The RR bridge at the mouth of the Pearl River where it enters Mississippi sound should be addressed as Pearl River CSX Swing Bridge. Call on VHF channels 13 and 16. Be prepared for a slow response to both your call and the opening.

-Hank Evans

The U.S. Coast Guard COTP Morgan City, under the Authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, established a Safety Zone in the Houma
Navigation Canal, from approximate Mile 35.5 to Mile 36.5, and in the GIWW, from approximate Mile 59.0 to 60.0, WHL, bank to bank. This Safety
Zone is needed to protect the general public, vessels and tows during construction and repair operations on the Highway 661 Swing Bridge. This
rule is effective and enforceable through December 31, 2013. Beginning September 24, 2012, the Houma Navigation Canal, from approximate
Mile 35.5 to Mile 36.5, will have channel restrictions starting at 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., 7-days a week,
throughout the duration of the project, to minimize waterway impact, this area will be open without channel restrictions from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00
p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. or until marine traffic clears.
For up-to-date information on the Safety Zone, mariners can contact the Towing Vessel JOANNE SIMS on VHF-FM Channels 13 or 71, or by phone
at (601) 270-8007.

In the middle of November 2012 there was no electric service due to Hurricane Isaac, however, it was due to be restored by mid January 2013. There are no restrooms, showers or pump out. Transient rate $21.40, cash (exact change)or credit card only. Shags bar/restaurant at the marina is good, especially for oysters. There are two upscale restaurants across the street, Woolfe's and the Blue Rose

-Hank Evans

There are two entrances to this harbor, one from the SW and one from the E. From the SW be sure to line up on the red/green channel markers at least ½ mile before the first green to avoid the shoal coming out from shore. Expect 5 to 6’ at low tide. From the east be sure to keep the red buoy #2 to starboard (along with the sticks marking shoal water) and the artificial reef which is clearly visible but not marked on charts. . Deeper water here 8 to 10’ at MLW. The Police Department controls the harbor. Call them at 228-452-5128 for docking instructions and information about where to pay your fee.

The note IN Skipper Bob about avoiding Square Handkerchief Shoal remains valid.


-Hank Evans

Just east of the Small Craft harbor is the rebuilt Biloxi Yacht Club with limited dockage. Continuing West along this channel it will make a 90* turn to the south just past the Beau Rivage Casino (its marina was not rebuilt after Katrina and remains closed) and the marked channel will return you to the open waters of the sound. If approaching from or departing to the West, this route will save considerable time and distance over the main channel. The channel carries 8.5’ minimum and most of the time more.


-Hank Evans

A floating stationary hazard to boating exists 100 yards north of red marker 70 near Hatchet Point in Josephine AL. It is a partially submerged tangle of steel and cable attached to a absorbant boom.

-Lee Pelfrey

Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will be conducting its annual Billy Bowlegs Festival in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This event is
published in 33 Code of Federal Regulations part 100.801 (Table 1 #99, Sector Mobile #12) as a special local regulation and will take place on May
31, 2013 and June 1, 2013. The regulated area for this event includes all waters between an eastern boundary of approximate positions 30-24-
22.5N 086-35-14W, 30-23-51.4N 086-35-14W, and a western boundary of approximate positions 30-24-13.5N 086-37-11W, 30-23-58.5N 086-37-
11.0W. Vessels desiring to transit the regulated area may do so only with prior approval of the Patrol Commander and when so directed by that
officer and will be operated at a no wake speed in a manner which will not endanger participants in the event or any other craft. The Patrol
Commander may be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16, call sign “PATCOM”. This event has a published Safety Zone in 33 Code of Federal
Regulations part 165.801 (Table 1 #144, Sector Mobile #3) and will be in effect on May 31, 2013, at 9:00 p.m., for a fireworks display. This
temporary Safety Zone is for all waters extending 150-yards around a fireworks barge that will be positioned between Fort Walton Beach Landing
and the GIWW. Mariners are prohibited from entering this Safety Zone unless specifically authorized by the Patrol Commander. For up-to-date
information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5976.

The following is from the CG 8th District (Rivers) NTM 17/13.

The US 98 Bridge, also known as the Brooks Bridge, across the GIWW, Mile 223.1, EHL, at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has sustained damage as the result of a vessel allision. Repair work will be conducted the week of April 22, 2013, during overnight hours only. The work will take place from April 22-26, 2013, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., each day. Work will be complete by 5:00 a.m., April 26, 2013. Vertical clearance will not be reduced. A tug will bin in the channel and able to be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16. Mariners can contact Kenny, at (850) 526-4318 or Justin, at (850) 585 7384, 24-hours a day. Mariners are urged to be alert for equipment in the waterway at all times and pass with extreme caution and at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake.

When True North came by the Fort Walton Beach free dock on the north side
of the ICW last week, it was closed due to heavy damage from either a boat
ramming it or a structural failure. Parts of the face dock were hanging
into the water. A mastless sailboat was pulled into a shoreside slip but a
sign was posted that the dock was closed.

Stay safe,

Tom

-Tom Conrad

Editor Note: Two free docks that may be options. At mile 189.2 EHL, Quiet Water Beach, south of intracoastal and east of bridge, tie up to pier. At mile 329.4 EHL, White City, tie up to dock.

A 5-foot long by 3-foot wide visible concrete block has been reported approximately 50 feet off the north bank in the GIWW near Mile 305.3,
WHL, in approximate position 29-41-12.0N 094-10-58.0W. The obstruction is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution.

A 16-foot Jon Boat has reportedly sunk in the middle of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Mile 319.0, WHL, in approximate position 29-35-
37.0N 094-23-08.0W, on January 8, 2013. The wreck is reportedly unmarked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area and report
any findings to their nearest U. S. Coast Guard unit.

Water and 110V 15amp power available approximately 100' from dock.

-Hank Evans

Mariners are urged to navigate inside the 100-foot marked channel between the Galveston IH-45 Bridge and the Galveston Railroad Bridge, due to numerous unmarked obstructions just outside the channel.

The following is from the CG 8th District NTM 51/12.

Shoaling to depths of less than 9 feet have been reported in the middle of the waterway near Caney Creek Wiggles on the GIWW between Mile 419.0 and Mile 421.0, WHL. The shoaling is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area. Chart 11319.

Editor Note: We realize that a nine foot depth is not a problem for most pleasure craft but we would like to know what depths any pleasure craft encounter in this area.

Continuing until further notice, the Cutterhead Dredge JONATHON KING BOYD is dredging critical shoals in the GIWW between approximate Mile 420.0, WHL and Mile 422.0, WHL. Dredged material is being deposited into Surf Zone Placement Area No. 98. The dredge will then dredge the GIWW from approximate Mile 418.5, WHL to Mile 420.0, WHL. Dredged material will be deposited into Surf Zone Placement Area No. 98-A. The Cutterhead Dredge JONATHON KING BOYD will be monitoring VHF-FM Channels 13 or 16. Mariners are urged to transit the area of dredging operations at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after making passing agreement have been made.

The Coast Guard will be relocating and renumbering many nav aids during the Month of October. To see a complete listing refer to the 8th Disctrict (Gulf) Notimce to Mariners 39/12 which many be accessed by clicking here.

The following changes will be made the week of April 2, 2013:
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 22 (LLNR-2670) to Carrabelle River Buoy 22 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-00.974N/084-40-47.706W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 23 (LLNR-2675) to Carrabelle River Buoy 23 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-04.218N/084-40-57.046W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 25 (LLNR-2680) to Carrabelle River Buoy 25 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-03.271N/084-41-09.862W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 26 (LLNR-2685) to Carrabelle River Buoy 26 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-04.471N/084-41-13.192W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 28 (LLNR-2690) to Carrabelle River Buoy 28 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-05.633N/084-41-16.950W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 30 (LLNR-2695) to Carrabelle River Buoy 30 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-07.391N/084-41-20.806W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 32 (LLNR-2700) to Carrabelle River Buoy 32 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-12.280N/084-41-23.235W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 34 (LLNR-2705) to Carrabelle River Buoy 34 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-16.958N/084-41-22.955W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 38 (LLNR-2715) to Carrabelle River Buoy 38 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-21.591N/084-41-18.421W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 40 (LLNR-2720) to Carrabelle River Buoy 40 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-23.708N/084-41-14.641W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 42 (LLNR-2725) to Carrabelle River Buoy 42 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-24.701N/084-41-11.514W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 43 (LLNR-2730) to Carrabelle River Buoy 43 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-26.773N/084-41-09.584W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 44 (LLNR-2735) to Carrabelle River Buoy 44 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-24.578N/084-41-07.124W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 45 (LLNR-2740) to Carrabelle River Buoy 45 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-24.467N/084-41-00.224W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 46 (LLNR-2745) to Carrabelle River Buoy 46 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-22.520N/084-40-57.951W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 47 (LLNR-2750) to Carrabelle River Buoy 47 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-24.368N/084-40-50.691W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 51 (LLNR-2760) to Carrabelle River Buoy 51 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-26.323N/084-40-39.664W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 54 (LLNR-2770) to Carrabelle River Buoy 54 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-28.196N/084-40-33.940W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 55 (LLNR-2775) to Carrabelle River Buoy 55 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-30.416N/084-40-34.270W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 56 (LLNR-2780) to Carrabelle River Buoy 56 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-38.784N/084-40-27.205W, showing
Red nun.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 57 (LLNR-2785) to Carrabelle River Buoy 57 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-39.309N/084-40-28.746W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 59 (LLNR-2790) to Carrabelle River Buoy 59 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-52.105N/084-40-26.270W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 61 (LLNR-2795) to Carrabelle River Buoy 61 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-55.294N/084-40-27.789W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 65 (LLNR-2805) to Carrabelle River Buoy 65 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-59.946N/084-40-37.181W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 67 (LLNR-2810) to Carrabelle River Buoy 67 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-59.645N/084-40-41.795W, showing
Green can.
Change Carrabelle River Daybeacon 68 (LLNR-2815) to Carrabelle River Buoy 68 (LLNR-TBD), at position 29-51-59.604N/084-40-45.233W, showing
Red nun.

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The following is from the CG 8th District (Gulf) NTM 19/13.

Due to heavy shoaling near Noriega Point, Destin, Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard has set 3 aids to mark best water for safe navigation. Buoy
(10a) set in 6 feet of water, in approximate position 30-23-35.4N 086-30-49.8W, buoy (10b) set in 6 feet of water, in approximate position 30-
2337.2N 086-30-46.2W and buoy (10c) set in 6 feet of water, in approximate position 30-23-36.6N 086-30-46.2W. Mariners are urged to transit
the area with extreme caution. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard COTP Mobile at (251) 441-5976.

Went aground several times attempting to enter this harbor. Our draft is 4 1/2 feet.

-Hank Evans

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the
regulation governing the operation of the Lapalco Boulevard bascule
span drawbridge across the Harvey Canal Route, Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway (GIWW), mile 2.8 at New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
The deviation is necessary to allow for the removal and replacement of
the bridge’s electrical components. This deviation allows the bridge to
remain closed to navigation for eight consecutive days.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Thursday, January 10,
2013, until 6 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a Final Rule establishing special operating regulations for two bridges across the
Apalachicola River in Florida. The two bridges discussed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking are the Apalachicola Northern Railroad Bridge at Mile 4.5 (GIWW Mile 347.0, EHL) at Apalachicola which will be maintained in the open-to-navigation position at all times and the CSX Railroad
Bridge, Mile 105.9, at River Junction which will open on signal if at least eight hours advanced notification is given