In anticipation of the proposed Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) at Eighty One Mile point (MM 178 AHP),VTS New Orleans will begin requesting that vessels use the secondary checkpoints within the 81 Mile Point Operations Area beginning July 19^th, 2007

We expect this rulemaking to be effective in late August or early September. Until that time we will request vessels voluntarily check in on:

· For upbound vessels check in is at the Sunshine Bridge (mm 167). and give tow configuration and destination.

Second checkpoint upbound is Bringier Point Light

(mm 173.1 RDB)

· For downbound vessels check in is at Cosmar Lights (mm 187.9). and give tow configuration and destination.

Second checkpoint downbound is Wyandotte Chemical Dock Lights ( mm 183.9 LDB)

Traffic Advisories VTS New Orleans will begin passing traffic advisories to vessels at the appropriate checkpoints. Until the rulemaking is effective in late August or early September these advisories will be based on available AIS information and voluntary vessel check-ins only.

Barge Fleeting Operations Vessels engaged in fleeting and buoy system operations within the RNA (MM 167.5 - MM 187.9) will not normally be required to check in provided their operations remain outside of the deep water channel and within the immediate fleeting area.

Automatic Identification System ( AIS ) Vessel Traffic Service operations in the 81 Mile Pt. RNA are based on AIS. All mariners shall ensure that the AIS equipment aboard their vessels is properly operating with all required data fields correctly filled in. Failure to have a properly operating AIS unit will result in vessel operating restrictions.

We encourage mariners and operations staff to visit the

Vessel Traffic Center in New Orleans. We are located at 365 Canal Street, Suite 3160 in the Canal Place Office Tower.

Please call the Watch Supervisor at 504-589-2780 to schedule a visit and for directions.