Heads Up – Here are some recent waterway changes! Updated August 6th, 2008 (Look for NEW) See entries for ICW mile 7.3, 293.5, 330.0 Erie Canal mile 37.3 Chesapeake Bay, Mile 38.4, Patapsco River NOTE – Cruisers are asked to disregard the entry for the private marina on Back Cove off Stony Creek. The marina has been sold to a new owner and he has specifically requested that boaters not land their dinghies there to go ashore. At present there is no easy access to shore from this anchorage and it should be used only for overnight anchorages in a protected harbor. (October 23, 2006) Erie Canal, Mile 37.3, Amsterdam (New) NOTE – If you are not using the 11^th edition (2008) of the Skipper Bob Cruising the New York Canal System, you DO NOT have the correct telephone number for Riverlink Park. Please note that the correct number is 518-848-8359. (July 28, 2008) ICW, Mile 0.4, Norfolk, Elizabeth River NOTE – New supermarket in Norfolk near Waterside Marina. The Market at Harbor Heights is at the corner of Tazewell and Boush streets. It just opened the end of Sept. 2007. it is 7 blocks from the Waterside marina, ferry terminal, dinghy docks. (Oct 2, 2007) ICW, Mile 7.3, VA, Dismal Swamp Canal (New) The Dismal Swamp Canal, effective July 23 and until further notice, will reduce its lock openings from 4 per day to 2 per day at Deep Creek, Va., and South Mills, N.C. The locks will be operated only at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 7 days a week. The drawbridges adjacent to these locations will be operated in conjunction with the lock openings. This action is being taken due to low water levels in the canal. (July 25, 2008) ICW, Mile 8.8, Virginia Cut, Steel Bridge NOTE – Effective July 31, 2006 the operating hours will change to the following: Opens only on the hour from 6AM to 6PM. Monday to Friday (excluding federal holidays) will not open 8AM and 5PM. On request overnight. (July 20, 2006) ICW, Mile 28.3, Pungo Ferry The huge chunk of debris that the cruise ship Spirit of Nantucket reportedly struck last Thursday has been removed from the waterway, and after a Corps of Engineers survey of the depths in the area, the Coast Guard has reopened the waterway to all traffic. ICW, Mile 80.0, Alligator River Shoaling to a depth of 7.0ft MLLW has been reported in the vicinity of Alligator River Light 7 at approx position 35-56.46N, 075- 59.52W. Chart: 11553. (April 7, 2008) ICW, Mile 131.6, Dowry Creek Capt. John Church reports that the Daybeacon “15” has been replaced. Capt. Church passed through this area a few days ago on a delivery. (October 28, 2007) NC, Ocracoke Inlet, Big Foot Slough Channel A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated December 12, 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 3.0 feet MLW in the vicinity of Big Foot Slough Channel Daybeacon 10B. The shoal extends approximately 75 feet into the channel. Chart 11550. (February 6, 2008) ICW , Mile 131.6, Dowry Creek It has been reported that Daybeacon “15” has been pushed over and is below the surface of the water and not visible. In addition, a vessel reportedly struck the submerged daybeacon and sunk. (October 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 238.0, Browns Inlet This report came into us today. Marker 61A is way off station? when we were there this afternoon.? Several sailboats and one Grand Banks went aground.? This is just by Browns inlet and about a mile North of the Onsolw Beach Bridge.? The way we? passed the marker was to enter the Browns inlet to the east of the Marker 61A then slowly feel our way almost to Marker 63.? You have to completely leave the ICW for about 50 yards.? It was a heck of a sight as boat after boat tried to take 61A to port and ran into 3 feet of water even though we were all on the radio trying to explain how to get by the misplaced marker.? After we passed the Onslow bridge a tow boat US came along and? stayed there directing traffic.? The Onslow Bridge is barely working it takes forever for it to swing open so be careful and don't rush in while he is opening.? The tender thinks they are going to do a major repair later this year. George Deferver 41 "Robert E. Wynns" (October 7, 2007) ICW, Mile 246.0, New River Inlet The DREDGE MARION will be conducting dredging operations in the New River Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM. Operations will be ongoing 24/7. Chart 11541. (April 14, 2008) ICW, Mile 293.5, Carolina beach Inlet The DREDGE RICHMOND will be conducting dredging operations in the Carolina Beach Inlet Crossing from 01 April until 01 June, 2008. The dredge will monitor Ch. 13 and 16 VHF-FM. Operations will be ongoing 24/7. Chart: 11541 ICW, Mile 293.5, Carolina Beach Inlet (New) Shoaling has been reported between Carolina Beach Inlet 2 and Carolina Beach Inlet Buoy 4.  Chart: 11534. (August 6, 2008) Many thanks to Carol Warren for this report. This area has been a problem for a long time. We posted a cruisers report in November about shallow water and vessels touching bottom here. A Corps of Engineers Survey dated May 2007 reported a depth of 7 feet at mean low water. Obviously that is no longer accurate. "Anyone cruising the ICW near Carolina Beach Inlet...G155 at the Inlet was almost impassable today near low tide...there was a tow and barge grounded....we managed to lightly ground ..in the channel...raised the motor and the wind blew us across the sandbar.....we draw 1 ft.....a few minutes after we got thru we heard 3 more boats were grounded......a conversation between a couple of towboat captains said they would be busy at that spot for several days. Get local information before trying to go thru or high tide...." (March 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 297.1, Carolina Beach State Park CAUTION – The channel into Carolina Beach State Park has shoaled to 4.0' MLW. (Sept. 2007) ICW, Mile 330.0, Shallote Inlet (New) A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated 28 July, 2008 indicted shoaling mid channel at Cape Fear River to Little River Buoy 80A , AIWW Mile Marker 330.5 to a depth of 0.5 feet MLLW. Mariners are advised to avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution transiting during other tidal stages. Mariners can view this survey with recommended way points around the shoal by clicking here. Chart: 11534. (August 6, 2008) ICW, Mile 370.9, Socastee Bridge NOTE – Back on restricted openings: Opens on the ¼ and ¾ hour. Very slow opening. ICW, Mile 377.3, Bucksport We have received a report from the sailing vessel North Bound that the anchorage (listed on page 37 of the Anchorages Guide) behind the island at marker R36 is no longer satisfactory due to poor holding conditions and submerged obstructions. In addition, the Bucksport Marina has expanded/renovated and a portion of their new floating docks extends into the former anchorage area. The report also stated that the marina provides exceptional service and the restaurant good food. Finally, the nearby grocery store is no longer operational and the bus service discontinued. (November 6, 2007) ICW, Mile 383.5, Murrells Inlet Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Murrells Inlet Buoy 26. This inlet is open to the ocean only and is not used by ICW traffic. Local knowledge is required. (September 19, 2007) ICW, Mile 415.0, Esterville Minim Creek & Duck Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated Oct. 2007 indicates shoaling just below Minim Creek. Depths as low as 6 feet occur first on the red buoy side of the channel then on both sides south past G "5". Depths then increase, however, favor the red buoy side to FG "7". Approaching G "9" depths again decrease to less than 10 feet all the way to FR "12". In the vicinity of G "9" favor the red side as depths of 7.5 feet were found on the green side. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 417, Duck Creek Thanks to Mike Cahill aboard Xplorer for this report. There is shoaling in the channel at G7 where Duck Creek meets the ICW in the area of Minim Island. This is approx MM 417. We went through shortly after high tide (tide table showing +5.5' while we saw 7.2' of water. At low tide there is probably going to be something less than 3'. We were favoring the greens as we had observed even shallower water when moving away from the greens in this area. Chart 11534. (May 19, 2008) ICW, Mile 418, North Santee River A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling in the North Santee River. Approaching FR "18" depths on the red buoy line drop to less than 9.0 feet and in the vicinity of FR "18" are reported to be 5.7 feet. Favor the green buoy line where depths are reported to be 10 feet or better. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 419.0, Four Mile Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of 7.5 feet on the green buoy line just north of mile 419.0. Favor the red buoy line. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 429.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to a depth of approximately 9 feet south of G "33" for about a quarter of a mile. (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 430.0 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling just south of Jeremy Creek at G "35A". Depths are reported to be under 9 feet in the entire channel. Favor the red buoy side as depths on the green side drop to 5.5 feet. The condition continues past G "37" then depths increase to approximately 6.5 feet on the green buoy side and will be approximately 8.0 feet on the red. Conditions improve slightly for a short distance once past Mathews Creek, then depths of 7.5 feet to 9.5 feet will be encountered until past FR "40". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 448.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling to depths of 8.0 - 11.0 feet just prior to FG "89". Past FG "89" depths on the green buoy side decline to 6.5 feet. Favor the red line which will average about 10.0 fet to R "90". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 452.5 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates shoaling in the vicinity of R "100". Depths on the green buoy line are reported as between 8.5 and 10.0 feet until R "102". South of R "102" depths on the green buoy line are between 5.8 and 8.0 feet until Copahee Sound, just past G "103". (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 460.0 A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated October 2007 indicates that channel depths, beginning at G "117A", are below 8.0 feet. South of G "117A", the green buoy line is reported to be between 2.9 feet to 6.0 feet until Inlet Creek. The red buoy line has water depths of approximately 7.5 feet. South of G "119" conditions improve and depths return to 9.0 feet and above (December 11, 2007) ICW, Mile 465.0, Ashley River, Charleston Harbor Dredging is underway in the Ashley River just north of the Ashley River Bridge ivo 32° 47.6- N, 079° 58.4- W until April 5, 2008. There is submerged dredge piping that crosses the channel. There is also dredge piping on the west bank that runs parallel of the bank back to the Ashley River Bridge. Proceed at slow speed and exercise caution while transiting this area. If you see floating dredge pipes in the channel call Coast Guard Sector Charleston-s Command Center 24hr number at 843-724-7616 or on VHF radio channel 16. The dredge SOPHINATIOR is monitoring vhf channels 11/16. (February 7, 2008) ICW, Mile 490, Wadmalaw Sound A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth as low as 6.5 feet MLLW in the channel between markers R"82A" and FG"83" just prior to mile 490.0. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 497.0, Dawho River A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to on the green buoy side of the channel to a depth as low as 3.5 feet MLLW between FR"110" and G"111". Depths on the red buoy side shoal to approximately 8.5 feet MLLW. (January 21, 2008) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling on both sides of the channel to depths as low as 7 feet MLLW between markers G"119" and G"121, just south of mile 497.0. (January 21, 2008) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 5.5 feet MLLW on both sides of the channel between markers G"113" and G"117" January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 501, Dawho River Shoaling has been reported in the Dawho River between Dawho River Buoy 113 (LLNR 34960) and Dawho River LT 115 (LLNR 34965). A depth of 6FT at Mean Low Water was found. (November 15, 2007) ICW, Mile 501.3, North Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths of 7.7 feet MLLW on both sides of the channel just beyond the overhead power line south of the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge. Depths return to normal just prior to R"132". (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 502, North Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 8 feet MLLW beginning at FG"135" and ending just prior to FG"143" in Watts Cut. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 511.0, Fenwick Cut A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling in the vicinity of marker R"162A" as follows: to a depth of 5.2 feet MLLW on the red buoy side and 7.1 feet MLLW on the green buoy side. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 515.0, Rock Creek A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to depths as low as 5.7 feet MLLW on the red buoy side of the channel beginning at marker R"176" and continuing to just prior to the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff. Depths on the green buoy side do not go below 8 feet MLLW. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 516.0, Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows severe shoaling in the vicinity of marker FG"177". Depths of 2.3 feet at MLLW are shown on the green buoy side of the channel. Do not cut this turn short. There is plenty of depth on the red buoy line. (January 21, 2008) A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling in the entire channel to depths of below 9 feet MLLW along the route between markers G"177" and G"181". Favor the red buoy side as the water is a bit deeper. At G"181" depths on the green buoy side improve for a bit. then the channel shoals to depths as low as 6 feet MLLW until just prior to FR"184". At this point depths drop below 6 feet MLLW and as low as 4 feet MLLW on the green buoy side until you are in the Combahee River. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 515.2, Rock Creek Caution- Low water (6’) has been reported while in the range. Also at marker # 184 mile 518.2, it has been reported 5’ at low tide. Try to take these passages during a rising tide. (January 22, 2007) ICW, Mile 453.0, Copahee Sound CAUTION – Based on USACOE report dated May 26, 2006 the ICW has shoaled to 5.7' MLW on the green side of the ICW near R102. Favor the red side for 9.8' MLW. (August 17, 2006) ICW, Mile 472.0, Elliott Cut A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth of 8 feet MLLW on the green buoy side of the channel in the vicinity of mile 472.0. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 480.0, Stono River A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated January 2008 shows shoaling to a depth of 5.9 feet MLLW on the red buoy side just past FG"39" and continuing below 9.0 feet MLLW until just past G"41". In addition, shoaling to a depth of 5.6 feet MLLW occurs on the green buoy side of the channel just prior to G"41" but then improves. Just prior to G"45" the green buoy side again shoals to a depth of approximately 8.5 feet MLLW and dontinues until past G"45". Favor the red buoy side of the channel. (January 21, 2008) ICW, Mile 516.1, Rock Creek Thanks to Jim & Judy Howenstine aboard The Silver Foxes for this report. There is a shoal that exposes itself at low tide from the eastern bank almost completely across the creek just before the creek turns NE. There is deep water on the west if you hug the bank. I ran into more skinny water upstream. If you use this anchorage sound your way in a short distance off of the waterway and anchor before the NE bend. (May 9, 2008) ICW, Mile 529.0, Brickyard Creek, shoaling A US Army Corps of Engineers Survey dated June 2008 shows shoaling to depths of 9 feet on both sides of the channel as you enter Brickyard Creek downbound from the Coosaw River. In addition, south of "G" 209, shoaling to a depth of 4 feet exists of the red side of the channel. Favor the green side, where shoaling does not exceed 7 feet. Conditions improve once south of "FR" 210. Between "G" 217 and "G" 219, shoaling to 9 feet occurs on the red side of the channel. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 552 to 713, South Carolina and Georgia. 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 June 18, 2008. 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. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 568.5 to 569.9, Ramshorn Creek Shoaling on the red quarter (7.5’ MLW) and green quarter (7.0’ MLW) from G37 to G39. Stay in the center channel (10.0’ MLW). (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 572.2 to 572.6, Walls Cut Shoaling on the green quarter and center channel (9.0’ MLW) from R42 to R44. Favor the red quarter (10.0’ MLW). (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 573.0, Fields Cut Thanks to Ray Demyan for this report May 5, 08 went through Fields Cut at 1:30 pm, two hours before low tide northbound. Found 10 to 14 feet of water all the way through favoring the green side once past the pilings above R-50. Moved to the center where the CHARTS show the line where you should be until just south of R-48 then started moving slowly toward the ocean side of land WATCHING THE DEPTH SOUNDER. According to local barge Captain there is a shoal building out into the channel about 50 feet just below R-48. Did find deeper water favoring the green side. Also spoke with local Coast Guard who cite NO dredging has been done in Fields Cut. (May 7, 2008) ICW, Mile 573.3 to 576.0, Fields Cut. Many thanks to Molly Blossom for this report. Good news, we think. We passed through Field's Cut this morning at +2'  tide and saw nothing less than 9' MLW along the whole length of the  cut. We also saw 9' MLW midway between R48 and G47 at the junction of Field's Cut and the Wright River where before 3-4' MLW had been  reported to you on March 1. We saw a big dredge at work in the  Savannah River just south of the ICW crossing. Perhaps they've been  cleaning up the Field's Cut area since March 1. (April 26, 2008) Shoaling on the red quarter (4.0' MLW) and center channel (4.0' MLW) from R48 to R50. Green quarter has also shoaled (6.0' MLW). (June 23, 2008) Extensive shoaling reported in Fields Cut when entering from the Wright River. The reported depth at MLW is approximately 3-4 feet. The shoal is located from the northwest bank and extends past the center of the channel in a southeasterly direction. Chart 11507 (March 1, 2008) ICW, Mile 576.0 to 576.4, Elba Cut. Shoaling (2.5' MLW) on the red quarter of the channel from R2 to R4. Favor center (10.0' MLW) and green quarter of channel (11.0' MLW). (June 23, 2008) 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. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 579.5 to 580.8, Causton Bluff, G25 to R30 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 580.8 to 582.8, Thunderbolt, R30 to G35 Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 13.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 585.5 to 589.0, Skidaway River, R40 to R46 Depths are 12.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 10.5’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 589.0 to 591.0, Isle of Hope, R46 to G53 Depths are 10.0’ MLW, 12.0’ center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 591.0 to 594.0, Skidaway Narrows, G53 to G71 Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 13.0’ MLW center channel, 11.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 592.9, Skidaway Narrows Bridge. NOTE: Clarification of the opening schedule. Restricted: Monday to Friday from 7-9AM opens only on the hour (7,8, and 9AM) and from 4:30-6:30PM opens only hourly on the half hour (4:30, 5:30, and 6:30PM). On request at all other times. (November 5, 2007) ICW, Mile 594.0 to 597.0, Burnside River, G71 to G79 Depths are 11.0’ MLW. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 597.0 to 601.4, Vernon River, G79 to G87 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 8.5’ MLW center channel, 8.5’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 601.4 to 602.4, Hells Gate, G87 to R92 Depths are 4.0’ MLW red quarter, 1.5’ MLW center channel, 1.0’ MLW green quarter. Follow temporary markers. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 605.9 to 608.5, Florida Passage, R98 to R102 Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 6.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 619.0, Walburg Creek. NOTE: A typo error occurred when entering the waypoint for the turn into Walburg Creek from St. Catherine’s Sound. The waypoint should be N31º 42.63 and W81º 08.20. (November 14, 2006) ICW, Mile 640.0 to 642.9, Creighton Narrows, G153 to G157 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 650.0, Darien River Shoaling has been reported on the west side of the channel in the vicinity of Darien River Daybeacon 27 and Darien River Daybeacon 29. Chart 11507 (February 6, 2008) ICW, Mile 649.5 to 651.4, North River, R178 to R182 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 9.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 651.4 to 653.0, Rockedundy River, R182 to R190 Depths are 7.0’ MLW red quarter, 7.0’ MLW center channel, 7.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 653.0 to 656.4, Little Mud River, R190 to R198 Depths are 3.0’ MLW red quarter, 4.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 656.4 to 660.1, Altamaha Sound, R198 to G213 Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 660.1 to 661.9, Buttermilk Sound, G213 to vicinity DM216A Depths are 10.0’ MLW red quarter, 11.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 661.9 to 662.1, Buttermilk Sound, vicinity DM216A Depths are 5.0’ MLW red quarter, 6.0’ MLW center channel, 8.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 662.1 to 664.5, Buttermilk Sound, vicinity DM216A to G223 Depths are 2.5’ MLW red quarter, 4.0’ MLW center channel, 6.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 664.5 to 670.4, MacKay River, G223 to G237 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 9.0’ MLW center channel, 10.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 680.9 to 685.9, Jekyll Creek, R 2 to G25 Depths are 2.5’ MLW red quarter, 5.0’ MLW center channel, 3.0’ MLW green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 685.9 to 695.6, Alternate route to bypass St Andrew Sound. Depths in the center channel range from 5.0’ MLW to 9.0’ MLW with the lowest depth in Umbrella Creek between RA6 and RA14. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 658,9 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. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 700.0 to 705.0, Cumberland Dividings, R50 to R66 Depths are 8.0’ MLW red quarter, 12.0’ MLW center channel and green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 705.0 to 708.0, Cumberland Sound, R66 to R80 Depths are 9.0’ MLW red quarter, 10.0’ MLW center channel and green quarter. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 708, Cumberland Sound The Camden County Sheriff reportedly has a patrol boat active in this area and has boarded boats for a safety and ID check. Make certain you have your gear together . (November 2, 2007) ICW, Mile 729.0, Nassau Sound CAUTION: Day mark R46A has been removed by the USCG. Turn at R46 in Nassau Sound. (December 2, 2006) ICW, Mile 729.4, Nassau Sound CAUTION: Day mark R46B at the entrance to Sawpit Creek has been changed to Day mark R46A. (December 2, 2006) ICW, Mile 731.0, Nassau Sound Island, NOAA Chart 11489 We have received a report from the S/V Cygnus (draft 4’ 3”) concerning this anchorage which is listed on page 76 of the Anchorages Along the ICW Book, 12^th ed... The charted depth east of R”48” is seven feet, however, severe shoaling has occurred and at low tide the bottom at the entrance is exposed. Several vessels attempting to enter at mid-tide were unable to do so and Cygnus ran aground. This anchorage will be delisted in the next edition of the anchorages book. (November 29, 2007) A report received today states that the anchorage was dry at low tide. (January 16, 2008) 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. If you have specifics, please email SkipperBob@att.net. (January 16, 2008) ICW, Mile 740.0, St. Johns River The Coast Guard has received a report from the Jacksonville City Sheriff Office, Duval County, Florida that the center channel marker at approximate positon 30-22.14N 081-37.26W in the St Johns River between Tallyrand and Reddie Point appears to be damaged and sinking. Chart 11491 (February 7, 2008) ICW, Mile 747.5, McCormick Bridge Due to ongoing construction, the channel beneath the McCormick Bridge will be closed to marine traffic Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, June 2 until June 20, 2008. A one hour opening will occur daily between 12 noon and 1 pm. the Tug Anna will be on site and monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. (June 4, 2008) ICW, Mile 840, Ponce de Leon Cut Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity on the north side of Ponce de Leon Cut at Mid Channel between Ponce de Leon Cut Buoy 2, 2A and 3. The reported depth is five feet (two hours past high tide). The charted depth is three feet at mean low tide. (June 23, 2008) ICW, Mile 840, Ponce De Leon Inlet This report is from the publisher of Waterway Guide. We came through the Ponce de Leon cut below Daytona about 1 1/2 hours before low tide today (April 8, 2008). Dredging is taking place in the vicinity of marker 4 and 6. The dredge is operating near the western edge, the discharge line runs to the east and blocks that side of the channel. Call and they will swing to the east and you must pass with a few feet of the stern. After passing (heading north) is where the trouble remains.  We ran aground off and on for the next 500-600 feet drawing 5' 4". The dredge operator tried to be helpful leading us to the deepest water, but he said that was as deep as it is for the next few days until they can finish cleaning it out. Boats transiting this area for the next several days should do so on high or rising tide. Also saw less than 6 ft at several other places that our Guides warn about, including the east end of the split channel at New Smyrna at "34", the south entrance to the Ponce de Leon cut between "18" and "19", and 6ft 1/2 to 1 mile north of the dredging activity in several places where we mention temporary buoys. (April 9, 2008) ICW , Mile 840, Ponce De Leon Inlet A vessel drawing 5 feet reported touching bottom in the channel marked by temporary buoys just north of mm840 about 1 hour before high tide on November 2, 2007. (November 7, 2007) Southwind Construction Corp., will begin hydraulic dredging in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida, on or about April 2, 2008. The area of operation for this project is between Ponce de Leon Cut LT 4 and New Smyrna Beach LT 38. Dredge operations will continue twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week until project completion on or about August 1, 2008. For safety and maneuvering information the dredge WILKO, can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16 and working channel 79. (March 1, 2008) ICW, Mile 840, Cruising report Here is a very detailed on-site report from a vessel that has just transited this area. Many thanks to Bob and Judy. “I’ll provide the info heading southbound, since that is what a great number of snowbirds will be doing this time of year. Leaving Dayton (southbound) the shoaling starts just after marker “70” as the ICW turn to the west at a junction with the body of water leading to Ponce Inlet. Before passing “70” locate the temporary green and two reds that are visible at that point. Make sure you observe the colors – green on the port, red on the starboard. The first temporary red is “2”, then temporary red “2A” and a temporary green “3A” (not a pair, but out there together). The next daymark is “4” after passing the temporaries; head more or less to “4” (don’t cut the corner too much when the waterway bends back around to the left). Once you get past the temporaries and “4” everything is back to normal. Following the marked route, we didn’t see less than 8.5 feet at 1030 on Friday, November 23, 2007 (not sure of the state of the tide in that area at that time).” Bob McLeran and Judy Young MV Sanderling Defever 41 Trawler ICW, Mile 995.9, Hobe Sound Bridge The 12^th Edition of the Anchorages Along The ICW Guide lists this bridge on page 89 as having restricted hours from November to January. This no longer applies. The bridge now opens on demand all year. (November 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1004.0, Jupiter Inlet Dredging operations in the vicinity of Jupiter Inlet at 26-56-50N, 80-04-48W will begin on March 25, 2008. The dredge -"JERI-B" will continue work though April 30, 2008. Equipment will be working near Temporary Buoys 1 and 3, and also in the Jupiter Sound Intracoastal Waterway between Daybeacon 57 and Daybeacon 60. Dredge operations will continue twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week for thirty-days or until project completion. For safety and maneuvering information all vessels can be contacted on marine radio VHF channels 13 and 16. Chart 11472. ICW, Mile 1048.2, Camino Real Bridge The opening schedule for this bridge is now every 20 minutes starting on the hour. The 12^th edition of the Anchorages Along the ICW states every 30 minutes. (December 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1064.1, Las Olas Municipal Marina The mooring fee is now $30. The 12^th edition of the Anchorages Along the ICW states it is $20. (December 28, 2007) ICW, Mile 1066, Port Everglades The US Coast Guard proposes to amend the anchorage regulations for Port Everglades.  The proposal would eliminate the portion of the anchorage closest to the coral reef areas, expand the portion of the anchorage further from the reefs, and limit the amount of time that a vessel could remain in the anchorage area to a maximum of 72 hours unless prior permission has been obtained from the USCG Captain of the Port. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 21. (October 29, 2007) 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. Sanctuary also reported that new owners of the Wash Time Laundromat at 14^th Street and Alton Road will provide pick up service on Collins Canal. Call them at 305-672-7110. (December 29, 2007) 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) Florida West Coast Lake Okeechobee, crossing report Many thanks to Sanctuary for this report. m/v Sanctuary crossed Lake Okeechobee today, Wednesday, 4/16/2008. We departed Moore Haven at 07:00, made the St. Lucie Lock 15:00 opening, and are now secure on a ball at Stuart, FL. The Army Corps of Engineers reports the Route 1 Lake Okeechobee navigation depth as 4.36". With that as reference, following is what we observed: 1. The channel from Moore Haven to Clewiston was at 6.5 ft about 2 miles east of Moore Haven. 2. The channel from Clewiston out into the lake was 5.2 ft in the vicinity of R8B/G9A. 3. The channel from Clewiston out into the lake was 5.2 ft in the vicinity of G1. 3. The area south of Rocky Reef from G1 to R14 was at least 6.5'. 5. The lake route was 8' to 11", 6. There is soft mud for 200 yards as you enter the Port Mayaca Lock. The mud is in the range of 4 ft. We draw 4', and we could feel the mud throw the boat a bit as we approached the lock. We had no trouble, and there was nothing "hard" in it. The lockmaster's advice was, "stay in mid channel or favor green entering for the best water. There is known shoaling on the red quarter. (Well, that's what he said!!!) The lake was quite lumpy today. We had and easy transit to Clewiston, less than 1' seas out to G"1" (but on out port side and trying to blow us out of the channel), then increasing to 2' south of Rocky Reef and around the turn north, then 2' - 3' in mid-lake. Fortunately, we quartered into the 25 kt north winds and did not have an uncomfortable ride. Winds in the afternoon were higher, so probably seas were quite nasty in mid-lake. For doubters out there, NOAA got it right and all the others blew it today. My best guess is 4' draft boats are probably OK this week. Thereafter, though, probably not. There is a guy at Roland Martin's Marina in Clewiston that will guide boats across the lake. Don't know if he's insured. Call Roland Martin's for information. I did not use the service and don't know the person's phone number. Make sure your chart plotter is set up to display the "magenta line." On my Raymarine system, it's a feature you can customize on the chart setup page. It's a huge help especially in huge seas, as the markers from G"1" across are far apart and very hard to pick out - particularly in white cap seas - among the miscellaneous posts in the Rocky Reef area. Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Stuart, FL (April 18, 2008) Florida West Coast, Lake Okeechobee Note-The W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie Locks continue to operate on a restricted schedule. One lockage in each direction will occur at 10:00am and 3:pm daily. The lake stage for October 18 was 10.07 feet NVGD providing a navigational depth of 4.01 feet for route 1. Route 2 remains closed. (October 25, 2007) http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm Florida West Coast, Mile 5.0, Matanzas Harbor. NOTE. Matanzas Inn now manages the mooring field in Matanzas Harbor (239-463-9258, VHF-16). The inn is located near the west end of the bridge at red 2. Mooring rates are $13/day or $260 per month. The inn offers free internet in the office, inside/outside restaurant, dinghy dockage, trash disposal and free pump out. (November 27, 2006) Florida, West Coast, Mile 131.8, Belleair Causeway Bridge The Coast Guard is changing the operating hours of this bridge due to construction. Effective December 20, 2007 through September 20, 2008 the bridge will open on demand except that between 7 am and 7 pm it will open on the hour and half hour. Florida, West Coast, Mile 131.8, Belleair Causeway Bridge Thanks to Jim Stroh for this report.