U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 195 Edgartown outer harbor. Also prominent are: a church (286) belfry in the town, a microwave tower 1 mile to the west-southwestward of the light, a standpipe about 1 Routes (chart 13237) mile southwestward of the light, and the numerous beach (287) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the cabanas on Chappaquiddick Point. eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of Cross (277) Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21, can steer 267°, heading for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward of Oak Channels Bluffs, passing northward of Nantucket Sound Channel (278) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor has Lighted Bell Buoy 21A. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head south-southwestward into the harbor. depths of 20 to 36 feet until nearly to Edgartown Harbor (288) Vessels approaching from the westward and passing Light. Near the light, the channel narrows and makes a northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° course sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves at the town. from a position about 0.5 mile southward of Hedge Fence In 2011, a depth of 15 feet could be carried from the Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the harbor. In the daytime, outer harbor to off the town.Abreast the town, the channel the channel southward of Squash Meadow is sometimes narrows and curves southward to Katama Bay, bordered used. Strangers in sailing vessels seldom enter the inner on the eastern side by Middle Ground. Katama Bay is harbor, as a fair wind is necessary to keep in the channel. subject to frequent changes, as is the shoreline between the bay and the ocean; a breach in the shoreline occurred (289) in 2007. Currents (279) (290) The tidal current in the narrow part of the channel Anchorages inside Edgartown Harbor Light and off the town has a (280) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales double flood and a double ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. Near the middle of each flood is found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of or ebb period there is an approximate slack preceded the outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels and followed by maximum of velocity. The average find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor velocity is about 1 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from for predictions.) In 2007, it was reported that a breach Edgartown Harbor Light. In northerly or northeasterly had occurred on South Beach just southward of Katama gales vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove Bay. The breach has affected the published tide and tidal for sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the current predictions so that mariners are cautioned about channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard sand, the accuracy of the information. the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south of Middle Ground, muddy bottom. (281) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage (291) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at times in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 33 CFR 110.1and appear without warning. Drift ice from the sound, driven 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) into the entrance by the wind, obstructs the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the winter. It is reported that (282) the harbor is normally closed by ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick ferry channel is usually Dangers kept open. The tidal currents keep the inner harbor open (283) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal except for a few days at a time during severe winters. area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown Harbor (292) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are Light. A bell buoy marks the northern edge of the shoal; seldom used and none are available. Fishing craft or the vessels entering or leaving the harbor pass eastward of harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash and several (293) rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should never attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel into Edgartown Harbormaster Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. (294) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of An obstruction, covered 19 feet, is at 41°23'32\"N., 70°29'28\"W. vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the (284) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted on VHF- 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer harbor FM channel 16 or at 508–627–4746. Copies of harbor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and the regulations may be obtained from the harbormaster. entrance to the inner harbor. (285) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown Harbor Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is (295) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at not difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, boatyard, harbor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft to 9 tons for hull and engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings are available. Launch service to moored craft is available.
196 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 (303) Oak Bluffs Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (296) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and (300) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but is 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to Oak Oak Bluffs wharf. Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with Woods (301) Rhode Island Rock, covered 14 feet, is about 700 Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. yards northward of the breakwater light. (297) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between (302) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which are Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin frequented subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the main by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The entrance entrance and had a reported controlling depth of 10 feet is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on the end of in 1981. There are no public landings in the pond and it the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a summer resort and is used by local and fishing craft only. The south entrance fishing village on the harbor. Prominent are a church is crossed by a fixed highway bridge with a vertical dome and a cupola in the village and the bluff north of clearance of 6 feet. The fixed highway bridge over the the entrance. north entrance has a vertical clearance of 5 feet. (304) In 2012, the entrance channel had a controlling depth (298) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main channel of 8.5 feet. Numerous submerged rocks, covered 10 to through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles northwest of 14 feet, are in the harbor approach, in an area within 0.4 Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 13 to 18 mile of shore bounded on the north by a line extending feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a bell buoy northeasterly from the breakwaters and on the south by and on its western end by a buoy. Lone Rock. The chart is the best guide for approaching the harbor; however, it is advised that mariners transiting (299) Harthaven is a small pond northward of the area exercise extreme caution as other uncharted Sengekontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately rocks may exist. dredged channel between two short jetties. In 2000, a depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. The pond has (305) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services or landings in harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. The the pond. town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains berths with electricity, a launching ramp, a pump-out station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice and some
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 4 ¢ 197 marine supplies are available; hull and engine repairs can Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Seasonal fast ferry be made. service is maintained from Quonset, RI, and year-round (306) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road fast ferry passenger service is maintained from New close westward of the town. The harbormaster monitors Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a port of call for cruise ships. The VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508–693–4355. Vineyard Transit Authority provides island-wide transit (307) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. service year-round. There is air service from Martha’s (308) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the Vineyard Airport about 4.5 miles southwestward of the breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet town. at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths have (309) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a been reported about 400 yards northeast of the wharf face. daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is about A private seasonal light and sound signal are operated 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is advised. from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry vessels (310) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, are approaching the wharf in fog. There is seasonal ferry westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter service from the wharf to Woods Hole and Nantucket. 5. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained between
198 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 71° 70°30' Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 5 42° 42° MASSACHUSETTS 13230 13236 Onset CAPE COD CANAL New Bedford Marion Mattapoisett RMHASOSDAECISHLUASENTDTS BUZZARDS BAY 13229 Woods Hole Falmouth 41° 13232 13235 41° 30' Naushon Island VINEYARD SOUND 30' 13228 Pasque Island Vineyard Haven Cuttyhunk Island Nashawena Island Edgartown Gay Head Martha’s Vineyard 13229 13238 Nomans Island 13233 RHODE ISLAND SOUND 13237 13218 41° 41° 71° 70°30'
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 199 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (1) This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buzzards southwest end of Cuttyhunk Island and pass southeast of Bay following the Massachusetts coast of Vineyard “NA” buoy. Sound, the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay, the Cape Cod Canal, and (11) the western shore of Buzzards Bay. Also described are Woods Hole, Cuttyhunk, Onset, Wareham, and the port Anchorages of New Bedford, as well as the numerous fishing and (12) Woods Hole is the only anchorage providing shelter yachting centers along the sound and bay. from all winds for vessels drawing more than 10 feet. In (2) northerly and westerly winds, good anchorage may be had in Tarpaulin Cove. In southerly winds, shelter can COLREGS Demarcation Lines be had in Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard Haven (3) The lines established for this part of the coast are is generally used. Several general anchorages are in Vineyard Sound. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.140(c)(1), described in 33 CFR 80.145, chapter 2. (c)(2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (4) (13) No-Discharge Zone Currents (5) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (14) The time of current becomes somewhat earlier from the Environmental Protection Agency, has established Hedge Fence westward through Vineyard Sound. The a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in all coastal waters of current velocity increases from 1.4 knots at Hedge Fence Massachusetts covered by this chapter except a small area Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to about 3 knots off West Chop from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, extending about 3 Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots off miles offshore (see charts 13246 and 13237). Gay Head Light. (See “Current Diagram-Vineyard and (6) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether Nantucket Sounds” in the Tidal Current Tables.) treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (15) At the western entrance to Vineyard Sound, west- 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). northwestward of Gay Head Light, the tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The velocity is only 0.2 to 0.5 (7) knot. Since the tidal current is weak, winds greatly affect it and the current frequently sets approximately with the Charts 13230, 13237, 13218 winds. (8) Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are deep and (16) easily navigated day or night. Vineyard Sound, together with Nantucket Sound, provides an inside route from Weather: Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and vicinity New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. Buzzards Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape (17) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and Cod Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route between southwest, which are common from spring through fall. New York and Boston. Winds increase as they move from the surrounding land out over the Bay. Its northeast-southwest orientation (9) Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the causes southwesterlies to strengthen as they funnel up southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Islands, from the mouth of the Bay to its head. The result is that and on the south by part of Martha’s Vineyard, which speeds are often double those at nearby land stations and presents a rugged and generally inaccessible shoreline. southwesterlies may prevail even when land stations are To the west, it joins Rhode Island Sound on a line reporting west or northwest winds. However, as a general between Cuttyhunk Island and Gay Head. To the east, it rule southwesterlies blow harder close to the Elizabeth joins Nantucket Sound on a line between Nobska Point Islands than in the middle of the Bay. The relatively and West Chop and provides an inside passage clear of shallow water of the Bay increases the steepness of waves Nantucket Shoals. The navigational aids are colored and their closeness to one another; this can cause a stiff and numbered for passing through the sound from the chop. With southerly or westerly gales there is a heavy eastward. The channel through the sound is well marked sea in the westerly entrance to Vineyard Sound and heavy and generally free of dangers. seas occur at times off the entrance to Quicks Hole. (10) Deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Vineyard Sound should stay at least 3.5 miles southward of the
200 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (26) N Vineyard Haven Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (18) (24) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on the Pilotage,Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East Chop (19) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile northward and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell buoy, gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, about 350 gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels carrying yards northward of the light, mark the flats. 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, (25) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight RI, 02840; telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800– in the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East 274–1216; FAX 401–847–9052; email: dispatch@ Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a southwest nemarinepilots.com. direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the entrance. This haven, easy of access, is the most important harbor of (20) refuge for coasters between Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range from 46 feet at the Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 entrance to 15 feet near the head of the harbor. (21) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points on (27) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle can west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both points ride out most blows. The greatest danger encountered by terminate in high wooded bluffs which show prominently vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from vessels with from the sounds; each is marked by a light. poor ground tackle, which are likely to drift, foul other vessels, and then go ashore. (22) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower; (28) The harbor is the approach to the village of a sound signal is at the light. Vineyard Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its southeastern end by a light, is on the flats on the western (23) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the side of the harbor near the head. The natural channel is light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark shoal clear; soundings are the best guide for finding anchorage. water and rocks awash to the eastward of West Chop. It When well inside the entrance, the water shoals gradually has been reported that during strong tidal currents, the buoy may be submerged.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 201 (49) N Falmouth Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) toward the western shore, but the eastern shore is steep (34) and should be given a berth of about 0.2 mile. Currents (29) (35) The tidal currents have little velocity in the harbor; Anchorage however, care should be taken on the ebb, which sets (30) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from westward, not to approach too closely to West Chop as the current in that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward and the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. northward of the point. Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. (31) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through the sound, should continue on in the channel until the harbor (36) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of is well opened before standing in for the anchorage. This vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at will help clear the entrance points. Approaching from the the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can be eastward, vessels will keep clear of Squash Meadow and contacted on VHF-FM channel 16, or at 508–693–1368. East Chop Flats by keeping in the white sector of West A 4 mph speed limit is enforced inside the breakwater Chop Light. The anchorage basin behind the breakwater and within 150 feet of moored craft. has depths of 5 to 12 feet and is usually filled to capacity during the summer. When anchoring in the harbor, care (37) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A twin- must be taken to avoid obstructing the approach to the screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, is ferry slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the based in the harbor. southerly side of the harbor. (38) A ferry terminal, several wharves, two marinas and a (32) boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile northward of the breakwater. Dangers (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 (33) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy, for services and supplies available.) make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the harbor (39) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, covered 9 available off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward feet, is 0.3 mile northward of the breakwater light. of the ferry terminal; other moorings can be hired from the boatyard and marinas. (40) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach road near Oak Bluffs.
202 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (41) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket between two jetties; a light marks the end of each jetty. Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry service from Woods Hole. Air service is available from Martha’s Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the town. (50) (42) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard Currents Haven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward (51) The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles south of Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light 10. A short jetty, marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the flood at a of the jutting point on the northerly side of the entrance. velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward on the ebb In 2004, the controlling depth through the entrance was at 1.7 knots. 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The channel is marked by private buoys and daybeacons. The pond is primarily (52) used by local fishing craft. Robbins Rock, marked by a daybeacon, is off the west shore, about 1 mile above the Small-craft facilities entrance. The highway bridge across the entrance is under (53) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth construction (2014). Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on (43) chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) Charts 13230, 13229 (44) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south (54) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Falmouth shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; telephone affords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 508–548–9796. The harbormaster monitors VHF-FM 0.8 mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the summer to the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally sticky Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the harbor. and good holding ground; the depths shoal gradually toward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in northerly (55) NobskaPoint,about29mileswestwardofMonomoy winds; in southerly winds the sea is somewhat broken by Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light (41°30'57\"N., L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals westward of it so that 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, shown from a a vessel with good ground tackle can ride out a gale in white tower, at the south end. A sound signal is at the comparative safety. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.140(c) light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at low water, (5), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations of the extends 150 yards eastward and southwestward from the anchorage area.) point. (45) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels (56) with good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may Charts 13233, 13229 be crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the anchorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal (57) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly areas with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the (46) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the southwestern southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light end. astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth Harbor East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of (58) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the southwestern end of the ridge. It is separated from the light on a north-northeasterly course, and when Tarpaulin Middle Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 Cove and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in range, stand feet. A buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. eastward to an anchorage. (59) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the northwest (47) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a narrow Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, jettied entrance which had a reported controlling depth is a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are of 2½ feet in 1981. The lake, only used by local craft, has numerous homes and a large hotel. general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A private seasonal light marks the east jetty and private seasonal buoys mark the (48) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth channel through a shoal area just inside the entrance. Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Harbor. (60) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just inside the entrance Anchoring is prohibited in the entrance channel. on the east side of the harbor, are conspicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered through a dredged channel (61) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies are available. (62) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West Chop Light.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 203 (63) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the (72) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.140(c)(1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and (73) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay regulations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except for a in the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. small section on its northwestern side, the shore consists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with boulders (64) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of lining the shores. In the interior of the island are many Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with considerable Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through a marshy area between the hills. A danger zone surrounds dredged channel that leads southeastward to Menemsha Nomans Land. (See 33 CFR 334.70, chapter 2, for limits Basin, on the north shore just inside the entrance. From and regulations.) the basin, the dredged channel continues southward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, about 1 mile above (74) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage the entrance. The entrance to the creek is protected by between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone jetties. The east jetty is marked by a light. A bell buoy, Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered about 300 yards northwestward of the light, marks the 4 feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about channel approach, and buoys and daybeacons mark 0.7 mile wide between the islands may be used by small the channel. The channel south of Menemsha Basin is vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; mariners are southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost point advised to seek local knowledge before attempting to go of Martha’s Vineyard. beyond Menemsha Basin. (75) (65) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha Basin. Menemsha Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 mile Charts 13230, 13229 long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of the pond. (76) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncatena, Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, (66) Penikese, and Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west-southwest from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The Currents islands, forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard (67) The tidal currents through the entrance have an Sound, separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are reported low bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed to occur 45 minutes after local high and low waters. channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the only one recommended for strangers. (77) (68) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also Charts 13235, 13229 available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and charter (78) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the boats berth at the dock or at the private piers on the west southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and Nonamesset side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard Station is on Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth Islands, with the south side of the basin. The harbormaster controls Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vineyard Sound all berthing and mooring in the basin. The harbormaster on the southeast; it includes Great and Little Harbors in has an office at Dutcher Dock and can be contacted by the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in the western part. radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone Woods Hole is also the approach to the town of Woods at 508–645–2846. Hole on the northeastern shore of Great Harbor. The town is a busy commercial center and a transshipping point (69) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. for passengers and freight to and from Nantucket and Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged. Martha’s Vineyard. During the summer it is an active Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and resort and frequently a port of call by yachts passing marine supplies are available. through to Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay. There is considerable waterborne commerce in seafood products (70) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha to and general cargo. Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. (79) (71) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light Prominent features (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'04\"W.), 175 feet above the water, (80) The most prominent landmark approaching Woods shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the light. Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south Several rocks exist between Gay Head and the lighted end of Juniper Point, the finger of land separating gong buoy.
204 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (86) N Woods Hole, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) Little and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house to always use extreme care and prudent speed when high on Juniper Point, a standpipe 0.7 miles north- transiting the passage. Tidal currents are strong in the northwestward of Nobska Point, the dome of the Woods passage; buoys in the narrowest part of the channel are Hole Oceanographic Institution and the buildings of sometimes towed under by the current. Strangers to the the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine area should attempt transit only at slack water. Biological Laboratory. (84) The channels through Woods Hole Passage are marked by buoys and lights, but extreme caution and slack (81) water are required to safely navigate them with drafts greater than 8 feet. Mariners entering from Buzzards Channels Bay should keep in mind that the buoys are colored and (82) Woods Hole Passage, a dredged section through the marked for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound (85) A lighted bell buoy and gong buoy mark the entrance and Great Harbor with Buzzards Bay, and consists of The to Great Harbor from Vineyard Sound and a directional Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch at the light, lighted and unlighted buoys mark the channel. western end of The Strait, and Broadway, the southerly Mariners should guard against the current from Buzzards entrance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. (See Notice Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. to Mariners and latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) The northerly entrance from Great Harbor into (87) The Strait is preferred over Broadway with its sharp turn, which is difficult in strong currents, especially for low- Anchorages powered vessels and vessels under sail. (88) (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter (83) Woods Hole Passage is a dangerous waterway surrounded by treacherous shoals, ledges and severe east/ 2, for limits and regulations of the deepwater anchorages west currents. Particular attention should be given to the in the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An anchorage about 0.2 navigational aids that mark the passage, especially Woods mile square, with poor holding ground and irregular Hole Passage Junction Buoy SB at the intersection of depths ranging from 19 to 62 feet, is at the head of Great The Strait and Broadway. Before attempting to transit Harbor. Shoals covered 5 to 9 feet are northwest of the the passage, mariners should carefully consult the current anchorage. Good anchorage in depths of 29 to 36 feet is edition of nautical charts for the area and the most recent also available about 200 yards northwest of the National Local Notice to Mariners. Mariners are further cautioned
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 205 Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf. Small craft can find (96) good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley Harbor. Pilotage: Woods Hole (89) (97) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See Dangers Pilotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) (90) Numerous ledges and shoals border the channel (98) through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky shoal awash at low water with a full northwest gale, lies Routes between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is (99) The following directions are good for medium-draft marked by a buoy. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great Ledge and covered 5 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy 120 yards vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Approaching eastward of the rock. Nonamesset Shoal, covered 10 feet, from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile southward of extends about 0.2 mile eastward from Nonamesset Island, Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly course until in at the entrance to Great Harbor. Parker Flats extend as the white sector of the Great Harbor Directional Light, much as 200 yards off the eastern shore of Great Harbor or from a point close to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy northward of Juniper Point. Most of these dangers are 26, steer 279° until in the white sector. Approaching from marked by buoys. the westward in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of (91) Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor are the Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, grassy, and for Nobska Point Light on any bearing between 045° and Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a 051° until in the white sector. light, are on the western side of Great Harbor Channel. Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is (100) marked by buoys, is on the south side of The Strait. A ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is about Towage 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley Rock, (101) Tug service is available at Woods Hole. covered 5 feet, is some 500 yards west-southwestward of the light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky shoal area (102) extends more than 0.3 mile westward of Penzance Point, the southern extremity of Penzance, which is the curving Wharves peninsula sheltering the west and northwest sides of (103) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard Great Harbor. Most of the dangers adjoining the passage channel are marked by navigational aids. and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in fog, a (92) private sound signal is sounded, a private quick flashing white light is shown from the southwest corner of the Currents pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light is shown (93) The current velocity at times exceeds 4.5 knots in the from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf about 60 narrow part of Woods Hole Passage. Velocities as high as yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings and wharf 5.0 knots have been reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are For daily predictions of the current, see the Tidal Current northwestward of the ferry pier. Northwestward of the Tables. Oceanographic Institution are the wharves of the Marine (94) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in Biological Laboratory; the wharf, basin, and buildings of The Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal the National Marine Fisheries Service; the town pier; and Current Tables for predictions.) Both the velocity of the several private buildings. current and time of slack water are affected by strong (104) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 feet. winds. At the north entrance to Woods Hole in Buzzards A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwestward Bay, the velocity of the tidal current is 0.8 knot, whereas from the south end of the National Marine Fisheries at the eastern entrance to The Strait in Great Harbor, it Service wharf. Foul ground extends about 50 yards is about 1.3 knots. In the upper part of Great Harbor, northwestward of the outer end of the breakwater. near the National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf, the currents are barely perceptible, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. (95) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, but (105) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the seldom interferes with navigation except in unusually northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. severe winters, when it may close the entrance from In 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had a reported the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in severe controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge over the winters, but powered vessels usually proceed through the entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span with a ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep Great Harbor clearance of 5 feet. (See 33 CFR117.1 through 117.59 open. and 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along the southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond has water, some marine supplies, limited berths with electricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbormaster has an office in Falmouth. (106) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard.
206 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 Year-round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, (118) Robinsons Hole is a narrow buoyed passage from Martha’s Vineyard. Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay between the western end (107) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west of Naushon Island and the eastern end of Pasque Island. It side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of has numerous rocks and ledges, and strong tidal currents. Juniper Point. A Federal project provides for a depth of The buoys often tow under, and the passage should never 12 feet from Vineyard Sound through a turning basin off be attempted by strangers; it is used occasionally by local the Coast Guard wharf on the west shore. (See Notice fishermen. It has been reported that currents sometimes to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling reach a velocity of 5 knots in the passage. The velocity depths.) The channel is marked by lighted buoys. The in the narrow part is about 3 knots. The flood sets east side of the harbor is used as a mooring area for southeastward and the ebb northwestward into Buzzards local craft. Numerous rocks awash are in this part of the Bay. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) harbor; extreme caution is advised. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor by the Falmouth Harbormaster. (119) QuicksHole,betweenPasqueIslandandNashawena (108) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods Island, is the only passage between Vineyard Sound and Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk available for vessels suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a narrow, of over 10-foot draft. The clearly defined entrance from crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by buoys, Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile wide, is about 4 miles is between ledges on both sides; the northern ledge is southwestward of Tarpaulin Cove and about 5 miles north marked by a private daybeacon. The inner harbor forms of Gay Head. The passage is used considerably by tows, a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. especially during westerly or southerly winds, to avoid (109) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their the very heavy sea in the entrance to Vineyard Sound, and ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A private also because a secure anchorage from these winds can be wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at the had, if necessary, on the north side of Nashawena Island. western end of Nonamesset Island. The passage is considered unsafe for a long tow at night, but otherwise it may be used by steamers either night or (110) day. Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 (120) Vessels should follow a midchannel course through the passage. The channel is nearly straight with a width (111) Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth of about 0.2 mile. General depths are 30 feet or more, Islands, extends west-southwestward from Uncatena and but there are several shoaler spots. Rocks covered 27 Nonamesset Islands. to 37 feet are near the center of the channel. Because of the broken nature of the bottom, the passage is not (112) Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the recommended for a stranger drawing more than 21 feet. northeastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. Buoys mark the channel. (113) Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile (121) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered northeastward of the northernmost of the Weepecket for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. Islands, is covered 8 feet, and is marked by a lighted gong buoy. (122) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no attempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted (114) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is Nashawena Island, is covered 15 feet and marked by a shoal with numerous bare rocks. buoy. (115) (123) A sunken wreck, covered 30 feet, is on the west side of the passage in about 41°26.6'N., 70°51.1'W. Note (116) In 1990, unexploded World War II ordnance was (124) Lone Rock, covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile reported about 0.5 mile southeastward of Lackeys Bay northward of North Point, the northeastern extremity of in about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. Nashawena Island. Tide rips have been observed between North Point and Lone Rock during spring tides. (125) (117) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in the Currents south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords shelter (126) The tidal currents have considerable velocity in from northerly and westerly winds, and is frequently used. A light is on the southwest side of the cove. Anchorage Quicks Hole, about 2 to 2.5 knots, and a sailing vessel in depths of 14 to 18 feet, good holding ground, is in the should not attempt to pass through unless with a strong cove with the light bearing between 212° and 189°. Deep- favorable wind on a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels draft vessels should anchor farther out in depths of 36 feet should be careful not to be set off their courses. With a or more. The eastern and northern shores should be given strong westward current through Vineyard Sound, there a berth of 200 yards. Rocks are near the western shore and is a northward current through Quicks Hole; with a strong should be given a berth of over 300 yards; buoys mark eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the current sets the dangers.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 207 southward through Quicks Hole. Strong winds affect the Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the harbor regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current Tables are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. for predictions.) (136) Dangers (127) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 (137) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cuttyhunk miles northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern extremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at low from Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile north mile southeastward. No attempt should be made to pass of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to the between them. Rocky ledges extend southward and harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 mile westward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 feet, is edge of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor from 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These dangers, Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An unmarked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of the (128) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeastward of between Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and ledges covered westernmost of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Island and the ledges harbor are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, southwestward of Penikese and Gull Islands. The eastern which shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. point at the entrance and the eastern shore of the harbor The harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. should be given a berth of over 300 yards. Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen sometimes use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is the approach (138) to the village of Cuttyhunk and to Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a dredged cut in the eastern end Routes of Cuttyhunk Island. Copicut Neck forms the northerly (139) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward in side of Cuttyhunk Pond. Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile (129) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monument northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Island. on an island in Westend Pond on the western end of Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East Entrance Cuttyhunk Island. Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), and thence to anchorage according to draft in the harbor. (130) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally (140) In approaching from westward, from a position approach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk are marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° in the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not be 600 yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and taken in. The approach from northeastward is deeper. Penikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge and the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then swinging (131) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or southward to Cuttyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. small boats and is partially marked by buoys. In 2012, the channel had a controlling depth of 4 feet. The buoys (141) at this entrance are often dragged off station by strong currents and heavy seas. The channel should never be Currents used during a heavy ground swell. With southerly winds, (142) The current velocity in Canapitsit Channel is 2.6 heavy seas will break across the entrance. knots on the flood which sets south-southeastward, and (132) 1.7 knots on the ebb which sets northwestward. In the channel southward of Penikese Island, the flood sets Channels eastward and the ebb westward at about 0.8 knot. (See (133) A Federal project provides a 10-foot channel from Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (143) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with Cuttyhunk Harbor into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe basin at the western terminal in the pond and a 10-foot winters. anchorage basin in the eastern part of the pond north of the channel. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition (144) of the chart for controlling depths.) The jettied entrance is marked by a light on the north jetty and by a buoy off Small-craft facilities the end of the submerged south jetty. A bell buoy marks (145) There is a service wharf on the south side of the the entrance to the channel. channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the (134) south side of the basin at the head of the channel in the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the island. Anchorage Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with electricity, (135) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding and some marine supplies are available. Limited lodging in cottages is available on the island. The harbormaster ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in can be reached at 508–966–9295. There is daily launch
208 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 service with New Bedford in the summer and twice lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is common to weekly in the winter; seaplane service is also available. the Traffic Separation Schemes for the approaches to both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. The Traffic (146) Separation Scheme for the approach to Narragansett Bay is described in chapter 6.) Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 (155) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered in the following positions: (147) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, (156) (i) 41°10'12\"N., 71°19'06\"W., many small towns and villages, and the entrance of (157) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of (158) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, Elizabeth Islands. thence steer usual courses to destination. (159) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane (148) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a course of common, in places extending a considerable distance 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junction from shore, thus making close approach to the shore with the precautionary area. dangerous. (160) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. (161) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these (149) The bottom in the main part of the bay and approach are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Vessels except by small craft with local knowledge. The four should proceed with caution when crossing shoal areas major entrances are the main channel, from westward, in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are not more passing north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Caution must also from northeastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks shown on the from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings Neck, above Canapitsit Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nashawena which the bay is full of shoals. Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and Naushon Islands. (150) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Protected (162) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles Area (MPA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and there Massachusetts. are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, vessels of 16-foot (151) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has draft or more must exercise extra caution when entering been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay through the bay. In heavy southwest gales the sea breaks over Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and 12300.) some of these spots. (163) The best guides for entering the bay from westward (152) TheSchemeiscomposedbasicallyofdirectedtraffic are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys in lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound traffic the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay Entrance lanes separated by a defined traffic separation zone and Light are the guides for vessels approaching from the a precautionary area. The Scheme is recommended for southward. use by vessels approaching or departing from Buzzards (164) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'49\"N., Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tugs, tows, or 71°02'05\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from a other small vessels which traditionally operate outside tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about of the usual steamer lanes or close inshore. 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the (153) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed sides. A racon is at the light and a mariner activated sound to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches signal at the light is initiated by keying the microphone to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way five times on VHF-FM channel 83A. to supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. (165) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) has Separation zones are intended to separate inbound been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay through and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, Rhode Island Sound. and should not be used except for crossing purposes. (166) TheU.S.CoastGuardCaptainofthePort,Providence, Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachusetts and traffic lanes and separation zones. (See 33 CFR 167.1 Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Committees, through 167.15 and 167.100 through 167.103, chapter has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep 2, for limits and regulations and Traffic Separation Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) (154) The precautionary area in the southwest part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered on 41°06'00\"N., 71°23'18\"W., excluding those areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended between the outer limits of the inbound and outbound traffic
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 209 draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy marks a rocky Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. Deep shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile north-northwestward draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the of the north end of Penikese Island. An unmarked rocky designated routes. These routes were designed to provide shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 mile north of the island. safe, established routes for these vessels, to reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boaters, fishing (174) gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are responsible for Currents their own safety and are not required to remain inside (175) The tidal currents in the passages between Buzzards the route nor are fisherman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. Small vessels should exercise caution in Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable velocity and and around the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor require special attention. At Buzzards Bay Lighted Gong VHF channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep Buoy 3, the tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. Tide rips occur when a sea is running against the current. Maximum velocities are about 0.5 knot. Minimum (167) velocities average about 0.2 knot. (See the Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Anchorages (168) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage (176) for vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords Ice anchorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the small- (177) The head of Buzzards Bay and the harbors in that craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly winds. A good anchorage sheltered from all southerly winds may vicinity are generally closed to navigation during the be had off the north shore of Nashawena Island eastward winter. The approaches to the harbors on the eastern shore of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of 40 to 48 feet. are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe winters This anchorage, frequently used by tows, is available the drift ice extends across the bay and joins the local for vessels of any draft; however, care must be taken to formations on the western shore, forming an impassable stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. Two general barrier for short periods. Ice forms more rapidly in the bay anchorages are off the western entrance to Cape Cod with winds from north to west as the western shore forms Canal. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.140(b)(1), (b)(2), and a shelter from such winds. When the field ice extends (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) sufficiently out toward the channel as to be affected by the winds from north to west, the outer edges are broken up (169) and carried off to the eastern or southern shore where they form drift ice. Under ordinary circumstances a northeast Dangers wind, if continued for 48 hours, will clear the bay of ice. (170) Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 miles southward Southerly winds, especially southeastern, diminish the extent and weaken the strength of the pack. Some of the of Gooseberry Neck, is a reef consisting of many large lighted buoys are removed from station or replaced by boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is unlighted buoys when endangered by ice. in two large groups; the southerly group is the larger. Numerous covered rocks are well away from the visible part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to 14 feet extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible part (178) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north of the ledge. Old to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this Cock, a rock awash, and The Wildcat, covered 5 feet and chapter. unmarked, are in the southern shoal area. The south edge of the shoal is marked by a buoy. Strangers are advised (179) to stay outside the 5-fathom curve in this vicinity. (171) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, Charts 13230, 13229 extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted (180) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the bell buoy. An unmarked rock strewn shoal, covered 20 western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small pleasure feet, is 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numerous craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point of the obstructions and rocks were reported to extend as much entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of the harbor as 3 miles southward of Sow and Pigs Reef. are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles northeastward of (172) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, the entrance, is conspicuous. is about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island. Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted (181) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private seasonal (173) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots with aids mark the best water to the northeast end of the harbor. a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles southward In 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was reported available in of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted gong buoy the channel. Mariners are advised to steer a midchannel course through the entire entrance channel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides of the channel. (182) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft
210 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor (189) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck on have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, some the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as the marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine railways rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is marked up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine repairs can at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town wharf are be made. The harbormaster can be contacted through just inside the breakwater. In 1981, depths of 4 to 5 feet the boatyard. were reported alongside the wharf; water is available. The (183) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of harbor has extensive shoals and ledges, but by following Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with the buoyed channel a draft of about 8 feet can be carried twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer end, to an anchorage in the outer harbor in depths of 10 to 22 extends about 1 mile westward of the point. Gifford feet. Inside the breakwater, anchorage is available in 6 Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north-northwestward to 12 feet, taking care to avoid the shoals on the north of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset Rock, awash and side of the harbor and the rock awash near the center in marked by a private seasonal daybeacon, is 0.4 mile 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. Cataumet Rock, covered 6 offshore about 1.1 miles northward of Hamlin Point. A feet and marked by a buoy, is on the south side of the shoal area, foul with rocks awash and covered, extends entrance; Seal Rocks are on the north side and marked 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the daybeacon. by a seasonal lighted buoy. (184) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places (190) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a small- at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett Harbor, extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, the about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet Rock. A north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on the channel, privately dredged to a reported depth of 7 feet, northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and the leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a dredged summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are prominent. The basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal lighted buoy entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy and marks the approach, and private buoys mark the channel. an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an unlighted Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump-out station and wet buoy on the north side; these buoys mark reefs that extend and dry storage are available; lift capacity, 35 tons. Hull, westward from both entrance points. Seasonal private engine and electronic repairs can be made. In April 2002, buoys mark the channel in the harbor. the reported approach and alongside depth was 7 feet. (185) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken through the narrow, privately marked channel in the (191) HalftideRock,awashatlowwater,isabout500yards harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the southwestward of the end of the Megansett breakwater. village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the harbor. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers Cove, is Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf in a private boat basin with little or no water. 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (192) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is entered through a narrow channel from the head of (186) Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a reported depth of about 2 feet in 1981; however, depths Charts 13236, 13229 of 5 to 7 feet are reported to be available in the channel to the harbor; local knowledge is advised. The village of (187) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles Cataumet is on the northerly shore of the harbor. northward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south side of Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or (193) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of easterly winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor entrance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. and buoys mark the shoals extending from the entrance Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. points. The shores are foul, and the easterly part of the Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward of harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the privately Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered by dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a small 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, western, basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A stone and southern sides. A rock awash is in the northerly shoal. jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 33 CFR 110.1and (194) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from (188) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. In Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported alongside the 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering wharf. Ice and provisions are available. about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 to 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 211 Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is be made. A town wharf and floats are on the north side covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward of the river at the bridge. of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. (201) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of (195) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys Harbor, of about 8 feet in 1981, leads north of Bassetts Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. to Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the northeast (202) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A small-craft east and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached launching ramp is just south of the landing. from Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads (196) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another buoyed southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend of the natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from a approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be carried point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis Rock in the inner channel, and greater depths are available in to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about 6 feet the approach channel. The harbor is used as an anchorage can be carried in the channel, and there are depths of 8 to by small boats. Mashnee Island, once an island, is now 14 feet in the anchorage. In 1981, a shoal at the south tip connected with the mainland by a landfill causeway. A of Bassetts Island was reported to be shifting westward group of rocks awash, marked by a buoy, is 0.2 mile off in the vicinity of Buoy 3; caution is advised. A boulder the east shore of the harbor, and another rock, covered 4 reef extends northeastward from Scraggy Neck in the feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 mile north of Tobys approach to the cove. Several private piers with depths Island. of 5 to 8 feet alongside are in the cove. (203) The village of Monument Beach is on the east (197) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in approached from the northward through the channel that the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 feet leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the southward is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, electricity, a through the channel that leads through Hospital Cove. pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are available. Hen Cove is immediately northward of Red Brook (204) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In 1981, reported near its entrance, empties into the north side of Phinneys depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be carried through Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the entrance. A the north and south channels, respectively. Because of railroad bridge and a highway bridge crossing the river numerous submerged rocks in and near the edges of the about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed spans with a channel, local knowledge is advised. minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is on the south (198) A marina and boatyard are on the east shore of bank between the bridges. In 1981, a depth of about 1½ Red Brook Harbor. These facilities can provide: berths, feet was reported available in the river to the boatyard. A electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, pump-out, water, ice, forklift is used to haul out boats up to 26 feet at the yard, marine supplies, boat storage and can make hull and while boats up to 37 feet in length can be hauled out on engine repairs; electronic repairs can be made at the a flatbed trailer at a paved ramp at Barlows Landing and marina. Marine lifts to 60 tons and a 50-to marine railway then brought to the yard for hull and engine repairs or dry are also available. open or covered storage. A launching ramp and marine (199) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, supplies are available at the yard. extends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction (205) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the into Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, Back River. irregular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward (206) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of the waterway is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are displayed Light to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 33 CFR207.20,chapter the distance between points north and south of Cape Cod 2, for details.) by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to (200) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the north Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 33 CFR side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged channel 207.20, chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, that leads southward between two jetties to a highway administration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In 2001, a (207) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the bridge. The at the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. Only Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal at very small boats go above the bridge. A boatyard is on Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island the south side of the river at the bridge. Water, berths with Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all vessels electricity, storage facilities, a 35-foot marine railway, over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the canal. (See and a 5-ton lift are available; hull and engine repairs can 33 CFR 207.20(h), chapter 2, for detailed information on signals.)
212 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (211) Cape Cod Canal (east entrance) N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (208) (213) Prominent features Channels (214) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet deep (209) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from a through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mariners white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson on and latest editions of the chart for controlling depths.) the east side of the entrance channel approaching Cape Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest information as Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and sound signal to available depths so as to pass through the canal during are at the light station. The railroad bridge over the canal maximum stages of high water if the draft of the vessel at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the highway bridge is near the controlling depth. In 1981, it was reported at Bourne are also prominent. that the east entrance was being privately maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New England Petroleum Company (210) Cape Cod Canal BreakwaterLight 6 (41°46'47\"N., wharf about 1.2 miles west of Cape Cod Canal Breakwater 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a Light 6. red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwater (215) The approach channels from both the west and the at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape Cod east are marked with lighted ranges and other navigational Bay. A mariner radio actived sound signal is at the light, aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both banks by initiated by keying the microphone five times on VHF- mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. FM channel 83A. The most prominent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is the tall lighted stack (216) of the powerplant about 1.1 miles west-southwestward of Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light 6. The high-level Anchorages highway bridge across the canal at Sagamore, 2.5 miles (217) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland west of the breakwater light, is also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance to the canal should not Ledge Channel between Cleveland East Ledge Light be confused with the smaller jetties at Sandwich Harbor, and Wings Neck. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.140 (b) 1 mile to the southeastward, nor should the two white and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, church spires back of Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for a dangerous submerged rock was reported just inside the range structure marking the entrance to the canal. the easterly edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., 70°40'17\"W. In 1984, an obstruction was reported in Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 213 (212) Cape Cod Canal (west entrance) N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (218) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both (222) ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare in Currents about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in 1979. (223) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod The other is just inside the eastern entrance to the canal. A small boat basin is on the south side of the channel just Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Current inside the eastern entrance to the canal; depths of 8 to 13 Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal current has feet were available in the basin in 1969. a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets eastward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets westward. Large (219) differences in range and timing of the tide between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents Bridges in the canal. Tides may lower the canal level 2 feet below (220) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. mean low water or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 (224) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, especially miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a vertical- during spring tides, low-powered vessels should await lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet up. slack water or favorable current. Navigators are warned The span is normally maintained in the raised position to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” and “bank and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 33 CFR117.1 cushion,” the effects of which may cause a vessel to take through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, for a sudden and decided sheer. drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland East Ledge (225) Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at Sagamore, 11.8 Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a fixed span (226) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal than with a clearance of 135 feet. (221) The minimum clearance of the overhead power outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the canal to cables across the canal is 160 feet. such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occasionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so congested with ice that navigation through the canal is prevented.
214 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (227) [email protected]. Boston Coastwise Pilots is in Winthrop, MA 02152; telephone 617–510–0082, North Atlantic Right Whales 508–801–4904; email: [email protected]. Twenty- (228) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been four hour advance notice and 3 hour updates are requested. (234) The Northeast Marine pilot boats which serve the reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity of canal and Buzzards Bay are the NORTHEAST I and the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traffic NORTHEAST V. The NORTHEAST I is a 37-foot Controllers provide information regarding North Atlantic boat with a black hull and white superstructure. The right whale sightings and locations. The Northeast NORTHEAST V is a 38-foot boat with a black hull and Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mariners gray superstructure. Both boats have the word PILOT on in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. When both sides. right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: (235) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II and NORTH-EAST December through May), vessels transiting Cape Cod IV serve for boarding eastbound vessels. NORTHEAST Bay are urged to use Recommended Two-Way Whale II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST IV is a 52 foot boat; Avoidance Routes to reduce the likelihood of collisions both have unpainted aluminum hulls and superstructures with right whales. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, with the word PILOT in red on both sides. All Northeast indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more information pilot boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and on right whales and recommended measures to avoid work on 13 or 10. collisions with whales.) (236) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern (229) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Cape Cod 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. Bay Seasonal Management Area between January 1 and (237) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cape Cod Bay Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett with a northern boundary of 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area 42°12'N., 70°12'W., thence due west back to shore. (See bounded by: 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for regulations, limitations, (238) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., and exceptions.) (239) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., (230) The waters of Cape Cod Bay lie within the (240) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., WHALESNORTH Mandatory Ship Reporting Area. (241) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area Each self-propelled ship of 300 gross tons or greater is southward of a line extending from Point Judith to entering WHALESNORTH must participate in the Sakonnet Point. Mandatory Ship Reporting System (See 33 CFR 169, (242) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point Judith chapter 2, for limits and regulations, and chapter 3 for Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius circle sample reports). Sovereign immune vessels are exempt centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. from the requirement to report, but are encouraged to (243) Eastbound vessels can also meet pilots in the pilot participate. boarding area located about 1 mile NW of Buzzards Bay Entrance Light in about 41°23'48\"N., 71°02'01\"W. (231) (244) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. Pilotage, Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay (232) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or (245) “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels Launch service 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all (246) Launch service is also available; arrange through vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to entering Boston Coastwise Pilots or Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. the waterway with information as specified in 33 CFR 207.20(k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). (247) (233) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under Towage register of 350 gross tons or more and towing vessels in- (248) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buzzards tow with single hull tank barges carrying 5,000 barrels or more of petroleum and hazardous cargoes. Federal and Bay; arrangements for their services are usually made State pilots are available from Northeast Marine Pilots, through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channel Inc. and from Boston Coastwise Pilots. However, all 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel 18A as a pilotage that is compulsory under M.G.L. C. 103 shall be working frequency. dispatched through the pilot dispatch office of Northeast Marine Pilots regardless of pilot group affiliation. (249) Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; http:// www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone 401–847–9050 (24 Coast Guard hours), 800–274–1216; FAX 401–841–9052; email: (250) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile northeastward of Sandwich Harbor.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 215 (251) In 1992, a rock was reported near the railroad bridge in 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. A marina is on the east side Wharves of Cohasset Narrows just south of the railroad bridge (252) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime and can provide transient berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, pump-out and a launching Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile ramp. Several small piers for shallow-draft boats are in below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, Buttermilk Bay. is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berthing (261) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and face. In 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was reported in the basin Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of off the berthing face in about 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'35\"W. Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from In 1981, the reported controlling depth on the channel Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a side of the pier was 25 feet. Permission to berth at the pier turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one on must be obtained from the academy. Vessels should not each side of the channel, are at the head of the channel. attempt to go alongside or leave the pier except at periods (262) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the of slack water. Passing vessels are requested to proceed middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel are slowly to avoid damage to lines and other equipment at frequently towed under because of the strong currents. A the pier. rock, covered 9 feet, is near the channel entrance about 75 (253) The New England Petroleum Company mooring yards northeast of Hog Island Channel Light 21. In 1981, platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were reported on the north miles westward of Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light edge of the channel between Buoys 2 and 4; caution is 6, provides berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long advised. with drafts of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot (263) A special anchorage is in the northern part of Onset draft moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. Bay. (See 33 CFR110.1and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available at or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage tanks the head of the dredged channel. ashore. (264) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Island. (254) (265) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. Supplies The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The (255) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just inside the Several small-craft facilities are on the north side of the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary berthage bay along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See and anchorage are also available at the basin. the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. (256) (266) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of Onset. A draft of 4 feet can be taken to Broad Cove above Communications the highway bridge which connects Onset and Long (257) Information on operating conditions, widths, depths, Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 11 feet. or other data on the canal is available at all hours, day (267) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 or night, by calling the canal office at Buzzards Bay at feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly 508–759–4431. from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The (258) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal will breakwater protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland monitor channel 16 continuously to establish contact with Ledge Channel Range Front Light is on the outer end traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to switch to of the breakwater. Abiels Ledge, between the channel channel 12 or channel 14 as a working channel to pass and the south end of the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry information between the traffic controllers and the vessel. Ledge, 1 mile northwestward of Abiels Ledge, bares at However, channel 13 may be used only when the above half tide; it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 channels are not available. mile northward, is surrounded by uneven bottom with (259) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, depths of 2 to 19 feet between it and the northerly shore Buzzards Bay, MA, is in continuous operation. Call of Buzzards Bay. letters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels (268) Wareham River, which empties into the northern 13, 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long Beach Point, is prominent when approaching the river. A brick (260) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with Cape Cod Canal. A railroad bridge crossing Cohasset Narrows has a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet; the bridge is kept in the closed position.Ahighway bridge, just above the railroad bridge, is under construction (2014).
216 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (279) Sippican Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicuous. The (270) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buzzards buoyed channel to the town is crooked and twisting; Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and steer in 2009, the controlling depth was 3.7 feet from about 351°to the buoyed channel. Strangers should obtain local Nobska Point to the upstream limit of the project. A information regarding channel depths before navigating rock covered 6 feet is in the entrance about 350 yards the river. south-southwest of Dry Ledge in about 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and several rocks and shoal spots covered (271) The depth at the Wareham town landing was reported 9 to 14 feet are within 0.75 mile west to southwest of the to be about 4½ feet in 1981. The Wareham Harbor Patrol ledge. A shoal makes off southeasterly from Cromeset patrols the harbor during the summer boating season and Point, 0.6 mile southward of Long Beach Point. In 1981, enforces a speed limit of 5 knots. A boatyard, on the it was reported that Long Beach Point covers at high western side of Wareham Neck about 0.3 mile below the water; caution is advised. The section near Quahaug bridges, has a marine railway that can handle craft up to Bar, north of Long Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or storage. Gasoline, Depths shoal to 2 and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. diesel fuel, water, marine supplies, and a 25-ton mobile Small craft sometimes anchor just north of Long Beach hoist are available. In 1981, depths of about 6 feet were Point. Highway and railroad bridges over the river above reported alongside the boatyard service float. Wareham the wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance has bus service. of 1 foot. (269) The velocity of the current at the entrance to (272) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to Wareham River is not great enough to materially interfere Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north and with a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 feet. first half of the ebb the current below the wharves of the The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot channel town sets across the flats westward of the channel, and was dredged by the State through the cove from the 6-foot during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats eastward contour to Cedar Island at the entrance to Cedar Island of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the Tidal Creek. Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices over for short periods during most winters. (273) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly obstructed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can be carried past the rocks and as far as the highway bridge, with local knowledge. The channel is not marked. An overhead
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 217 power cable crossing the river about 1.4 miles above the western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwestward mouth has a clearance of 51 feet. The highway bridge, of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported depth which is 1.7 miles above the mouth, has two fixed spans of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion. with a clearance of 5 feet. The channel is through the (282) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on the northeasterly 45-foot span. The river is navigable for 2 eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common entrance miles above the highway bridge by small craft drawing northward of Ram Island. They have general depths of 3 less than 2 feet. A small marina is just above the bridge. to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two coves. Gibbs Gasoline, water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, Rock, marked by a private seasonal daybeacon, is 50 and hull and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer yards off the north point of Ram Island. A rock awash is at the marina can haul out boats to 25 feet. charted 120 yards north of the daybeacon. (274) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is (283) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of Sippican indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending offshore Harbor is shallow and used only by small local craft. The nearly 2 miles in places. approach to the cove is marked by private seasonal buoys. (275) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast Charted obstructions are close westward of the buoys. of Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of (284) Ice usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a month Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer or more each winter. section. The cove affords protection from westerly winds; (285) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of it is used only by small local craft. Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot (276) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican Neck. spot is near the center of the cove in about 41°40'23.2\"N., Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward from the 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is foul. The point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island marked by harbor is protected from all winds except southeast. An a light. unmarked channel with depths of less than 1 foot leads (277) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. Local knowledge buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 and a high tide are required to navigate to the boatyard, feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 mile which can haul out craft up to 40 feet in length. The yard southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 feet. does general repairs and machine work. Gasoline, diesel The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 feet, are fuel by truck, and marine supplies are available. The other about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard Shoal. An coves between Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors are unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles southward of foul and seldom entered. Bird Island. (278) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat (286) activity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor Chart 13229 is the approach to Marion, a small town on the western shore. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and (287) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest Converse Point on the west. Prominent features include of Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of the lighthouse on Bird Island and the conspicuous house New Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of and flagpole on Converse Point. The standpipe on Mattapoisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts Sippican Neck can also be seen for a considerable during the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly distance. winds, the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the (280) The town dock at Marion, approached through a sea from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has reported approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at Marion between Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. provide limited guest moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, pump-out, launch ramp, marine lifts (288) The entrance between Angelica Point and to 50 tons, boat storage and hull, engine and electronic Strawberry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck repairs can be made. The harbormaster, who controls all on the west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural mooring and anchoring in the harbor, monitors VHF-FM channel leads through the numerous rocks and ledges channel 68. in the entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The (281) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky channel has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the areas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 broken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, areas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet a peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to from Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. enter at night. At Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the island and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. (289) There are many shoals and rocks, most of them The currents in the narrow portion of the channel have buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the west considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledge extends about a mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett Neck. Nye Ledge, covered 7 to 18 feet, about 0.4 mile southeastward of Mattapoisett Ledge, is marked by a seasonal lighted bell
218 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 buoy. In or near the entrance channel are Gallatin Rock, and Sconticut Neck, the neck of land forming the east covered 10 feet; Sunken Ledge, covered 3 feet; Snow side of New Bedford Harbor, completely blocks passage Rock, covered 5 feet; and Barstow Rock, covered 8 feet. between the two. Near the town wharf, a rock, covered 3 feet, is marked (297) Bare rocks and shoaling extend about 1 mile by a buoy. southerly of West Island, and from there to the New (290) A special anchorage is in Mattapoisett Harbor. (See Bedford Harbor entrance are numerous isolated rocks and 33 CFR110.1 and 110.45a, chapter 2, for limits and ledges, the most dangerous of which are buoyed. Mosher regulations.) Ledge, about 1.1 miles south of Wilbur Point, has a least (291) The stone wharf at the town has a reported depth depth of 6 feet. Strangers should stay south of the buoys of 6 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, marking these dangers. marine supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 feet in draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the mooring areas. (298) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth (292) Aboatyard in the harbor, just northwest of Ned Point, of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of Buzzards has limited guest berths but can provide gasoline, diesel Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bedford and the fuel, electricity, water, ice, pump-out, a 35-ton marine lift, town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 miles from boat storage, and hull, engine and electronic repairs. In The Battery at New York via Long Island Sound, and 2012, a reported depth of 15 feet could be carried to the 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. The harbor boatyard with 5 feet alongside. includes all the tidewater lying northerly of a line from (293) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of Clarks Point at the southern extremity of New Bedford Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected to to Wilbur Point at the southern end of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and shoal extends to the head of navigation on Acushnet River at water surround the island. Acushnet. The outer harbor consists of the area south (294) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Island, and the inner Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. harbor consists of the area north of the barrier to a short Ledges with very little water over them surround the distance above the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; (299) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of side of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of about 15 feet. general cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. (295) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The Rock on the east and West Island on the west. Northward deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. and westward of West Island the bay is greatly obstructed by rocks and small islands. Because of these obstructions, (300) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance only small craft proceed through the bay to Little Bay, at to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges the head, or up Nasketucket River. The edges of Little and shoals, between which are several channels leading Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in all but strong to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, southerly winds is available in the center of the bay in 3 characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is made treacherous with caution when crossing areas off the general track by obstructions and wind and should not be attempted when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet without local knowledge. greater than the draft. (296) Numerous rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of West Island at the entrance. A causeway (301) connects the western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed span in the causeway has a clearance Prominent features of 5 feet. The depth at the bridge is 6 feet. On the east (302) From the main channel numerous landmarks can side of Long Island just north of the bridge is a marina with reported approach and alongside depths of 4 feet in be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 7 2011. Berths, moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the channel, water, ice, marine supplies, sewage pumpout, a surfaced is conspicuous. Clarks Point, on the west side of the launching ramp, a 40-ton marine lift, boat storage, and channel, is marked by a granite fort. About 0.7 mile hull, engine, and electronic repairs are available. The northeast of the point is an abandoned lighthouse. approach from southward to the west side of West Although there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Fort Island runs among many sunken rocks and shoals, and Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just east is very dangerous. The causeway between Long Island of the channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. A tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the inner harbor. A private light is on the northeast point of Palmer Island, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane barrier. The lights marking the eastern and western sides of the hurricane barrier are also prominent.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 219 (303) Buoy 12, thence on a 006°course to join the main channel near Butler Flats. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (313) An alternate approach can be made from a position (304) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vineyard about 0.3 mile southeastward of Buzzards Bay Lighted Buoy 7 (chart 13230) on a course of 004°to join the main Sound are described in 33 CFR 80.145, chapter 2. channel near Butler Flats. (314) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford (305) Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visible. Vessels should proceed with caution where the charted Channels depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the draft, (306) AFederal project provides for a 30-foot deep channel because of the broken character of the bottom. from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above the (315) New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) The Anchorages 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to 150 feet by a (316) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, vessels hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, protecting New Bedford Harbor, extending from the western shore over occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about 0.7 Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on the east. The 150-foot mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages are gated opening will be kept in the open position during in the outer harbor. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.140 (a) fair weather, but is closed during periods of high winds and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the inner or high tides, or when a hurricane is expected. Lights harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged anchorage marking the eastern and western sides of the opening are areas on either side of the channel in depths of 25 to 30 shown from the top of each of the two gate operations feet. houses, 48 feet above the water. A sound signal is sounded from the west barrier light. (317) Dangers (318) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks (307) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions near side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at Clarks the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The chart Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate is open. is the best guide. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes before the start (319) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 mile of closing the gate through reopening. In addition to southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is on the the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe lights are easterly rock and a gong buoy marks the southeastern shown; two from atop the west barrier operating house, portion of the shoal area around the rocks. one facing toward the harbor and one facing toward the (320) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round bay, and a third light facing toward the bay adjacent to Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance to the old fort at Clarks Point. These synchronized lights the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the flash every 20 seconds, but flash every 2 seconds from easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwestward 20 minutes before the start of closing the gate through of the wreck. reopening. (321) (308) The controlling depth above the turning basin to the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above that Regulated Navigation Area point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except by (322) A regulated navigation area has been established launches and small craft. south of the western hurricane barrier. (See 33 CFR 165.1 (309) through 165.13 and 165.125, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Routes (310) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is from (323) Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB Bridges (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed channel (324) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. eastward of Negro Ledge. (311) There are several other passages with least depths The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 33 CFR117.1 Bedford Harbor west of the main channel. However, they through 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for drawbridge are not as well marked as the main channel; unmarked regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the course lines. channel 16 and works on channel 13; call sign WHH-238. (312) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Buzzards About 1 mile above this drawbridge is the Coggeshall Bay Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can be Street Bridge, which has a fixed span with a clearance of set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks Light 8 feet. A highway bridge with a fixed span and a clearance 7 to about 500 yards northwest of Southwest Approach of 8 feet is just below the Coggeshall Street Bridge. About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Street Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet.
220 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (325) prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other arrangements may be made with the pilot office. Currents (339) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST (326) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current III serve the canal and are owned and operated by Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38- observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers over foot boat with black hull and white superstructure and the a 2-day period in 1965 at the center of the navigation word PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, it was boat with black hull and white superstructure. revealed that the maximum flooding and ebbing velocities (340) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST were about 2.4 knots; average flood setting 344° and the III and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ebb 144°. During flooding or ebbing a slight set towards vessels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and the east barrier abutment may be experienced. During NORTHEAST IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted this same period it was further revealed that the time of aluminum hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT slack water occurred about 30 minutes before the time in red on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor of low or high water; that the maximum ebbing velocity VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. occurred about 2 hours after the time of high tide; that the (341) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance maximum flooding velocity occurred about 4 hours after by ships’ agents. the time of low tide; and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at about the same time as the most rapid (342) change in the vertical height of the tide was taking place. Towage (327) (343) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp (328) The prevailing winds during the winter are from are based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their services are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs north to west, and during the summer from south to monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly with and use channel 18A as a working frequency. little warning in New Bedford Harbor. (344) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. (329) (345) Ice Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural (330) The channels and anchorage area usually are quarantine (346) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and navigable throughout the year, although in prolonged Appendix A for addresses.) periods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all (347) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with of Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public ice. Such conditions are infrequent and of short duration. Health Service, chapter 1.) Steamers generally can make their way through the ice in (348) New Bedford has several hospitals. the harbor. (349) Coast Guard vessels moor at the State Pier. (331) (350) Pilotage, New Bedford Harbor regulations (332) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (351) The New Bedford Harbor Development gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of 350 Commission, through the harbormaster, enforces the gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is available harbor regulations. The State Pier Traffic Manager is from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; the State authority who directs anchoring, berthing, telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; and movement of vessels, and discharging operations at FAX 401–847–9052; email: dispatch@nemarinepilots. the State Pier. Vessels are expected to proceed slowly com. in the vicinity of the piers. State laws forbid pollution (333) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern and dumping of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. The entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile harbormaster has an office just north of the State Pier. east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. (352) (334) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett Wharves Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area (353) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers bounded by (335) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., and wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these (336) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., facilities. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, (337) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., and the alongside depths for these facilities are reported; (338) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area for information on the latest depths contact the operator. is southward of a line extending from Point Judith to All of the facilities described have highway connections, Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions and most have rail connections. Water is available at most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually handled
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 221 by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame derrick is (365) available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. (354) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards Communications westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage; (366) There is only rail freight service to Boston and receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood frequent bus service to Providence, Boston, and New companies. York. A mail and passenger boat makes trips to Cuttyhunk (355) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards twice weekly in the winter and daily in the summer. northward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 Seasonal passenger ferry service is also available to feet long, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of Martha’s Vineyard. Air service is available to Boston, petroleum products; vessels usually berth with bow New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. inshore; owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by New England Petroleum Corp. (356) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north (367) The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet entrance of Sakonnet River is fringed with extensive alongside; 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt shoals, many of them rocky and a considerable number and shipment of general cargo; owned and operated of them well offshore. The entrances to several inlets by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of are shoal and are used only by local fishing and pleasure Waterways. boats. (357) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet of (368) Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and Apponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths of 12 to chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned and 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. used. Several small piers can accommodate small craft. (358) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Several rocks are off Moshers Point on the west side of Island; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic the cove. feet of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled foodstuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. (369) Apponagansett Bay, about 2 miles southwestward (359) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure craft and a 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 to 28 few fishermen in the summer, but the bay is insecure in feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated space, southeasterly gales. Nonquitt and Bayview are villages 57,500 square feet of freezer space, 34,700 square feet of on the south side of the entrance and South Dartmouth covered storage space; receipt of frozen fish; owned and is on the northerly shore. Padanaram Breakwater is operated by Frionor Norwegian Frozen Fish Ltd. marked on the southern end by a light. The approach (360) New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards to the bay is obstructed by numerous ledges and rocks, northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet and strangers should enter only in the daytime with clear alongside; 14 acres of open storage; owned by New weather. Inside the breakwater, the channel is marked Bedford Harbor Development Commission and operated by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, covered 4 feet, is on the by various tenants. northeast side of the channel. Private seasonal anchorage buoys mark the area off South Dartmouth, which is (361) usually very crowded in the summer. A highway bridge at the village has a swing span with a channel width of Supplies 31 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. (See 33 CFR117.1 (362) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, marine through 117.59 and 117.587, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Above the bridge, small craft anchor in a supplies of all kinds, and sewage pumpout are available. narrow channel near the eastern shore. Diesel oil and marine bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excellent for drinking and boiler use; a water (370) The harbormaster controls anchoring and berthing boat services craft at anchor. in the harbor and can be contacted through the police department or VHF-FM channel 16. The speed limit in (363) the harbor is 5 mph. Repairs (371) Southward of the bridge is a landing at a yacht (364) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that club with reported depth of 10 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, water, ice, and some marine supplies can make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage are available. Two nearby boatyards and a marina can facilities are also available. The largest marine railway provide limited guest berths, storage, complete marine in the area can handle vessels up to 210 feet. Lifts to 99 supplies, and hull, engine, electronic, rigging, and sail tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford repairs. The largest marine railway can handle craft to 55 are available for above-the-waterline repairs and engine feet; mobile hoists to 35 tons are also available. In 1981, repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compressors and depths of 3 to 11 feet were reported at the slips. diving equipment, are also available. (372) Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round hill.
222 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 (373) Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 the entrance. Above the Westport Point bridge, the east miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater extends branch is marked by private seasonal buoys as far as the 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport Point. A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to this bridge with (374) Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of Round local knowledge. Hill Point, is the southern point of Smith Neck. Shoal (383) A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span and water extends about 0.2 mile off the point. a clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the river at Westport Point, about 2 miles above the mouth. (See 33 (375) CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.620, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Hix highway bridge, about 6 Chart 13228 miles above the mouth, has a fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. An overhead power cable on the north side of (376) Slocums River, westward of Mishaum Point, has a Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 feet. bar at the entrance nearly bare at low water. The channel (384) Approaching Westport River, boats must take care to inside is narrow, unmarked, and little used. Slocums pass westward of the dangers off Gooseberry Neck and Ledge, extending 0.6 mile westward of Mishaum Point, eastward of the dangers off the river entrance. Numerous covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a buoy. Pawn Rock rocks and ledges are southward of the entrance to the uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile easterly of Barneys Joy river. Twomile Rock, 1 mile southeastward of Westport Point, the point on the west side of the river entrance. Harbor Entrance Light 7 on The Knubble, is marked by a daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 feet are (377) Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of southeasterly of the rock. A buoy is 0.35 mile south- Mishaum Point, is marked by several prominent towers. southeast of the rock. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet high, is 325 The neck, irregular and elongated, extends about 1 mile yards southeast of the light on The Knubble. The shoal southward from Horseneck Beach to which it is joined water surrounding the rock is marked by a buoy. The by a narrow roadway over rock fill. The water surrounding area south of The Knubble is very foul. Other unmarked the neck is very foul. dangers include Twomile Ledge, extending 1 mile south of The Knubble, and covered 2 to 12 feet; Joe Burris (378) Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of Ledge covered 14 feet, midway between Halfmile Rock it have been previously discussed under the entrance to and Twomile Rock, and Pinetree Ground, about 1 mile Buzzards Bay. south of Twomile Rock, covered 25 to 30 feet. (385) The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth (379) In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous rocks of about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and ledges and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal water extending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 miles westward extends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck to Lumber of Westport Harbor. Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, and over 0.5 mile westward to Browing Ledge, covered 6 feet. (386) Little Southwest Rock is about 0.3 mile northeastward of Lumber Rock. Currents (387) The tidal current in the entrance has a velocity of 2.5 (380) Westport River empties into the large bight between Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point (chart 13221). The knots, and caution is recommended when navigating the mouth of the river is between Horseneck Point, 2.7 miles river. (See the Tidal Current tables for predictions.) northwest of Gooseberry Neck, and The Knubble, a protruding mound of granite marked by a light about 0.2 mile south of Horseneck Point. The river is the approach to Westport Harbor, the area just inside the entrance; the (388) Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, are village of Westport Point, on the north shore of the east at Westport Point. These piers have reported depths of branch of the river; and the village of Acoaxet, westward about 10 feet at their faces. Berthing at the piers is under of The Knubble. Fishing and pleasure boats use the river the control of the harbormaster, who can be contacted as far as Westport Point. through the town hall or police department. (381) A dredged entrance channel leads northwest and (389) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. around Horseneck Point into Westport Harbor. The (390) A boatyard and a marina are in the harbor. The channel is narrow, crooked and marked by buoys. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition of the chart boatyard is on Horseneck Point about 0.5 mile west of the for controlling depths.) Depths near the entrance are highway bridge. The marina is on Westport Point about continually changing; mariners are advised to seek local 0.1 mile west of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, knowledge. Numerous rocks are in the channel below the gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramps, and bridge at Westport; caution is advised. marine supplies are available. The largest marine railway is at the boatyard and can handle craft up to 60 feet for (382) Boats should not try to enter during strong southerly hull and engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. winds as heavy seas break over the entrance bar. About 1 mile above the entrance the river divides into two branches. The west branch is shallow, with a narrow channel marked by private seasonal buoys, and is used by (391) Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The local craft to opposite Toms Point, about 1.6 miles above Knubble. The boundary line between Massachusetts and
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 5 ¢ 223 Rhode Island is near the point. Cutty Wow Rock, awash (392) Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of Quicksand at low water, is 1 mile southwestward of the point. Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Rock, 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile southeastward of the point.
224 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 71°20' 71°10' 41° Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 6 45' 13224 MASSACHUSETTS 13221 Providence 13225 PROVIDENCE TAUNTON RIVER 41° 13227 45' RIV ER Fall River GREENWICH BAY MOUNT HOPE BAY Bristol Hope Island Prudence Island 13226 Quonset Point 13221 SAKONNET RMHASOSDAECISHLUASENTDTS Wickford PASSAGE EAST PASSAGE RHODE ISLAND 41° Newport RIVER WEST Conanicut Island 30' 41° 30' Sakonnet Point Beavertail Point 13223 RHODE ISLAND SOUND 71°20' 71°10'
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 225 Narragansett Bay (1) This chapter describes the Sakonnet River, Sakonnet River is good for a depth of 18 feet from the Narragansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton and mouth to Mount Hope Bay. Providence Rivers. Also discussed are the ports of Newport, Fall River, and Providence, as well as the numerous other yachting and fishing centers in this area. (10) Traffic Separation Scheme Narragansett Bay has (2) been established in the approach to Narragansett Bay through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13223, 13221, COLREGS Demarcation Lines 13218, 12300.) (3) The lines established for this part of the coast are (11) TheSchemeiscomposedbasicallyofdirectedtraffic described in 33 CFR80.145, chapter 2. lanes each with one-way inbound and outbound traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation zone, and (4) two precautionary areas, one at the southern end and the other at the northern end of the directed traffic lanes and No-Discharge Zone separation zones. The Scheme is recommended for use by (5) The State of Rhode Island, with the approval of vessels approaching or departing from Narragansett Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tugs, tows, or other the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a small vessels which traditionally operate outside of the No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) covering all coastal waters usual steamer lanes or close inshore. of Rhode Island, extending 3 miles offshore (see chart 13221). (12) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed (6) Within the NDZ, the discharge of sewage, whether to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. to major harbors, but is not intended in any way to Outside the NDZs, discharge of the sewage is regulated supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Separation zones are intended to separate inbound and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, (7) and should not be used except for crossing purposes. Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing Charts 13221, 13218 traffic lanes and separation zones. (See 33 CFR 167.1 through 167.15 and 167.100 through 167.103, chapter (8) Narragansett Bay, opening into the north side of 2, for limits and regulations and Traffic Separation Rhode Island Sound 17 miles westward of Buzzards Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) Bay entrance, is the approach to the cities of Newport, Providence, Fall River, and Taunton, as well as numerous (13) The southern precautionary area in the southwest towns and villages. Rhode Island (Aquidneck Island), part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles the largest island in the bay, forms the eastern shore of centered on 41°06'00\"N., 71°23'18\"W., excluding those the bay proper. The entrance is between Brenton Point, areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extending the southwestern part of Rhode Island, on the east, and between the outer limits of the inbound and outbound Point Judith Neck on the west. The bay is about 18 traffic lanes. (Note that the southern precautionary miles long from the entrance to the mouth of Providence area is common to the Traffic Separation Schemes for River. Navigation of the bay is easy during day or night the approaches to both Narragansett Bay and Buzzards in clear weather as it is marked by navigational aids. Bay. The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to The large Conanicut Island and Prudence Island, and Buzzards Bay is described in chapter 5.) several smaller islands, divide the bay into two passages. Sakonnet River, although not a part of Narragansett Bay, (14) The separation zone is a 2-mile-wide zone centered is included with it in the following discussion. upon the following positions: (9) East Passage is good for a least depth of about 60 feet (15) (i) 41°22'42\"N., 71°23'18\"W., for about 11 miles up the marked channel to the entrance (16) (ii) 41°11'06\"N., 71°23'18\"W. of the dredged channel to Providence. West Passage is the (17) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with approach to Dutch Island Harbor, Wickford, Greenwich Bay, and Providence River. Vessels of over 16-foot draft a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane at rarely go above Dutch Island Harbor without a pilot, but a point in about 41°11'06\"N., 71°21'24\"W., a course of vessels of 16-foot draft or less should have no difficulty 000°follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junction in going to the head of the bay and Providence River. with the northern precautionary area.
226 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (18) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane (26) with a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane at a point in about 41°22'39\"N., 71°25'24\"W., a course of Security Broadcast System, Narragansett Bay 180°follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junction (27) In conjunction with various maritime interests, the with the southern precautionary area. Coast Guard has developed a system of recommended (19) The northern precautionary area has a 3.55- radiotelephone procedures for Narragansett and Mount mile radius centered on a point in about 41°25'36\"N., Hope Bays that is designed to supplement the Vessel 71°23'18\"W., excluding those areas of the circle bounded Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations (see 33 by imaginary lines extending between the outer limits of CFR 26, chapter 2). These voluntary procedures consist the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. of Security calls to be made by vessel masters, pilots, or operators on VHF-FM channel 13 (156.65 MHz) (20) A 2-mile-wide restricted area extends from the at designated points. The procedures are designed to northern limits of the Narragansett Bay Approach traffic give notice of unseen vessels, give notice of intended separation zone to 41°24.7'N. This restricted area within movement, clear channel 13 of traffic unrelated to the precautionary area will only be closed to vessel navigation, give each vessel information on all others traffic by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, in the immediate vicinity, and to do so at little cost and Newport, during periods of daylight and optimum with as little radiotelephone traffic as possible. These weather conditions for torpedo range use. The closing of recommendations do not relieve a master, pilot, or the restricted area will be indicated by the activation of operator of any requirements of law or regulation. There red flashing lights on naval vessels supporting the torpedo is no guarantee that every vessel will follow them. range activities. There would be no vessel restrictions (28) Inbound vessels should make Security calls when expected during inclement weather or when the torpedo abeam of Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle range is not in use. Buoy NB, when off Castle Hill Light, and when at the south end of Prudence Island (state whether bound for (21) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. Providence or Fall River). The call at Castle Hill Light A group of buoys within the separation zone and the alerts outbound vessels so that they can pass East Passage precautionary area mark the torpedo range; these buoys Lighted Bell Buoy 11 close aboard, as during ebb current are not related to the Scheme. they tend to be set toward the center of the channel. Vessels bound for Providence should make additional (22) Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Security calls when off Popasquash Neck and when Buoy NB (41°23'00\"N., 71°23'21\"W.) is at the north end approaching Bullock Point Light BP. Vessels bound for of the separation zone and is equipped with a racon. Fall River should call Brightman Street Bridge when they enter Mount Hope Bay to allow sufficient time for (23) A safety zone has been established about 2 miles opening of the bridge. northward of Buoy NB for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (29) Vessels outbound from Providence should make (LPG) vessels. (See 33 CFR165.20, 165.23, and 165.121, Security calls when leaving their dock and when off chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Popasquash Neck. Vessels outbound from Fall River should make calls when leaving their dock, when approaching Mount Hope Bridge, and when off Gould Island. (24) Recommended Vessel Route (Narragansett Bay) has been established in the approach to Narragansett Bay (30) through Rhode Island Sound. Anchorages (25) TheU.S.CoastGuardCaptainofthePort,Providence, (31) The principal anchorages for vessels seeking shelter in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Committees, are Newport Harbor in the East Passage and Dutch has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep Island Harbor in the West Passage. These harbors afford draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island anchorage with good holding ground for deep-draft Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. Deep vessels, and are sometimes used by coasting vessels on draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the the passage between Vineyard Sound and Long Island designated routes. These routes were designed to provide Sound. Good anchorage will be found almost anywhere safe, established routes for these vessels, to reduce the in the bay under the lee of islands or the shore, where potential for conflict with recreational boaters, fishing vessels becalmed or at night frequently anchor. Point gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the potential Judith Harbor of Refuge is just west of Point Judith. for grounding or collision. Vessels are responsible for General and explosives anchorages are in Narragansett their own safety and are not required to remain inside Bay. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.145, chapter 2, for the route nor are fisherman required to keep fishing gear limits and regulations.) outside the route. Small vessels should exercise caution in and around the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 227 (32) (40) Navigation of the bay and its tributaries is sometimes impeded by floating ice and in severe winters by packs Routes of field ice. The ice which breaks up in Providence River (33) Vessels approaching from eastward should shape and Mount Hope Bay is set by north and northeast winds down the bay through East Passage. If there is much ice, their approach to pass well south of Seal Ledge and a gorge is sometimes formed at Fort Adams, but it is of Brenton Reef. Brenton Reef and other dangers on the short duration. The passages are rarely closed for any easterly side of the entrance will be avoided by keeping length of time below Gould Island in the East Passage Castle Hill Light bearing eastward of 003° and passing and Dutch Island in the West Passage. During January westward of the lighted whistle buoy and the gong buoy and February, Mount Hope Bay, Bristol Harbor, Warren, off Brenton Reef and the bell buoy off Butter Ball Rock. Providence River, Greenwich Bay, and Wickford are Approaching from westward, from a position with Point usually closed to sailing vessels unaided by power. The Judith Light bearing 344° distant 2 miles, vessels may inner harbor of Newport is also sometimes closed during steer 028° for about 9 miles to a position 0.5 mile west these months with the exception of a channel kept open by of Castle Hill Light, thence follow the navigational lights vessels. It can get nasty at the mouth of Narragansett Bay in the bay. The recommended route, however, for deep- when strong winds oppose the currents. Rounding Point draft vessels is via the Narragansett Bay Approach Traffic Judith can be rough or interminable, due to the confluence Separation Scheme, which is described earlier in this of tidal currents. Also local wind conditions can cause the chapter. tide to turn earlier or later than predicted in the tables. (34) (41) Tides North Atlantic Right Whales (35) The tidal movement in Narragansett Bay with its (42) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur vertical and horizontal constituents–tide and current, in the Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation respectively–is a continuation of the tide wave of the Scheme (peak season: November though April). The Atlantic Ocean. This wave sweeps into the three entrances Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational material between Sakonnet Point and Point Judith and continues to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. up the bay and into each of its tributaries until stopped (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in by rapids or other obstructions. As is usual when oceanic chapter 3 for more information on right whales and tidal movements enter inland waterways, the nature of recommended measures to avoid collisions.) the movement is modified by the hydrographic features (43) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall encountered. In this area the local features are such that the (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United current movement in particular is subject to considerable States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the distortion. (See the Tide Tables for predictions.) Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area between November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the (36) waters bounded by: (44) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; Currents (45) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; (37) The flood current in Narragansett Bay frequently (46) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; (47) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to has two maximums of velocity separated by a minimum starting point. (See 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for velocity which at times becomes an ebb flow. Over regulations, limitations, and exceptions.) the greater part of the bay, the usual maximum flood or ebb velocity is from 0.2 knot in the broad portions of the waterways to 1.5 knots in the more constricted sections. Velocities of about 1.4 knots occur at the bridges (48) The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine in Seekonk River, a velocity of about 1.7 knots in the Research Reserve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), narrows at the mouth of Kickamuit River, and a velocity includes the waters around Prudence, Patience, Dyer, of 2.3 to 2.7 knots at the bridges in Sakonnet River. In and Hope Islands in Narragansett Bay. Cape Cod South Sakonnet River, from the highway bridge to its mouth, Closure Area includes inshore waters of Narragansett current velocities are small, being generally less than 0.5 Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coasts of knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Massachusetts and Rhode Island. (38) (49) Weather, Narragansett Bay and vicinity Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode Island (39) In the entrance to the bay and its approaches, fogs Waters (50) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels and are more prevalent from April to October. The fogs are U.S. vessels under register when entering and departing brought in by winds from east through south to southwest Narragansett Bay and all ports of the waters of the State and are cleared off by northerly and westerly winds. The of Rhode Island. usual duration of the fog is 4 to 12 hours, but periods of 4 to 6 days have been known with only short clear intervals. The head of the bay will sometimes be free from fog while the entrance is completely shut in.
228 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (51) Federal and State pilots for Narragansett Bay are (63) available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; http://www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone Chart 13221 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; FAX 401– 847–9052; email: [email protected]. (64) Sakonnet River, on the easterly side of Narragansett Bay, is between the mainland and the eastern shore of (52) Pilots board vessels about 1.5 miles eastward of Rhode Island. The width of the river varies from 0.7 to Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB 2 miles except at its northern end where a least width of within an area bounded by 0.3 mile is found. The river is little used except by fishing vessels and small craft. Sakonnet Light (41°27'11\"N., (53) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., 71°12'09\"W.) is on the eastern side of the southern (54) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., entrance and marks the western end of the foul ground (55) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., west-southwest of Sakonnet Point. (56) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area (65) The channel of Sakonnet River is good for a depth is southward of a line extending from Point Judith of 16 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. There are to Sakonnet Point. Vessels arriving from sea should numerous shoals and outlying rocks, but the dangers are approach this boarding station via the Narragansett Bay well marked by buoys. Except for the breakwater light Traffic Separation Scheme inbound traffic lane. off Sakonnet Harbor, no lighted aids are in the river, and (57) Vessels bound for Long Island Sound ports may strangers should not attempt to navigate it at night. board pilots at any point south or east of the Point Judith Pilot Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., 071°30.5'W., and (66) Good anchorage for vessels drawing up to 17 feet outside the waters of the State of Rhode Island. can be had in midriver just below High Hill Point in (58) Pilots board from the Northeast Marine Pilots, depths of 21 to 26 feet. Although open to the southward, Inc. pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III a heavy sea seldom reaches as far as this anchorage. In and NORTHEAST IV. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot southeasterly gales the water is comparatively smooth boat and NORTHEAST IV is a 52-foot boat; both have inside the mouth of the river. Fishermen seeking shelter unpainted aluminum hulls and superstructures with the frequently anchor on the flats in the bight northward of word PILOT in red on both sides. NORTHEAST III is a Fogland Point in depths of 10 to 14 feet. 33-foot boat with black hull and white superstructure. A vessel should confirm her ETA by VHF-FM radio at least (67) Sakonnet Point, at the eastern entrance to Sakonnet 2 hours before arrival. All Northeast pilot boats monitor River, is surrounded by bare and submerged rocks. Several VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 10. islets and islands are south of the point. Schuyler Ledge, (59) Pilots for Narragansett Bay serving U.S. enrolled with a least depth of 8 feet, is about 0.8 mile southward vessels in coastwise trade are available from the Northeast of the point, and is marked by a bell buoy. A seasonal Marine Pilots (see above for contact information) and the fishtrap area marked by private buoys is about 0.7 mile Connecticut State Pilots (a division of Interport Pilots southwest of the point. Agency, Inc.), address: State Pier, New London, CT, telephone 800–346–4877 or 908–787–5554 (24 hours), (68) Cormorant Rock, a bare dark rock off the western cable PORTPILOTS Port Monmouth, NJ. side of the entrance to the river, is about 0.8 mile south (60) Connecticut State Pilots board vessels from the of Sachuest Point, the southeastern extremity of Rhode pilot boat CONNECTICUT PILOT, 65 feet long with Island. Vessels should not pass between Cormorant Rock blue hull and white superstructure, and from pilot boat and Cormorant Reef, 0.3 mile southward of the rock. CONNECTICUT PILOT II, 47 feet long with blue hull The least depth on the reef is 4 feet; it is marked by a bell and white superstructure. The boats monitor VHF-FM buoy. channels 16 and 13, 2 hours prior to the vessel’s scheduled ETA, and work on channel 10. The pilots meet ships (69) The two bridges and the remains of the abandoned bound for Narragansett Bay at any point south or east highway bridge at the north end of Sakonnet River act as of the Point Judith Pilot Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., dams to maintain the water at different levels on either 071°30.5'W., and outside the waters of the State of Rhode side of them, causing dangerous currents through the Island. openings. The currents change with great rapidity both in (61) Vessels to be boarded should provide a ladder 3 feet velocity and in direction, and are characterized by a double above the water on the lee side. flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (62) Pilot services are generally arranged at least 24 hours Vessels usually pass through the draws near the times of in advance through ships’ agents or directly by shipping slack water. companies. (70) The river north of Fogland Point is usually closed by ice for short periods each winter. Ice packs occur at the railroad bridge. (71) Vessels proceeding up Sakonnet River should follow a midriver course to the constricted part of the river, thence follow the channel marked by buoys into Mount Hope Bay.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 229 (72) Sakonnet Harbor, a small-boat harbor on the Tiverton. The oil piers northward of the bridges have northerly side of Sakonnet Point, is protected by an 800- reported depths of about 32 to 35 feet alongside. foot breakwater extending in a northerly and easterly (79) There are small-craft facilities at Tiverton, across direction from Breakwater Point. A light marks the the Sakonnet River at Almy Point, and at Cedar Island outer end. The holding ground in the harbor is reported Pond approximately 1.1 miles north of Almy Point. to be poor. A marina on the southwest side of the harbor The facilities provide berths and mooring, electricity, provides berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, and electricity. gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, pump-out facilities, a launching ramp, a lift to 60 tons, storage, and full repairs. (73) The western shore of Sakonnet River from the The facility at Tiverton has an approach depth of 35 feet entrance to Sandy Point should be given a berth of 0.4 with 12 feet alongside, at Almy Point has an approach mile to avoid shoals with depths of 7 to 17 feet. Rocks depth of 25 feet with 11 feet alongside, and at Cedar extend up to 500 yards offshore between Sachuest Point Island Pond has an approach depth of 12 feet with 8 feet and Flint Point, about 1 mile northward. Flint Point alongside. Ledge, about 0.5 mile north-northeast of Flint Point, (80) The channel at the north end of Sakonnet River, 0.6 has a least depth of 7 feet. Black Point is a rocky bluff mile above Gould Island, is restricted to a width of 100 on the western side of the river, 2.6 miles northward of feet between the abutments of a former highway bridge. Flint Point. Sandy Point and McCorrie Point, low and The fixed highway bridge, 0.8 mile to the northward, backed by high land, are 3.9 and 5.4 miles, respectively, has a clearance of 65 feet. In 2009, a replacement fixed northward of Flint Point. highway bridge with a design clearance of 63 feet was under construction near the existing bridge. An overhead (74) The channel passes eastward of Gould Island, power cable at the railroad bridge has a clearance of 81 a high wooded island, 2.5 miles north-northeastward feet. of McCorrie Point. This Gould Island should not be confused with one of the same name in East Passage. A (81) rock with a depth of 1 foot is northwestward of the island and is marked by a buoy. Chart 13223 (75) The eastern side of Sakonnet River is bolder than (82) The southern shore of Rhode Island is rocky the western side. The east shore should be given a berth with numerous offlying rocks and ledges. Numerous of 0.7 mile from Sakonnet Point to Church Point, a flat prominent residences are on the eastern side of Newport point with bluffs at the water, about 2.8 miles northward Neck, the southwestern part of Rhode Island. A large of Sakonnet Point. Old Bull, with a depth of 1 foot, is brick residence with several towers is on the southeastern about 0.5 mile southward of Church Point and marked point of Newport Neck. Easton Point is about 1.3 miles by a buoy. A church spire at Little Compton, about eastward of Newport Neck. A stone tower with a short 1.7 miles east of Church Point, is prominent. High Hill spire at each corner can be seen from offshore, about 0.7 Point, about 3 miles north of Church Point, is a prominent mile northward of Easton Point. Westward of Easton Point small hill with bluffs at the water. Fogland Point, about is a bathing beach with a prominent pavilion. Several 0.9 mile northward of High Hill Point, is a projecting private landings are northward of Gooseberry Island, a prominent point; the westerly and northerly sides should small islet south of Newport Neck. Local knowledge is be given a berth of over 200 yards. Almy Rock, bare at required to proceed to the landings. low water, is 0.3 mile southwest of Fogland Point. The broad bights between Fogland Point and the bridge are (83) East Passage, the principal passage in Narragansett shoal. Bay, extends between Rhode Island on the east and Conanicut and Prudence Islands on the west. It is the most direct route to Newport, Bristol, Providence, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton River. (76) Nannaquaket Pond, on the east side of Sakonnet River eastward of Gould Island, has a narrow entrance (84) The Pell Bridge Newport, a fixed highway 8 feet deep crossed by a fixed bridge with a clearance suspension bridge locally known as the Newport Bridge, of 12 feet. The deeper water in the entrance is along the crosses East Passage about 3.6 miles above the entrance, northern shore; several rocks are off the southern shore. between Jamestown and Newport. Clearances through The currents have considerable velocity. The northern the 1,500-foot center span are 213 feet at the center, 205 part of the pond has depths up to 26 feet; the remainder for the mid 1,000 feet, and 194 feet for the remainder has depths of about 3 feet. of the center span. A racon and a sound signal are at the bridge. (77) The Cove, on the western side of the river south of the bridges, has a depth of about 9 feet in the entrance; the (85) Brenton Point is the southwestern extremity of 31-foot-wide fixed highway bridge across the entrance Rhode Island and the eastern entrance point of East has a clearance of 25 feet. Depths are generally 3 to 4 Passage. feet in the cove. (86) Brenton Reef, bare in places, extends 0.5 mile (78) Tiverton is a town on the eastern bank of Sakonnet south-southwestward of the point and is marked by a River north and south of the bridges. Oil tankers call at gong buoy. Another reef extends 0.5 mile offshore just
230 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 eastward of the point; Seal Rock is at the southeastern (94) A marina, hotel, recreational and service facilities, end of the reef. and marine supplies are available on Goat Island. (87) Seal Ledge, about 0.5 mile south of Seal Rock, has depths of 15 to 30 feet and is marked by a bell buoy. (95) Newport, a city on the inner harbor, is one of the Haycock Ledge, 0.4 mile eastward of Seal Rock, has a principal summer resorts on the Atlantic Coast. Some least depth of 12 feet. coastwise traffic uses the port, but few foreign vessels (88) Beavertail Point is the southern extremity of enter it. A Naval Education and Training Center is here, Conanicut Island, on the western side of the entrance from which several Navy ships operate. to East Passage. Beavertail Light (41°26'58\"N., 71°23'58\"W.), 64 feet above the water, is shown from (96) a square granite tower attached to a white dwelling at Beavertail Point. A sound signal is at the light and a radar Prominent features tower is north of the light. Newton Rock, a covered rock, (97) The following objects are prominent when is about 0.1 mile southward of the point; a bell buoy is about 0.2 mile southwestward of the rock. approaching Newport Harbor either from the southward (89) Hull Cove, about 1 mile northeastward of Beavertail or northward: a hotel on Goat Island; a white building of Light, is rocky and exposed to southerly winds. Castle the yacht club near Ida Lewis Rock in the southerly part of Hill, the westernmost point of Rhode Island, is marked the harbor; church spires in the town; and the buildings of by Castle Hill Light; a mariner radio activated sound the Naval Education and Training Center and Naval War signal is at the light, initiated by keying the microphone College on Coasters Harbor Island in the north part of the five times on VHF-FM channel 83A. Castle Hill Coast harbor. To the westward on Conanicut Island are several Guard Station is close east of the light. Butter Ball large hotels and a standpipe. Numerous navigational aids Rock, about 0.2 mile south of the light and marked by a mark the passages through the harbor. bell buoy, uncovers 1 foot. (90) Mackerel Cove indents the southern shore of Conanicut Island about 1.6 miles northeastward of Beavertail Light. A house with a cupola is prominent on (98) The entrance to the outer harbor from the southward Southwest Point, the eastern entrance point of the cove. is unobstructed; the entrance from northward, passing The cove is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom either side of Gould Island, is clear, but the passage used. The Jamestown Bridge shows prominently over the eastward of Rose Island is partly obstructed by the rocks bar at the head of the cove on entering East Passage. and ledges between Rose and Coasters Harbor Islands. Kettle Bottom Rock, about 0.2 mile southeastward of Southwest Point, is bare and marked by a gong buoy. (99) The inner harbor has two entrances north and south (91) Bull Point, the southeastern point of Conanicut of Goat Island. A fixed highway bridge with a 40-foot Island, is rugged and rocky, and fringed by shoals which span and a clearance of 14 feet connects the Newport are marked by buoys. Fort Wetherill is on the point. The mainland to the northern part of Goat Island. This bridge Dumplings, northeast of Bull Point, are numerous bare limits the size of vessels that can enter the inner harbor and covered rocks and islets. The most southerly islet has from the northern approach. a tall house on it, covering almost the entire islet. (92) Fort Adams is on a peninsula off the north side of (100) General anchorages are in the outer and inner Newport Neck. The buildings and masonry of the fort are harbor and, except in emergencies, vessels must anchor prominent on the western slope of the peninsula. A dock in these areas. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.145, chapter 2, extending northward from the fort is marked by a light for limits and regulations.) Vessels of more than 18-foot and sound signal. draft anchor in the outer harbor in depths of 36 to 100 feet (93) Newport Harbor, on the western shore of Rhode with good holding ground. Island and the eastern side of East Passage, 3.5 miles above Beavertail Light, is an important harbor of refuge (101) Special anchorages are in Brenton Cove and in for coasters, tows, and yachts. Its approach is well marked the inner harbor east and northeast of Goat Island. (See by navigational aids, and the harbor is of easy access 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.46, chapter 2, for limits and day and night. A State regulatory buoy in the entrance regulations.) The anchorage is good in Brenton Cove to the inner harbor marks a 5 mph no wake zone. Goat and is used frequently by yachts. When entering the cove, Island, 0.6 mile long in a north-south direction, is a major the western shore should be given a berth of 200 yards. pleasure boating center and divides Newport Harbor into an outer and inner harbor. The outer harbor, on the western (102) In 1981, the harbormaster requested that transient side of Goat Island, is northward of The Dumplings and craft anchor only in the northern part of the Brenton Cove southward of Gould Island. The inner harbor is on the anchorage and in the anchorage northeast of Goat Island. eastern side of Goat Island and extends along the western front of Newport. (103) Shoals with little water over them make out nearly 300 yards from the southern shore of the inner harbor to Ida Lewis Rock and Little Ida Lewis Rock; the latter is marked by a daybeacon. (104) Goat Island is marked by a light at its northern end and a lighted bell buoy at its southern end. Buoys mark the shoals along the southeasterly and southwesterly sides of the island. (105) Rose Island, privately owned, is surrounded by a shoal with little water over it. The shoal extends about 0.4 mile northeastward of the island where it rises abruptly
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 231 from deep water. A rocky area extends southward from The extreme maximum temperature for Newport is 98°F Rose Island and is marked by a buoy. A private light (36.7°C) recorded in August 1975 while the extreme marks the southwest point of the island. Mitchell Rock, minimum is -9°F (-22.8°C) recorded in January 1982. with a depth of 16 feet and marked by a gong buoy, is (116) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout about 0.1 mile southeast of the dock on the southeast the year averaging about 45 inches (1143 mm) in any given side of the island. Citing Rock, 2 feet high, is 350 yards year. The wettest month is November averaging 4.57 east of the north end of the island and on the edge of the inches (116 mm) and the driest month is July averaging shoal surrounding Rose Island. Tracey Ledge, covered only 2.94 inches (75 mm). Total snowfall for the winter 11 feet, is about 0.3 mile eastward of Rose Island and season averages about 20 inches (508 mm); however, marked by a buoy. melting is usually rapid and snow cover rarely lasts more (106) Gull Rocks are about midway between Rose Island than a few days. The greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period and Coasters Harbor Island. Buoys mark the ends of the was 20.0 inches (508 mm) in February 1978. January is shoals and rocks that extend northward and southward the snowiest month averaging over seven inches (178 of the rocks. There is deep water between Gull Rocks, mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An Rose Island, and Coasters Harbor Island. A rock, covered average of only five days each year has snowfall amounts 19 feet and marked by a buoy, is about 0.3 mile north- greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm). northwestward of Gull Rocks. (117) See Appendix B for the Newport climatological (107) Off the northern and southern sides of Coasters table. Harbor Island are numerous rocks and ledges. A private light marks an obstruction in the channel south (118) of the island. St. Patrick Rock, covered 5 feet, is about 0.3 mile southeastward of the island. The island has Pilotage, Newport numerous buildings. Three fixed bridges connect the (119) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode island to Newport. The southern highway bridge and the pedestrian bridge 0.3 mile above it have 31-foot spans Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. with clearances of 3 feet. The northern highway bridge has a span of 85 feet with a clearance of 7 feet. Overhead (120) power cables of unknown clearance cross the harbor below the northern bridge. Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural (108) The western portion of the outer harbor is generally quarantine free of dangers northward of The Dumplings. (121) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Appendix A for addresses.) (109) (122) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Currents Health Service, chapter 1.) (110) In the entrance off Bull Point the flood current is (123) Newport is a customs port of entry. (124) The Coast Guard vessel documentation office often irregular. There may be a long period of slack water at Providence serves Newport. (See Appendix A for preceding the flood, or there may be a double flood. The address.) flood reaches a strength of about 1.2 knots; the ebb is regular and averages 1.5 knots at strength. (125) (111) Northward of Bull Point, tidal current velocities seldom exceed 1 knot. In the inner harbor they are Harbor regulations usually less than 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables (126) The harbormaster, under the supervision of the for predictions.) Recreation Department, is charged with the enforcement (112) of harbor regulations, the movement of vessels, and assignment of moorings and anchoring. The harbormaster Weather, Newport and vicinity may be contacted through the Police Department. The (113) The prevailing winds are southwesterly in the speed limit inside the harbor is 5 mph. summer and northwesterly in the winter. The heaviest (127) gales are usually from the northwest and northeast. (114) The harbor and its approaches are navigable Wharves throughout the year, although in severe winters ice may (128) Facilities include a city wharf and numerous private interfere with navigation in the inner harbor for short periods. Vessels and tugs keep ice well broken up in the piers. The depths alongside the principal piers range from main channel through the inner harbor. about 7 to 18 feet. (115) July is the warmest month with an average maximum of 79°F (26.1°C) and average minimum of 63°F (17.2°C). (129) January is the coldest month, having normal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average maximum Supplies of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of 23°F (-5°C). (130) Gasoline, diesel oil, diesel fuel, water, provisions, and marine supplies may be obtained at Newport. (131) Launch services are available in the harbor. (132) Repairs (133) Newport has a commercial shipyard specializing in repair, construction, and conversion of steel and
232 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 aluminum vessels. The marine railway is at the shipyard (146) Gould Island, a military reservation, is about 2 in the inner harbor and can handle vessels to 330 feet miles north of Rose Island and 0.8 mile east of Conanicut long, 63 feet wide, and 21.6 feet in draft. Cranes to 60 Island. A light is on the south end of the island. The island tons are available. is sparsely wooded. (134) (147) Halfway Rock and Fiske Rock are about 1.8 miles northeastward of Gould Island, on a small ledge bare at Small-craft facilities its southern end. Halfway Rock is marked by a daybeacon (135) There are numerous facilities in Newport harbor. and Fiske Rock by a buoy. Strangers should not pass between these aids. Mobile hoists up to 60 tons are available. Complete small-craft hull and engine repairs can be made. (148) A mussel farming area is about 1.3 miles northeast of the breakwater at Coddington Cove in the vicinity of the (136) pier at Lawtons. Submerged equipment and numerous buoys extend several hundred yards offshore and for Communications about 0.5 mile north of the pier. Caution is advised in the (137) Newport has bus and rail transportation. In the area. summer the ferry between Block Island and Providence (149) Dyer Island, about 0.8 mile eastward of the southern calls at Newport. portion of Prudence Island, is low and brush covered. A reef, partly bare, extends 0.4 miles southward and southwestward of the island, and is marked by a buoy. Between the shoal area south of Dyer Island and Rhode (138) Jamestown is a town on the east side of Conanicut Island is a bar with depths of 9 to 18 feet over it. North Island in a bight on the west side of East Passage. A of Dyer Island is a reef with depths of 6 to 18 feet. standpipe in the southern part of the town and a hotel near the waterfront are prominent. The bight is a popular (150) Melville, a military fueling facility, is on the west summer anchorage for local craft. A marina basin shore of Rhode Island, east of Dyer Island. Depths protected by a detached breakwater is in the center of the alongside the fuel piers range from 30 to 35 feet. bight. Jamestown has two boatyards. The largest marine railway can handle craft to 80 feet, and the largest lift is (151) A small-craft facility is in a basin at Coggeshall 50 tons. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, Point, just north of Melville. Berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, some marine supplies, and complete hull, engine, and electricity, water, ice, complete marine supplies, and a 50- electronic repairs are available. ton mobile hoist are available; engine, hull, and electronic repairs can be made. In 1981, depths of 9 to 15 feet were (139) Potter Cove is about 1 mile above the marina basin reported in the basin. just north of Taylor Point. This cove should not be confused with the Potter Cove off Prudence Island. About (152) A lighted wind turbine is about 0.9 mile northeast of 1 mile north of Taylor Point are the ruins of a pontoon Coggeshall Point. A boat ramp is about 1.6 miles north- pier. northeast of Coggeshall Point, south of Arnold Point. (140) Coddington Point is about 0.5 mile northward of (153) Coasters Harbor Island on the east shore of East Passage. Bishop Rock Shoal, 0.6 mile southwestward of the point, Chart 13224 is covered 9 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy. The Sisters, rocks awash westward of the point, are marked (154) Hog Island, about 1 mile north of Arnold Point, lies by a buoy. in the entrance to Bristol Harbor, dividing the waters into two channels. The island has a rolling wooded terrain (141) Coddington Cove, eastward of Coddington Point, on which are a few houses and cottages. Shoal water is protected on its north side by a curving breakwater surrounds the island extending as much as 0.4 mile 0.7 mile long, marked at its end by a light and sound southward and 0.8 mile northward. The shoal area is signal. Two long finger piers are inside the cove; the north marked by lights and buoys. side of the northerly pier is used by the Navy, and the southerly pier is used by a shipyard. Depths of 30 feet are (155) About 0.6 mile east-northeastward of Hog Island reported alongside both piers. Navy buildings on shore Shoal Light is Musselbed Shoals, marked on the outer and buildings at the shipyard are conspicuous. end by a light. From the light structure a directional light is shown to mark the channel to Mount Hope Bay. (142) (156) Restricted Area (143) Coddington Cove is within a naval restricted area. Charts 13221, 13227 (See 33 CFR 334.81, chapter 2, for limits and regulations). (157) Mount Hope Bay, in the northeastern part of Narragansett Bay, is the approach to the city of Fall River (144) and Taunton River. There are two approaches to the bay. The approach from the Sakonnet River, previously Danger Zone discussed, is little used. The approach from East Passage (145) Aprohibited area surrounds Gould Island and extends north to include waters between Conanicut Island and Prudence Island. (See 33 CFR 334.80, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 233 is well marked, and with care 34 feet can be carried in the channels. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of channel into the bay. the charts for controlling depths.) (158) Fall River, on the eastern shore of the mouth of (167) A privately dredged side channel, about 3.3 miles Taunton River and head of Mount Hope Bay, is an northeastward of Common Fence Point and marked important manufacturing center as well as distribution by buoys and a 325.3° private lighted range, leads point of petroleum products. Principal products handled northwestward from the main channel to a powerplant through the port are petroleum products, latex, shellac, wharf on the east side of Brayton Point. (See Notice cotton, and some lumber. to Mariners and the latest editions of the charts for (159) Somerset, about 5.3 miles, and Dighton, about 7.5 controlling depths.) miles above the Fall River, are towns on the west side of (168) A dredged channel in Taunton River leads from Taunton River. Taunton, a manufacturing city, is at the Somerset to Peters Point, 6.7 miles above the Brightman head of navigation about 12.5 miles above Fall River. Street Bridge, thence to Taunton, 12.5 miles above Fall (160) Mount Hope Bridge crosses the entrance to Mount River. In 2001, the channel had a controlling depth of Hope Bay between Bristol Point and Rhode Island. The 6.4 feet to Peters Point, thence 4 feet was reported to be bridge has two lighted towers which are visible for many available to Taunton. Local knowledge is required from miles in clear weather, a sound signal, and a racon. It is Dighton to Taunton. Buoys mark the channel to about a a high-level suspension highway bridge with a clearance mile beyond the Berkley Bridge, about 3.5 miles below of 135 feet. Taunton. (161) Mount Hope is a prominent hill on the western side of the bay 2 miles northeastward of the suspension bridge. (169) The eastern and western slopes are wooded. Spar Island is a small, low island near the center of Mount Hope Bay. Anchorages (162) Borden Flats, the shoal area northward of the (170) Fall River Harbor has no designated anchorages. channel in Fall River Harbor, is marked by a light equipped with a sound signal. Vessels may anchor on either side of the dredged approach (163) Three shallow streams that empty into the northern channel in the outer harbor or at any locality in Mount part of Mount Hope Bay are entered only by local Hope Bay where depth and bottom are suitable; the chart small craft. Kickamuit River, the westerly one, has a is the best guide. narrow buoyed entrance through which the currents have considerable velocity. The buoyed channel has a (171) depth of about 6 feet. A ramp is on the western side of the bay, approximately 0.7 mile south of the entrance to Bridges Kickamuit River. Cole River, the middle of the three, is (172) At Fall River, three highway bridges cross Taunton buoyed on the east side of the entrance. A highway bridge, about 1.5 miles above the entrance, has a 41-foot fixed River. The Charles M. Braga Jr. fixed bridge at the State span with a clearance of 7 feet. Pier has a clearance of 135 feet; a privately maintained (164) South Swansea, on the west shore of Gardners sound signal is sounded from the bridge. The Brightman Neck, has a boatyard with a 25-ton mobile hoist and a Street Bridge, about 1.1 miles above the fixed bridge has a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet for bascule span with a clearance of 27 feet; the bridgetender hull, engine, and electronic repairs or storage. Berths, monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and works on channel 13, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine call sign WQA-833. The Veterans Memorial Bridge, 0.2 supplies are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 6 feet mile above Brightman Street Bridge, has a bascule span could be carried to the boatyard. Lee River, the easterly with a clearance of 60 feet. stream, is navigable to a fixed bridge about 1.2 miles (173) Between Fall River and Taunton, the river is crossed above the entrance. A shoal in midchannel just north by three bridges. The highway bridge at Segreganset, of the narrow opening through the fill, 0.8 mile above about 10 miles above Fall River, is under construction Brayton Point, has a depth of 1 foot. (2011). Weir Bridge, the fixed highway bridge at Taunton, has a clearance of 10 feet. The fixed railroad bridge, about (165) 0.3 mile upstream from Weir Bridge, has a clearance of 9 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.619, Channels chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The overhead (166) A Federal project provides for a channel 35 feet deep power cables crossingTaunton River have least clearances of 145 feet at Fall River and 65 feet near Taunton. through Mount Hope Bay to about 0.9 mile above the Brightman Street Bridge across Taunton River at Fall (174) River and a side channel 35 feet deep, about 0.2 mile north of Common Fence Point (41°39.3'N., 71°13.3'W.) Caution at the north end of Rhode Island which leads eastward (175) The fender protection on the southeast side of the from the main channel into North and South Branch Brightman Street bridge has been destroyed, and the Captain of the Port, Providence, has ordered that outbound barges in excess of 1,000 gross tons pass through the bridge only on the flood tide.
234 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (176) (See Appendix A for address.) The alongside depths are reported; for information on the latest depths contact Currents the operator. All the facilities described have highway (177) In Taunton River the currents generally follow the connections. Fresh water is available at most of the piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually handled by direction of the channel and, except at bridges, do not ship’s tackle. hinder navigation. The ebb is usually stronger than the (192) The speed limit is 5 knots in the channel off the piers flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) and wharves. (193) Facilities at Tiverton, RI (chart 13221): (178) (194) Texaco Inc. Tiverton Terminal: (41°38'50\"N., 71°12'40\"W.); 50-foot face, 721 feet with dolphins; 35 Weather, Narragansett Bay and vicinity feet alongside; deck height, 11 feet; receipt of petroleum (179) The prevailing winds are northeasterly for all but products; owned by Texaco, Inc.; not being operated in 1983. the summer months, when the direction is southwesterly. (195) Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 1: about 250 yards The heaviest gales are usually from the northwest. The north of Texaco Inc. Terminal; 120-foot face, 700 feet approach channel and harbor are generally free from ice with dolphins; 32 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; and are navigable throughout the year. Taunton River receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated by is commonly closed from December to March. During Northeast Petroleum Corp. severe winters the harbor and Mount Hope Bay are (196) Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 2: about 250 yards occasionally frozen over, but the channels to the principal north of Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 1; 40-foot face, wharves are kept open by vessels and tugs operating in 700 feet with dolphins; 34 feet alongside; deck height, 9 the harbor. feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated by Northeast Petroleum Corp. (180) (197) Fuel Storage Co., Tiverton Terminal Pier: east side of Mount Hope Bay, 1.5 miles northward of Northeast Pilotage, Fall River Petroleum Corp., Pier 2; 50-foot face, 795 feet with (181) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated by Fuel Storage Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. Co. (198) Facilities at Fall River, east side of Taunton (182) River (chart 13227): Borden and Remington Corp. Wharf: (41°42'10\"N., 71°10'09\"W.); 380-foot face, 28 Towage feet alongside; deck height, 10 feet; receipt of latex and (183) Tugs to 2,200 hp are available at Fall River and tugs caustic soda; owned by Tillotson Co. and operated by Borden and Remington Corp. to 3,300 hp are available from Providence for use at Fall (199) State Pier: 0.2 mile northeast of Borden and River. Vessels are usually met 2 miles below their berth. Remington Corp. Wharf; 398-foot face, 18 to 35 feet Large vessels normally require tugs for docking and alongside; lower side 620 feet long, 35 feet alongside; undocking. Arrangements for tug service should be made deck heights, 17 feet; 85,000 square feet covered storage, at least 6 hours in advance, usually through ships’ agents about 7 acres of open storage; receipt and shipment or directly by shipping companies. Tugs are dispatched of general and roll-on/roll-off cargo; owned by the 24 hours a day. The tugs monitor VHF-FM channels Commonwealth of Massachusetts, operated by Fall River 10, 13, 16, and 18A, and use channel 7A as a working Line Pier, Inc. frequency. (200) The battleship USS MASSACHUSETTS, World War II memorial, and three other U.S. Navy vessels are (184) berthed just northward of the State Pier. (201) Shell Oil Co. Wharf: about 2 miles above State Pier; Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural 570-foot face, 700 feet with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; quarantine deck height, 13 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum (185) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and products, receipt of naphtha; owned and operated by Appendix A for addresses.) Shell Oil Co. (186) Fall River is a customs port of entry. (202) Facilities on west side of Taunton River (chart (187) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with 13227): regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See (203) Brayton Point Station Dock: (41°42'33\"N., Public Health Service, chapter 1.) Fall River has several 71°11'21\"W.); 1,017 feet long; 34 feet alongside; deck hospitals. height, 15 feet; coal unloading tower serves conveyor (188) The Coast Guard vessel documentation office at belt system, unloading rate 1,000 tons per hour; receipt New Bedford, MA, serves Fall River. (See Appendix A for address.) (189) The harbormaster can be contacted through Fall River City Hall. (190) Wharves (191) The piers and wharves at Fall River are along the Taunton and Sakonnet Rivers and in Mount Hope Bay. Only the deep-draft facilities are described. For a complete description of the port facilities refer to Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 235 of fuel oil and coal; owned and operated by New England A ferry operates daily from Bristol to Prudence Island, Power Co. and summer ferry service is available to Hog Island. (204) Montaup Electric Co. Wharf: about 2.5 miles above (216) Hog Island is in the middle of the entrance to Bristol Brayton Station Dock; 645 feet long, 34 feet alongside; Harbor. A natural channel with depths of 19 to 28 feet deck height, 10 feet; two coal unloading towers serve extends on each side of the island. Excellent anchorage conveyor belts, combined unloading rate 1,200 tons per may be found in the harbor abreast the town in depths hour; receipt of coal and fuel oil; owned and operated by of 15 to 17 feet, soft bottom. A general anchorage is in Montaup Electric Co. Bristol Harbor. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.145 (c) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (205) (217) Usher Rocks, about 0.7 mile northeastward of Popasquash Point, are bare at low water. A buoy is Supplies eastward of the rocks and a lighted bell buoy is on the (206) Provisions, marine supplies, gasoline, and water can western side of the western passage to the harbor. (218) Depths alongside the piers and wharves range from be obtained in Fall River. Water is available at most of the 9 to 13 feet. berths. (219) A Coast Guard vessel is moored at Bristol. The Coast Guard pier is marked by a light. (207) (220) A marina and yacht club are on the west side of the harbor. Guest moorings, electricity, water, ice, marine Repairs supplies, and hull and engine repairs are available. A (208) Fall River has no drydocking or major repair mobile hoist at the marina can handle craft to 42 feet long. Launching ramps are available on the east side of facilities for deep-draft vessels; the nearest such facilities the harbor. In 1993, a reported depth of about 8 feet could are at Boston, MA. be carried to the marina. (209) Fall River has two small shipyards, on the west side (221) Potter Cove, on the northeast side of Prudence of the harbor about 0.6 mile above the fixed bridge and Island, is a small nearly landlocked harbor. Buoys mark on the east side of the harbor about 0.9 mile below the the entrance channel off Gull Point. The north and south fixed bridge. The northerly shipyard has a marine railway ends of Prudence Island are a State park. Ohio Ledge, that can handle vessels to 100 feet long with drafts of 7 about 2.5 miles northward of Potter Cove, has a least feet forward and 13 feet aft. The yard can make repairs depth of 9 feet and is marked on its east side by a bell to wooden, steel, and aluminum vessels at their berths. buoy. The southerly yard specializes in the construction and (222) Warren River, emptying into the head of conversion of steel vessels. Cranes to 250 tons are Narragansett Bay westward of Bristol Neck, is the available for hauling out vessels. In 1981, depths of 22 approach to the towns of Warren and Barrington, and to 23 feet were reported alongside. Barrington River, which joins Warren River at Warren. A church spire in Warren is prominent. (210) (223) From the bay, the channel to Warren passes between numerous shoals and rocks and is crooked and winding, Small-craft facilities but well marked. (211) Small-craft facilities are at Fall River, Somerset (224) In 2002, a sunken wreck in about 41°43.65'N., 71°17.25'W. is on the west side of Warren River. opposite Fall River, Taunton, and at Dighton. Berths, (225) A State regulatory buoy, about 0.9 mile above the moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, mouth of Warren River, marks a “Slow no wake” zone. pump-out facilities, launching ramps, marine supplies, (226) An excellent anchorage may be found at the mouth storage, hull, engine and electronic repairs are available. of the Warren River about 0.2 mile from the eastern shore The largest marine railways, at Dighton, can handle craft in depths of 14 to 15 feet, soft bottom. There is not room to 55 feet. The largest marine lift is at Somerset with a for anchorage in the river for any but small craft. Abreast capacity of 80 tons. the lower end of Warren the channel is about 0.1 mile (212) A launching ramp is on the west side of Taunton wide, with depths of 13 to 17 feet in midchannel, and River, about 1.6 miles above Somerset. small vessels can anchor temporarily at this point. (227) Vessels approaching the river must take care to avoid (213) Rumstick Shoal, which extends nearly 0.6 mile south of Rumstick Point, the southernmost point of Rumstick Chart 13224 Neck and the western entrance point of the river. The shoal has depths of 2 to 12 feet and is marked by buoys. (214) Bristol Harbor, between Bristol Neck on the east Rumstick Rock, 6 feet high, and Rumstick Ledge, with end and Popasquash Neck on the west, is in a cove rocks that uncover 1 to 5 feet, are on the westerly side of about 2 miles long and 1.3 miles wide at its southern the shoal. end, narrowing to 0.4 mile wide at its northern end. The harbor proper, the northern part of the cove, has depths of 15 to 17 feet. (215) Bristol is a town on the eastern side of the harbor. In approaching the harbor the most prominent mark is Mount Hope Bridge. Also prominent are the navigation lights, a stone tower, a stack, and an elevated tank on high ground back of the town. The town has bus service.
236 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (228) About 0.5 mile above the mouth of Barrington River east side of the anchorage basin extends southward from is a fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 9 feet. In Marsh Island, on the south side of the entrance channel, 2004, this bridge and the area surrounding it was under to Rock Island. Pawtuxet is a village on the west side of construction. A fixed bicycle bridge with a 30-foot span the cove. and a clearance of 5 feet (east side is above the highway (238) The harbormaster in the cove controls anchoring bridge; in 1978, rocks were reported under the bicycle and berthing; he can be contacted through the Warwick bridge. City Hall. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and a 15-ton mobile hoist are (229) The tidal current off the town of Warren has available. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 50 feet a velocity of about 1 knot. Strong currents may be long for complete hull and engine repairs. encountered in Barrington River. (239) A yacht club is on the west side of Providence River about 1 mile northward of the entrance to Pawtuxet Cove. (230) The harbormaster controls docking, mooring, and Gasoline and guest berths are available. anchoring, and can be contacted through the Warren (240) A privately dredged channel leads from the main Police Department. channel in Providence River, eastward of Pawtuxet, to a small-craft facility about 0.45 mile southwestward of (231) A shipyard on the east side of the Warren River at Fields Point (41°47.2'N., 71°22.9'W.). The channel is Warren has a hydraulic lift that can handle vessels to 300 marked by buoys and, in 1998, had a reported controlling tons or 130 feet long. In 1981, a reported depth of 7 feet depth of 8 feet. The ruins of the piers of a former Naval could be carried to the shipyard. Reserve facility are on the south side of Fields Point immediately eastward of the yacht club; this area should (232) Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, be avoided. and marine supplies are available in Warren. Depths (241) Bullock Cove is on the east side of Providence River, reported alongside the major wharves range from 7 to 20 2 miles north of Conimicut Point. A dredged channel feet. Small craft facilities are also available on the point leads from the Providence River to a mooring basin on near the confluence of the two rivers. Several boatyards the east side of Bullock Point, thence northward 0.5 mile are in the vicinity; mobile hoists to 25 tons are available. to a mooring and turning basin. The entrance channel Covered storage and complete engine, electronic, and is marked by buoys and daybeacons. In 1982, a sunken hull repairs are available. Mariners are cautioned of wreck was reported on the west side of the channel at a reported rock, covered 2 feet, just off the gas dock Bullock Point. There are numerous small-craft facilities of the Barrington Yacht Club in about 44°44’00”N., in Bullock Cove. The largest marine railway, on Bullock 71°17’37”W. Neck about 300 yards northward of Bullock Point, can handle craft up to 60 feet; berths, electricity, gasoline, (233) diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, launching ramps, marine supplies, a pump-out facility, a 45-ton mobile crane, a Charts 13224, 13225 99-ton mobile hoist, hull, engine and electronic repairs are available. Sail repairs can be arranged nearby. (234) Providence River, which empties into the head of (242) Seekonk River, which branches off northeasterly Narragansett Bay between Nayatt Point and Conimicut from Providence River at Providence, is the approach Point, is the approach to the city of Providence, numerous to Phillipsdale and Pawtucket. The head of navigation towns and villages, and to Seekonk River. is at Pawtucket, 5 miles above the mouth. Commerce on the river is chiefly in petroleum products. A marina at (235) Providence is at the head of navigation on the Pawtucket can provide berths, electricity, water, gasoline, Providence River, about 7 miles above the entrance, at the storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and engine junction of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. The port repairs. A flatbed trailer at the marina can haul out craft area includes both sides of the upper navigable channel to 40 feet long. of the river. The port’s chief waterborne commerce is in petroleum products, cement, lumber, steel scrap metal, (243) general cargo, and automobiles. Prominent features (236) Occupessatuxet Cove, on the west side of the river (244) Conimicut Light (41°43'01\"N., 71°20'42\"W.), north of Conimicut Point, is a shallow bight south of Gaspee Point. The cove is frequented only by small craft 58 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical with local knowledge. tower on a brown cylindrical pier on the west side of the entrance to Providence River. A mariner radio (237) Pawtuxet Cove, used by pleasure and fishing craft, activated sound signal at the light, is initiated by keying on the west side of Providence River, is entered about the microphone five times on VHF-FM channel 83A. An 1 mile northward of Gaspee Point through a dredged abandoned lighthouse on Nayatt Point is also prominent channel. The entrance channel leads westward to the in the approach to the river. A white masonry conical cove, thence the channel turns northward and leads to tower, approximately 20 feet high, is west of the channel, a turning basin at the head of the cove. An anchorage basin extends southward from the entrance channel. The entrance channel is marked by buoys. In 2011, the controlling depth was 6 feet in the entrance channel and the turning basin; 5 to 6 feet was available in the anchorage basin. A 12-foot-high protective dike along the
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 237 0.7 mile above Sabin Point. Three wind turbines are is a regulated navigation area. (See 33 CFR 165.1 prominent on the west side of the river, about 0.6 mile through 165.13, and 165.122, chapter 2, for limits and above Fields Point. regulations.) (245) (255) Channels Bridges (246) The Federal project for Providence River provides (256) There are no bridges over Providence River between for a channel 40 feet deep from just below Prudence the mouth and the principal wharves. A fixed highway Island Light to Fox Point near the junction of Providence bridge with a clearance of 35 feet is close south of the Fox and Seekonk Rivers. (See Notice to Mariners and latest Point Hurricane Barrier. Point Street Bridge, about 0.3 editions of the charts for controlling depths.) The channel mile above Fox Point, has a fixed span with a clearance of is well marked with navigational aids. 7 feet. Two overhead power cables, with a least clearance (247) A hurricane barrier crosses the Providence River of 60 feet, cross the river between the two bridges. Piers about 200 yards above Fox Point. The barrier includes of a former fixed bridge cross the river channel about 300 three gates which normally will be kept in the opened yards north of Point Street Bridge. position until the approach of hurricane weather. The (257) In Seekonk River, an overhead power cable crossing clearances at each of the three river gates are: horizontal, at India Point, 0.5 mile above the mouth, has a clearance 20 feet; vertical (gate fully opened), 21 feet at mean high of 130 feet. Just above India Point several bridges cross water; and depth over the gate sill, 12.9 feet at mean low the river within 0.9 mile. The name of the bridge, type water. Red lights mark the channel ends of each gate. and clearance follows: Washington Bridges, fixed spans, (248) Seekonk River empties into the easterly side of 40 feet; Tunnel Bridge, bascule span, 17 feet; New Red Providence River at Fox Point.Adredged channel, marked Bridge, fixed span, 42 feet. Just below the State Pier at by buoys, leads from Cold Spring Point, about 1.3 miles Pawtucket are overhead power cables with clearances of above Fox Point, to a point about 150 yards southward 125 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, of Division Street Bridge at Pawtucket, about 2.9 miles for drawbridge regulations.) The Tunnel Bridge has been above Cold Spring Point. (See Notice to Mariners and abandoned and the span is locked in the open position. the latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) The lower section of the river, from Fox Point to Cold Spring (258) Point, is crooked, winding and marked by buoys. Local knowledge and use of the chart are required to carry the Currents best water. (259) Tidal currents are weak in the approach channel and (249) Three areas of submerged boulders with angle iron protrusions, the remains of the approaches and pivot pier the harbor, except in the constricted parts of Seekonk of a former swing bridge, are in the river channel at Cold River. At India Street Bridge the tidal currents have Spring Point in about 41°49'36\"N., 71°22'48\"W. A 5 mph velocities of about 1.4 knots. In Seekonk River the double no-wake-zone, marked by State regulatory buoys, is in flood is very pronounced. The velocity near the middle the entrance channel and above Cold Spring Point. of the flood period is generally less than 0.5 knot and is sometimes in an ebb direction. (See the Tidal Current (250) Tables for predictions.) Anchorages (260) (251) Vessels anchor as directed by the harbormaster on Weather, Providence and vicinity the edge of the channel between Fields Point and Fox (261) The proximity of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Point. Eastward of Fox Point, a few vessels may anchor in the area where a portion of Green Jacket Shoal was Ocean plays an important part in determining the climate removed. Preferred small-craft anchorages are in Bullock for Providence and vicinity. In winter, the temperatures Cove and Pawtuxet Cove. are modified considerably, and a good many of the major storms drop their precipitation in the form of rain, rather (252) than snow. In summer, many days that would otherwise be uncomfortably warm are cooled by refreshing Dangers seabreezes. At other times of the year, sea fog may be (253) Numerous rocks and ledges border Providence advected over land by onshore winds. In fact, most cases of dense fog are produced in this way; but the number of River Channel on either side. Navigational aids mark the such days is few, averaging 2 or 3 days per month. shoal areas off Bullock Point, about 1.5 miles above the (262) The temperature for the entire year averages around mouth; off Sabin Point, about 3 miles above the Mouth; 51°F (10.6°C). January is the coldest month averaging off Pomham Rocks, about 3.5 miles above the mouth; off 29°F (-1.7°C), and July the hottest month averaging 73°F Fuller Rock, about 5 miles above the mouth and Green (22.8°C). Freezing temperatures occur on the average Jacket Shoal, east of Fox Point about 7.4 miles above about 117 days per year and the days with minimums the mouth. below 5°F (-15°C) average six each year. An average nine days each year record maximums in excess of 90°F (32.2°C). The all-time maximum for Providence is (254) Providence River channel, between Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB and Fox Point,
238 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 104°F (40°C) recorded in August 1975 and the all-time (273) minimum is -13°F (-25°C) recorded in January 1976. (263) Measurable precipitation occurs on about 178 days Towage each year. November is the wettest month averaging (274) Tugs up to 3,300 hp are available at Providence. 4.48 inches (114 mm) and June the driest averaging 2.89 inches (74 mm). Average annual precipitation is 45.12 Large vessels normally require tugs for docking and inches (1144 mm). undocking. Arrangements for tug service should be made (264) Thunderstorms are responsible for much of the 4 hours in advance, and usually through ships’ agents or rainfall from May through August. They usually directly by shipping companies. Tugs are dispatched 24 produce heavy, and sometimes even excessive, amounts hours a day. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channels 10, 13, 16, of rainfall but since the duration is relatively short, and 18, and use channel 7A as a working frequency. damage is ordinarily light. The summer thunderstorms (275) Providence is a customs port of entry. are frequently accompanied by extremely gusty winds, which may cause some damage to property, especially (276) small pleasure and fishing craft. (265) The first measurable snowfall of winter usually Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural comes in October. The month of greatest snowfall is quarantine usually February which averages about ten inches (254 (277) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and mm). It is unusual for the ground to remain well covered Appendix A for addresses.) with snow for any long period of time. The average (278) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with annual snowfall total is 45 inches (1143 mm). Snow has regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public fallen in every month, October through May. About seven Health Service, chapter 1.) days each year have snowfall greater than 1.5 inches (38 (279) Providence has several hospitals. mm). (266) In early fall, severe coastal storms of tropical origin (280) sometimes bring destructive winds to this area. Even at other times of the year, it is usually coastal storms that Coast Guard produce the most severe weather. Between 1871 and (281) A marine safety office is in Providence. (See 1996, twelve tropical storms have come within 25 miles of Providence. In August 1991, Hurricane Bob passed Appendix A for address.) within 20 miles east of the city with 85-knot winds. Only (282) Harbor regulations are enforced by the twelve hours earlier, Bob was packing winds in excess of 100 knots. In September 1960, Hurricane Donna passed harbormaster/port director, whose headquarters are about 20 miles west of the city. At the time, Donna had at the municipal wharf. The harbormaster regulates the maximum winds of 90 knots. Coastal areas of Rhode movement and anchoring of vessels in the harbor. The Island, Connecticut, and Long Island were raked with speed limit in the harbor is 5 knots. winds in excess of 100 knots compliments of Hurricane Donna. (283) (267) Wharves (284) The piers and wharves of the port of Providence Ice (268) The approach channel and the harbor are generally are along both sides of the Providence River below Fox Point. Only the deep-draft facilities are described. free of ice and navigable throughout the year. During For a complete description of the port facilities refer to severe winters, the harbor and several miles of Providence Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army River and Upper Narragansett Bay are occasionally Corps of Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) broken over, but the ice is usually broken up in the The alongside depths are reported; for information on channels to the principal wharves by the traffic in the the latest depths contact the operator. All the facilities harbor. described have highway connections, and most have rail (269) The National Weather Service maintains an office connections. Water is available at most of the piers and at the T.F. Green State Airport; barometers may be wharves. Cargo in the port is usually handled by ship’s compared here. (See Appendix A for address.) tackle. Cranes to 200 tons are available. (270) (See Appendix B for the Providence climatological (285) Facilities on the east side of Providence River: table.) (286) Mobil Oil Corp.Wharf: (41°46'56\"N., 71°22'19\"W.); 1,225-foot face, 700 feet of berthing space; 20 to 38 feet (271) alongside; deck height, 8 feet; pipelines to storage tanks; receipt and shipment of petroleum products, bunkering Pilotage, Providence vessels; owned and operated by Mobil Oil Corp. (272) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode (287) Amoco Oil Co. Wharf: at Kettle Point about 0.9 mile above Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf; 500-foot face, 700 feet Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. with dolphins; 36 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum products, bunkering vessels; owned by Amoco Oil Co., operated by Amoco Oil Co. and Atlantic Richfield Co. (288) Wilkes-Barre Pier: about 2 miles above Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf; 75-foot face, 700 feet of berthing space with dolphins; 40 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 239 petroleum products and naphtha; owned by Providence (299) C. H. Sprague & Son Co. Pier: about 1.25 miles and Worcester Railroad Co., operated by Union Oil Co. above Municipal Wharf; north side 500 feet long, 520 feet of California, Getty Refining and Marketing Co., and with platforms, 37 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; Astroline Corp. receipt and shipment of petroleum products; bunkering (289) Facilities on the west side of Providence River vessels; owned and operated by C. H. Sprague & Son Co. (290) Municipal Wharf, Berths 5 and 6: (41°47'25\"N., 71°22'54\"W.); 1,283-foot face; 35 to 40 feet alongside; (300) The principal wharves at Pawtucket have depths of deck height, 10½ feet; two 45-ton container cranes; 60 9 to 14 feet alongside. acres open storage; electrical shore power connections; receipt and shipment of general and containerized cargo (301) and heavy equipment; owned by city of Providence, operated by Cranes Associates. Supplies (291) Municipal Wharf, Berths 1, 2, 3, and 4: immediately (302) Gasoline, diesel fuel, diesel oil, bunker fuels, NW of Berths 5 and 6; 2,190-foot face, 35 to 40 feet alongside; deck height, 10½ feet; cranes to 200 tons; provisions, and marine supplies of all kinds are available. 47,000 square feet of covered storage; 12 acres open Oil bunkering facilities, for deep-draft vessels, are storage; electrical shore power connections; receipt available at most of the petroleum companies facilities and shipment of general cargo, lumber, paper products, in Providence. Fuel tank barges are also available for automobiles, petroleum products, liquefied petroleum bunkering vessels anywhere in the harbor. Water is gas, scrap metal, pig iron, and caustic soda; owned by available at most of the wharves and piers. city of Providence; various operators. (292) New England Bituminous Wharf: about 500 yards (303) above Municipal Wharf; 384-foot face, 30 feet alongside; deck height, 10½ feet; receipt of asphalt; owned and Repairs operated by New England Bituminous, Division of John (304) Providence has no facilities for drydocking deep- J. Hudson, Inc. (293) Lehigh Portland Cement Co. Wharf: about 600 yards draft vessels; the nearest such facilities are at Boston, MA. above Municipal Wharf; 350-foot face, 20 feet alongside; Repairs to boilers, machinery, electrical equipment, and deck height, 10½ feet; receipt of bulk cement; owned by hull can be obtained in the port. Several well-equipped city of Providence, operated by Lehigh Portland Cement machine and welding shops are also available. Some Co. of these concerns also maintain portable equipment for (294) Lone Star Industries Wharf: about 750 yards above making above-waterline repairs to vessels at their berths. Municipal Wharf; 210-foot face, 28 to 30 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; receipt of bulk cement; owned and (305) operated by Lone Star Industries, Inc. (295) Algonquin LNG Wharf: about 0.4 mile above Small-craft facilities Municipal Wharf; 450-foot face, 25 feet alongside; deck (306) Small-craft facilities at Bullock Cove and Pawtuxet height, 12 feet; receipt of liquefied natural gas; owned by Providence Gas Co., operated by Algonquin LNG, Inc. have been discussed earlier in this chapter. A marina on (296) Texaco U.S.A., Harbor Junction Pier: about 0.7 the west side of Providence River between Pawtuxet and mile above Municipal Wharf; 80-foot face, south side Fields Point can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, 1,040 feet long, 720 feet usable, 32 feet alongside; north diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull side 1,040 feet long, 600 feet usable, 25 feet alongside; and engine repairs; a flatbed trailer can haul out craft to deck height, 9 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum 60 feet long. In 1981, 10 feet was reported in the approach products, bunkering vessels; owned and operated by to the marina, with 3 to 6 feet alongside. Texaco, Inc. (297) Promet Marine Services Pier: about 1 mile above (307) Municipal Wharf; 120-foot face, 37 to 31 feet alongside; south side 596 feet long, 22 feet alongside; north side 596 Communications feet long, 37 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; cranes to (308) Providence is served by rail, bus, and air. A ferry 100 tons; 11 acres of open storage; receipt and shipment of general cargo and dry bulk materials; repairs to vessels; operates daily in the summer to Newport and Block owned and operated by Promet Marine Services Corp. Island. (298) Northeast Petroleum Corp. Pier: about 1.2 miles above Municipal Wharf; south side 620 feet long, 600 (309) feet of berthing space; 30 feet alongside; deck height, 11 feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated Chart 13223 by Northeast Petroleum Corp. (310) West Passage, between Conanicut and Prudence Islands on the east and Boston Neck on the west, is the approach to Dutch Island Harbor, Wickford, Quonset Point, and East Greenwich. Vessels may also go to Providence by West Passage, although the route through East Passage is deeper and generally used. Approaching from the eastward, steer for the lighted gong buoy off Whale Rock until southwest of Beavertail Light, and thence lay down a northerly course in midchannel with Dutch Island ahead. On the southward approach from off Point Judith Light, a north-northeasterly course will bring the vessel to the lighted gong buoy off Whale Rock. (See also chart 13218). At night a careful study of the
240 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 light characteristics is necessary as the lights marking A bell buoy marks the shoal area off the northern end of East Passage will be seen on the starboard bow when the island and a lighted gong buoy is off the southern end. approaching from Point Judith. A square white tower on the southern end of the island is (311) The course should pass westward of, and 500 prominent marked by a light. yards off, Dutch Island; thence through the Jamestown (320) Dutch Island Harbor may be approached from Bridge opening; and thence northerly until about 0.8 northward or southward. As the harbor is of easy access, mile westward of, and abeam, the south tangent of Hope it is frequently used as a harbor of refuge. Excellent Island. From here a north-northeasterly course will make anchorage may be had in depths of 12 to 46 feet, sticky the buoys marking the entrance of the natural channel bottom. A harbormaster controls all mooring and westward of Pine Hill Point on Prudence Island. Then a berthing. Vessels of over 18-foot draft seeking anchorage heading toward Warwick Light until abeam the lighted should give the eastern shore of the harbor a berth of at bell buoy off Northwest Point on Patience Island will least 0.4 mile. The eastern shore of Dutch Island should bring the vessel in position to swing northeasterly and be given a berth of 100 yards. easterly to the dredged channel to Providence. (321) General anchorages are in West Passage of (312) Narragansett Pier, on the west side of West Passage Narragansett Bay. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.145 (b) about 3 miles west-southwestward of Beavertail Point, and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) is a summer resort. The large hotels and a square granite (322) A shoal extends about 200 yards westward and tower are prominent. A municipal bathing beach and 350 yards northward of Beaverhead. At its northern pavilion at the Upper Pier are prominent from an easterly extremity this shoal rises abruptly from depths of about direction. 40 feet to a depth of 8 feet; a buoy marks the shoal. The (313) River Ledge, about 0.9 mile northeastward of southeastern part of the harbor has a shallow cove. Narragansett Pier, has a least depth of 9 feet and is (323) Tidal currents of 1 to 1.5 knots may be encountered marked by a buoy. Whale Rock, on the western side of in the vicinity of Dutch Island. Elsewhere in West the passage about 0.8 mile northeast of River Ledge, is Passage velocities are usually less than 1 knot. (See the marked by a lighted gong buoy to the eastward. Little Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Whale, covered 4 feet, is about 200 yards north of Whale (324) Saunderstown is on the western shore of West Rock. Strangers should pass eastward of the lighted gong Passage abreast Dutch Island. A former ferry dock off buoy off Whale Rock. the town is in ruins. A yacht club is at Saunderstown. (314) Bonnet Shores Beach is on the north shore of the (325) The Jamestown Bridgecrossing the passage from bight formed by Bonnet Point, the point about 1.5 miles just north of Plum Beach has a fixed span with a clearance north of Whale Rock. A bathing pavilion at the beach is of 135 feet. The Jamestown-North Kingstown Bridge is prominent from a southeasterly direction. about 300 feet south of the aforementioned highway (315) The Bonnet, a prominent hill with the shoreward bridge. The southerly fixed highway bridge is being face bold and rocky, is north of Bonnet Point. The shore removed. between Bonnet Point and South Ferry, 1.3 miles (326) From the bridge northward, Great Ledge extends northward, should be given a berth of 400 yards. Pilings along the west shore of Conanicut Island for about 1.5 extend 130 yards eastward just south of the old pier at miles. This ledge is from 175 to 600 yards offshore, South Ferry. A 200-foot L-shaped pier of the University culminating in America Ledge at its northern end. of Rhode Island is about 150 yards southeastward of the Numerous rocks are on Great Ledge. Between Plum old pier. In 1981, depths of 20 feet were reported along the Beach and Rome Point, on the west side of the passage, outer face with 10 feet reported along the inner face. The 1.2 miles north of the bridge, are several rocks, including buildings of the university, a church spire, and a standpipe Red Rock and Old Sergeant. Bare and covered rocks are are prominent from southward to north of Dutch Island. northeastward and eastward of Rome Point. (316) Fox Hill, on the southern side of the entrance to (327) Fox Island, 0.4 mile northeast of Rome Point and Dutch Island Harbor, 2.5 miles north of Beavertail southward of Wickford Harbor, is small and low. A shoal Point, is a point which terminates to the northward in with numerous submerged rocks including Seal Rock Beaverhead, a bluff rocky face. extends southward of the island. A narrow channel, (317) Dutch Island Harbor is in the West Passage of suitable only for small craft, is between this shoal and the Narragansett Bay about 3 miles north of Beavertail Light. shoals extending northeastward of Rome Point. Halfway The harbor is a semicircular indentation 0.5 by 1 mile in Ledge with a depth of 18 feet is about 0.5 mile east of extent in the west side of Conanicut Island. Fox Island. (318) A boatyard in the southeastern part of the harbor has (328) Wickford Harbor, on the western side of a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet for hull Narragansett Bay 8 miles above Beavertail Light, and engine repairs. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel comprises an outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor fuel (by truck), water, ice, storage, a launching ramp, is a broad bight between Quonset Point on the north some marine supplies, and a 20-ton lift are available. and Wild Goose Point, about 0.6 mile westward of Fox (319) Dutch Island, a State park about 3.2 miles north of Island, on the south. The entrance is about 2 miles wide. Beavertail Point, is surrounded by shoals and foul ground. The inner harbor entrance is between Poplar Point, 1.3
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 241 miles northwest of Fox Island on the south, and Sauga hoists to 30 tons, lifts to 70 tons, and hull, engine, and Point, about 0.4 mile north of Poplar Point, on the north. electronic repairs are available; wet and dry storage is The harbor is used chiefly by recreational craft, and by also available. In 1981, a reported depth of about 7 feet oyster and lobster boats. The town of Wickford is on the could be carried to the marine railway at Wickford Cove. southwestern side of the inner harbor. (337) Quonset Point, on the north side of Wickford (329) Several prominent landmarks are visible when Harbor, is marked by elevated tanks. Near the eastern end approaching Wickford Harbor. A standpipe (chart 13221) of the point are the conspicuous buildings of the Quonset and a church spire in Wickford may be seen for many Point Industrial Park. The piers at Quonset Point, and miles. An abandoned lighthouse on Poplar Point and the at Davisville, about 1.5 miles northward, are usually light off the point are prominent. approached from East Passage until north of Conanicut (330) The channel to the inner harbor, marked by buoys, is Island, thence through a buoyed dredged channel to a restricted to a width of about 150 yards by the breakwaters turning basin off the point from which a channel leads to and the shoals off Sauga and Poplar Points. The north the piers at Davisville. A depth of about 33 feet can be breakwater is marked by a light. The channel leads to the carried in the channel to the turning basin. Depths of 27 to junction of three coves, Fishing Cove to the northward, 35 feet are available throughout the basin.An obstruction, Mill Cove to the northwestward, and Wickford Cove to covered 26 feet, is at 41°35′09.7\"N., 71°24′34.0″W. A the southwestward. A State regulatory buoy just inside depth of about 32 feet can be carried in the channel to the jetties marks a “Slow no wake” zone. Davisville, thence about 26 feet through the turning basin (331) WickfordCoveisthesceneofconsiderablepleasure- to the piers. boat activity. A dredged channel in the cove extends (338) Hope Island, about 1.6 miles north of Conanicut between flats, many of which are dry at low water, to a Point, has low grassy hills with a few trees. The island highway bridge about 0.9 mile above the breakwaters. is a State estuarine sanctuary and is off limits to visitors Numerous piles, used as moorings, border the channel during the bird nesting season. Bare and submerged rocks for about 0.35 mile below the highway bridge. In 2010, surround the island for about 0.2 mile. Despair Island the channel had a controlling depth of 5.5 feet. is on the outer end of a rocky ledge extending 0.2 mile (332) A marked dredged channel in Mill Cove leads to an northeastward of Hope Island; a buoy is off the northeast anchorage basin about 0.7 mile above the breakwaters. side of the ledge. Scup Rock and Round Rock are off In 2010, the channel had a controlling depth of 8 feet the eastern side of Hope Island, and Gooseberry Island except for shoaling to 4 feet in the north quarter of the and Seal Rock are off the western side. A hazardous channel between Cornelius Island and Point Wharf. The reef with piles and a boiler awash on it is about 0.4 mile anchorage basin had a controlling depth of 6 feet except southwestward of the southwest point of Hope Island; a for shoaling to 5 feet in the northeast corner. lighted buoy marks the area. (333) Good anchorage may be had in the middle and (339) Allen Harbor is 2 miles north of Quonset Point. The southern parts of outer Wickford Harbor. The northern harbor is entered through a buoyed channel which has a part of the outer harbor has numerous rocks and ledges. depth of about 8 feet. Depths of 8 to 10 feet are inside. General Rock, with a depth of 9 feet over it, is the The town docks and a launching ramp are on the southeast southerly limit of this shoal, 0.9 mile north-northeastward side of the harbor. of Fox Island. A rock with a depth of 10 feet over it is (340) Calf Pasture Point is on the north side of the about 500 yards westward of General Rock. Brig Ledge, entrance to Allen Harbor. Abreast the point and for some about 0.5 mile north of General Rock, is covered 9 feet. distance northward of it, a shoal extends 0.5 mile from The southern shore of the outer harbor is foul. Charles shore. Rock, with a depth of 4 feet, is just inside of the northern breakwater. (341) (334) Vessels approaching Wickford Harbor from the southward, after passing through the main span of the Chart 13224 Jamestown Bridge, steer 340°. When northeastward of Fox Island, steer for Wickford Harbor Light 1 on any (342) Potowomut River, entering the west side of West bearing between 313° and 290°, anchoring 0.2 mile or Passage, 1.7 miles north of Calf Pasture Point, is separated more southeastward of the light in depths of 13 to 15 feet, from Greenwich Bay on the north by Potowomut Neck. soft bottom. A dredged channel leads through the entrance of the river. (335) In severe winters the inner harbor is closed by ice, In 2004, the channel had a controlling depth of 2.7 feet. but the outer harbor is usually open although drift ice is Caution is necessary to avoid rocks with depths of 1 foot occasionally encountered. over them in the entrance. Strangers should not enter the (336) Wickford has several small-craft facilities and river. boatyards. The largest marine railway, on the east of Wickford Cove, can handle craft up to 60 feet. Berths, (343) Round Rock, about 0.7 mile eastward of Potowomut electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine River entrance, uncovers 3 feet and is marked by a seasonal supplies, pump-out facilities, a launching ramp, mobile lighted buoy close eastward. Several other rocks, awash and submerged, lie between Round Rock and the entrance to the river; caution is advised.
242 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (344) The natural channel of West Passage extends of the entrance channel to the cove. (See small-craft between the shoal area eastward of Round Rock and facilities tabulation on chart 13221 for services and the shoal area westward of Patience Island. The channel supplies available.) has depths of 21 to 70 feet. Buoys mark the entrance (352) Chepiwanoxet Point, on the western side of the from the southward, and a lighted bell buoy marks the bay northward of the entrance to Greenwich Cove, is a northwestward edge of the shoal off Patience Island. The small neck of land with a yellow bluff facing eastward. channel is the approach from southward to Greenwich From this island, shoals with little water over them extend Bay, Warwick Point, and the channel from West Passage about 500 yards northward and 300 yards eastward and to Providence River. southeastward. Shoals extend about 300 yards northward and westward of Long Point, the northwestern extremity (345) Patience Island, 0.2 mile west of the northern end of of Potowomut Neck. Prudence Island, is surrounded by shoals and foul ground. (353) Greenwich Cove, in the southwest end of The island is a State park and estuarine sanctuary. Greenwich Bay, is about 1.3 miles long and 300 to 600 yards wide. Buoys mark the entrance channel into the (346) Warwick Point, the southernmost point of Warwick cove. State regulatory buoys at the entrance mark a “Slow Neck, 0.7 mile northwest of Patience Island, is marked by no wake” zone. On the western shore is the town of East a light and sound signal. Greenwich. Depths of about 7 to 11 feet are available in the cove to about 0.5 mile from the head. Good anchorage (347) Greenwich Bay, at the northwestern end of may be had off some of the small-craft facilities on the Narragansett Bay, is entered between Warwick Neck and west side of the cove in depths of 8 to 11 feet. Potowomut Neck. Shoal water borders the shore of the (354) The cove has several boatyards. Berths, electricity, bay, but the general depths are 10 feet or more. gasoline, water, diesel fuel, ice, marine supplies, wet and dry storage, launching ramps, lifts to 21 tons, and complete (348) Warwick Cove, between Warwick Neck and Horse engine and hull repairs are available. The harbormaster Neck, is in the northeastern part of Greenwich Bay. A in the cove controls anchoring and berthing; contact can Federal project provides for a 6-foot channel from the be made through the Warwick City Hall. bay to an anchorage basin at the head of the cove; other (355) From Sandy Point, the eastern extremity of anchorage basins in the cove are on the west side of the Potowomut Neck, shoals with depths of 2 to 9 feet extend channel, 0.5 mile above the channel entrance, and on each northeasterly for about 0.6 mile. Extensive shoals extend side of the channel 0.7 mile above the channel entrance. off the eastern side of Warwick Neck to Ohio Ledge. All of the anchorage basins have a project depth of 6 feet. Rocky Point is on the eastern side of the neck, 1.7 miles (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition of the chart north-northeastward of Warwick Point. for controlling depths.) A State regulatory buoy off Horse (356) The natural channel between the shoals off Warwick Neck marks a 5 mph speed limit. The cove is the scene Neck and the shoals northward of Patience and Prudence of considerable pleasure boat activity. Islands has depths of 19 to 50 feet. A buoy marks the shoal off Providence Point, the northernmost point of (349) The harbormaster in the cove controls berthing and Prudence Island. anchorage; contact can be made through the Warwick City Hall. The cove has several marinas and boatyards. (357) Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, launching ramps, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are Chart 13218 available. The largest lift, on the east side of the cove about 0.3 mile above the mouth, can handle craft up to (358) The shoreline of Point Judith Neck between West 70 tons. Passage and Point Judith should be given a berth of at least 0.6 mile. From Narragansett Pier to Black Point, a (350) Brush Neck Cove, about 0.5 mile west of Warwick rocky promontory 1.9 miles southward, the shoreline is Cove, is fronted by a flat with a general depth of about 2 a rugged rocky ledge with deep water close inshore. The feet. This channel is used by small local craft at high water waters between Black Point and Point Judith are boulder- as far as the pier at Oakland Beach. Oakland Beach, on strewn and shoal up gradually. Horse Neck, between Brush Neck and Warwick Coves, is a summer resort with bus communication. (359) Three very prominent landmarks are Point Judith Light, the elevated water tank 1.7 miles north of Point (351) Apponaug Cove, in the northwestern part of Judith, and Hazard’s Tower, a high, square stone tower Greenwich Bay, is entered through a marked Federal 0.5 mile south of Narragansett Pier. Closer inshore the channel with a project depth of 6 feet that leads from stone bathing pavilion at the State-operated Scarborough the bay to an anchorage basin on the southwest side of Beach, 0.5 mile south of Black Point, and an open stone the channel just below a fixed railroad bridge about 0.7 tower on a house 0.4 mile north of Black Point are mile above the channel entrance. A State regulatory buoy prominent. at the entrance to the cove marks a 5 mph speed zone. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of chart for controlling depths.) Small-craft facilities can be found in the cove and at the west end of Greenwich Bay southwest
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 243
72°30' 72° 71°30' 244 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 41° Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 7 RHODE ISLAND 41° 13219 30' 30' CON CONNECTICUT 12358 RIVERLONG ISLAND SOUND 13205 Groton Fall River Point Judith Harbor Point Judith NECTICUT Mystic Stonington Greenport New London Watch Hill Fishers Island 13217 13214 Block Island BLOCK ISLAND SOUND 13212 Montauk Point Gardiners Island GARDINERS BAY 41° 41° LITTLE PECONIC BAY 13209 13215 GREAT PECONIC BAY 12354 NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 72°30' 72° 71°30'
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