The following is from the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers website.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, the Corps of Engineers will begin repairs to the South Mills Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Therefore, the locks at Deep Creek, Virginia and South Mills, North Carolina will stop operating after the last scheduled locking at 3:30 PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. The Dismal Swamp Canal, Route 2 of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, will be temporarily closed to through vessel traffic until repairs are complete. The repairs are expected to take 60 to 90 days.

The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Route 1 through the Great Bridge lock at Chesapeake, Virginia, will be open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Operators will monitor Channel 13. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please call 757-201-7642.

Ed Note: The good news is that this the least busy time on the canal.

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

Stay on center or just green of center across G115 as there is 7’ or less spot on the red side. This stretch is narrow so don’t stray far off to the green side either.

The following is from the CG 5th District NTM 45/11.

Mariners are advised that the southern Pasquotank River Bridge, mile 50.7 at Elizabeth City will be raised and locked in the open position for demolition of the bascule spans. The work will take place from the road and nothing will be in the waterway. Workers will stop for boat traffic to proceed through the bridge. The northern bridge will operate as usual. A temporary work bridge will be installed on the southwest side of the southern bridge. The temporary work bridge will not be in the navigational channel at any time and will remain in place throughout the replacement bridge project. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution. Chart : 12206.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

Some shoaling on the red side at R170. G169 is missing and a new R168 has been added. Favor the green side passing about 150’ from the greens and about 250’ from R168.This puts you just outside the channel line (dashed line) on your plotter and in at least 10’ of water.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this post. As he reinforces, follow the markers and not the  magenta line on your plotter and you will be fine.

Not an issue yet many run aground there. Southbound don’t miss the G3 (missing on OLD charts) then after splitting R8/G7 aim straight for R10 to avoid the shoal on the red side, south of R8. Northbound after splitting G9, aim directly for R8/G7, do not follow the dogleg shown on the charts. Note that a new floatie,R8A, had been added to prevent folks from blindly following the magenta line….

The Beaufort, NC post office is no longer located on the harbor, rather has moved some distance inland, on pedestrian-unfriendly Hwy 70 just past the Food Lion grocery.

-Lori Steinbrunner Of S/v Cheshire

One of my cruising clients reports a problem in Town Creek, Beaufort NC at N34.43.476 W7639848 - in 13 feet of water, they found an obstruction that hung them up. He’s a new cruiser, not sure but wonders if it could have been something sunk by Irene. The lat/long noted is from his chartplotter- otherwise, I’d wonder if he hadn’t just gotten over too far onto a shoal.

Wally Moran
Waterway GuideCruising Editor

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer above the m/v Charmer for this report.

Bogue Sound, favor center or green of centerline between R40 and R40A.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

8’ MLW shoal 100 to 250’ North of G55 worst on red side. Favor green side passing 100’ from G55

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

Dredge Snell was working near the floaties. Pipeline on the green side, I passed on the red side between dredge and R60 finding 8’ mlw.

Yesterday we passed the area where it has been reported to be shoaling. The area is approaching the Onslow Bridge at markers 60-63. Be careful when transiting this area because there is a large dredge (The Snell) working the area, and it is in the middle of the channel. It is suggested that you call them on either channel 16 or 13 on VHF to see which side they want you to pass. The dredge has a large pipe placed to disperse the spoils.
Bud and Elaine
Waterway Guide Cruising Editors

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this update.

No issues except for brief 9’MLW hump on south side of inlet crossing as well as on the red side just north on the intersection.

Mariners are advised that structural repairs will be conducted at the S.R. 74 Bridge across the AIWW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC. The structural repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span in the closed-to-navigation position, each day from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., beginning on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and ending on Thursday, March 15, 2012; except vessel openings will be provided with at least two hours advance notice given to the bridge operator. And during the same period, each day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the drawbridge shall open on signal for commercial vessels at all times; and for pleasure vessels, the drawbridge need only open on the hour as set out in 33 CFR 117.821(a) (4) . In the closed position to vessels, the available vertical clearance is approximately 20 feet, above mean high water. Mariners able to transit under the closed span may do so at anytime and use extreme caution when transiting the area.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

7’ MLW shoal 100’ north of G135, favor red of centerline

The following is from the CG 5th District NTM 08/12.

The Dredge WILKO will be dredging in the AIWW at Carolina Beach Inlet from 23 February until 15 March, 2012. A floating rubber and submerged
pipeline will traverse Carolina Beach Inlet to the south of the inlet and will be marked with buoys. The dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARYand MISS CINDY will monitor VHF-fm Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and
submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of
all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the
equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged
pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when
approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline,
barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that
may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other
attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all
fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all
vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 11541.

Many thanks for Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

Depths in the cut are more than adequate and the channel is well marked by two floaties. It is the stretch between the cut and the river where sometimes depths are reported as shallow. Between G163 and G167 staying on the range will ensure 10’+MLW. South of G167 the best water (10’ MLW) can be found on a line about 100 to 150’ of the reds (R170 to 176) Straying further to the green side results in lower depths.

The following is from the CG 5th District NTM 04/12.

The Dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW at the Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing from 19 January until 15 February,
2012. A floating and submerged pipeline will traverse from the Lockwoods Folly Inlet to Holden Beach and will be lighted and marked with buoys.
The dredge and assisting vessels PROUD MARY and MISS CINDY will monitor VHF-fm Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of
dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine
construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables,
attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the
dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly
comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from
the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other
structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the
area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours
a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A
NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF FM channels.

Today, Nov 16 2011 we have have just negotiated Lockwoods Folly & found it dredged to 11 foot & marked with small red nuns & green cans.

-Claire Gace

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

Passed a little closer to G81 than usual due to numerous pots IN THE CHANNEL and found 7.5 to 8’ MLW.
The pots are in the channel, between the buoys and one if them had an 8’ line floating near the surface at high tide. Also FL G83 is damaged and floating on it s side, likely extinguished

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

9’ to 10’ MLW thru the section just south of the village.

Hi Ted,

Sanctuary and crew transited southbound through Isle of Palms, SC, at 08h30 this am (Thursday, 11/3/2011). It was low tide, and our chart plotter reported the current datum at +0.91 ft.

That stretch of 4 - 5 miles has some very shallow spots, with some depths in mid-channel as low as 5 ft. We heard others talking about what they were seeing, so I pursued a route slightly favoring the red side of the channel. We found no less than 6.9 feet. Here’s the detail:

At R’118’ - 7’ mid-channel, 9’ red side

At G’117A’ - 40’ - 50’ off the marker, 7.5’

At the un-named creek 1/2 mile north of inlet creek - 6.9’

At G’119’ - 7.5’ red side of channel (There are crab pots in this area on both sides of the channel. Some extend into the channel. To favor the red, we passed some of the crab pots on the red quarter to our port side. Found favorable water depths there today. Of course, the crabber will move the pots, so the advice remains, favor red.

At G ‘121’ - 8.5’ red side of channel

With lower datum or celestial lows, this stretch would definitely be a problem for most cruising boats.

Jim

Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

Thanks to Jim for another excellent report.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

North of Ben Sawyer Bridge, numerous 7’ MLW spots south a G117A all the way to G121. channel is very narrow and shoals rapidly off centerline. As often the humps are where small creeks meet the waterway.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this update.

7’ MLW along the green floaties past R110. 7’ MLW between R116 and G117. 9’ MLW off R132 just west of the bridge

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this update.

8’ MLW mostly between G139 and G143

9’ MLW between 162 and R162A passign about 100’ off R162A, 12’ between R162A and R164

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

Southern section, 6’ to 7’ MLW most of the way but some 5’ MLW spots just north of R184. This is down almost 2’ from this spring on the same line. Make sure you come in or exit the southern end of the cut at an angle as shown on the charts (by R184/G195). A new can G177 has been added by the FL G 177 to mark the shoal. Note that the northern section of the cut off bet R166 and R172 is no problem, over 12’ MLW>

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

Radio traffic yesterday indicated that the bridge is opening only on the hour, and no opening from 11am to 1pm. Someone at Skipper Bobs may want to contact them and get the actual schedule and duration of the change.

-Don Barry

Deep except brief 9’ MLW sounding at the south end, between R40/G39.

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report. Note the missing nav aid.


9’ MLW or more in the cut but R42 is missing tempting people to cut the corner

At the northern end favor the green side for 11’ MLW or more. Found some 8’ mlw readings in the bend hslfway thru. At the southern end, near the Savannah River, favor the red side around the bend stay away from the dock on the green side. Found 12’MLW passing about 100’ off R50 and the range tower, then about 200’ off the dock

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

8’ to 9’ MLW thru most of the cut but some readings as low as 5’ to 6’ MLW around R90. I usually pass about 40’ from R90, and about 30’ from G89; this time around it s definitely shallower by about 2 to 2.5’ compared to earlier this year

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for the following report.

8’ MLW between G127 and R128 on the red side

Many thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard the m/v Charmer for this report.

I found similar depths as on previous runs. 
9’MLW north of G193
8’MLW 100’ off G193
5’MLW by the charted wreck
7’MLW 100’ off R194
5’ to 6’ MLW half way between G195 and the range marker
Once on the range depths increase rapidly to 10+MLW

Near G195 I always split G195 with the range marker and get on the range right away when southbound. Depths shoal up quickly close to G195

There is a report of a large piece of concrete with rebar partially exposed about mid-tide on the Altamaha River between Daybeacons 204 and 206. The Coast Guard advises avoiding this area.

Larry Smithers
M/V Back Doc

7’ MLW is as shallow as I saw mostly near G19 and along the range. I passed about 150’ off G19 then turned on range (was northbound). Stayed on the range till past R16 ( passed about 75’ away) then split R16 with the southernmost range marker. No change from previous trips.

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

All Markers (R60 to R62) have finally been moved and are marking the shoal on the red side. 12 to 15MLW throughout.

Ed Note: Your chart plotter most likely will not be accurate, therefore, do not follow the magenta line. Follow the markers. The area of most confusion is at the intersection of Cumberland Dividings and the Brichilll River. 

Thanks to Pascall Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for the above report.

The following is from the CG 7th District NTM 48/11.

28, 2011 through approximately March 1, 2012 from Cumberland Sound Lighted Buoy 37 (LLNR 6915/37765) to Kings Bay Light 62 (LLNR 7040).
Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, pipelines, barge, booster, buoys, cables, derricks operating wires and other
related equipment. The dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables attached to anchors from the dredge and pontoons. Buoys are
attached to the anchors so they may move as the dredge moves. Submerged lines should be avoided. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution
when approaching, passing, and leaving the dredge plant. The dredge “RICHMOND” will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. Dredge operations will
be conducted (24) hours a day, (7) days a week, all fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to
commencement of any work, a slow NO WAKE speed is advised of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to
passing.

Favor the green side north of the bend and G1. I always stay about 20/30’ from G1 thru the turn and then come back mid channel south of G1. Note that I have seen reports of deep water way over on the red side / outside of the turn. I have never tried that route but in any case, avoid the center of the channel!

Thanks to Pascal Gademer aboard m/v Charmer for this report.

5 years ago this morning I had to tell my children that their dad had died. It seems like yesterday but still like forever ago. 5 years ago today I lost the best friend I ever had.

Elaine Reib

Exactly five years ago today, I got out of bed and checked my email and saw
there was one from Skipper Bob. The evening before, I had sent him my
latest batch of updates for the New York Canals book. The email was a
short thank you note from Bob, time-stamped exactly 8 AM that morning. I
could picture Bob sitting at his desk, probably looking forward to doing
some editing on the books that morning.

It turned out sending me that email was the last thing Bob did … and then
he slumped to the floor and died. The email remained on his screen
afterwards.

Bob is a great guy. He wrote the Skipper Bob books to asist the long
distance cruisers, and with the help of his wife Elaine Reib, he did a
mighty fine job.

I first saw a copy of the New York Canals book, on my first visit up here
in 2003. I was amazed how it contained absolutely everything I needed to
know for my cruise, and I got my own copy the first chance I had. Kathy
and I spend many days planning our future trips with the Skipper Bob book
open as the ultimate reference. It wasn’t very wordy, but it was concise
and to the point, the perfect cruiser’s helm reference. I loved the book,
so I contacted Bob and started helping with it.

Since about 2004, I had been sending Bob all kinds of updates and
corrections, so that the book might be correct and complete and benefit
future boaters, as it had done for me. The books are now continued by Ted
Stehle, who continues Bob’s excellent work, and I continue to send Ted
updates for it. Bob is often in my mind as I gather info for the next
updates.

When Bob died, he left a big gap, but I always talk about Bob in the
present tense as he will always be around. He will live on in the memory
of those who knew him, those who worked with him, and his family. Skipper
Bob is out there on the canals and waterways somewhere even now. You may
not see him on your cruises, but he’s out there with you.

Skipper Bob, December 11th, 2006. May he cruise with us forever.

Fred Wehner

The following is from the CG 7th District NTM 45/11.

Mariners are advised that shoaling extends 15 yards channelward between St Marys River DBN 6 (LLNR 6805) and St Marys River DBN 8 (LLNR 6810) with minimum depth reported at 2ft MLW.