ITCS Memo# 2625 - BROADCAST TO MARINERS FOR THE ILLINOIS RIVER' USCG 9TH DIST.

To: RIAC
From: IRCA Chairman
Date: 1/9/08
Subject: BROADCAST TO MARINERS FOR THE ILLINOIS RIVER' USCG 9TH DIST.
ITCS Memo # 2625

SUBJECT: REQUEST BROADCAST TO MARINERS
1. REQUEST IMMEDIATE BROADCAST TO MARINERS UNTIL CANCELLED. TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED INFORMATION BROADCASTS.
2. (QUOTE) MARINE SAFETY UNIT CHICAGO ISSUES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
ADVISORY:
A. THERE ARE CURRENTLY LOCKING RESTRICTIONS AT MARSEILLES LOCK AT MM 244.5 AND DRESDEN LOCK AT MM 271. VESSELS APPROACHING THESE LOCKS MUST CONFIGURE LOADED BARGES ON THE GUIDE WALL SIDE OF THE TOW. DOUBLE LOCKING IS PROHIBITED AT THESE LOCKS.
B. THE THOMAS J. OBRIEN LOCK AT MM 327 AND STARVED ROCK LOCK AT MM
231 ARE CLOSED TO NAVIGATION DUE TO HIGH WATER CONDITIONS.
C. ZONE 9 (MILES 200 - 230.9), ZONE 10 (MILES 231-244.6), AND ZONE
11 (MILES 244.7-271.5) ON THE ILR ARE CURRENTLY IN THE HIGH WATER ACTION PHASE OF THE ILR WATERWAYS ACTION PLAN ANNEX.
D. ALL TOWING VESSELS SHOULD PROCEED AT THE SLOWEST SAFE OPERATING SPEED BASED UPON PREVAILING CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE WAKE DAMAGE.
E. DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVELS, DRIFT OF DEBRIS MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH NAVIGATION, AND IT MAY DRAG BUOYS OFF STATION AND SEVER BUOYS FROM THEIR MOORINGS.
F. ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AND BE ESPECIALLY VIGILANT DURING ALL BRIDGE AND LOCK APPROACHES IN THESE ZONES DUE TO SWIFT CURRENTS.
G. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MSU CHICAGO AT 630-986-2155.
(UNQUOTE)

Also, O'Brien has currently been addressed in the following broadcast already released, but may be revised and added into this broadcast, if deemed appropriate.

SUBJECT: REQUEST BROADCAST TO MARINERS
1. REQUEST IMMEDIATE BROADCAST TO MARINERS FROM 1100 LOCAL ON 09 JANUARY 2008 UNTIL CANCELLED.
2. (QUOTE) THE THOMAS J. O'BRIAN LOCK IS EXPERIENCING CLOSURE TO NAVIGATION DUE TO HIGH FLOWS FROM LITTLE CALUMET RIVER INTO THE CANAL CAUSING REVERSE FLOW CONDITIONS FOR THE NEXT 24 TO 48 HOURS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MSU CHICAGO AT 630-986-2155. (UNQUOTE)