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26 Jan 2018 / Delaware Bay & River, United States

Change to seasonal ice procedure status

All steel hull restrictions in the Delaware Bay Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone have been lifted, except for the Delaware River north of the Kinder Morgan Fairless Hills Turning Basin, adjacent to Newbold Channel.

The following procedures remain:

  • Vessels should be able to maneuver unassisted without needing to stop, back off, and ram the ice.
  • When ice is present:
    - Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is adequately moored.
    - Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times.
    - Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
  • Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure that the sea chests are kept clear.

Vessels which do not meet the requirements for specific areas as listed may request a waiver from the Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay. Those vessels should submit a request via email to [email protected] detailing their need for a waiver and their intentions for transit. Waiver requests will be granted on a case by case basis.

Due to ice, a significant amount of buoys have been reported missing or off station in the Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port Zone. The Captain of the Port urges mariners to refrain from utilizing floating aids as a primary means of navigation.

The COTP may set ice conditions for any safety zone described in title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 165.550, or a portion thereof, requiring vessels to meet the restrictions. Vessels must have the proper hull type and an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements imposed.

For current ice condition information go to https://homeport.uscg.mil/ and select Delaware Bay from the Port Directory drop down. Ice condition updates are located in the Safety Notifications section under Safety Alerts. Ice condition information can also be obtained by calling the Sector Delaware Bay Ice Line at (215) 271-4995.

For information about operations in the United States contact GAC North America at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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