Heads Up – Here are some recent waterway changes! Updated August 26, 2010 (Look for NEW) Corrections/Additions to guides follow the navigation updates. Navigation Updates: NJICW, mile 81.0, Beach Thorofare (New) 8/18/10 The dredge FULLERTON will be conducting maintenance dredging operations in the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of NJICW Light 264A from 13 August until 30 October, 2010. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. C & D Canal, Chesapeake City 6/29/10 Dredging in the anchorage has begun and will continue through August 20, 2010. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Inside Passage 11/28/09 Shoaling to a depth of less than 1.0 foot MLW has been reported between VIRGINIA Inside Passage Light 214 (LLNR 6350) and Virginia Inside Passage Light 226 (LLNR 6420). Mariners should use exercise caution when transiting this waterway. Chart: 12224. 2/17/09 Shoaling to a depth of 2 feet MLW has been reported between Virginia Inside Passage Light 180 and Great Machipongo Inlet North Channel Junction Light NC. Use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart: 12210. ICW, Mile 2.8, Jordan Bridge 6/1/09 Delete the text in the anchorages book that pertains to this bridge. The bridge has been taken out of service and the lift span removed. ICW, Mile 8.3, Dismal Swamp Canal (New) 8/18/10 The Army Corps. of Engineers is reporting shoaling to a depth of 6.0 feet approximately 500 feet south of the South Mills Lock at Joyce Creek. 7/22/10 The following is a report from Tom Jones regarding hazards he encountered. As a follow up to my previous note, the following are the specific locations of the underwater contact we had with objects on the Dismal Swamp July 16, 2010 while transiting center channel south to north in our 38 foot power boat with a 36" draft. 2 of the dead heads surfaced, but 3 of our "bumps" did not. With our travel speed at 4.5 to 6 kts on the Dismal Swamp, we were fortunate in that further inspection after our arrival in Norfolk, VA area indicated we had no damage to shafts, props, trim tabs or rudders, as well as no vibration at cruise speed. Locations: 1. Pasquotank River, approx 300 yds north of Joe's Island Creek: Lat - 36 degrees 23' 20" N; Lon - 76 degrees 16' 00" W 2. Abeam mile marker 26 - approx. Lat - 36 degrees 31' 61" N; Lon - 76 degrees 21' 93" W 3. Approx mile 17.5 - Lat - 36 degrees 38' 30" N, Lon - 76 degrees 22' 39" W 4. Approx. Lat - 36 degrees 38' 55" N; 76 degrees 22' 32" W 5. Tree lying across Dismal Swamp in the north section, from west bank to east (exact location not recorded), covering 60% of the canal. With our 12' beam we were able to move around the east end of it without touching the east shore in 4.5 to 5 ft of water depth. North side Lockmaster indicated tree was to be removed the week of July 19th by equipment just brought into the area. Additional "clean up" is suppose to begin at that time also. Until some major clean up of the Dismal Swamp occurs, I could not recommend "route 2" through here to anyone with exposed props at any draft. I have also forwarded this information to the agency websites you gave me. Feel free to use this information if it can be helpful to other people cruising this area. Regards, Tom Jones m/v Marbles ICW, Mile 45.1, Long Point 10/30/09 Ran aground(5' 7" draft) at the western side of the channel, just 100 yards south of QR 15ft 3M "116" (4.5 SM north of Coinjock). Towboat said we were third one this season. Frank Coleman ICW, Mile 81.0, Alligator River Ed Note. Dave's report confirms that following the markers and staying in the middle of the channel will get you deep water. Ignore the magenta line. 7/4/10 We just went through ( 7/1/10 ) the Middle ground with a 3'10" draft and touched with a 2 foot swell just southeast of marker R8, 50 feet east we had 9 feet Dave Harvey 5/19/10 This post is from the 5th District Notice to Mariners 20/10 Shoaling to a depth of 4.0 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Alligator River Light 7 (LLNR 37845) and Alligator River Light 8 (LLNR 37850). Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. Chart: 11553. Note the post of 5/7 below. If anyone encounters this shoaling please submit a report to Skipper Bob. 5/7/10 Transited this area today and confirm the posts below. Our paper chart was correct, however, the charts on our two plotters were not correct, even though one had been "updated" via download in January. The route between Long Point Shoal and Middle Ground is now a "zig-zag, not a straight run. Follow the markers. Depths are good.....never saw less than 12 feet. Ted Stehle aboard Waterway Guide Lady 3/23/10 There is a spot in the ICW that needs  to be addressed : Mile 81 in North Carolina. All markers have been changed and you should not trust any of the charts or your chartplotter. Watch for the markers and follow them !!!  There are some new markers and some older ones have been moved or removed altogether. Keep up the good work Stephan Hawranke 2/15/10 I transited the channel in the Alligator River near marker 8 and with 6' draft noticed no shoaling. The markers ar the mouth of the river are often moved and may not be correctly positioned on mariners charts. As on most of the waterway boaters should follow the markers here and not their charts. Ed Seling, Moonshadow 1/31/10 The channel has changed and remains incorrect on most charts  & chips. Use binoculars to follow by the number, however the numbers on the daymarks are faded and difficult to read. At MM 80, the channel doglegs to the west around one buoy, new chart G-3,and is no longer straight. About MM 81, immediately south of G-7 and R-8, the  channel curves to the west, between two shoals. If you try to go straight, you will most likely find the shoals. Go slowly through this area. Following this path, we find 9-12 feet in what we now call "the AH of the Alligator." Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade ICW, Mile 181.0, Neuse River, Whittaker Creek, shoaling 6/17/09 Shoaling to a depth of 3.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Whittaker Creek Daybeacon 1 to Whittaker Creek Light 5. The shoal extends approximately 20 feet into the channel.  Chart: 11552 ICW, Mile 210.0, potential dangerous shoaling, update 1/23/10 Today we passed about 25 feet off "R-8", one hour past low tide. The lowest depth we saw in that area was 13'6". Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade 11/20/09 We have received a report that shoaling is developing in the vicinity of Red "8" just north of mile 210.0. A 72' motoryacht drawing 5.6' ran aground in this area while still in the channel, suffering severe damage. The state of the tide at the time is unknown. The vessel is currently hauled and under going repair. The insurance adjuster working the claim states that he has handled multiple claims for vessels damaged by running aground in this area. ICW, Mile 227.6, New River Inlet 6/7/10 Dredging in this area was completed in April, 2010. ICW, Mile 233.6, Sanders Creek 1/23/10 We favored the green side at "G-55" within an hour of high tide and bumped three times. Our draft is 6'3". Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade ICW, Mile 240.7, Onslow Beach Swing Bridge (New) 8/18/10 Mariners are advised that urgent mechanical repairs will be performed at the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the North Carolina Cut, at AICW mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC. To facilitate repairs, the swing span will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 through 11:59 on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. The available vertical clearance in the closed position is approximately 12 feet, above mean high water. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so, should adjust their transits accordingly and exercise caution when transiting the area. ICW, Mile 244.5, Mile Hammock Bay 9/28/09 Bill Root aboard m/v Tucandu reports that in June he was anchored here and at 6pm was ordered by Marinas to leave the anchorage due to maneuvers that were planned for the area. No advance warning had been given. Bill and another vessel anchored nearby left as darkness was approaching and were able to tie off at the fuel dock of a marina. ICW, Mile 245.8, south of New River Inlet 1/31/10 We bumped in channel between RN 74 & 76; however plenty of water 50-75 ft. off of these buoys. Don't "hug" them! Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade AIWW, Mile 278.1, Figure Eight Swing Bridge 6/29/10 The Coast Guard has withdrawn its notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the proposed change to the regulations of the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AIWW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC. The requested change would have allowed the drawbridge to open on signal every hour on the half hour for the passage of pleasure vessels. A copy of Public Notice 5-1186, which describes the withdrawal of the notice of proposed rulemaking in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6222 ICW, Mile 280.4, Mason Inlet 1/31/10 At low tide on the red side, the minimum water depth was 8.4 ft. Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade ICW, Mile 283.1, Motts Channel 11/20/09 After the Wrightsville Beach bridge, we turned into Motts channel between G"25" to starboard and a 60' motoryacht at Wrightsville Beach Marina to port and promptly ran hard aground at low water. Tow boat captain said the deep water is way over by the marshy shore at G"25". Who woulda thought? Ron Ieva s/v Lastdance ICW, Mile 285.0, Masonboro Inlet 1/31/10 Masonboro Inlet. Keep to green side. We ran hard aground 2 hrs. past low tide on the north side of the inlet, on the red side. Hugged green can and found water. Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade ICW, Mile 293.5, Carolina Beach Inlet 4/13/10 Dredging in this area has been completed and depths are reported to be 9 feet at MLW. Also, Marker #155 is reportedly out of position. ICW, Mile 295.0, Loran & VORTAC interference 12/6/09 The Loran towers and VORTAC in this area caused both of our GPS units to become unstable. Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 297.0, Snows Cut 12/15/09 Dredging has been completed. AIWW Mile 316.6, Oak Island bridge construction 12/31/09 Mariners are advised to take caution when approaching the construction site of a new highway bridge (Middleton Avenue) to Oak Island, over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Mile 316.6, in Brunswick County, NC. The bridge will be under construction through March 30, 2011. Barges and cranes will be adjacent to the waterway. The waterway shall remain open to navigation until further notice. Chart 11534. ICW, Mile 320.0, Lockwoods Folly 4/27/10 The dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operation within the limits of the AIWW at the Lockwoods Folly River Crossing from 01 May until 14 May, 2010. A floating and submerged pipeline will run along the southernmost shoreline of the AIWW from the Lockwoods Folly River Crossing to the Sheep Island Disposal Area. The pipeline will be marked with buoys and yellow flashing lights in accordance with Coast Guard Regulations. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. 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 Chart: 11543. 3/31/10 The dredge JENNI LEA will be conducting dredging operations in the AIWW channel adjacent to Lockwoods Folly Inlet from 02 April until 30 April, 2010. The tenders SWITCHER II and MISS LEANNE will assist. A floating and submerged pipeline will traverse southwesterly along the south shoreline of the AIWW to the spoil fill Holden Beach. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. 11/21/09 Following the markers and Skipper Bob's notes, we made Lockwoods Folly yesterday and never saw less than 15' at 1 hour before HT. We then crossed Shallotte Inlet, favoring R"80A" and never saw less than 11' about 1/2 hour before HT. Ron s/v Lastdance ICW, Mile 330.0, Shallote Inlet 6/6/10 Dredging in this area has been completed. ICW, Mile 337.9, Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge 7/15/10 An article in TheSunTimes.com reports that English Construction superintendent Mark Hackney said that work is on schedule for completion of this project by fall 2010. Plans are to have the new bridge open by the end of summer and then begin removal of the old pontoon bridge. The NCDOT states that crews will begin setting girders within the next few weeks which will require partial day closures of the ICW. We will post updates as they become available. 1/20/10 Southbound Travelers: If you are heading south on the Inter-coastal Waterway, please use caution, and stay in the channel above the Sunset Beach NC Pontoon Bridge. I live close to the waterway above the Sunset Beach Bridge, and in the last couple of weeks, I have seen two boats go aground while waiting for the hourly opening of the bridge due to shoaling on the barrier island side about a quarter of a mile above the bridge. I think what happens is boats arrive before the bridge opens, and they move to the port side of the channel while the tide is going out. There is a small bay at that point, and it may appear as if there is plenty of water, but they get caught by the outgoing tide. Yesterday I saw a Motor yacht, approximately 55 to 60 ft, leaning on it's side in the mud - no water under the boat. There was a tow boat standing by. This was about 2:00 PM; the BoatUS tow wasn't able to pull the boat off the mud until around 4:15 PM. Once off, the Tow continued to tow the Yacht north. Although I tried to follow in my truck from shore, a thick fog eliminated any visibility. A week earlier a sailboat was aground very near the same spot, and was towed off by Sea Tow Capt. Bill Favro EASTNOR Mainship390 ICW, Mile 370.9, Socastee Bridge Opens on request. Very slow opening and operators prefers boats to pass through in groups so you may wait a few minutes. Watch the No-Wake Zones on both sides. ICW, Mile 415.0, Esterville Minim Creek & Duck Creek Depth of 7.5 feet at mid-tide near G5 and mostly 11.5 feet to 13.7 feet to FR12. (December 6, 2009). Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 418, North Santee River Found as little as 6.8 feet at mid-tide near R18. (December 6, 2009 Richard Ross Chez Nous AIWW, Mile 420.0, South Santee River to Charleston Dredging operations will take place in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) from Charleston to South Santee River (Channel Markers "R122" to "R24".Dredging will continue on a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week basis until approximately Thursday, April 15, 2010. For on scene communications, contact the Dredge BRUNSWICK on VHF radio channels 13 & 16. For further information contact Thomas G. Payne at (843) 722-9083. (January 21, 2010) ICW, Mile 429.0 From Marshall Gaffney aboard Capital Ranger. Dredge now working the waterway – we saw no less than 10 ft. (January 18, 2009) ICW, Mile 448.0 Depth 13.6 feet between marker 84 and 86, and 114.5 feet from marker 89 to 90 at high tide. (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Red Daybeacon 84. A temporary buoy has been deployed channelward of the assigned position in approximate position 32-54-23.500N 079-40-24.700W to mark best water. (August 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 452.5 Depth 15 feet between R100 and G101 at high tide. (October 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 462.2, Ben Sawyer Bridge (New) 8/3/10 PCL Civil Constructions, Inc. will begin repair work on the Ben Sawyer Bridge on August 12, 2010. The bridge will closed for vessel traffic from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please contact Mr. Bennett at (843) 540-1138 for more information. For questions regarding Coast Guard matters please contact the Sector Charleston Command Center at (843) 740-7050. ICW, Mile 472.0, Elliott Cut Depth mostly 20 feet in Elliott Cut, and 12 feet just east of the entrance. (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross, Chez Nous ICW, Mile 480.0, Stono River Depth minimum of 12 feet from G40 to G41. (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 490, Wadmalaw Sound Depths of 8.6 feet or greater from G87 to G89 at mid-tide (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 497.0, Dawho River Marker G95 was not in its charted position. Believe the marker and not the chart. (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 501.3, dredging 6/7/10 Dredging in this area was completed in May, 2010. AIWW, Mile 518.0, shoaling 5/5/10 ICW at Green 185 under 5' at MLW. Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff is between 5' and 6' at MLW. Faith Olsen AIWW, Mile 536.0, Lady’s Island Bridge This MSIB announces a Temporary Regulation Change of the 33 CFR 117.911-South Carolina Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway/Lady's Island Bridge, across the Beaufort River, Mile 536.0 at Beaufort. Due to ongoing construction of the new McTeer Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 539.0, Port Royal, South Carolina; Beaufort County has requested that the federal regulation on the Woods Memorial (Lady's Island) bridge be changed to: Lady's Island Bridge, across the Beaufort River, Mile 536.0 at Beaufort. The draw shall operate as follows: (1) From 7:15 a.m. to 8:59, 11:15 a.m. to 12:59 p.m. and 4:14 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. the draw need not open; and (2) Between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the draw need open only on the hour and half-hour. (3) At all other times the draw shall open on signal. The regulation will be in affect 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will remain in affect up to one year or until construction of the McTeer Bridge is completed, whichever comes first. Ref: LNM 50 through 52-09 and 01-10 Chart: 11518 This MSIB announces a Temporary Regulation Change to the hours of the Lady's Island Bridge and does not affect other aspects of the regulations - to include tugs with tows. Therefore, in accordance with 33CFR 117.911(a) public vessels of the United States and tugs with tows, upon proper signal, will be passed through the draw span of each draw bridge listed in this section at anytime; to include The Lady's Island Bridge across Beaufort River. (January 21, 2010) /S/ C. MARCY Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Chief, Prevention Department ICW, Mile 557.6, Skull Creek 4/14/10 Ed. Note: The following Marine Safety Information Bulletin refers to the bridge as a draw. This is in fact a 65' vertical clearance fixed bridge. MSIB 33-10 R.L. Morrison and Sons, Inc. will begin bridge fender repair operations with the barge "CAPT HORRY" on or about Monday April 12, 2010. Bridge Repair operations will take place in the Intracoastal Waterway on the US 278 Bridge near Skull Creek. Repairs will continue during daylight hours only, 7 days per week until approximately Saturday June 12, 2010. Barge and Tugs will be in the channel near the draw and will partially obstruct the channel. Mariners should maintain safe speeds, remain cognizant of these operations while in the area and cautious while transiting through. For on-scene communications Tug Eliza Lucas and Amazonas will be monitoring VHF 16. For more information please contact R.L. Morrison and Sons, Inc. at (843) 887-3261. For Coast Guard related issues please contact Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at (843) 720-3274 or Sector Charleston Command Center Line at (843) 720-7050. ICW, Mile 552 to 713, South Carolina and Georgia 2/12/10 CAUTION: It is important to note that in all the shoaling reports listed below that when we refer to the green side we are referring to the eastern quarter of the channel and not just right up against the green marker. Likewise, the red side refers to that quarter of the waterway west of the center line, and not just right up against the red markers. The center is the middle half of the channel. All soundings reported from mile 552 to 713 below are based on the USACOE report dated February 11, 2010. Only those portions that are below authorized project depth are listed. The good news is that most of this area has a 7-8' tide and with careful planning most vessels can traverse this area without problems except at or near low tide. ICW, Mile 568.5 to 569.9, Ramshorn Creek, G37 to G39 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 572.2 to 572.6, Walls Cut, R42 to R44 Depths are 9.0’ MLW between R42 and R44. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 572.6 to 573.3, Wright River, R44 to R48 Depths are 10.0’ MLW between R44 and R48. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 573.0 to 576.0, Fields Cut, R48 to R50 Depths are 14.0’ MLW red quarter, 14.0’ MLW center channel, 12.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 575.0, Fields Cut We just transited Fields Cut at low tide and registered water less than 4.5 feet. Fields Cut is located just after you cross the Savannah River going north. The shallow area is between the range marker at the south end of the cut and the cement pilings on the east shore, roughly 100 yards of shallow water. (5/9/10) Be careful out there! Todd & Brenda Lanning Life's2Short ICW, Mile 576.0, Savannah City Dock to reinstate fees The City of Savannah is preparing to once again charge for overnight docking at the Riverfront Plaza facilities. Per a phone conversation with Shawn Emerson of the Mobility and Parking Services Department, the policy will be in place by the end of May. The rate will be $1.50/ft. Day docking (3 hour limit) is no charge. Call 912-651-6477. (5/17/10) ICW, Mile 576.0 to 576.4, Elba Cut, R2 to R4 Depths are 2.5' MLW red quarter, 5.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 576.4 to 576.7, South Channel, R 4 to R6 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 12.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 579.5 to 580.8, Causton Bluff, G25 to R30 Depths are 6.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 580.8 to 582.8, Thunderbolt, R30 to G35 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 12.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 589.0 to 591.0, Isle of Hope, R46 to G53 Depths are 11.0’ MLW, 12.0’ center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 591.0 to 594.0, Skidaway Narrows, G53 to G71 Depths are 12.0’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel, 10.5’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 592.0, Skidaway Narrows (New) 8/18/10 A sailboat has reportedly sunk in approximate position 31-58.11N 081-03.10W in the vicinity of Skidaway Narrows DBN 50. ICW, Mile 594.0 to 597.0, Burnside River, G71 to G79 Depths are 10.5’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 597.0 to 601.4, Vernon River, G79 to G87 Depths are 10.0’ MLW. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 601.4 to 602.4, Hells Gate, G87 to R92 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 5.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 605.9 to 608.5, Florida Passage, R98 to R102 Depths are 11.5’ MLW red quarter, 11.5’ MLW center channel, 11.5’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 623.9 to 629.3, Johnson Creek, G125 to G133 Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 639.0 to 640.0, Front River, G151 to G153 Depths are 10.5’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 640.0 to 642.9, Creighton Narrows, G153 to G157 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 642.9 to 648.2, Old Teakettle Creek, G157 to G175 Depths are 11.0’ MLW. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 649.5 to 651.4, North River, R178 to R182 Depths are 9.5’ MLW red quarter, 9.5’ MLW center channel, 9.5’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 650.0, Doboy Sound, N4 There is a shoal south of N4. Stay away from this marker. (12/6/09) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 651.4 to 653.0, Rockedundy River, R182 to R190 Depths are 6.5’ MLW red quarter, 6.5’ MLW center channel, 6.5’ MLW green quarter. 2/12/10) ICW, Mile 653.0 to 656.4, Little Mud River, R190 to R198 At half tide we saw mostly 10 ft. but sometimes 8.5 feet in mid channel. Therefore at low tide expect that there may be as little as 4 feet. (3/15/10) Richard Ross Chez Nous Went thru the Little Mud River on Monday, Jan.11 at high tide in our Nauticat 36. Depth sounder was reading zero for most of the passage. We could also feel our 6' deep keel dragging in the soft mud for most of the passage. Another boat with a 5' keel went thru at mid-tide. Based on depth sounder reading they believe that their keel was dragging in 18" of mud. (January 16, 2010) Samuel D. Hanft S/V Stella Maris Nauticat 36 Depths are 2.0’ MLW red quarter, 3.0’ MLW center channel, 2.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 656.4 to 660.1, Altamaha Sound, R198 to G213 Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 7.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 664.5 to 670.4, MacKay River, G223 to G237 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 680.9 to 685.9, Jekyll Creek, R 2 to G25 Depths are 0.5’ MLW red quarter, 4.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 683.0, Jekyll Island Severe shoaling. Make sure that you run the reverse range from R16 to G19 because of the shoaling. At G19 pass close to the mark - no more than 50 away. Start the turn to port you do not swing too wide. Run a line between G19 and R20 that is 50 feet inside of R20. Hold that line carefully because the mud bank comes out from both sides, especially on the north. This mud bank is especially impressive. We spent most of Tuesday afternoon looking at it while waiting for the tide to float us off the mud bank. This was the result of starting the turn after G19 and swinging about 20 feet too wide. At MLW the channel is only about 50 feet wide. If possible transit this area on the rising tide and only at mid-tide or better. (January 16, 2010) Samuel D. Hanft S/V Stella Maris Nauticat 36 ICW, Mile 684.5, Jekyll Island See text in the anchorages book. Jekyll Harbor Marina now charges $20 for dinghy dockage. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 684.5, Jekyll Harbor Marina Change to Anchorages Along the ICW book. The charge for dinghy tie up is now $20, not $8 as shown in the 13^th edition. (May 27, 2009) ICW, Mile 685.9 to 687.1, Jekyll Sound, G25 to G29. Depths are 11.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.5’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66 At low tide we saw nothing less than 6 feet from 59A to 63A. At the sharp turn near 60 and 60A the chart is incorrect. Follow the markers and not the chart. (3/15/10) Richard Ross Chez Nous ICW, Mile 700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66 Refer to NOAA Chart 11489. At aproximate mile 704 the magenta sailing line is depicted on the incorrect side of red markers "60" and "60A". In addition, shoaling has occured in the area as the following cruising report points out. "At ICW mile 704, the water level (at low tide) is 2 feet on both sides of the red buoy "60" and "60A" as well as into the channel toward the green quarter. We draw 3 1/2 feet and could not get through the channel.  We were downbound and went aground on both the port and starboard side of the reds. We think that if we had kept the red marker a minimum of 75 feet on our starboard side we would have made it. The channel is very narrow through the curve." Otis Brinn (October 20, 2009) This year (2008) we spent Thanksgiving in St. Mary's. Every day (for 6 days) we heard boats on the VHF that were aground at marker 60 (where the Brickhill River joins the Crooked River just above the north end of Cumberland Sound). In that area, both the ICW chart that I use and my chartplotter show the ICW magenta line running between the Red marks. That is a BIG error, since there is a shoal on the Red side that comes at least 50 feet into the channel.  There are 3 or 4 reds at this turn, all are for the ICW, and you need to stay WAY off of all of them. (My chartplotter shows me going over land on the green side at this turn). I think people get confused here because they think that the red mark that the magenta line cuts behind is a mark for entering the Brickhill River so they think nothing of following the magenta line right onto the shoal. With the big tides in this area, this is not a good place to run aground. (December 2, 2008) Hoping this keeps a few cruisers in deep water, Harry and Barbara Anne Oehler  s/v Our Dream ICW, Mile 703.5, Cumberland River At the Brickhill River entrance to the ICW between R58A and G63, run a line no more than 50 feet inside the green marks for 12 to 20 feet of water at mid-tide. Running a course mid-channel will guarantee a grounding. The red side is even worse. Two boats ahead of us reported the preferred course. A Canadian boat with 6 foot draft did not get the word. They grounded in the center of the channel. The island that shows on the chart does not exist. There was also 12 to 20 feet where the island was indicated. (January 16, 2010) Samuel D. Hanft S/V Stella Maris Nauticat 36 ICW, Mile 705.0 to 708.0, Cumberland Sound, R66 to R80 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 8.0’ MLW center channel and 9.0’ MLW green quarter. (2/12/10) ICW, Mile 716.0, Fernandina Beach Shoaling has been reported in the middle of the channel in the vicinity of Fernandina Beach Buoy 1. Fernandina Beach Temp Buoy 1A  has been disestablish due to unmarkable shoaling in the middle of the channel. Water depth reported as less than six (6) feet at high tide. ICW, Mile 728.0, Nassau Sound Found depths of 9 feet in mid-channel (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous We found skinny water north of Nassau Sound at Mile 728, Green Day Mark #43. The shoal that lies east of G43 is building into the channel. We admit to traveling at near MLW and at that time found and parked for a while on less than 6' about 150' off the G43. There is as little as 3' closer to the marker. We suggest favoring mid-channel to the red quarter at this place. (May 13, 2009) Wes and DeAnn Birdsong s/v Liberty Tayana 37 6' draft ICW Mile 730.6, Nassau Sound, Sawpit Creek Depth 8.5 feet between G49 and R50. (December 6, 2009) Richard Ross Chez Nous We found and bumped on less than 6' south of Nassau Sound on Sawpit Creek at Mile 730.6, Green Day Mark #49. This day mark lies on the inside of a turn with a hard rock bank on the west and grassy dunes to the east. The shoal we bumped is building south from G49. We were being overtaken by a biggish motor yacht and were a little too generous with the deepest available water at or near MLW. We suggest favoring the red quarter close to the hard bank to the west and favoring mid-channel when five hundred feet south of the G49. (May 13, 2009) Wes and DeAnn Birdsong s/v Liberty Tayana 37, 6' draft ICW, Mile 735.0, Ft. George River, NOAA Chart 11489 We have received comments from cruisers that due to reported shoaling this anchorage may not be useable. The report below was sent to us on January 18, 2009. We draw 5 feet and found that as long as you enter the river on half tide or better then you have enough water. The anchorage is not wide so between wind, current and tide swing could be an issue when the tide is low and you have a deep draft. The park continues to improve and the grounds are very nice. The dinghy dock opens about 0800 and closes at 1630. There are two trash receptacles. (January 22, 2009) ICW, Mile 739.2, Sisters Creek Bridge 7/28/10 Due to bridge repairs, the Heckscher Drive/SR 105 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Sisters Creek) mile 739.2, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be on scheduled half-hour single-leaf operations on August 10, August 12, and August 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The vertical clearance on the down span will be reduced by 13½ feet during the single-leaf operating period. Charted clearance is 24 feet. Keiwit Construction is performing repairs on the Heckscher Drive/SR 105 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Sisters Creek). This work is expected to completed by April 2011. Nighttime closures of the bascule span are expected for 1-2 weeks in October 2010. ICW, Mile 744.7, Atlantic Beach Bridge At high tide, tall mast boats should use caution at the  Salamander Ldg "65" ft. bridge. When nearby bridges had 63.5 ft.  clearance, this one only had 62.5 ft. clearance! (1/31/10) Sarah Southworth s/v Moonlight Serenade ICW, Mile 760.0, Tolomato River Tolomato River Light 23 has been destroyed and replaced with a Temporary Lighted Buoy Channelward of Light 23. Light 23 remains below the surface and a hazard to navigation. Be cautious when transiting the area. September 6, 2009) ICW, Mile 777.9, St. Augustine 2/25/10 The City of St. Augustine has established a schedule for removing private moorings and installing 227 city owned moorings in the surrounding waters. Four mooring fields will be established: Menendez Mooring Field south of the Bridge of Lions, San Marcos Mooring Field north of the bridge, and two mooring fields in Salt Run. All private moorings within the boundaries of the fields must be removed during March. Construction of the fields and a portion should be operational by summer. Owners of private moorings must remove them if they fall within the boundary of the city field. Unattended or unused moorings will be removed as follows. March 1-7, salt Run March 8-14, San Sebastian River area March 15 - 21, Areas north and south of Bridge of Lions March 22 - 28, Hospital Creek area To view the city ordinance, click here. To view the mooring field layout, click here. ICW, Mile 777.9, Bridge of Lions 6/10/10 SB received the following update from Laurie Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project. Thank you for your patience regarding this issue. The contractor on the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project finished taking measurements today. The tide gauge at the Bridge of Lions measures correctly. The measurement is at low iron. You can expect approximately three extra feet of clearance at the center of the bridge. In regard to the clearance at mean high water posted on your website and on other websites frequented by mariners, the Florida Department of Transportation is concerned about making changes to the commonly accepted mean high water measurement, because it may be the U.S. Coast Guard's jurisdiction. However, we do maintain that the tide gauge at the Bridge of Lions is accurate and measures at low iron. I know this is not all of the information you were hoping for, but this is the best information we can provide at this time. Thank you again for your patience and your assistance on this issue. Sincerely, Laurie Sanderson Public Information Officer 5/19/10 Laurie Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project informed WG that after their meeting yesterday the contractor and all parties involved would be taking detailed measurements and adjusting for tides, etc. and will provide everyone with a definitive answer to the bridge clearance questions. In the mean time, anyone transiting the bridge should assume the lower clearance of less than 25 feet and check carefully the tide boards for passage. As usual, if in doubt, wait for an opening. We shouldn't be in that big of a hurry anyway, right? 5/17/10 There have been some reports from Boaters passing through the new Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, Florida that the bridge clearance for the new bridge does not match the charted clearance. Since the Bridge of Lions is a replacement bridge it was suppose to have the same clearance as the old bridge. But apparently this is not the case and after a discussion with Laurie Sanderson of the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project, there is indeed a discrepancy. According to the on site contractor, the new bridge clearance is indeed 22 feet MHW, and not the 25 feet MHW shown on the charts. The discrepancy is up for discussion at a special meeting tomorrow, Tuesday May 18,2010, for clarification. We will send out any more information as it becomes available to us, but in the mean time, caution should be taken when transiting the bridge until a definitive answer is found. Be Careful out there. ICW, Mile 792.4-792.7, Matanzas Inlet Area 4/10/10 Thanks to Ted and Nancy for this report. We passed through this section of the ICW at low tide yesterday. We draw 4'10". Never saw anything less than 7.9' EXCEPT between navaids 81A and 80B at the mouth of the river. Saw 6.9' momentarily there. We anchored in the river just below the Fort. Excellent holding. The current really smokers through there so put out extra rode. We have all chain rode and put out 90'. One sailboat ran aground yesterday after 1130 am...other passed through uneventfully..This morning I noted another sailboat aground FAVOR THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL. Nancy McCarley M/Y Aloha Friday DF 44 3/24/10 Matanzas Inlet is severely shoal! Thanks to the crew of Palmetto Moon - and especially the lazy cat, Alex - for their great information posted earlier this week. Sanctuary and crew came through that shoal area yesterday at noon, just off low tide. Their information was excellent and right on the money. To repeat, STAY WELL TO THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL! THE CONTROLLING DEPTH ON THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL IS 6FT OR BETTER. Headed north, as you approach the shoal area, stay to the west and pass close to Red Nun R82. Ahead of you there will be a sweeping curve to the east, and you will be looking at a relatively high (for Florida) sand bank. That sand bank has large area of clear, white sand at the top, and an area of scruff growth to it's east. Looking north, it also has a graceful, sweeping curve to the east. Head for the east end of the clear, white sand while keeping your stern aligned on Red Nun R82. Run to within 50' - 70' of shore. Yes, 50' or so; and yes, that seems very close to shore! Then, follow the curve of the shore line at that same 50' - 70' distance, all the way around until you finally reach Red Nun R80B. 50' is probably better than 70'... Southbound, start at R80B and hug the sweep of that shore line at a distance of 50' - 70'. When you come around to a point in line with R82, head for R82. STAY WELL TO THE RED SIDE OF THE CHANNEL. Mid channel carries less than 4' at MLW, and the green side carries less than that. And oh, by the way, the marked channel is narrow in this area, so a matter of just a few feet does matter. Yesterday (3/23/2010), we saw a short mound area that showed 6 ft depth, but all the rest of the red side thru that 1/2 mile or so carried 8 ft or more. Someone asked about getting into the anchorage at Ft. Matanzas on the Matanzas River. We did not do that, but the shoal area is on the ICW, immediately south of the anchorage entrance, and not on the Inlet itself. If you like that anchorage, I'd start from a point east and north of R80B, and sound my way in carefully. That part of the ICW seemed normal to me, and I would ass/u/me that access to the anchorage at the old fort might be normal also. Be careful in this whole area! Note: those who have done this route before know that the whole 15 mile route from Matanzas Inlet to St. Augustine is shoal. Give the markers in that are plenty of leeway. If you run from marker to marker, there are places on long, sweeping curves where shoals extend into what you might mistake as the channel. Keep a sharp eye on where the channel is actually charted, and you'll be ok. Short cut those areas and you may well wind up aground. One of those areas caught a blow boat yesterday. Hope this helps. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary 3/23/10 We came through the ICW passing Matanzas and ran aground soft twice. There was already a sailboat aground and that made me slow down to idle. Our boat is an Halvorsen Atlantique 50 with a 6.5 ft draft with full tanks. Lucky me the tanks were only half full . 3/10/2010; Northbound; Marker "Red 82 stay to red --- "Green 81c", "Green 81b" stay far away to the western shore --- "Red 80a" hug close --- "Green 81a" stay away to western shore --- "Red 80"stay close ! I found my way drifting in the faster moving water, at times I only had 4 inches under the keel. It is a real mess and I will not attempt that stretch again until it is dredged. I just came back from the BVI and going into the ICW gives me the chills ! Thank you again Stephan 3/19/10 We have has just received this update from Geoff and Pepper Holmes aboard Rosetta, a 42' Grand Banks with 41/2 foot draft. If you are in the area please send us your report. The Jacksonville Coast Guard is warning boaters about bad shoaling at the Matanzas Inlet crossing. Rosetta traveled through the area on 3/18/10 and saw no less that 14 feet by hugging the red markers. The local tow operator said he has assisted some 35 boats in the past few weeks who attempted to transit the area by staying in the middle of the channel between the red and greens and subsequently went aground. 2/14/10 Shoaling that extends half-way across the channel has been reported in the vicinity of the following aids: (2/14/10) Matanzas River Buoy 81A Matanzas River Buoy 81B Matanzas River Buoy 81C Matanzas River Buoy 81D 2/17/10 Please add this update for the ICW in FL where ICW meets the Matansas River leading to the Matanzas Inlet at Buoys G81A - G81C.  The markers are WRONG and following them will result in running aground.  I traveled through this area on Wed. Feb. 17 heading south and began having problems at G81A but was able to continue until I ran hard aground at G81C.  I have a 6' draft and was approx. 2 hours past high tide.  Tow Boat US informed me they have towed approx. 40 boats this year because the deep was is on the WSW side of the area and not where the buoys are located.  Another sailboat came through headed north and ran aground between my boat and G81C.  They were able to produce enough heel with their jib to break loose.  They tried again on the WSW side (hugging the shore) and have no problem.  I had no such luck and had to wait until the next high tide and it was still an effort by Tow Boat US to break me loose. Reported by Janetta Walls on s/v Sea Flame ICW, Mile 803, Palm Coast, shoaling Note: This is in the vicinity of the St. Joe Canal. Make certain that you pass on the east (ocean) side of the marker. Do not get confused here or you will run aground. At Marker 110, just south of Palm Coast Marina, SM 803, there is a significant shoal building from the west. This was readily visible about 2 hours past low tide but might be difficult to see at high tide. We stayed close to the red and still only had about 5-6 feet at one point. Chart 11485 (December 14, 2008) Jane Stone, Loose Stones ICW, Mile 840, Ponce de Leon Cut 5/11/10 May 9th,2010 at 12:30 p.m. Going north on the ICW just past the George E. Musson Coronado Beach Bridge at mile marker 845, went aground at R18 and GRC in 4 feet of water. If heading north stay close to the red marker 18. If you go in the middle of the channel you will go aground. Stay clear of the red and green marker before 18Red. Capt. Margaret M. Wagner ICW, Mile 876.6, JayJay RR Bridge 7/28/10 Work is scheduled to be done on the NASA Railroad Bridge, Intracoastal Waterway mile 876.6, Brevard County, FL. The bridge span will be closed to navigation from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. from August 10-12 and August 17-19 and August 24-26. There will be a one hour opening from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day during the closures. The bridge will remain open all other times. ICW, Mile 878.9, Max Brewer Bridge 7/28/10 From August 17 through August 19, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, the contractor has been authorized to close the waterway due to the placement of the center channel beams across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. In the case of weather delays, the contractor may need an additional day. Once the beams are in place the minimum vertical clearance will be 65 feet at Mean High Water. The clearance gauges for the new high-level fixed bridge will not be placed on the new bridge until the old swing bridge is removed. 7/15/10 In order to expedite bridge construction and not unduly restrict navigation; the Coast Guard Bridge Branch has authorized a temporary change in the opening schedule. Effective July 6, 2010 the bridge will open on the hour and half-hour from 7:00am to 7:00pm, seven days a week. At all other times it will open on demand. The new bridge is scheduled to be completed in April 2011. ICW, Mile 894.0, Canaveral Barge Canal 7/22/10 The closure of the Canaveral lock has been postponed until some- time in 2011. The lock WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL during the 2010 hurricane season. For details see the 7th District USCG Notice to Mariners. ICW, Mile 925.3, Rock Point anchorage Tonight we are anchored behind the first spoil island per Skipper Bob. Holding is excellent. Wakes from the ICW are not a problem, but there would be little wind protection from any direction except NE to SE. There are narrow uncharted shoals running due east to about 200 feet off the southern tip of both the spoil islands. (2/20/10) Bill and Kathleen Root m/v Tucandu ICW, Mile 940.0-955.0 5/9/10 Passed through this area yesterday, May 8, 2010, at mid-tide. Stayed in the middle of the channel the entire 15 miles. Never saw less that 10' of water. Sal and Frank Bulkley Fine Romance 2/10/10 We encountered intermittent severe shoaling on the green side of the channel, some to 4.5 feet, at SM 955 marker G 153, SM 950 marker R130-R132 and SM 941 - SM 935, particularly marker R64-R62. Suggest favoring the reds in this entire area. (2/20/10) Bill & Kathleen Root m/v Tucandu ICW, Mile 964.9, Ft. Pierce For the past two years' transits through this area and today at low  tide, we saw no less than 11.6 ft. between N. Ft. Pierce Bridge and  the Inlet and thru the 65 ft. bridge. (2/20/10) Sarah Southworth Moonlight Serenade Beneteau 50 6'3" draft ICW, Mile 986.0, St. Lucie Inlet 5/17/10 St Lucie Inlet (Staurt, FL) is shoaling to 2-3 ft at low tide on north side of inlet 60 ft inside north jetty. Shoal extends into channel. Favor center channel or south side (green) when transiting inlet. Patrick Davis ICW, Mile 987.8, St. Lucie River/Okeechobee Waterway 2/21/10 The dredging at the entrance to the St Lucie River just west of the ICW (the Crossroads) has been completed and minimum depths at MLW are 8 ft. Floating markers "2" and . "3", along with "4" and "3A". have been relocated to mark the dredged channel. Jack Dozier WaterwayGuide.com DozierMarine.com ICW, Mile 987.8. Okeechobee Waterway, Lake “O” 7/22/10 The US Army Corps Of Engineers has advised that navigation in an area approximately 3.5 M past the Moore Haven Lock and directly across from Structure C-5A in Moore Haven FL is restricted until September 1, 2010 due to the presence of a cable. The following is taken from the Corps of Engineers Bulletin. 1. Mariners are hereby notified to use caution when navigating the rim canal closure area. The area is approximately 3.5 miles past the Moore Haven Lock and directly across from Structure C-5A. 2. The cable across from Structure C-5A will be present until September 1, 2010. The purpose of the cable is to prevent vegetation from causing navigation and flood control problems downstream near Moore Haven Lock. 3. Mariners should use caution in the area due to potential of floating debris, navigational buoys and the cable itself. Fishing and access to the area is still permitted, however, the rim canal is not passable in this area. Additional information is available of the Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, web site.  ICW, Mile 1006.1, Indiantown Road Bridge Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the following update. North end of loop is mostly blocked by moored commercial boat.  Only about 2-3' of water if you can squeeze by this boat.  3-4' just inside south loop, but tricky getting in.  Not really a good place to anchor.  The moored boat has been there each time (4) we've been past this point this year.  If that boat happens to be missing, you can anchor right at the entrance to the north loop, but risk grounding if you enter the loop itself.  Inside the loop were two sailboats with lines strung from shore to shore. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 1014.2, North Lake Worth Anchorage Very quiet and well-protected. We entered by turning east just south of G27 per Skipper Bob and following the channel around behind the condos. there were quite a few boats there, mostly sailboats, but we found plenty of swinging room in the northeast corner. Holding was excellent, but winds were light. Anchor came up clean. 2/20/10 Bill and Kathleen Root m/v Tucandu ICW, Mile 1039.6, Atlantic Avenue Bridge Refer to the text in the anchorages book. Pump out is now $2.00 for 3 minutes. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 1069.4, Dania Beach Blvd Bridge Charted clearance is 22’. A vessel with an air draft of 21.5’ reported to us that they struck the bridge in center channel. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 1070.5, Sheridan St. Bridge Charted clearance is 22’. A vessel with an air draft of 21.5’ reported to us that they struck the bridge in center channel. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 1072.5, South Lake Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the following report. No dinghy access on east side, new seawall all the way along there.  You can dinghy north past Hollywood Blvd. Bridge and use the private docks at either the restaurant or Joe's Party Store, but you must patronize the establishment. (June 1, 2009) ICW, Mile 1077.3, Maule Lake Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the following report. Maule Lake, very nice calm anchorage, but the marina and store are now defunct and the docks all being dismantled. No where inside old marina to tie dinghy as docks are disconnected from shore and no trespassing signs are everywhere.   Entire shoreline is rocks and oysters, very difficult to beach the dinghy.  We did find one place in the NE corner in a small bay along the creek that runs out of the lake, behind a restaurant, but not easy to tie up and only room for one dinghy.  We searched the entire shore of the lake and it is private docks and seawalls everywhere except where the shore is rocks and oysters. (June 1, 2009) ICW, mile 1080.0, Bakers Haulover Inlet 6/22/10 Severe shoaling is reported on Biscayne Bay along the AIWW west of Bakers Haulover Inlet. Current water depths reports at channel centerline at Biscayne Bay Buoy 6B are: Mean Low Water - 3.9 feet Mean High Water - 6.2 feet Water depths were reported on June 16, 2010 and MLW/MHW depths may decrease as shoaling worsens. The shoal has also caused the channel width at Biscayne Bay Buoy 6B to be reduced to 40 feet. The Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District advises the AIWW at Bakers Haulover is scheduled to be dredged on or about September/October, 2010. ICW, Miles 1082.6 – 1089.0, Miami Beach Just a reminder that Miami Beach has an ordinance that restricts anchoring to 7 cumulative days in a 30 day period. We received a report from Carl and Carrie Butler aboard Sanctuary that the marine police are very diligent in enforcing this regulation. In an emergency or if dangerous weather conditions exist you may request an exception. ICW, Mile 1096.0, No Name Harbor Refer to the text in the anchorages book. We have received the following report. They now have a free pumpout station on the seawall just past the entrance.  Self operated.  Very good restaurant located along south seawall of the harbor. (June 1, 2009) AIWW, Mile 1140.0, Tarpon Basin, free dinghy dock (New) 8/26/10 New dinghy docks located at the public landing in the NE part of the cove. Next to the Community Building is a park with picnic tables and trash cans. Cruisers should use the dumpster near the Community Building for trash, not the trash cans. In addition, make certain you latch the gates. The Community Building has WiFi. ICW, Mile 1149 & 1153. CAUTION: Shoaling has been reported from day marker 64 south of Pigeon Key and 76A & 78 south exit of Cowpens Cut. Locals say Wilma moved the mud around and it is best to hug the markers. (Feb, 2, 2007) ICW, mile 1172.0, Channel Five, hazard to navigation 3/6/10 The Coast Guard received a report of a vessel catching fire and was destroyed leaving (2) 3ft x 3ft portions of burned fiberglass debris in approximate position 24-50.158N, 080-47.00W and is marked by a Mooring Buoy approximately (0.3NM) south of the Channel Five Bridge. All mariners are advised to stay alert and transit the area with caution. ICW, Mile 1215.0, Newfound Harbor Anchorage Sailboats are no longer permitted to anchor in the harbor between Little Torch Key and Big Pine Key south of US Rt. 1. (January 1, 2009) Florida, West Coast, GIWW mile 57.0, Venice 3/9/10 The Venice City Council voted unanimously to end free overnight dockage at Higel Park this afternoon. The dock will remain open and free between 6AM and 12 Midnight, and anchoring is possible in Roberts Bay just off the dock. The was some discussion that a mooring field would be built in Roberts Bay, with room for about 17 boats, a few of which will be allocated for transient use. The field, however, is not expected to be operational until about a year from now. There is also mention of a possibility that the dock may be converted to a fee-based dock. There was mention of 41 separate emails received from cruisers asking that the dock remain free. Bob Kunath Sans Souci Cruising Editor, Waterway Guide Florida, West Coast, Mile 131.8, Belleair Causeway Bridge Thanks to Jim Stroh for this report. The vertical bridge clearance published on NOAA Raster Chart 11411-2 (updated: 05/15/2007) indicates a 21ft vertical clearance. Passing through the Intracoastal Waterway (northbound) on January 1, 2008, the tide was 1.39 ft below MHW as checked on NOAA’s website. In theory there should have been at least 22.3 ft of vertical clearance (21 feet as indicated on chart + 1.39 ft for tide differential). However, there was only 16.5 ft according to the scaled ruler on the bridge bumpers. I recommend mariners requiring specific clearances not the ruler readings and depending on required clearances needing bridge lift take not of bridge operational hours. (January 17, 2008) GIWW Mile 165.0, EHL, shoaling 12/3/09 Be aware that the marked shoal on the green side of the channel, just past the marina east of MM 165.0, extends farther out than charted. I suggest favoring the reds MM 165.0 to MM 167.0. Bill Root M/V Tucandu GIWW mile 290.8 EHL, Smack Bayou, anchorage We anchored in Smack Bayou Monday night. Be advised that the charted 8 foot pool that is around the point to starboard has two permanent mooring balls in the middle and partially submerged wreck on the east side. We anchored west and slightly behind the mooring balls in about 8 feet at mid tide. Protection is excellent. However, there is some shoaling coming from the shore line, so I would suggest anchoring ahead of the mooring balls in deeper water to avoid swinging over a shoal. An option is to anchor in the first pool after the entrance. A trawler was anchored on the west side of that pool and seemed to do fine. Be aware there is a partially submerged wreck at the far end of that pool. Bill Root MV Tucandu (December 3, 2009) Gulf Coast ICW, mile 223.0 EHL, Ft. Walton Beach The Skipper Bob Cruising the Gulf Coast makes reference to calling “Joyce Shanahan’s” office for permission to stay at the city dock. The text should read “permission for one night’s stay can be requested from the City Manager’s Office at 850-833-9504. (February 28, 2009) Gulf Coast ICW, Mile 76 EHL, Ship Island This island previously provided nice anchorages and a pleasant spot for going ashore. However, we have just received the following: Not much is left of Ship Island. What was several miles of good protection from the South and East is now about 1/2 mile long with a few denuded trees. Sam and Ginger on svGrace Obviously the recent hurricanes have all but destroyed it. GIWW Mile 10.0 WHL, visible pipes Numerous visible pipes have been reported in the GIWW, near Mile 10.0, WHL, in approximate position 29-46-25.8N 090-04-27.6W. The pipes are reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area. (June 13, 2009) Gulf Coast ICW, Mile 668.4 WHL, South Padre Island Correction to text on page 13, Cruising the Gulf Coast, 5^th edition. The power line referred to in the paragraph beginning with “North of R4” is at the very north end of the anchorage. Do not proceed past the old causeway and power lines. (June 7, 2009) Corections/Additions to Guides. Anchorages Guide, 14^th edition, changes Chapter 2, page 9, mile 40.8 (5): Capt. Mario Carrara reports that Hop-O-Nose Marina no longer sells fuel. He also reports that the fee for stepping masts is $4/ft and that the ships store had a very limited inventory. (4) Capt. Carrara also reports that Riverview Marine Services mast fee is $3/ft. (November 25, 2009) Chapter 4, page 22, mile 13.0. Capt. Mario Carrara reports that Havre de Grace now has a full jetty and a floating dock for dinghy access in front of the old lighthouse. (November 25, 2009) Chapter 4, page 27, mile 59.6, Galesville. Moorings are no longer $15/day. Hartge Yacht Yard requests that you call for rate: 443-607-6306. (December 16, 2009) Chapter 4, page 33, mile 152.6 Jackson Creek. John Cummings aboard the M/V Duetto reports: “don’t get near G”5”, shoal building out. Hug R”10” because shoal on south side growing toward channel. (November 16, 2009) Chapter 6, page 53, mile 311.0, Pipeline Canal. John Cunnings aboard M/V Duetto reports that this anchorage is now 2/3 full of private moorings. (November 16, 2009). Chapter 9, page 79, mile 835.5. Bill Root aboard m/v Tucandu reports that we have not listed the fixed 65’ Port Orange (SRA1A) Bridge. (February 26, 2010) Chapter 10, page 90, mile 1050.0, Hillsboro Blvd Bridge. The bridge opens on the hour and half-hour, not every 15 minutes. Thanks to Peter and Claudia Hornby on Nimue III for this update. (3/30/10). Chapter 10, page 91, mile 1064.1, Las Olas Municipal Marina. The fee for landing a dinghy at the marina is now $15/day, noon to noon. (December 8, 2009) Chapter 11, page 96, mile 1096.0, No Name Harbor. Bob and Elaine Lloyd report that the anchoring rate is now $20 per day, up from $15. (March 13, 2010) Chapter 11, page 101, mile 1195.0, Boot Key Harbor. Bob and Elaine Lloyd report that the mooring rates are now $21/day, $105/wk, $275/mo. (March 13, 2010) Chapter 11, page 99, mile 1140.0, Tarpon Basin, new dinghy dock. Many thanks to Capt Sterling for this report. Tarpon Basin , Key Largo now has a Dinghy dock! The Government center is allowing boaters to use the docks on Tarpon Basin, MM1140 on the ICW, for shore access. (February 26, 2010) Chapter 11, page 102, mile 1243.0, Key West. Bob and Elaine Lloyd report that the mooring rates are now $16.56/day and $291.89/mo. (March 13, 2010) Chicago to Mobile Guide, 4^th edition, error on page 50 Kidd River City Fuel Dock at Mile 51.9 on the Mississippi River is shown as supplying gas and diesel. This is incorrect. Kidd has diesel only. The error was corrected in the 5^th edition. We apologize for this error. (September 25, 2009) Cruising The Gulf Coast, 6^th Edition, change The Fleming Canal Store, listed on page 33 at Mile 14.9, has closed. (November 25, 2009) Double Bayou, listed on page 20. Test should read “East and West Forks”, not legs. In addition, you should turn right into the “East Fork”, not the “West Leg”. (November 26, 2009) Erie Canal, 48 hour time limit at docks. The New York Canal Corporation has begun enforcing the 48 hour maximum time limit on all corporation docks, including Waterford. Vessels are no longer permitted to stay beyond 48 hours and pay a $10/night fee. Several boaters have been ticketed in the past two weeks. Refer to the Canal Corporation website for details. (September 6, 2009) Erie Canal, Mile 37.3, Amsterdam The Dockmaster at Riverlink Park, Bob Gallup, also manages the Riverlink Park Café. The café has a new phone number….518-843-5300. Bob’s cell phone is 518-857-1961. WiFi is also available. (August 8, 2009) Rideau Canal, Smith Falls, Victoria Park Campground & Dock Page 34 of the Skipper Bob Rideau & Richelieu Guide, 11^th ed 2009 states that the Victoria Park Campground & Dock accepts reservations. This is not correct. Transient dockage is on a first come basis. (August 2, 2009) Rideau Canal, Village of Westport, Westport Harbour Refer to the text on page 32 of the 11^th ed, 2009 Rideau & Richelieu Guide. We have been informed by Westport Harbour that they now offer 1000 feet of dockage, 30 amp electric, water and Wi-Fi. The Harbour Master may be reached on VHF Channel 68 or by calling 613-273-8621. (August 3, 2009) Lake Champlain, Knight Point State Park Page 65 of the Skipper Bob Rideau & Richelieu Guide, 11^th ed 2009 contains this sentence. “ An interesting attraction is the performance of the Royal Lipizzan Stallions on North Hero Island. Call Knight Point State Park (802-372-8389) for details”. This performance has not taken place in several years and the reference should have been deleted. We apologize for the error and any inconvenience this may have caused. (August 2, 2009) Erie Canal, Baldwinsville, free dock Many thanks to Seredipity for this report. See page 33 of the 12^th edition of the NY Canals Guide for coverage of Baldwinsville. Much to our surprise when we arrived in Baldwinsville we found that the free dock has power! There are 13 power posts installed along the wall and floating dock. Those along the floating dock have two 30amp outlets and along the wall they each have 2 50amp and one 30 amp each. All have one 15 amp also. The posts are set up for water, but it is not installed yet. We also were treated to a concert from the amphitheater last evening. Mitch and Carole with Annie Serendipity (August 6, 2009) Note: Bob Williamson on Legrace reports that there is a $5/night fee For 20/30 amp and a $10/night fee for 50 amp. (August 12, 2009) Erie Canal, Utica, free dock Many thanks to Fet-Esch for this correction. We apologize for the error in the New York Canals Guide. We just stopped at Utica (Mile 99.7). Says it is Utica Marina FREE DOCK.  Dock is $1.00 per foot including water & electric. They say it's been like this for 2 years. It's on Page 25 of the 12th edition dated 2009. John Esch Fet-Esch (August 6, 2009) NOTICE: The information presented on this web site should not be used for navigation. Mariners should have the latest charts and USCG Local Notice to Mariners on their vessel when cruising. The information on this web site was correct when first obtained, but may change with time as waterway shoaling moves, new obstacles move into the waterway, etc. The information is provided only to alert you to possible problems or changes in the waterway; not as an aid to navigation.