of Baldwin Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.156, (180) The highway bridges crossing Reynolds Channel chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) between Long Beach and Island Park have bascule spans with clearances of 20 feet. The railroad bridge (172) A channel with a reported depth of about 7 feet in about 0.2 mile westward of the highway bridges has a June 1981, passes through Scow Creek to Baldwin Har- bascule span with a clearance of 14 feet. (See 117.1 bor. A channel connecting Baldwin Harbor with through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (c) and (g), Randall Bay had a reported depth of about 5 feet in June chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) 1981.
South Coast of Long Island ■ Chapter 10 ■ 373 (181) A dock of the Long Beach Hospital is on the south northwestward to Woodsburgh, had a reported con- side of Reynolds Channel about 0.3 mile eastward of the trolling depth of 3 feet in June 1981. The two fixed highway bridge; medical aid to boatmen is available bridges over Woodmere Channel northwestward of here. The dock is marked by a square white sign with a Brosewere Bay have a least clearance of 11 feet. large red cross. (189) Atlantic Beach is an oceanfront and bayside com- munity on the east side of East Rockaway Inlet. Facil- (182) Just westward of the railroad bridge, a dredged ities for mooring are eastward and westward of the channel passes through Island Park. In June 1981, the highway bridge. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, channel had a reported controlling depth of about 6 and other supplies are available. feet. The fixed footbridge and highway bridge crossing (190) Bannister Creek, just east of the Atlantic Beach the channel have a least clearance of 7 feet. Several Bridge, has depths of 7 to 12 feet. Bridge Creek extends wharves are available at Island Park. west just above the mouth of Bannister Creek. A small boatyard on the creek can haul out craft up to 6 tons for (183) Hog Island Channel, the main route to the towns hull and engine repairs; water, a pump-out, and some of Oceanside and East Rockaway, joins Reynolds Chan- marine supplies are available. nel southwestward of Island Park and leads westward of (191) The highway bridge crossing Reynolds Channel to Island Park, then eastward of West, East, and North Atlantic Beach just inside East Rockaway Inlet has a Meadows. East Rockaway Channel, privately marked bascule span with a clearance of 25 feet. (See 117.1 and an alternate and shallower route to the towns, joins through 117.59 and 117.799 (a) through (c) and (e), Hog Island Channel about 0.8 mile and 2.4 miles above chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender Reynolds Channel. Oceanside and East Rockaway are monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KFL–348. along the east and west sides, respectively, of the north- (192) East Rockaway Inlet, about 8 miles westward ern part of East Rockaway Channel. along the south coast of Long Island from Jones Inlet, is the westernmost entrance from the Atlantic to (184) In June 1981, the reported controlling depth in Hempstead Bay and the inland water route along the Hog Island Channel was 10 feet to the oil dock at a south shore of Long Island. The inlet is subject to fre- powerplant about 1.75 miles above the junction with quent changes, but is reported to be usually safer to Reynolds Channel, thence about 8 feet to the northern navigate than Jones or Fire Island Inlets. The aids junction with East Rockaway Channel. In June 1981, marking the inlet are periodically moved to mark the East Rockaway Channel had a reported controlling best water; local knowledge is advised. depth of 6 feet to its head. (193) Two large identical apartment buildings are promi- nent about 0.8 mile north-northeastward of the jetty (185) Mariners of vessels transiting Hog Island Channel light. in the vicinity of the public beach at the village of Island Park are requested to proceed at a speed that will create Currents minimum wave wash and wake, and avoid damage to (194) The tidal current in the inlet has a velocity of about the beach facilities. 2.3 knots. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predic- (186) There are numerous marginal-type petroleum tions.) Caution should be exercised when passing wharves along the eastern side of Hog Island Channel through the inlet and bridge at times of maximum cur- between 1.75 and 2.25 miles above the junction with rent. Reynolds Channel. In June 1981, depths of 6 to 10 feet were reported alongside the wharves; oil barges and Tides coastal tankers berth at or near high tide and ground (195) The mean range of tide is 4.1 feet in East Rockaway out at low tide when alongside. Inlet and from about 2 to 4 feet in Hempstead Bay. (187) Broad Channel, which joins Reynolds Channel eastward of Hicks Beach and leads to Hewlett Bay and Macy Channel, had a reported depth of about 3 feet in June 1981. (188) Woodsburgh Channel, which joins Broad Channel about 0.5 mile northward of Hicks Beach and leads
374 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 375 New York Harbor and Approaches (1) This chapter describes New York Harbor, its ap- miles. It is a clean shore and may be approached as proaches, and the areas adjacent to it, bounded by and close as 1 mile, with not less than 30 feet except off the including Jamaica Bay to the eastward and Sandy Hook inlets where the shore should be given a berth of at Bay to the southward. Included in the text, in addition least 1.5 miles. This coast is characterized by sandy to the facilities at New York City and Staten Island, are beaches and summer resorts at the eastern end, and the New Jersey ports of Perth Amboy, Port Elizabeth, amusement parks and densely settled communities at Port Newark, Bayonne, and others which are accessible the western end. through tributaries that empty into New York Harbor, (6) The shoreline is broken by three prominent and such as Arthur Kill, Kill Van Kull, Passaic River, and navigable inlets which lead to the inland waterway Hackensack River. The Hudson River above New York along the south shore of Long Island. Fire Island Inlet City is discussed in chapter 12, and the East River, the is at the eastern extremity, and its entrance is marked approach to New York Harbor from Long Island Sound, by lights and buoys. Jones Inlet is about 12 miles to the is discussed in chapter 9. west of Fire Island Inlet. The entrance is prominently indicated by the 202-foot lighted tower at Jones Beach COLREGS Demarcation Lines on the eastern side and by an elevated tank at Point (2) The lines established for New York Harbor are de- Lookout on the west side of the inlet. Jones Beach State Park is on the east side of the inlet; a lighted tower in scribed in 80.165, chapter 2. the park is a conspicuous landmark. (7) East Rockaway Inlet, about 8 miles westward of Charts 12326, 12327, 12401 Jones Inlet, is the extreme western entrance to the in- land waterway. The inlet entrance is marked by a break- (3) The approach to New York Harbor from seaward is water with a light on its seaward end. The shoreline generally along the south coast of Long Island or the between the two inlets is closely built up with large east coast of New Jersey, although the harbor is easily communities. Elevated tanks, towers, and other tall approached from any direction between east and south. structures are prominent in this area. During the approach, the south shore of Long Island will be seen to northward and the low sandy beaches of (8) A fish haven is about 2 miles offshore midway be- the New Jersey shore will be observed to westward. The tween East Rockaway Inlet and Rockaway Point. Long Island shore is readily identified by sand hillocks and densely populated beach communities, whereas (9) Rockaway Point, 17 miles westward of Jones Inlet, the New Jersey shore is characterized by long sandy is the southwestern extremity of Long Island and the stretches and many summer resort settlements. eastern entrance to New York Lower Bay. A breakwater, marked at its seaward end by a light, extends southward Prominent features from the point. Rockaway Inlet forms a large deep en- (4) The four most prominent landmarks, which can be trance to Jamaica Bay. seen for a long distance at sea, are the Fire Island Light, (10) Sandy Hook, the southern entrance point to New a tower at Jones Beach on the Long Island shore, the York Harbor, is low and sandy. A Coast Guard station Highlands of Navesink, and the microwave tower at At- and two radio towers are near the northern extremity lantic Highlands on the north end of the New Jersey of Sandy Hook. The towers and a large green standpipe coast. When nearing the Lower Bay of New York Har- to the southeast are the most prominent objects on the bor, Ambrose Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy A will be northern end of Sandy Hook. Southward of the seen; it marks the entrance to Ambrose Channel which standpipe are several houses and Sandy Hook Light is the principal deepwater passage through the Lower (40°27'42\"N., 74°00'07\"W.), 88 feet above the water and Bay. shown from a white stone tower, 85 feet high. This (5) The south coast of Long Island from Fire Island In- light, established in 1764, is the oldest in continuous let to Rockaway Inlet has a general 263° trend for 30 use in the United States.
376 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 (11) The most prominent landmark southward of the to it and the walls are very steep. The use of soundings entrance to New York Harbor is the high wooded ridge permits a very accurate determination of a ship’s posi- forming the Highlands of Navesink. A tall condomin- tion by the comparison of the soundings with the depth ium on the ridge and a microwave tower at Atlantic curves on the charts. The bottom of the Mud Gorge is Highlands to the west are also prominent. The brown- usually of mud; on both sides of it sand predominates. stone towers of the abandoned Navesink Lighthouse on (17) Cholera Bank, about 11 miles southeastward of the easternmost spur of the highlands are 73 feet above Ambrose Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy A, is about 2 the ground and about 246 feet above the water. The miles long in an east-west direction and has a least northerly tower is octagonal, and the southerly tower is depth of 10 fathoms. The bank is raised very little above square. A private seasonal light is shown from the the general level of the bottom, however, because the northerly tower. bottom is rocky in character, soundings will give useful indications in thick or foggy weather. During the sum- COLREGS Demarcation Lines mer numerous vessels may be seen on this bank. (12) The lines established for New York Harbor are de- Caution scribed in 80.165, chapter 2. (18) Telegraphic companies report serious interrup- (13) Soundings will be found most useful to warn ves- tions of international telegraphic communications re- sels of too close an approach to the shore in approach- sulting from repeated breaking of their cables by ing New York Harbor. Many vessels have been wrecked vessels anchoring southeastward and eastward of the on the coast of New Jersey and Long Island through Pilot Cruising Area for Ambrose and Sandy Hook chan- failure to take frequent soundings when the position nels. The companies state that they will be glad to com- was uncertain. Depth is a better indication of position pensate any vessel, which, having fouled the cable, cuts off this part of the coast than the character of the bot- away its anchor and chain in order to save the cable tom, as the same characteristics may be found in widely from interruption. Vessels making New York in thick different positions. A frequent use of soundings and weather and finding it necessary to anchor before en- close study of the charts will always give sufficient tering Ambrose Channel should anchor in the area warning of danger. If a vessel is not certain of her posi- southward of Scotland Lighted Whistle Buoy S tion, the depth should not be shoaled to less than 15 (40°26'33\"N., 73°55'01\"W.) and westward of 73°48'00\"W. fathoms on the south coast of Long Island eastward of Fire Island Light, or 11 fathoms between Fire Island Tides Light and Barnegat Lighted Buoy B (39°45'48\"N., (19) The mean range of tide at Sandy Hook is 4.7 feet. 73°46'04\"W.), or 9 fathoms southward of Barnegat Lighted Buoy B. (See the Tide Tables for daily tide predictions.) (14) From the position of the two shores relative to each Currents other and to the entrance to New York Harbor it follows (20) The important currents affecting navigation in the that a course of 215° will deepen the water if the vessel is on the Long Island side of the approach and will shoal approach to New York Harbor are those due to winds. if she is off the New Jersey coast. A course of 035° will The largest velocity likely to occur under storm condi- deepen the water if the vessel is off the New Jersey side tions is about 1.5 knots. A sudden reversal in the direc- of the approach and will shoal if she is off the Long Is- tion of the wind produces a corresponding change in land coast. the current, either diminishing or augmenting the ve- locity. Sustained winds do not maintain the currents at (15) Eastward of Fire Island Light the water shoals quite the maximum velocities. The velocity is about 0.2 knots rapidly toward the Long Island shore, but inside a line near the Ambrose Channel entrance. The largest veloc- drawn from Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted Horn Buoy ity likely to occur is 2 knots. NA to Barnegat Lighted Buoy B, there is no marked dif- (21) Between Nantucket and Cape May away from the ference in the soundings as either shore is approached immediate vicinity of the shore, the tidal currents are except in Mud Gorge. generally rotary. They shift direction, usually clock- wise, at an average rate of about 30° an hour, and have (16) Modern surveys show the existence of a canyon, ev- velocities generally less than 0.3 knot except in the vi- idently cut by the Hudson River in prehistoric days, cinities of the entrances to the larger inland waterways across the Continental Shelf, extending about 120 where the velocities increase as the entrances are ap- miles southeastward from off Sandy Hook. The inshore proached. For a considerable distance from the inlets, section is called the Mud Gorge and the offshore sec- strengths of flood and ebb set respectively toward and tion the Hudson Canyon. In some sections of this cut away from those entrances, and minimums of velocity, the depths are considerably greater than those adjacent
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 377 corresponding to the slacks of reversing currents, set at (26) Between Gay Head and Montauk Point the tidal right angles to the direction of flood and ebb strengths. currents set northward on the flood and southward on (22) Offshore and away from the influence of the tidal the ebb. The estimated velocity at strength where the flow into and out of the larger bays, the tidal current depth is about 25 fathoms is 0.5 knot; closer inshore maintains an approximately uniform velocity. Shifting and near the entrance this velocity increases. its direction continuously to the right, it sets all direc- tions of the compass during each tidal cycle of 12.4 (27) Three miles north of Nantucket Traffic Lane hours. (See the Tidal Current Tables for the predicted Lighted Horn Buoy NA the tidal currents have a mean times and velocities of the tidal currents at a number of velocity at strength of about 0.2 knot in a westward di- locations in the coastal waters.) rection on the flood and an eastward direction on the (23) Between Nantucket Island and Sandy Hook there is ebb. a general drift of the sea south-southwestward. The av- erage velocity of this movement is about 0.1 knot. Weather, New York Harbor and approaches (24) Approaching New York Harbor from the vicinity of (28) Winds play an important role by affecting currents Nantucket Shoals Lighted Whistle Buoy N, a slight al- lowance should be made for a southwesterly set of the in the harbor. During the winter west and northwest current. With an easterly wind it is customary to allow, winds prevail with northerlies and southwesterlies in in order to make the course good, a set of the current secondary roles. The strongest winds are out of the with it of at least 0.5 knot. west through northwest at 13 to 15 knots, from Janu- (25) The effect of the wind on the current should always ary through April. The sheltering effect of the land is be considered. The largest velocities likely to occur apparent when looking at frequencies of winds of 28 during storms are 2.5 knots about 3 miles northward of knots or more. They blow near the Ambrose Channel Nantucket Shoals Lighted Whistle Buoy N and 1.5 entrance about 8 to 9 percent of the time compared to 1 knots 3 miles north of Nantucket Traffic Lane Lighted percent at Kennedy Airport and Floyd Bennett Field. Horn Buoy NA and off Five Fathom Bank. Summer winds are often out of the south and south- west with a 10 to 12 knot afternoon peak. Fog in the harbor area is more closely related to land type fogs. In winter it is common on clear, calm mornings and more
378 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 frequent than in the approaches. Southerlies can also Pilot Boat Cruising Area, New York Harbor bring winter fogs of the advection type. During the (36) The pilot boat maintains station approximately 1.5 spring and early summer the harbor as well as its ap- proaches are susceptible to advection fog, riding in on miles southeast of the Ambrose Channel Lighted Whis- east through south winds. A morning peak still exists in tle Buoy A. See Pilotage, New York Harbor and Ap- the harbor, while the approaches exhibit an afternoon proaches (indexed as such), this chapter. maximum. Caution North Atlantic Right Whales (37) Numerous fishing floats have been reported in the (29) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur approach to New York Harbor in the Traffic Separation within 30 miles of the New York and New Jersey coasts Scheme precautionary area. in the approaches to New York Harbor (peak season: November through April). (See North Atlantic Right (38) Shipping safety fairways have been established Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more infor- connecting the eastern approach off Ambrose of Traffic mation on right whales and recommended measures to Separation Scheme Off New York and the eastern ap- avoid collisions.) proach off Nantucket of Traffic Separation Scheme Off (30) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall New York. (See 166.100 through 166.500, chapter 2, (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United for limits and regulations.) States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in a Seasonal Management Area existing around the Ports Vessel Traffic Service, New York of New York/New Jersey between November 1 and April (39) New York Harbor has a Vessel Traffic Service. (See 30. The area is defined as the waters within a 20-nm ra- dius of 40º29'42.2\"N., 73º55'57.6\"W. (See 50 CFR §161.1 through §161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limitations, and (40) Recommended minimum under-keel clearance for exceptions.) selected areas of the Harbor Safety, Navigation and (31) Gateway National Recreation Area and harbor por- Operations Committee of the Port of New York and poise protection Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) extend New Jersey.–In order to prevent groundings and to from the waters off Long Island along the New Jersey promote the safety and environmental security of the shoreline. (See Appendix C, for additional informa- waterway resources of the Port of New York and New tion.) Jersey, the Harbor Operations Committee of the Port of New York and New Jersey recommends that all enti- (32) Information about the coast south of Sandy Hook ties responsible for the safe movement of vessels in and is contained in United States Coast Pilot 3, Atlantic through the waters of the Port of New York and New Coast, Sandy Hook to Cape Henry. Jersey operate vessels in such a manner as to maintain a minimum clearance of two feet between the deepest Charts 12326, 12327, 12401, 12402 draft of their vessel and channel bottom in the follow- ing named channels: (33) New York Harbor is the principal entrance by water (41) Lower Bay: to New York City and the surrounding ports. The har- (42) 1) Ambrose Channel (3 ft minimum under-keel bor is divided by The Narrows into Lower Bay and Up- clearance due to wave and sea action) per Bay. The Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan, is (43) 2) Sandy Hook Channel at the junction of East River and Hudson River. The (44) 3) Chapel Hill Channel main channel from the sea to the deepwater terminals (45) Upper Bay: in Hudson River has a project depth of 45 feet. (46) 1) Anchorage Channel (The Narrows to The Bat- tery) (34) Traffic Separation Scheme Off New York has been (47) 2) Bay Ridge Channel established in the approaches to New York Harbor from (48) 3) Red Hook Channel the sea. (See charts 12300 and 12326.) (See also 167.1 (49) 4) Buttermilk Channel through 167.155, chapter 2, for limits and regula- (50) North River: tions.) (51) 1) The Battery to 79th Street (52) East River: (35) (See Traffic Separation Schemes, chapter 1, for ad- (53) 1) The Battery to Throgs Neck Bridge ditional information, and chapter 3 for a discussion of (54) Kill Van Kull: North Atlantic Lane Routes.) (55) 1) Constable Hook Reach (56) 2) Bergen Point Reach (57) 3) North of Shooters Island Reach
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 379 (58) 4) Elizabethport Reach coordinated through VTS NY so as to insure the transit (59) Newark Bay: of the vessel in question can be assisted as appropriate. (60) 1) Newark Bay Reach - Bergen Point to Droyers (83) If at any time VTS NY believes a proposed vessel transit may not conform to this recommendation, they Point will request an assessment be conducted prior to grant- (61) Hackensack River: ing a vessel permission to transit within the VTS NY (62) 1) Droyers Point to the turning basin at Marion Area. This assessment process will include a review of (63) Passaic River: real-time water level information from the P.O.R.T.S.®. (64) 1) Kearney Point (84) Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (65) Arthur Kill: (P.O.R.T.S.®) is an information acquisition and dis- (66) 1) Gulfport Reach semination technology developed by the National (67) 2) Pralls Island Reach Ocean Service, NOAA. The Port of New York and New (68) 3) Tremley Point Reach Jersey Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System can (69) 4) Fresh Kills Reach be contacted via telephone (866) 217-6787 or the Inter- (70) 5) Port Reading Reach net at: http://www.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov. (71) 6) Port Socony Reach (85) Also to be considered are the vessel’s intended (72) 7) Outer Bridge Reach track, including particular areas of inadequate water (73) Raritan Bay: depth with the pilot’s plan for their avoidance, any (74) 1) Raritan Bay West Reach other local conditions which might further restrict (75) 2) Raritan Bay East Reach vessel movement, as well as special traffic routing mea- (76) 3) Seguine Point Bend sures that might be required. If VTS NY deems this as- (77) 4) Red Bank Reach sessment to be necessary, the VTS Watch Officer will (78) 5) Ward Point Reach request on VHF-FM that the pilot contact VTS via (79) A recommended standard of “always afloat” will ap- land-line or cellular telephone. Discussion on un- der-keel clearance plans shall not be conducted on ply to all other areas, including berths, in the Port Dis- VHF-FM. It is in the best interest of all parties to insure trict that abut the above listed channels. Ship related situations of marginal under-keel clearance are identi- factors such as squat, turning heel and other dynamic fied and thoroughly discussed well prior to a vessel’s motions should be considered and, if expected, added to underway time. These guidelines were adopted by the this figure to ensure a minimum clearance of two feet Harbor Operations Committee on 20 September 1995 will be maintained throughout a given transit. and became effective 1 January 1996. Conformance Traffic in New York Harbor (80) The owner, master, or person in charge of each ves- (86) In the East River between the Brooklyn Bridge and sel has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining this Poorhouse Flats Range, shallow-draft vessels custom- minimum recommended under-keel clearance. Addi- arily keep to the west (Manhattan) side of the channel tionally, persons directing the movement of vessels whether northbound or southbound, thereby reserving share this responsibility and are expected to advise the east (Brooklyn) side of the channel for deep-draft owners, operators and persons in charge of vessels if, in vessels. Vessels transiting East River should be aware of their judgement, a vessel is not in conformance with this practice and anticipate northbound shallow-draft these standards. vessels crossing from east to west in the vicinity of (81) If at any time a vessel’s under-keel clearance is not Corlears Hook, and from west to east in the vicinity of in conformance with this recommendation and own- Newtown Creek. ers, masters, or others in charge of the vessel desire to (87) The New York City Department of Transportation proceed against the pilot’s recommendation, pilots are ferries generally follow a prescribed route between The urged to report this to the USCG Captain of the Port via Battery and St. George on Staten Island, placing them VTS New York. Through VTS New York, the COTP will to the extreme right-hand side of the channel. All mari- foster communications between the concerned parties ners are strongly encouraged not to transit close in effort to arrive at agreed upon conditions for safe aboard of the ferry slips at The Battery and St. George vessel passage. due to ferries maneuvering. (82) It should be recognized that there may be instances when the master, pilot and COTP evaluate a situation and agree that a vessel movement can be made safely even though inconsistent with this recommendation. Such movements may be allowed and should be
380 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 Channels Local magnetic disturbance (88) Ambrose Channel, the principal entrance, extends (111) Differences of as much as 5° from the normal varia- from the sea to deep water in Lower Bay. Thence, An- tion have been reported in Lower Bay in the vicinity of chorage Channel, an extension of Ambrose Channel 40°29.6'N., 74°04.2'W. leads through Upper Bay to The Battery. Hudson River Channel continues northward from The Battery for (112) Sandy Hook Channel, project depth 35 feet, pro- about 5 miles to West 59th Street, Manhattan. Project vides a secondary route from the sea to deep water in depth for these channels is 45 feet. Lower Bay; it connects with Raritan Bay Channel to (89) In addition to the usual aids, Ambrose Channel in the westward, Chapel Hill Channel to the north, and its outer portion is also marked by West Bank Light, Terminal Channel to the south. Chapel Hill Channel shown from a brown conical tower on a black cylindri- has a project depth of 30 feet; numerous obstructions cal pier, in range with Staten Island Light, which is with lesser depths are in the channel. The entrance to shown from a light-colored octagonal brick tower on a Sandy Hook Channel is marked by Scotland Lighted gray limestone base on the high ground of Staten Is- Whistle Buoy S, equipped with a radar beacon (Racon). land at Richmond. The channels are well marked with navigational aids. (90) Lower Bay is that part of New York Harbor extend- (See Notice to Mariners and the latest editions of charts ing from Sandy Hook westward to Raritan River and for controlling depths.) northward to The Narrows. (113) Swash Channel is a natural buoyed passage be- Recommended Vessel Tracks, Ambrose Channel tween Ambrose Channel and Sandy Hook Channel. Nu- (91) Recommended vessel tracks for coastwise tug and merous rocks and obstructions are in the entrance to and within the channel; mariners are advised to use the barge vessels approaching from or leaving toward the chart as a guide. A lighted range, the rear marker of south and transiting to New York Harbor via Ambrose which is Staten Island Light, leads on a bearing of 305° Channel, while not mandatory, are recommended by to the junction with Chapel Hill Channel. the Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Commit- tee of the Port of New York as follows: (114) False Hook Channel, along and close to the eastern (92) Tugs Inbound: shore of Sandy Hook, joins Sandy Hook Channel east- (93) 40°25'20.5\"N., 73°52'57.0\"W.; ward of the north end of Sandy Hook. Strangers should (94) 40°25'48.6\"N., 73°52'48.7\"W.; not use the channel. (95) 40°26'31.2\"N., 73°52'40.2\"W.; (96) 40°27'09.2\"N., 73°52'38.9\"W.; (115) Fourteen Foot Channel enters Lower Bay just (97) 40°28'05.2\"N., 73°52'54.9\"W. north of Ambrose Channel. The channel has a depth of (98) Tugs Outbound: about 16 feet and is unmarked. A shoal area with a least (99) 40°28'26.4\"N., 73°53'54.2\"W.; depth of 6 feet is north of the channel in 40°31'55\"N., (100) 40°27'52.4\"N., 73°53'42.4\"W.; 73°59'00\"W. (101) 40°27'32.7\"N., 73°53'37.8\"W.; (102) 40°27'05.5\"N., 73°53'36.0\"W.; Anchorages (103) 40°25'42.2\"N., 73°53'34.4\"W.; (116) General, explosives, naval, and special anchorages (104) 40°25'22.6\"N., 73°53'35.6\"W. have been prescribed for the Port of New York by Fed- Area to be avoided eral Regulations. (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, (105) To avoid the risk of pollution and damage to the en- chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (117) Vessels are especially cautioned against anchoring vironment, all vessels carrying petroleum, dangerous in the vicinity of the pipeline and cable areas as shown or toxic cargoes, or any other vessel exceeding 1,000 on the charts. The pipeline area across The Narrows tons, should avoid the area enclosed by the following supplies the water for Staten Island. Extensive cable ar- pints: eas are in the vicinity of Governors Island, The Battery, (106) 40°25'44.1\"N., 73°52'40.6\"W.; and Ellis Island. (See also chart 12334.) (107) 40°25'51.2\"N., 73°50'51.9\"W.; (118) The Harbor Safety, Operations and Navigation (108) 40°25'28.4\"N., 73°50'51.9\"W.; Committee of the Port of New York and New Jersey has (109) 40°24'43.0\"N., 73°51'48.2\"W.; issued the following recommendations to address the (110) 40°25'13.9\"N., 73°52'40.7\"W. inadequate number of inshore anchorages within the harbor: (119) Ships awaiting berths will use the offshore anchor- ages at Ambrose; (120) All vessels will limit use of Stapleton, Bay Ridge and Gravesend Bay anchorages to the following
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 381 operations: lightering or loading, bunkering, receiving in at the bottom and near the shores while it is still ebb- stores or parts, repairs, Coast Guard inspections, crew ing at the surface in Ambrose Channel. changes, or emergencies; (129) The ebb in Lower Bay is generally stronger than the (121) Ships will return to the offshore anchorage upon flood by 10 percent or more. At its strength it sets from completion of these operations to await berth; The Narrows approximately parallel to the upper (122) Tugs and barges not engaged in operations de- straight end of the lower straight section. scribed above will refrain from using the deep water an- (130) In the channel northward of Governors Island, chorages at Stapleton, Bay Ridge (south of Buoy 26) cross currents may be encountered. During the first 2 and Gravesend Bay (west of Buoys “A”, “B” and “C”) hours of flood in this channel (eastward), the current when there is suitable room east of the Gravesend Bay in Hudson River is still ebbing (southward). In the first buoys, north of Buoy 26 in Bay Ridge, in the North 1.5 hours of ebb (westward) in the channel north of River Anchorage, or suitable anchorage in Raritan Bay Governors Island, the current in Hudson River is still or Perth Amboy. flooding (northward). At such times large vessels must (123) These recommendations are intended to minimize take special care in navigating the channel. It is re- vessel delays and allow efficient use of current anchor- ported that the most dangerous time is about 2 hours age areas. All vessels are requested to observe these after high water at The Battery. At this time the current recommendations. is setting north in the Hudson River and westward from the East River. The effect on a large vessel coming Dangers from southward and turning into the East River is to (124) There are five shoal areas in the entrance to New throw her stern to port and her bow to starboard, thus causing a sheer to starboard toward the shoals off the York Harbor which are subject to change in depths and north end of Governors Island. When coming from should be avoided by strangers. False Hook is off the northward in the Hudson River the same effect tends to northeastern side of Sandy Hook. Flynns Knoll is be- prevent the vessel from turning and to cause her to tween Swash, Sandy Hook, and Chapel Hill Channels. overrun her course. These cross currents are known lo- Romer Shoal, between Ambrose and Swash Channels, cally as The Spider. is marked by Romer Shoal Light; a fog signal is (131) At the seaward end of Ambrose Channel the veloc- sounded from the light station. East Bank is northward ity of the flood current is 1.7 knots and of the ebb cur- and eastward of Ambrose Channel. West Bank is west- rent 2.3 knots. ward of Ambrose Channel between West Bank (Range (132) When the ebb is strong the currents in both Front) Light and Fort Wadsworth. Numerous rocks and Ambrose and Swash Channels tend to set toward obstructions lie between West Bank and the western Romer Shoal. Caution should be maintained to prevent limit of Ambrose Channel. The chart is the best guide. being set onto Romer Shoal when using either chan- (125) The tip of Sandy Hook is changeable, and the area nel. On the flood and especially with a westerly wind, around it is subject to severe shoaling; caution should caution should be exercised to prevent being set onto be exercised in the area. Romer Shoal when using Swash Channel. (126) Mariners are cautioned to maintain a sharp look- (133) In The Narrows the velocity of the flood current is out for floating debris in the harbor and channels. about 1.7 knots and of the ebb current 2 knots. (See Tidal Current Tables for the daily predictions of slack Tides water and strength of current.) (127) The mean range of tide in New York Harbor is 4.7 (134) In the entrance to Hudson River the velocity of the flood and ebb currents is 1.4 knots. Off Grants Tomb, feet at Sandy Hook and 4.6 feet at The Battery. Daily the flood and ebb strengths are 1.6 and 1.9 knots, re- predictions for both places are given in the Tide Tables. spectively. (135) In October 1991, tidal currents in The Narrows, Ar- Currents thur Kill, Kill Van Kull, and Hell Gate were reported to (128) The flood current entering Lower Bay from the sea deviate significantly from official predictions published by the National Ocean Service. Mariners should exer- attains a velocity of about 2 knots in Ambrose Channel cise caution and discretion in the use of published tidal entrance, near the outer extremities of Sandy Hook, current predictions for these locations. Also, previ- Coney Island, and The Narrows. It sets generally paral- ously available Tidal Current Charts for New York Har- lel to the lower straight section of Ambrose Channel bor have been withdrawn. and tends to continue to that direction where the chan- nel bends toward The Narrows, setting more or less di- agonally across the upper straight section of Ambrose Channel. At the beginning of the flood, the current sets
382 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 Ice average low of 26°F (-3.3°C). The warmest temperature (136) Navigation of the channels in the Port of New York on record for New York/Kennedy is 104°F (40°C) re- corded in July 1966 and the coldest temperature on re- and New Jersey is not restricted by ice. The main chan- cord is -2°F (-18.9°C) recorded in January 1985. On nels do not freeze over, and any ice in the smaller wa- average, ten days each year record high temperatures terways is well broken up by tugs and general traffic. in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and 78 days record minimum Freshwater ice is brought down the Hudson River in temperatures below 32°F (0°C). An average of only one large floes during periods of thaws or winter freshets. day each year has an extreme minimum below 5°F Occasionally there are large accumulations of ice at (-15°C). Spuyten Duyvil where Harlem River joins the Hudson, (141) Precipitation is both moderate and distributed and at such times it is difficult for low-powered vessels evenly throughout the year with a spread of only 1.06 or tows to make much headway. Under conditions of inches (28 mm) between the wettest and driest strong winds the slips on the exposed side of the chan- months. May is the wettest month with an average pre- nel become packed with drift ice, causing difficulty cipitation total of 3.92 inches (991 mm) and February when maneuvering in the slip or when berthing. Dur- the driest with 2.86 inches (74 mm). Average annual ing extremely severe winters navigation is interfered precipitation is about 41 inches (1041 mm). Most of the with seriously for only short periods of time. rainfall from June through September comes from thunderstorms, therefore, is usually of brief duration, Weather, New York and vicinity but relatively intense. Thunderstorm days average 24 (137) New York City, an area exceeding 300 square stat- each year. From October to April, however, precipita- tion is generally associated with widespread storm ar- ute miles (777 square km), is located on the Atlantic eas, so that day-long rain or snow is common. coastal plain at the mouth of the Hudson River. The ter- (142) Snow falls an average 30 days each year and aver- rain is flat and diversified by numerous waterways; all ages 22 inches (559 mm) in any given year. The snowi- but one of the city’s five boroughs are situated on is- est month is February with an average of eight inches lands. Elevations range from less than 50 feet (15.2 m) (203 mm). Snow has fallen in each month, October over most of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to al- through April. The greatest 24-hour total snowfall was most 300 feet (91.4 m) in the northern part of 20 inches (508 mm) which fell in February 1969. Manhattan and the Bronx, and over 400 feet (122 m) in (143) Tropical storms have influenced the area fourteen Richmond (Staten Island). times since 1871. Most recently, Hurricane Gloria (138) Despite its nearness to the ocean and the numer- passed within 20 nautical miles east of the Kennedy air- ous bays and rivers nearby, New York City has a climate port in September 1985. Gloria had winds approaching which more closely resembles the continental type of 75 knots at time of landfall, about halfway between climate than it does the maritime type. Its modified Kennedy airport and Islip. Only two days earlier, Gloria continental climate follows from the fact that weather was a more respectable 125-knot hurricane. conditions affecting the city usually approach from a (144) The National Weather Service maintains several of- westerly direction and not from the ocean on the east. fices in New York where barometers can be compared. Some important exceptions to this must be noted, (See Appendix A for addresses.) since the oceanic influence is by no means entirely ab- (145) (See Appendix B for the Manhattan climatological sent. During the summer, local “sea breezes,” winds table and the Kennedy Airport climatological table.) blowing onshore from the cool water surface often moderate the afternoon heat; and most often in winter, Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches coastal storms, accompanied by easterly winds, pro- (146) Foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register en- duce, on occasion, considerable amounts of precipita- tion. tering or departing from the Port of New York and New (139) From November through April the prevailing Jersey must employ a pilot licensed by the State of New winds are from the northwest; for the remainder of the York or New Jersey. Enrolled vessels must have on year the prevailing winds are southwesterly. Gales with board or employ a pilot licensed by the Federal Govern- velocities of 35 knots or more are predominately from ment. the northwest. (147) State and Federal pilotage service for vessels enter- (140) At New York/Kennedy the average annual tempera- ing the Port of New York and New Jersey through ture is 54°F (12.2°C). The average high is 61°F (16.1°C) Lower Bay and intra-harbor movements is available and the average low is 47°F (8.3°C). July is the warmest from the United New York New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilot month with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and an av- Association, 201 Edgewater Street, Staten Island, NY erage low of 69°F (20.6°C). January is the coolest month with an average high of 39°F (3.9°C) and an
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 383 10305, telephone 718 448-3900, FAX 718 876-8055 Sound is available from the United New York New Jer- e–mail: [email protected]. sey Sandy Hook Pilot Association (see above). The pilot (148) The Sandy Hook pilot vessel maintains station ap- boat boarding area is off Execution Rocks. The pilot proximately 1.5 miles southeast of the Ambrose Chan- boat ties up at a pier on the east side of City Island about nel Lighted Whistle Buoy A. All traffic passes through a 0.4 mile northward of Belden Point. The pilot station, precautionary area transiting to the pilot station. Most on the pier, and the pilot boat monitor VHF-FM chan- vessels choose to approach the pilot station directly nel 13 when vessels are scheduled to arrive. The 48-foot since Ambrose Light was disestablished. Traffic within pilot boat has a black hull with the word PILOT in red the precautionary area may consist of vessels making letters on each side of the house. Arrangements for pi- the transition between operating in Ambrose or Sandy lots are made in advance either directly by the vessel or Hook Channel and one of the traffic lanes. Mariners are through ships’ agents. Notification is mandatory 24 advised to exercise extreme care in navigating within hours prior to arrival and ETA updates are required 12 this area. The pilot vessels have a black hull and white and 6 hours prior to arrival. superstructure, with the name PILOT NO. 1 or PILOT (153) Masters of vessels entering the Port of New York NO. 2 in yellow on each side and are equipped with AIS and New Jersey are requested, prior to the time of and transmit either “PILOT NO.1” or “PILOT NO.2” A boarding, to contact the pilot boat to ascertain a proper pilot vessel is always on station; boarding is made from boarding speed, make a lee for the pilot boat, and have a smaller boats which are also AIS equipped and broad- pilot ladder over the side about 1 meter above the wa- cast “P/B (name).” The pilot vessel monitors VHF-FM ter. channels 16, 13, and 73, and works on 73. (154) Pilotage for U.S. enrolled vessels in the coastwise (149) Pilot services are arranged in advance through trade is available from the United New York New Jersey ships’ agents. A 24-hour advance notice of ETA, with a Sandy Hook Pilot Association (see above) and Interport 3-hour update is requested. Pilots Agency, Inc. (see above). Pilot boats are KEN (150) Pilotage for these waters for U.S. enrolled vessels in JOHNSON, 47-foot with blue hull and white super- coastwise trade is also available from the Interport Pi- structure with the word PILOT displayed on both sides, lots Agency, Inc., http://www.interportpilots.com, 906 and INTERPORT PILOT, 50-foot with the same colors. Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ Boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13 two hours 07758-0236, telephone 732-787-5554 (24 hours), email prior to the vessel’s scheduled ETA, work on channel [email protected]. The Interport Pilots office 65A, and are equipped with AIS. Interport Pilots board monitors VHF-FM channels 16 and 65A during busi- vessels bound from Long Island Sound into New York ness hours. Pilot boats are KEN JOHNSON, 47-foot, Harbor via the East River at any LIS port, Montauk blue hull and white superstructure with the word Point, Point Judith Pilot Station, or in the vicinity of PILOT displayed on both sides, and INTERPORT Execution Rocks. PILOT, 50-foot with the same colors. Boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13 one and a half hours prior Pilotage, Hudson River to the vessel’s scheduled ETA, work on channel 65A, (155) See Pilotage, Hudson River (indexed as such), and are equipped with AIS and transmit ‘PILOTBOAT (NAME)'. chapter 12. (151) Vessels are generally boarded in the charted, desig- nated pilot boarding area, located southeast of the Towage Ambrose Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy A at (156) The Port of New York and New Jersey has several 40°26'47\"N., 73°48'27\"W. Arrangements for pilot ser- vices are made in advance through ship's agents or di- towing companies with radio-equipped tugs with over rectly to Interport Pilots Agency, Inc. 4,000 hp. Arrangements for tugs are usually made in advance by ships’ agents. Fireboats are stationed Pilotage, New York Harbor from Long Island throughout the harbor. Sound (157) New York is a customs port of entry and the head- (152) Foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register en- quarters of the Regional Commissioner. tering or departing from the Port of New York and New Jersey from Long Island Sound must employ a pilot li- Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural censed by the State of New York. Enrolled vessels must quarantine have on board or employ a pilot licensed by the Federal (158) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Government. Pilotage service for vessels entering the Appendix A for addresses.) Port of New York and New Jersey from Long Island (159) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Health Service, chapter 1.)
384 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 Coast Guard side of the Hudson River (North River) above The Bat- (160) A Coast Guard station is at Rosebank on Staten Is- tery. Containership terminals are throughout the port, but principally at Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, and land. A Coast Guard Command Center including a Cap- Weehawken, N.J. Other containership facilities are at tain of the Port office and Marine Inspection Office are Howland Hook, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Break- at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. Additional informa- bulk general cargo terminals are throughout the port tion can be found at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork. but principally along the east side of Upper New York Bay, on the East River, and at Port Newark. Petroleum Harbor regulations and other liquid cargo facilities are along Arthur Kill, (161) The administration of the Port of New York and on the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers, and along New- town Creek, Brooklyn. New Jersey and the enforcement of its laws are vested (167) General cargo in the port is usually handled to and in no single body, but are divided among various de- from vessels by ship’s tackle. Heavy lifts up to 500 tons, partments of the Federal, State, and Municipal Govern- floating cranes up to 500 tons, and derricks are avail- ments. able in port. Most of the waterfront facilities through- out the port have highway and railroad connections. Speed (168) The wharves and piers of New York City along the (162) The Coast Guard desires to warn masters and pilots waterfronts of the Hudson and East Rivers are num- bered beginning at The Battery and follow in sequence of all types of vessels that possible action may result eastward along the East River and northward along the against their licenses and criminal procedures may be Hudson River. For a complete description of the water- exercised, when the wash of a vessel proceeding at ex- front facilities throughout the Port of New York and cessive speed in confined waters endangers life, limb, New Jersey refer to Port Series No. 5, published and or property. Damage to vessels moored at docks and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (See Appen- terminals has been reported. The parting of a mooring dix A for address.) line may cause a serious oil fire or damage to pipelines or barges which are being loaded or discharged at Supplies chemical and petroleum company terminals. Damage (169) Provisions and supplies of all kinds are available in caused by excessive speed may also lead to a possible suit by the injured party against owners, masters, or pi- the Port of New York and New Jersey. All grades of lots for monetary recovery. heavy marine bunker fuel, lubricants, and diesel fuel can be obtained. Large vessels are usually bunkered at (163) The New York Economic Development Corpora- their berths by tank barges or self-propelled tankers. tion administers the piers along the New York City wa- Water is available at most of the piers and wharves. terfront. The office is at 110 William Street. Additional information can be found at http://www.nycedc.com/ Repairs RealEstate/AssetManagement. (170) The Port of New York and New Jersey has extensive (164) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is facilities for making all types of repairs to vessels of all an executive body appointed by the Governors of New sizes. The shipyards at Brooklyn, Hoboken, Staten Is- York and New Jersey. The Authority’s Port Department land and Queens can drydock some of the largest serves as a bistate port development, operations, main- ocean-going vessels, and can make major repairs to tenance, and promotion organization. The Port Au- hull, electronic equipment, machinery, and propulsion thority administers piers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, plants. Also within the port area, a number of firms Hoboken, Port Newark, and Port Elizabeth. The office without waterfront facilities are engaged in various of the Authority is at the 233 Park Avenue South, New types of marine repair work. These firms maintain York, NY 10003. ships and portable equipment for making above-waterline repairs and for installation of equip- Wharves ment, gear, and machinery on all types of craft at berth. (165) The Port of New York and New Jersey has over Several salvage companies also perform all types of sal- vage work. 1,100 waterfront facilities. Most of these facilities are (171) The largest floating drydock, east of Red Hook privately owned and operated, and the rest are owned Channel and on the east side of Erie Basin, has a lifting or operated by either the railroads serving the port, the capacity of 16,000 tons, an overall length of 580 feet, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the City of maximum clear inside width of 100 feet, and a depth of New York, the States of New York and New Jersey, the 28 feet over the keel blocks. The largest graving dock is Federal Government, or other municipalities. (166) The major steamship passenger terminal, the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal, is along the east
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 385 on the east side of Wallabout Bay at the site of the for- Chart 12350 mer New York Naval Shipyard. The dock has a clear length of 1,092 feet, clear gate width of 143 feet, top and (174) Rockaway Inlet, the entrance to Jamaica Bay, is be- bottom inside widths of 150 feet, and 34 feet over the tween Rockaway Point on the southeast side and keel blocks; cranes to 200 tons are available. The larg- Manhattan Beach and Barren Island on the north side. est marine railway, on the east side of East Mill Basin in The inlet is obstructed by a shifting sandbar located Jamaica Bay, can handle vessels up to 300 tons of 120 about 0.6 mile southeast of the light. A jetty, marked feet long. near the outer end by a light, extends south from Rockaway Point. The entrance channel extends west- Communications ward of the jetty and is marked by lighted and (172) The Port of New York and New Jersey is served by unlighted buoys. The channel has depths of about 18 feet or more at midchannel. The area around Buoy 5 three trunkline and one short-line railroads, numerous has a least depth of 13 feet. A shoal with depths of less trucking firms engaged in long- and short-haul freight than 1 foot and marked by breakers is west of the en- service, and several bus companies. Over 100 steam- trance channel. Numerous obstructions lie from ship companies connect the port with the principal southeast to southwest of the jetty light. The chart is U.S. and foreign ports. the best guide. (173) Three major airports, John F. Kennedy (New York) International, La Guardia, and Newark, provide frequent (175) There are two sunken wrecks farther inside the in- scheduled service between New York and domestic and let; the first, in 40°33'03\"N., 73°56'42\"W., about 0.5 overseas points. mile north-northwest of Rockaway Point, has a depth of 25 feet. The second is in 40°34'30\"N., 73°52'30\"W., about 0.4 mile eastward of the bridge. (176) In July 1980, shoaling to about 3 feet was reported in the inlet about 1.75 miles west of the Gil Hodges Me- morial Bridge in about 40°34'21\"N., 73°55'29.5\"W.
386 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 (177) Gil Hodges Memorial (Marine Parkway) Bridge, (183) Ice is a problem in Jamaica Bay, mainly in the trib- crossing Rockaway Inlet between Rockaway Point and utaries and basins, from early January to about Barren Island, has a vertical lift span with a clearance of mid-March. 55 feet down and 152 feet up. The bridgetender moni- tors VHF-FM channel 13 (156.65 MHz); call sign, (184) Sheepshead Bay, on the northern side of the east- KIL–819. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.795, ern extremity of Coney Island and northward of chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Manhattan Beach, is well protected and is used by nu- merous pleasure and party fishing craft. The entrance Tides and currents channel is marked by buoys. In June 2002, the channel (178) The mean range of tide at Rockaway Inlet is about 5 had a depth of 6 feet except for shoaling to 3.7 feet along the west edge of the channel, just north of Buoy 7. In feet. In the entrance channel near Rockaway Point the July 2002, depths of 7 to 9 feet were available inside the tidal current has a velocity of about 2.2 knots. The ebb bay to the bridge near the head of navigation except for attains a greater velocity than the flood and probably shoaling to 2 feet along the edges. A private light marks exceeds 3 knots at times. In August 1975, a strong the outer limit of a sewer outfall that extends south- east-to-west current, believed to have been the result of ward from the bay. tidal flow, was observed at the entrance to Rockaway In- let near the seaward end of the jetty. This current is of Anchorages sufficient strength to cause a vessel to veer suddenly off (185) Special anchorages are in Sheepshead Bay. (See course when entering or exiting the channel. South of Barren Island the velocity is about 2 knots; east of Bar- 110.1 and 110.60(x), chapter 2, for limits and regula- ren Island it is about 1.5 knots. (See Tidal Current Ta- tions.) bles for predictions.) Small-craft facility (179) Jamaica Bay is on the south shore of Long Island (186) A small-craft facility in the bay can handle craft to about 15 miles southeastward of The Battery, New York City. The bay is characterized by numerous meadows, 1½ tons. Mooring, electricity, diesel fuel, water, ice, hassocks, and marshes. The north and east shores are marine supplies and storage are available. bordered by marshlands which extend inland for a short distance. Several small tidal creeks enter the bay (187) Plumb Beach Channel, northward of Rockaway In- from the north. Channels and basins have been let, is the common approach to Gerritsen Inlet, Shell dredged to project depths of 12 to 20 feet for use of craft Bank Creek, Gerritsen Creek, and Mill Creek. A fixed operating in the bay. Rockaway Beach forms the south highway bridge with a clearance of 35 feet crosses the shore. The bay is about 7 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, inlet. The channel is marked by buoys. Mariners are ad- and covers an area of about 22.5 square miles. The vised to follow the buoys through the inlet closely. Two greater portion of the bay is in the Boroughs of Brook- shoal areas are near Plumb Beach Channel Buoy 7. The lyn and Queens, New York City, and a small section of first is north-northeast of the buoy with a least depth of the eastern extremity, consisting of parts of Motts Ba- 2 feet; it extends to midchannel where the least depth is sin and Head of Bay, is in Nassau County. 4 feet. The other is about 0.1 mile southeast of the buoy with a least depth of 2 feet. Anchorages (180) Special anchorages are in Jamaica Bay. (See 110.1, (188) From the highway bridge over Gerritsen Inlet, Shell Bank Creek leads westerly and Gerritsen Creek and 110.60 (s) and (s–1), chapter 2, for limits and reg- and Mill Creek lead northwesterly. There are danger- ulations.) ous pilings and remains of old barges along the south side of Shell Bank Creek, and several submerged (181) The commercial vessel traffic in Jamaica Bay con- wrecks in Gerritsen and Mill Creeks. The fixed highway sists of motor tankers, barges, and tugs. The bay is used bridge over Mill Creek is in ruins; mariners are advised extensively by pleasure craft. to exercise caution in this area as some parts of the bridge structure have fallen into the water and are an (182) Jamaica Bay has excellent transportation facilities. obstruction to navigation. Highways connect with all of Long Island and New York City, and a branch of the New York City subway system Small-craft facilities crosses the central part of the bay and extends eastward (189) Small-craft facilities on Shell Bank Creek can pro- and westward along the Rockaway peninsula with sta- tions at Far Rockaway and Inwood serving the Motts vide berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, Basin area. ice, marine supplies, lifts to 60 tons, and a 90-foot ma- rine railway; complete hull and engine repairs are available.
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 387 (190) Dead Horse Bay makes into the southwest side of (198) Canarsie, a town on the northwestern shore of Ja- Barren Island eastward of the highway bridge across maica Bay, is a part of New York City. Canarsie Pier, on Gerritsen Inlet. A marina, on the north side of the bay, the northwest shore of Jamaica Bay between Paerdegat has berths and moorings. Numerous wrecks and ob- Basin and Fresh Creek, has two prominent flagpoles structions are in the entrance to the bay and in the near its center. The pier is structurally unsafe, and southwest corner of the marina. The chart is the best landing is not permitted. The pier is a part of Gateway guide. National Recreation Area. (191) Island Channel leads northerly from just eastward (199) Fresh Creek, 0.6 mile northeastward of the pier at of Barren Island to Bergen Beach, thence northeasterly Canarsie, has a midchannel depth of about 8 feet. A in North Channel to Howard Beach. In March-April highway bridge across the creek near the entrance has 1998, depths of about 12 feet can be carried to Howard a 43-foot fixed span with a clearance of 21 feet. Hendrix Beach. The channels are marked by lighted and Creek, 0.4 mile northeastward of Fresh Creek, is the unlighted buoys. site of a water pollution control plant. Sludge vessels operate from the pier at the southwestern entrance to (192) Big Fishkill Channel and Pumpkin Patch Channel the creek. Old Mill Creek, 1.1 miles northeastward of lead in a northeasterly direction from Runway Channel Fresh Creek, bares at low water just above the en- just west of Ruffle Bar and join North Channel 0.3 mile trance. Fresh, Hendrix, and Old Mill Creeks were little west of the North Channel Bridge at Howard Beach. used in 1971. (193) Mill Basin is northward of Barren Island on the (200) Howard Beach, about 2.5 miles eastward of west side of Jamaica Bay. Commercial traffic in the ba- Canarsie, on the north side of Jamaica Bay, has several sin consists of occasional barge shipments of petro- basins for boats. North Channel Bridge, just south of leum. In May 1981, a reported depth of 13 feet could be Howard Beach, has a fixed span with a clearance of 26 taken to the north end of the basin. feet. Small-craft facilities (201) Shellbank Basin, extending northward about 1 (194) Small-craft facilities in the basin can provide mile from North Channel and just west of Howard Beach, had a reported controlling depth of 5 feet in May berths with electricity, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- 1981. The basin has numerous small piers, float land- plies, and complete hull and engine repairs; a 50-ton ings, and other small-craft facilities along the west marine railway and lifts to 20 tons are available. side. Berths with electricity, water, a 15-ton lift, and complete hull and engine repairs are available. The bas- (195) The Shore Parkway bascule highway bridge with a cule span of a former highway bridge across the basin clearance of 34 feet crosses Mill Basin between Barren has been permanently removed leaving a channel Island and Brooklyn. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and width of 40 feet. 117.795, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign (202) Hawtree Basin, about 0.2 mile eastward of KX–8185. Mariners are requested to avoid causing Shellbank Basin, has a depth of about 11 feet. A fixed bridge openings during peak commuter hours of 0700 pedestrian bridge, about 0.3 mile above the mouth, has to 0900 and 1600 to 1800 Monday through Friday. a clearance of 17 feet. (196) East Mill Basin is about 0.4 mile northeastward of (203) A railroad bridge across North Channel, at Hamil- Mill Basin. In May 1981, a reported midchannel depth ton Beach, 0.5 mile east of the North Channel Bridge, of 13 feet could be taken to the head of the basin. has a fixed span with a clearance of 26 feet. Small-craft facilities in the basin can provide berths with electricity, water, marine supplies, a 15-ton fork- (204) Rockaway Beach is a popular summer resort on the lift, a 100-ton travel lift and marine railways to 300 barrier beach forming the southern extremity of Ja- tons; complete hull and engine repairs are available. maica Bay. Train and bus transportation is available to New York City. Excursion boats operate between New (197) Bergen Beach is a community about 2 miles north York and Rockaway Beach during the summer only. of Barren Island. Paerdegat Basin, just north of Bergen Beach, has a midchannel depth of about 11 feet. A fixed (205) Beach Channel is on the north side of Rockaway highway bridge across the basin near the mouth has a Beach. A Federal project provides for a channel 18 feet clearance of 29 feet. A marina at the head of the basin deep from Rockaway Inlet to about 700 yards above Gil can haul out craft up to 15 tons. Gasoline, marine sup- Hodges Memorial Bridge, thence 15 feet deep to the plies, and water are available. No repairs are available junction with Grass Hassock Channel. for the public. In May 1981, a reported depth of 8 feet could be taken to the marina. Several yacht clubs are (206) A 056°–236° measured nautical mile is along the also in the basin. south shore of Jamaica Bay parallel with the concrete and wood flood barrier of Beach Channel Drive south- ward of Nova Scotia Bar. The structures are maintained
388 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 by the Brooklyn Power Squadron; the front markers Rockaway. Two branch channels lead from inside the are black and yellow chevrons, and the rear markers are entrance to the northeasterly and southeasterly ends of orange squares. the basin. In March-April 1998, the controlling depth (207) Cross Bay Memorial Bridge, crossing Beach Chan- was 10 feet (15 feet at midchannel) in the entrance nel at Rockaway Beach, has a fixed span with a clear- channel, thence 11 feet (15 feet at midchannel) in the ance of 52 feet. The railroad bridge over Beach northeastern branch, thence 9 feet (15 feet at mid- Channel, 0.5 mile eastward, has a swing span with a channel) in the southeastern branch to just below the clearance of 26 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49, chap- head of each channel. Ice may obstruct vessel move- ter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) East Broad Channel ment in the basin during severe winters. is closed to navigation at the railroad trestle of this (214) Overhead power cables across Motts Basin have the bridge. following clearances: one over the northerly arm, 70 (208) Barbadoes Basin is adjacent to the Beach Channel feet; two over the southerly arm, least clearance 92 feet; railroad bridge. A facility in the southeast corner of the and one over the cut on the south side of the southerly basin receives broken concrete by barge for recycling. arm, 60 feet. A retractable boom is on the south shore (209) Vernam Basin is northeast of Barbadoes Basin. A of the basin about 90 yards northwest of the overhead facility in the southwest corner of the basin receives pe- cable tower. A light is shown from the boom when it is troleum products by barge. In April 2007, the control- extended into the water. ling depth at the facility was reported to be 15 feet. A (215) Depths alongside the wharves in Motts Basin range facility in the southeast corner of the basin receives from 10 to 20 feet. Waterborne commerce in the basin sand, gravel and stone by barge. A small-craft facility in is chiefly in petroleum products. the basin has berths, electricity, water, open storage, (216) Head of Bay joins Grass Hassock Channel near and lifts to 72 tons. Repairs for fishing boats can be Northwest Point and extends in a northeasterly direc- made. tion on the south side of John F. Kennedy (New York) (210) Winhole Channel, a natural channel marked by International Airport. Depths of about 15 feet are in buoys, seasonal lights, and a daybeacon, extends 1 mile the entrance channel and channel in the bay; aids mark northward to Grassy Bay from the junction of Beach the channels. In April 2007, it was reported that a draft Channel with Grass Hassock Channel. Winhole Chan- of 16 feet could be taken to the facilities at Uncle nel has a least depth of about 11 feet, except for re- Daniels Point, 14 feet could be taken to facilities on ported shoaling to 4 feet extending into the channel Motts Creek, and 14 feet could be taken to facilities at northeast from Winhole Channel Light 3 in about Norton Point. Several small marinas in the bay can 40°36.8'N., 73°48.4'W. Winhole Channel Shoal Day- provide berths, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, beacon marks the center of a shoal near the north end storage facilities, and a launching ramp; minor engine of the channel. The daybeacon should not be passed and hull repairs can be made. close aboard. A lighted buoy marks the junction of (217) Thurston Basin, at the northeastern extremity of Beach, Grass Hassock, and Winhole Channels. Head of Bay, has reported depths of 10 feet at the en- (211) Grass Hassock Channel joins Beach Channel off trance decreasing to 2 feet at the head. Brant Point and continues in a northeasterly direction (218) Grassy Bay, along the southwestern side of John F. to Head of Bay. In March-April 1998, the controlling Kennedy (New York) International Airport in the depth was 12 feet (15 feet at midchannel). The shallow- northeastern part of Jamaica Bay, is blocked at the est water is abeam Brant Point between Buoy 14 and southeastern end by an airport runway. The runway Buoy 16 and at the junction with Negro Bar Channel in continues into the marshlands on the southerly side of the vicinity of Lighted Buoy 23. the bay. (212) Sommerville Basin, about 1.2 miles eastward of (219) Bergen Basin, at the northern extremity of Grassy the railroad bridge at Rockaway Beach, has depths of 27 Bay, has depths of about 15 feet with lesser depths in to 40 feet inside. In May 1981, depths of about 15 feet the eastern arm of the basin. The entrance is marked by were reported in the approach. Several charted sunken buoys. Conspicuous are a yellow brick circular tank wrecks are in the basin. A boatyard at the head of the about 40 feet high on the southwestern side of the en- basin has berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, lim- trance and the numerous oil storage tanks at the head ited marine supplies, storage facilities, a launching of the basin on the eastern shore. Coastal tankers and ramp, a 45-foot marine railway, and a 7-ton mobile sand-and-gravel barge tows account for most of the hoist; engine and hull repairs can be made. commerce in the basin. In January 1988, a sunken (213) Motts Basin, a tidal inlet in the eastern part of Ja- wreck was reported in the eastern arm of the basin in maica Bay, entered through Negro Bar Channel, par- about 40°39.7'N., 73°49.1'W. tially separates the communities of Inwood and Far
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 389 (220) Safety and security zones are in the vicinity of up to 30 tons are available. In May 1981, a reported John F. Kennedy International Airport, Bergen Basin, depth of 15 feet could be carried to the marina. and Thurston Basin. (See 165.1 through 165.7, 165.20 through 165.33, and 165.169, chapter 2, for Charts 12334, 12402, 12327 limits and regulations.) Chart 12402 (227) The Narrows, connecting Lower Bay and Upper Bay of New York Harbor, has a clear width of over 0.6 (221) Coney Island, on the northern side of the entrance mile at its narrowest point between Fort Wadsworth to New York Harbor, is a large summer amusement re- and Fort Hamilton. The Verrazano Narrows Bridge, a sort. Numerous stacks, towers, and amusement rides, fixed suspension span, crosses The Narrows at these including a red steel parachute tower 303 feet high, are two points linking Staten Island with Brooklyn. The prominent on the island. Coney Island Light bridge has a vertical clearance of 215 feet for a (40°34.6'N., 74°00.7'W.), 75 feet above the water, is midchannel width of 2,000 feet. Note: A traveling main- shown from a white square skeleton tower on Norton tenance platform, when in operation, reduces the verti- Point, the westernmost extremity of the island. cal clearances by 15 feet. A fog signal is sounded from the eastern end of the bridge. (222) Coney Island Channel is a buoyed passage along the south side of Coney Island that leads from deep wa- Coast Guard Station ter in Lower Bay to Rockaway Inlet. It is used princi- (228) Coast Guard Station New York is on the east side of pally by vessels going to Jamaica Bay and Coney Island. In July 2002, the controlling depth was 11.7 feet. A Staten Island about 0.6 mile northwest of the shoal area with a least depth of 6 feet is about 0.1 mile Verrazano Narrows Bridge. west of Buoy 3. (229) Upper Bay is that portion of New York Harbor be- (223) Gravesend Bay, northward of Coney Island, affords tween The Narrows and The Battery. Anchorage Chan- good anchorage; a general anchorage is in the bay. (See nel, marked by lighted buoys, is the main passage 110.1 and 110.155(e), chapter 2, for limits and regu- through the middle of the bay. Bay Ridge Flats is a lations.) The southeasterly part of the bay is shoal with shoal area with depths of 8 to 20 feet east of Anchorage depths of 1 to 6 feet. Channel. Gowanus Flats is at the north end of Bay Ridge Flats. Jersey Flats, the area on the New Jersey (224) Coney Island Creek is at the southeastern end of side west of Anchorage Channel, is much shoaler with a Gravesend Bay and on the north side of Coney Island. least depth of 5 feet. Channels have been dredged Commercial traffic on the creek consists mainly of oc- through these shoal areas to provide access to the piers casional barge shipments of sand and gravel. The area on both sides of the bay. northward of the entrance to the creek is being filled, and piling is along the northern side of the creek at the Channels filling site. Numerous obstructions and wrecks are in (230) Bay Ridge Channel, Red Hook Channel, and But- the creek; mariners are advised to seek local knowledge before entering. The creek is crossed by three fixed termilk Channel follow the Brooklyn piers from The bridges having a least clearance of 3 feet. The ruins of a Narrows to East River. Midchannel depths in these fourth bridge exist about 0.17 mile above the third channels are generally 25 to 40 feet with lesser depths bridge in about 40°34'49\"N., 73°58'42\"W. A boatyard on the sides; the area is subject to shoaling. See the lat- about 0.8 mile above the creek entrance provides est chart for guidance. Caution should be exercised berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine when docking and undocking vessels along the south- supplies, and hull and engine repairs. Lifts to 14 tons easterly side of Bay Ridge Channel because the current are available. In May 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet may flow in a direction opposite to the normal channel could be carried to the boatyard. flow, especially between the piers. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is at Pier 12 on Atlantic Basin. Commuter (225) A buoyed channel with a least depth of 10 feet leads ferry services operate extensively in Buttermilk from deep water northward of Coney Island to off the Channel. docks in the eastern part of Gravesend Bay. (231) Gowanus Bay, at the junction of Bay Ridge and Red Hook Channels, is a bight in the Brooklyn shore at the Small-craft facility mouth of Gowanus Canal. A dredged channel leads (226) A small-craft facility on Gravesend Bay can provide from Gowanus Bay to the Hamilton Avenue Bridge, about 1 mile above the mouth of the bay. In April 1990, berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- age, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs. Lifts
390 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 the controlling depths were 21 feet (25 feet at from Long Island Sound, see East River (indexed as midchannel) to Sigourney Street, about 0.15 mile be- such), chapter 9. low the head of the project, thence 22 feet to the Hamil- (236) Governors Island is at the Upper Bay entrance to ton Avenue Bridge. East River. The hexagonal-shaped Fort Jay is promi- nent on the northeast side of the island, and the circu- (232) The improved section of Gowanus Canal above lar Castle William is on the northwest side. The main Hamilton Avenue has depths of about 8 to 12 feet. The channel is westward of the island. Lights and fog sig- Third Street, Carroll Street, and Union Street bridges nals are near the southern tip and on the northwest across the canal have the following minimum clear- side of the island, on top of Castle William. ances: drawbridges, 3 feet; fixed bridges, 90 feet. The (237) Liberty Island, on the eastern part of Jersey Flats fixed bridge across that part of the canal which extends across the main channel from Governors Island, is southward along Fifth Street has a clearance of 20 feet. marked by the Statue of Liberty, a colossal structure (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.787, chapter 2, more than 305 feet high; the figure faces southeastward. for drawbridge regulations.) In 2000, depths of 15 to 21 feet were available in the dredged area near the pier on the west side of the is- (233) The Hamilton Avenue and Ninth Street draw- land. The U.S. Park Police marine unit operates from a bridges, 1 and 1.2 miles above the entrance of Gowanus floating platform on the northwest end of Ellis Island. Bay, respectively, are equipped with radiotelephones. (238) Robbins Reef Light (40°39'26\"N., 74°03'55\"W.) 56 The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call feet above the water, is shown from a conical tower, signs KX–8183 and KX–8186, respectively. with the lower half brown and the upper half white, on the southeastern part of Jersey Flats. (234) Erie Basin, just north of Gowanus Bay, is entered (239) Pierhead Channel leads from the main channel from Red Hook Channel. The entrance is marked by a about 0.7 mile southward of Liberty Island, thence light and the basin is marked by private lighted and along the New Jersey pierhead line to Kill Van Kull. The unlighted buoys. channel, through connecting branch channels, leads to the Army Corps of Engineers Caven Point facility, New (235) East River is a 14-mile-long tidal strait that con- nects Upper Bay with Long Island Sound. For descrip- tion of East River and the route to New York Harbor
New York Harbor and Approaches ■ Chapter 11 ■ 391 York Waterway ferry terminal, Claremont Terminal, above Fort Wadsworth. Extensive shoals make off New York Regional Railroad, Global Terminal and Con- northward and eastward from Point Comfort, but as tainer Services and Northeast Auto Marine Terminal. the depths of water decrease gradually, soundings will In November 2006, the controlling depths were 7.2 feet give sufficient warning of too close an approach to the from the northern entrance to Buoy 19, thence 10.2 shore. Shallow-draft vessels can reportedly find satis- feet (16.9 feet at midchannel) to Kill Van Kull except for factory anchorage in Horseshoe Cove, on the east side shoaling to 5.2 feet off the eastern end of Northeast of the bay. In August 1999, the spit of land that forms Auto Marine Terminal. The Peninsula at Bayonne Har- Horseshoe Cove was reported visible only at extreme bor, south of Northeast Auto Marine Terminal, can also low water. Shoals extend an additional 200 yards south- be reached through a channel northward of Robbins eastward from the end of the charted spit to about Reef Light. The channels are well-marked with naviga- 40°26.7'N., 73°59.9'W. Mariners are cautioned not to tional aids. Note that the buoyage system changes navigate over this finger of land. Heavy fish traps ex- southward of the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. tend out to a depth of 20 feet in places on the shoals on the southwest side of Sandy Hook Bay between Atlantic Charts 12327, 12401 Highlands and Point Comfort. (241) A 110°-290° measured nautical mile is on the (240) Sandy Hook Bay is the southern part of Lower Bay, south side of Sandy Hook Bay off the Municipal Yacht westward of Sandy Hook and eastward of Point Com- Basin. The private range markers are reported to be dif- fort. The bay is an excellent anchorage, the depths of ficult to identify. water ranging from 30 feet just inside Sandy Hook to 15 (242) Sandy Hook, the southern point at the entrance to feet near its southern part; the shoaling is gradual and New York Harbor and the northern point of the New the bottom is good holding ground. The best anchorage Jersey coast, is low and sandy. The hook, including during easterly and southeasterly winds is in the east- Plum Island at the mouth of the Shrewsbury River, is ern part of the bay. Vessels of more than 24-foot draft part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Large areas will not find good anchorage out of the channel until of the park are bird nesting areas, and landing is not
392 ■ Chapter 11 ■ Volume 2 permitted. A light, Sandy Hook Coast Guard Station, Caution standpipe and a radio tower on the north end of Sandy (245) All cables within the area in about 40°24.2'N., Hook are prominent. The area around Sandy Hook is changeable and subject to severe shoaling; extreme 73°59.0'W., in Shrewsbury River have been abandoned. caution is advised. Mariners are cautioned that the cables remain in place. Charts 12325, 12324 No-Discharge Zone (246) The State of New Jersey, with the approval of the (243) Shrewsbury River and Navesink River empty through a common entrance into the southern extrem- Environmental Protection Agency, has established a ity of Sandy Hook Bay eastward of the Highlands of No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the waters of the Navesink. Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers. The NDZ extends south from the Highlands/Route 36 Bridge and covers (244) A Federal project provides depths of 12 feet from all waters of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers (see Sandy Hook Bay to a point just above the bascule bridge chart for limits). at Highlands, thence 9 feet in Shrewsbury River to the (247) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether Branchport Avenue Bridge at Long Branch, about 7.4 treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. miles above the mouth. The Navesink River has a pro- Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by ject depth of 6 feet from where it connects with the 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Shrewsbury River to the head of the project at Red Bank, about 4.9 miles above the mouth. (See Notice to Tides Mariners and the latest editions of charts for control- (248) The mean range of tide is as follows: Highlands, 3.8 ling depths.) feet; Red Bank, 3 feet; Sea Bright, 1.7 feet; Branchport, 1.7 feet. Strong southerly and westerly winds lower the water surface, and northerly and easterly winds raise it.
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