ITCS Memo# 2245 - High Water Baton Rouge

To: RIAC
From: LOMRC Chairman
Date: 4/13/05
Subject: High Water Baton Rouge
ITCS Memo # 2245

SUBJ: REQUEST SAFETY MARINE INFORMATION BROADCAST

1. BROADCAST UPON RECEIPT AND EVERY SCHEDULED BROADCAST UNTIL CANCELLED.

2. QUOTE: AS A RESULT OF THE BATON ROUGE GAGE READING OVER 28 FEET AND EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO RISE, THE CAPTAIN OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING LIMITATIONS:

A. CANAL TOWING COMPANIES AND TOW OPERATORS SHOULD CONSIDER USING TRAFFIC ASSIST VESSELS WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING THE PORT ALLEN LOCKS. CANAL TOWING COMPANIES AND TOW OPERATIONS EXITING THE PORT ALLEN LOCKS WITH MULTIPLE TOWS SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER INITIALLY PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND AND THEN TOPPING AROUND BELOW MILE 226 AT RED EYE CROSSING. EXTRA CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO COORDINATE INTENTIONS WITH OTHER VESSELS ON VHF CH-67 DUE TO CONGESTION AND INCREASED RADIO TRAFFIC AROUND THE LOCKS AND FOREBAYS. ALL VESSELS ARE REMINDED TO USE CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA.

B. TOWING COMPANIES AND LINE TOW OPERATORS SHOULD CONSIDER LIMITING SOUTHBOUND TOWS TO 36 BARGES OR LESS WITH A MINIMUM OF 240 BRAKE HORSE POWER PER BARGE.

C. TOWING COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER STAFFING VESSELS WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCED CREWS.

D. ALL VESSEL OWNERS/OPERATORS ARE REMINDED TO OPERATE THEIR VESSELS WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE HIGH RIVER CONDITIONS. UNQUOTE.
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