ITCS Memo# 1755 - Re-opening of the UMR

To: RIAC
From: Raymond Hopkins
Date: 5/23/01
Subject: Re-opening of the UMR
ITCS Memo # 1755

DUE TO HIGH WATER CONDITIONS THE COTP ST LOUIS MO, IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE TOWING INDUSTRY, HAS ESTABLISHED A SAFETY ADVISORY FOR THE
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FROM MILE 55.3 TO MILE 457.0.
FROM MILE 184 TO MILE 179 ALL TOWS SHOULD HAVE A MINIMUM OF 250
HORSEPOWER PER 1500 TONS OF CARGO AND SHOULD OPERATE AT SLOWEST SAFE
NAVIGABLE SPEED TO REDUCE WAKES. SOUTHBOUND TOWS GREATER THEN 600' IN
LENGTH EXCLUDING THE TOWBOAT ARE LIMITED TO DAYLIGHT TRANSIT ONLY.
FROM UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER MILE 55.3 TO MILE 457.0 THE COTP ST.
LOUIS ADVISES AGAINST DOWNSTREAMING OPERATIONS FOR VESSELS EQUAL TO OR
LESS THEN 2000 HORSEPOWER. ALL TOW BOAT OPERATORS SHOULD BE EXPERIENCED
IN HIGH WATER OPERATIONS. FLEET OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO USE EXTRA
CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN FLEETING AREAS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT FLEET
OPERATORS REVIEW CURRENT MOORING ARRANGEMENTS AND INCREASE SECURITY
PATROLS AT REGULAR INTERVALS TO PREVENT BARGE BREAKAWAYS. THIS SAFETY
ADVISORY WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.