Bridgeport (Connecticut) (USBDR)

Bridgeport (Connecticut) is a port of entry and offers access to the Long Island Sound. Waterborne commerce consists of petroleum products.

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

The port of Bridgeport (Connecticut) is located on the N shore of Long Island Sound, situated N of the Stratford Shoals across from Port Jefferson, Long Island.

Draught 8.0m, LOA 133.26, 14,911DWT, beam 23.0m.

Approx. 2,200,000t of cargo handled annually.

Vessels seeking shelter from strong N winds sometimes anchor off the entrance to the harbour; soundings are a good guide and the holding ground is good. The best anchorage for large vessels is in the anchorage basin at the E side of the channel opposite Tongue Point, in depths of 7.0 - 9.9m, which is marked on its S side by No 16 Lightbuoy and No 18 Buoy, and on its N side by No 2 Buoy, on the S side of the entrance to Johnsons Creek. On the W side of the harbour, there is anchorage in depths from 4.6 - 8.2m, along the NE side of Tongue Point. Outer Anchorage which provides shelter from strong N'ly winds, may be obtained off the entrance. Holding ground is good.

The Project depths in the entrance channel as far as Tongue Point and in Bridgeport Reach to Steel Point, 0.6nm NNW, are 10.7m; the controlling depths are 10m in the entrance channel and 8.6m in Bridgeport Reach. In Pequonnock River upstream from Steel Point and Yellow Mill channel the Project depths are 5.5m, and in Johnsons Creek 4.6m.

BA 2754, 2860, US 12369, 12364. Admiralty Pilot NP68.

1025.

Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 1,600t and service is provided by: Constitution State Pilots Association. They should be contacted on VHF Ch 16, 13 and 08, callsign "Constitution Pilot", 2 hours prior to arrival at boarding area. Message must include the ETA, name of the Master, that all equipment is in working order and draught. ETA should be updated in the event of breakdown or severe weather. ETA messages passed through the vessel's agent are the most accepted. English language is used for all communications in the port. Pilot boarding position: Pilots are boarded in one of two positions: ..... 1. Three miles E of "MP" Racon Buoy at Montauk Point in 41°01.7'N 071°41.8'W. 2. Point Judith (Block Island) at 41°18'N 071°35'W. Pilotage distances: Approx time from pilot boarding to New London, New Haven and Bridgeport anchorages is 3, 5 and 6 hours respectively. Helicopter operations: There is no helicopter service.

Prominent objects when approaching Bridgeport are: A light structure at the head of the E breakwater (41°09'N 073°11'W); radio towers at Pleasure Beach on the E side of the harbour entrance; a large chimney with red and white in bands 1nm NNW of the light structure; a group of 7 chimneys at Steel Point 1.25nm NNW of the light structure.

Bridges: The bascule bridges at Bridgeport are opened by previous arrangement, 24 hours notice being required to the Mayor, City of Bridgeport.

Mean spring range about 2.2m; mean neap range about 1.6m.

Tugs are usually needed to assist in berthing deep draught vessels and should be arranged in advance giving 24 hours notice of arrival and 12 hour notice for sailing from New Haven.

Prevailing winds: W'ly.

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT 41°09.96'N 73°10.53'W UNCTAD LOCODE: US BDR For details see: GENERAL DIAGRAM NEW YORK and LONG ISLAND SOUND PILOTAGE LONG ISLAND SOUND PILOTAGE ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

PILOTS For details see LONG ISLAND SOUND. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 48/15 US Coast Pilot 2, 45th Edition 2016, (RSDRA2015000243189), 48/15

VHF: Ch 16.

Immigration Officers are stationed at Hartford and Agricultural Officers at Milford. Officers usually board vessels, when necessary, at their berths by arrangement through ships agents. For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements.

Vessels arriving in first US port: Please see country information.

Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

The US Public Health Service clinic at New Haven deals with quarantine matters for Bridgeport. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.