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06 Sep 2017 / Sabine-Neches Waterway, United States

Restrictions in place for storm recovery

The following restrictions are in effect on the Sabine-Neches Waterway:

  1. Vessels greater than 500 gross tons (GT) are limited to daylight hours only.
  2. A draft restriction of 30-feet is in place for all waters of the Sabine-Neches Waterway.
  3. Inland towing vessels (push boats) shall ensure they have sufficient horsepower for the tow configuration given the reported currents. Tows greater than 800-feet are discouraged until currents subside.
  4. Due to extreme currents, no meeting or overtaking will be allowed at the Neches River intersection. VTS Port Arthur will coordinate arrival at intersections with each vessel. Confirm approval before proceeding beyond your ability to hold position.
  5. Neches River: twos limited to two loads. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Concerned traffic should contact VTS Port Arthur.
  6. West Port Arthur Bridge: No restrictions.
  7. All commercial vessels operating in the Port Arthur VTS Area are esingated VTS Users. All VTS Users movement shall be reported to VTS Port Arthur at least 15-minutes prior to sailing on channels 01A or 65A VHF-FM or by phone to (409) 719-5070.

Mariners are reminded to proceed with extreme caution. Available post-storm assessments indicate severe currents and significant debris on the entire Sabine-Neches Waterway. Vessel movement restrictions will be evaluated and updated regularly as current conditions change and additional survey data is received and evaluated. Mariners are directed to report all wrecks, obstructions, oil spills, ATON discrepancies or other hazardous conditions to VTS Port Arthur.

(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at [email protected])

Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas, Marine Safety Information Bulleting 16-17 issued at 4pm on 4 September 2017

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

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