Lake Charles (USLCH)

Lake Charles is the main port of W Louisiana. Berthing is achieved with numerous piers and wharves, which are both publicly and privately owned. The principal imports are petroleum products, barite ores and steel products. The principal exports are petroleum coke, petroleum products, chemicals, bulk and general cargo, rice, agricultural products, paper and other wood products. Other commodities handled at the port are canned foods, caustic soda, synthetic rubber, plastics, paper products, and other general cargo.

Summer.

Lake Charles is located close to the Gulf of Mexico in the State of Louisiana. The port is situated on the Eastern bank of Lake Charles some 14nm from the open sea. Access to the port is via the Calcasieu River.

Draught 12.19m, LOA 320m, beam 53.34m, 165,209DWT.

Approx 4,000,000t of cargo handled annually.

Large vessels should anchor in Calcasieu Pass Fairway Anchorage, E of the safety fairway. Vessels up to 3.7m in draught can obtain excellent anchorage in the bend in the river at Cameron. While waiting for daylight or fog to lift, ships can anchor out of the fairway anywhere in Calcasieu River. No anchorages exist in the landcuts, and ships entering cuts are expected to complete passage. In fog, deep draught vessels should anchor 2-3nm E of the pilot boarding station. Dangers: Seaward of the breakwaters, a moderate to strong current sweeps across the channel, normally setting in a W direction; however, strong W winds will cause a current reversal; mariners should exercise caution and be on the alert. A mud slush lying on the bottom, approximately 1.5m above the hard surface, will frequently be found in the channel seaward of the jetties and at various places above the pass. This material can hardly be detected by the leadline. A 0.3m to 1.2m layer of soupy material, some 2.4m to 3.0m above the hard bottom and 6.0m to 7.0m below the surface, is occasionally encountered in the same localities. Spoils banks of undetermined depth exist on the W side of the entrance channel and outer channel except within 1nm N and S of Calcasieu Channel Lighted Buoy 29, which area, the Lake Charles Pilots report, has been left clear for Pilot Station No 1. Mariners are advised to avoid navigating across the spoil banks, because the actual depths may be considerably less than the charted depths. A submerged obstruction was reported in the fairway anchorage W of the safety fairway in about 29°37.3'N 093°27.7'W.

The approach is made from the S through Bar Channel, then through Jetty Channel into Calcasieu Pass, then through Calcasieu Channel to Calcasieu Lake, min width 122m. Entry to the Port Authority area is made along the same channel from the N end of Calcasieu Lake. Federal project depths are: ..... Channel Depth (m) Bar Channel 12.8 Jetty Channel 12.2-12.8 Calcasieu Channel 12.2* * Lake Charles Pilots have recommended that maximum draught of vessels transiting the Calcasieu Ship channel be limited to 11.88m (39 feet) FW. Areas of particular concern: Two areas in the Calcasieu River are considered to be particularly troublesome. These areas are listed in order of ascension when proceeding from sea. ..... 1. Monkey Island (29°47.0'N 093°20.8'W): This area is used extensively by the fishing and offshore exploration industries. Numerous fishing and offshore exploration boats are home based in this area. Vessels transiting this area may require speed reduction to reduce wake. 2. Intracoastal Waterway (30°05.5'N 093°19.5'W): This represents the point at which this waterway crosses the Calcasieu River Channel. This water is extensively used by tows. The situation is further complicated by a LNG facility located on the Industrial Canal which is serviced by deep draught vessels. Tows intending to cross or enter the main river channel from the Intracoastal Waterway should give a Security call on Ch 13, 30 minutes prior to entry and adjust speed so as to enter the river when the channel is clear. Every effort, including holding, should be made to avoid unduly restricting full powered vessels, and allow them to clear this area when either inbound or outbound. A regulated navigation area has been established in Calcasieu River from the Calcasieu jetties to and including the port of Lake Charles. The Trunkline LNG facility on Industrial Canal is within a safety zone. Additionally, the waters surrounding laden LNG carriers transiting Calcasieu River are a safety zone. Note: While this regulation prohibits meeting, crossing or overtaking situations within established safety zones unless specifically authorised by the USCG, COTP, routine planned necessary meeting situations involving piloted vessels, in the wider sections of the Calcasieu River Waterway channel, may be authorised if attending pilots concur and agree that the manoeuvres can be safely accomplished. Overtaking and proximate crossings involving LNG vessels remain prohibited. Pilots are expected to report violations of established safety zones to the Coast Guard. Announcement of the existence of safety zones and enforcement responsibility remains with the USCG. Channels: The Calcasieu entrance has been improved by breakwaters (jetties) and a deepwater channel. The breakwaters extend seaward from the shoreline for about 1.1nm and are mostly above normal high tide. A Federal project provides for a channel 12.8m deep across the outer bar from that depth in the Gulf to the entrance breakwaters, then 12.2m through the breakwaters, then to and in the Industrial Canal and turning basin N of Choupique Island, then to the Port of Lake Charles Wharves, and then 10.7m to the Interstate Route 10/US Route 90 highway bridge. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths). The channel is marked by lights, lightbuoys, and a lighted mid channel whistle buoy at the entrance. A lighted 351° 51.7' range leads across the bar between the jetties and into the pass. Calcasieu Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy "CC" (29°20.0'N 093°13.3'W) is equipped with a strobe light and a Racon.

BA 3190, 8236. Admiralty Pilot NP69A. NP286(5)

1000.

Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS) and Pilotage: The Lake Charles Pilots Inc will act upon all requests for pilot services without delay provided they have been given a minimum of 4 hours notice. Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign and US vessels under register in foreign trade. Pilotage is optional for US vessels of over 100t in coastwise trade that have onboard a pilot licensed by the Federal Government. Arrangements for pilot service are usually handled through the ship's agents, or directly Tel: +1 337 436 0372, or radiotelephone on Ch 66A. The pilot station on Monkey Island maintains a 24 hour lookout and monitors Ch 16, 12 and 66A. The pilots carry portable radiotelephones and use Ch 66A as working frequency. The pilot office in Lake Charles monitors Ch 12 and 16. The pilot office stands by for pilot orders and for the VTIS. Traffic information can be obtained by any vessel using the traffic service. A 4 hour notice of ETA at one of the following designated pilot stations, where pilots will board, is requested. Station No 1, for vessels drawing 9.1m or less: In the entrance channel within 1nm of 29°38.8'N 093°19.5'W and then an area 1nm wide extending 2.7nm NNW on the E side of the channel to about 29°42.6N. Small vessels should await the pilot in the NE corner of the boarding area. Station No 2, for vessels drawing between 9.1m and 10.3m: An area on the E side of the outer approach channel 1nm wide and extending 2.5nm NW and SE from 29° 34'N 093°16'W. Station No 3, for vessels drawing between 10.3m and 10.9m: A circular area within 1nm of a point in 29°27.3'N 093°13.4'W and then an area 1nm wide extending 2.7nm N on the E side of the channel to about 29°31.1'N. Station No 4, for vessels drawing over 10.9m: A circular area within 1nm radius centred on position 29°27.3'N 093°13.4'W and then an area 1nm of Calcasieu Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy "CC" (29°20.0'N 093°13.2'W). Note: Vessels requesting a pilot to board at Stations 2, 3 or 4 will be charged an additional pilotage fee. Vessels are taken to and from Lake Charles day or night. The Lake Charles Pilots have 2 boats, "Calcasieu Pilot" and "Calcasieu Pilot II", each 16.8m in length, blue with grey trim and the word "Pilot" on the cabin. The boats fly the international Code flag "P" by day and show the standard pilot lights at night. Vessels to be boarded should provide a safe lee and have a pilot ladder rigged amidships, 1.2m above the water. There is also a helicopter service.

Port Authority control extends from the N end of Calcasieu Lake to the suburb of Westlake, on the N side of Lake Charles city.

PORTS: The port uses the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System, which integrates real-time environmental observations, forecasts and other geospatial information. It measures and disseminates observations and predictions of water levels, currents, salinity, and meteorological parameters (e.g., winds, atmospheric pressure, air and water temperatures) that mariners need to navigate safely.

Max vessel size: Vessels transiting the Calcasieu Ship Channel, above the Calcasieu Intersection: LOA 280m, beam 48.1m, draught 12.19m. Vessels transiting the Calcasieu Ship Channel up to the Calcasieu Intersection and east to the Industrial Canal basin are limited to LOA 320m, beam 50m, draught 12.19m. The maximum size of vessels above the Port of Lake Charles City Docks (Mile 34) is restricted to LOA 230m, beam 32.3m, draught 10.97m. The maximum size of ships berthing at PPG shall not exceed LOA 214m, beam 32.3m. Minimum Clearance on I-210 Bridge: With the PORTS information now available; the pilots have set a minimum safety margin on all vessels passing under the I-210 Bridge of 1.0m of calculated clearance by subtracting the airdraught of the ship from the PORTS air gap sensor reading. Westlake: An industrial suburb of the city of Lake Charles on the W side of the Calcasieu River approx 2nm above the Port of Lake Charles Wharves. US Route 90 highway bridge that crosses the river an the N part of Lake Charles near Westlake has a fixed cantilever centre span with clearance of 29.0m for a width of 115.9m and a clearance of 41.1m for the middle 61.0m of span. Just N of the highway bridge, the Southern Pacific railroad swing bridge has a clearance of 1.2m. The W opening is protected by a fender system as is the prescribed draw; any craft navigating the E opening does so at its own risk. 0.2nm above these bridges there is an overhead power cable with clearance of 33.5m. Calcasieu River Salt Water Barrier: 2.1nm above the Kansas City Southern railroad bridge at Westlake. The barrier consists of a 17.1m wide navigation structure with a depth of 4.0m over the sill; a floodway control structure parallel to and immediately S of the navigation structure; and a dam on a loop of the river at Two O'Clock Point, 3.9nm above the floodway control structure. The dam prevents navigation upriver via the old river route. All traffic upriver is via the navigation structure. Mariners are cautioned not to pass through the floodway control structure under any conditions. The entrance channels to the navigation and floodway control structures are marked with large signs for the aid of navigation. The navigation and flood control channels are operated from 0600-2200hrs, 7 days a week. The control structure can be contacted on Ch 14. Red and green lights and day beacons are at each end of the navigation structure. Vessels should await the green signal before entering the navigation structure. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 41.5m crosses the river 0.8nm above the navigation structure. West Fork of Calcasieu River branches W 0.9nm above the navigation structure. The controlling depth in West Fork is 6.1m for 7nm to its junction with Houston River, then 4.0m for another 5nm to the US Route 90 fixed highway bridge at West Lake. Overhead power cables cross the fork approx 3nm above Calcasieu River, and a vertical lift bridge with a clearance of 4.3m down and 15.2m up crosses the fork approx 4nm above the river. An overhead power cable is at the bridge. The US Route 90 highway bridge, approx 12nm above Calcasieu River, has a 5.5m fixed span with a clearance of 3.0m. Houston River branches W from the West Fork of Calcasieu River. The controlling depth is 4.0m to the fixed highway bridge at Anthony, about 3.8nm above the mouth. Overhead power cables with a least clearance of 18.6m cross the river approx 1nm above the mouth. The highway bridge at Anthony has a 5.2m fixed span with a clearance of 3.0m. The Kansas City Southern railroad bridge approx 5nm above the mouth has a swing span with a channel width of 8.2m and clearance of 1.8m. English Bayou branches E from Calcasieu River 1.9nm above the navigation structure. US Route 171 fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 4.3m crosses the bayou 0.7nm above its mouth. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 13.7m crosses the bayou just above the bridge. US Route 171 fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 10.7m crosses Calcasieu River about 4.6nm above the navigation structure. The controlling depth in Calcasieu River is 4.0m from Interstate Route 10/U.S. Route 90 bridge to the junction with West Fork, then 2.0m to Point Fing and to Hecker; above this point, the river is not navigable because of snags and trees. Sabine Bank: Chart 11341. Sabine Bank is a succession of detached shoal spots parallel with and distant approx 17nm from the mainland. From the vicinity of Calcasieu Pass, the bank extends approx 38nm W to the vicinity of Sabine Pass and has several passages between the detached shoals. Depths on the shoals range from 4.9m to 9.1m and are subject to change. Old Sabine Bank Light (29°28.3'N 093°43.4'W), 9.1m above the water, is shown from a red conical tower on a cylindrical pier about midway on the bank. A lighted gong buoy, approx19nm S of Calcasieu Pass, marks the E end of Sabine Bank. Sabine Bank Channel leads through Sabine Bank through a passage locally known as Hole in the Wall. This is the most used passage and is marked by lighted buoys. Sabine Bank Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy "SB" (29°25.0'N 093°40.0'W), equipped with a Racon, marks the entrance channel. The depth in the channel may be reduced as much as 0.9m during N'ly winds. The E part of the bank has a number of lighted, oil well platforms.To the S of Sabine Bank and approx 6nm inside the 10 fathom curve, the bottom is somewhat irregular and broken, and several spots with depths of 10.7m or less are surrounded by depths 3.0m to 6.1m greater. There is an unmarked 8.5m shoal approx 12nm SE of Sabine Bank Light. These shoals lie near the track line of vessels making the passage through Hole in the Wall from the SE. N of Sabine Bank, general depths are 10.1m to 12.2m. Shoaling of 0.9m to 1.8m less than charted depths has been reported within 6nm of the beach between Calcasieu Pass and Sabine Pass. Note: Vessels approaching the passes and entrances to the ports, or bound along the Gulf Coast between Calcasieu Pass and Brazos Santiago, should proceed in the charted shipping Safety Fairways. Safety Zone: Calcasieu Channel and Industrial Canal, Calcasieu River, Lake Charles: ..... 1. The waters and waterfront facility located within the area described by the following boundaries constitutes a safety zone: a. When a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessel is moored at Trunkline LNG facility: Beginning at the W side property line at position 30°06.38'N 093° 17.34'W, a line extending in an eastward direction and 15m from shore to a point 15m W of mooring dolphin No 1; then due S to a line running in an eastward direction and 15m S of the moored LNG vessel to a line running due N to a point 15m E of mooring dolphin No 13; and then a line extending in an eastward direction and 15m from shore to the end of the turning basin. b. When an LNG vessel is not moored at the Trunkline LNG facility: Beginning at the W side property line at position 30°06.38'N 093°17.34'W, a line extending in an eastward direction and 15m from shore to a point 15m W of mooring dolphin No 1; then a continuous uniform line extending 15m outside of all facility docks and structures to a point 15m E of mooring dolphin No 13; and then a line extending in an eastward direction and 15m from shore to the end of the turning basin. 2. The waters within the following boundaries are a safety zone while a laden LNG vessel is transiting within the Calcasieu River ship channel and between Buoy "CC" and the Trunkline LNG facility: The area 2nm ahead, 1nm astern, and to either side of an LNG vessel to the width of the ship channel. Meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations are not permitted within the safety zone unless specifically authorised by the USCG COTP. 3. Notice of transiting LNG vessels will be provided by Broadcast and/or Local Notice to Mariners. The following is a regulated navigation area - The Calcasieu River from the Calcasieu breakwaters up to and including the Port of Lake Charles. Intracoastal Waterway: The waterway crosses Mermentau River between Miles 201.6W and 202.5W and continues W in a landcut. The Mermentau River is navigable for more than 32nm N of the crossing. S of the waterway, the river leads through Grand Lake to the Gulf. Bayou Lacassine (see also chart 11345) crosses the waterway at Mile 205.1W. N of the crossing, the bayou has a reported centreline controlling depth of 1.8m for about 15nm to Hayes. Many of the bends have been cut through to provide a shorter route. A highway bridge over Bayou Lacassine, approx 3nm S of Hayes, has a swing span with a clearance of 1.5m S of the waterway, Bayou Lacassine flows through Mud Lake into Grand Lake. At Miles 211.5W and 212.7W, a canal on the S side of the waterway leads to Little Lake Misere, then E through The Narrows to Lake Misere and Bayou Misere to Mud Lake. The waterway arcs to the N in this section. Bell City Drainage Canal crosses the waterway at Mile 212.3W. A fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 22m crosses the waterway at Gibbstown, Mile 219.8W. An overhead power cable 200m E of the bridge has a clearance of 32.9m. At Mile 221.9W, an overhead power cable with a clearance of 67m crosses the waterway. The loading docks and tanks of an oil company are on the N side of the waterway at Mile 223.3W; a cut here leads to Sweet Lake. A pontoon bridge crosses the waterway at Grand Lake Ridge, Mile 231.5W; the overhead power cables on the S side of the crossing have a reported least clearance of 26m. A loading dock is near the crossing. Another pontoon bridge crosses the waterway at Mile 238.0W. The bridges are operated by cables that are suspended just above the water when the bridges are being opened or closed. The cables are dropped to the bottom when the bridges are in the fully open position, but remain suspended while the bridges are fully closed. Warning signs mark the approaches to both bridges. The bridge tenders of the pontoon bridges monitor Ch 13; callsigns "KJA-560" and "WXY-918", respectively. Extreme caution is advised in the vicinity of these bridges. Do not attempt to pass through the bridges until they are fully opened and the cables are dropped to the bottom. Calcasieu Lock, Mile 238.2W, is 368m long (364m usable), 23m wide, 4.0m over the sills, and handles lifts to 1.2m. Red and green lights and day beacons are at either end of the lock. Vessels should wait for the green signal before entering the lock. The Lock Master can be contacted on Ch 14. The lock prevents saltwater from entering rice fields to the E. The waterway enters Calcasieu River at Mile 239.2W and continues N around a bend in the river across deep Calcasieu Channel to Choupique Cutoff. Vessels and tows are advised to use caution at the junctions. A fuel dock, at which diesel fuel is available by barge, and a shipyard with two 2,000t floating drydocks are at Calcasieu Landing on the W side of the Calcasieu Landing on the W side of the Calcasieu River just N of its junction with Choupique Cutoff. The fuel dock monitors Ch 16 continuously. The Intracoastal Waterway, from Mile 239.0W in Calcasieu River to Mile 241.4W at the entrance to Choupique Cutoff, is within the area of the Lake Charles VTIS. See Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS), Lake Charles. Lake Charles (chart 11347), 9.8nm up Calcasieu River from the waterway junction at Mile 241.2W, has numerous boat landings along the shore. Good anchorage in depths of 2.4m to 3.0m is available in the lake. Chart 11331: From Mile 241.2W, the waterway passes through Choupique Cutoff and the long land cut Lake Charles Deepwater Channel for 24nm to the Sabine River at Orange. Bayou Choupique (see also chart 11348) is part of the waterway between Miles 241.8W and 242.4W. The 3.7m deep exit leads to Calcasieu Channel while the W exit passes through marshland for many miles. The controlling depth in the W branch is about 2.4m to the highway bridge 2.5nm above the junction; the bridge has a 13.7m fixed span with a clearance of 4.6m. An overhead power cable just E of the bridge has a clearance of 19m. At Mile 243.3W, Old Canal leads E to the Calcasieu Channel. At Mile 243.8W, State Route 27 highway vertical lift bridge with a clearance of 15m down and 41m up crosses the waterway. The bridge tender monitors Ch 13; callsign "KTD-558". An overhead power cable with a clearance of 42.4m is about 50yds SW of the bridge.At Mile 245.3W, an overhead power cable across the waterway has a clearance of 42.7m. A cable ferry and overhead power cable cross the waterway at Mile 254.1. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PASS A MOVING CABLE FERRY. The power cable has a clearance of 28.3m. Vinton Canal crosses the Intracoastal Waterway at Mile 258.4W. The canal has a controlling depth of 1.4m to a point approx 4.0nm N of waterway, then 1.7m 0.5nm below the bridge, 7.3nm N of the junction with the waterway. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 17.7m crosses the canal just N of the junction. The canal connects with Black Bayou S of the waterway. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 46.0m crosses the waterway at Mile 260.1W. At Mile 264.8W, the waterway enters Sabine River and continues around the S bend of the river to the deep ship channel.

Range 0.46m average. Diurnal range of tide in Calcasieu Pass is 0.6m. Flood waters may increase the normal river level at Lake Charles 0.5m. There is little current in the river except during freshets.

A voluntary movement reporting system is operated by Lake Charles pilots. VTIS, Lake Charles, operated by the Lake Charles Pilots, has been established for the Port of Lake Charles including the entire Calcasieu Ship Channel. The service extends from Calcasieu Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy "CC" (29°20.0'N 093°13.2'W) to the Interstate Route 10 Bridge at Lake Charles. The working channels for the VTIS are Ch 66A and 66. Vessels calling "VTIS Lake Charles" shall give their name, LOA, beam, draught, destination and ETA. Vessels entering the VTIS area will be advised by VTIS Lake Charles of the other traffic navigating within the area. All vessels must advise VTIS Lake Charles 2 hours before entering the system inbound, outbound, or manoeuvring between points within the VTIS. Vessel transit projections/priorities may be governed by tide and current, dependent upon available underkeel clearance. Otherwise, every attempt is made to offer pilotage to best optimise channel use toward minimising demurrage. Vessels to report to VTIS Lake Charles at the following positions: ..... 1. When entering or leaving the Calcasieu Ship Channel and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), time and buoy number are reported. 2. Crossing the intersection of the Calcasieu Ship Channel and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), time is reported. 3. Upon arrival or departure at the Port of Lake Charles, a terminal, or other destination, time is reported. 4. Dredgers or other vessels working on the waterways will report to VTIS Lake Charles daily and at any time they change location within the VTIS area. 5. Vessels travelling in the Intracoastal Waterway and intending to cross or enter the ship channel should give a security call on VHF Ch 13, 30 minutes prior to crossing or entry and adjust speed so as to enter the river when the channel is clear. The following special conditions exist within the VTIS area: ..... 1. LNG, LPG and vessels subject to special regulations must navigate the system in accordance with procedures and/or the rules of the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port. 2. Vessels over 9.8m in draught shall not meet opposing traffic within the system above the breakwaters if their combined beam exceeds 50% of the channel project width. 3. Vessels awaiting the use of the channel because of fog, heavy weather, or any other cause restricting the channel will proceed inbound or outbound after the channel clears in the order they are listed with the system. Those waiting longest will clear first. 4. No vessel will be required to meet another vessel within the VTIS area if, in the opinion of the Master or pilot of either vessel, it would be hazardous to do so because of some special circumstance or condition. 5. Drilling rigs, submersibles, and other floating heavy equipment which must moor within the system and obstruct traffic to transfer, repair, or operate in any manner shall obtain permission from the USCG COTP and advise "VTIS Lake Charles" 24 hours in advance of their intentions, the procedures to be followed, and the amount of time the channel will be closed. 6. The Cameron Ferry monitors Ch 13 and 16. Vessels transiting this area should contact the ferry for information as necessary. Navigation guidelines, Calcasieu River: In recent years a substantial number of ocean going vessels of increased size and draught have been entering the Calcasieu River Channel and proceeding to and from berths as far up the channel as the Port of Lake Charles. The channel, however, has not been appreciably widened in recent years. Based upon reported marine casualties to vessels and upon reports of navigational problems arising from increased ocean going traffic, and after consultation with local marine interests, the COTP has developed certain guidelines to enhance safe navigation. It is recommended that all vessels, particularly those which must navigate in the channel because of draught constraints, hereafter referred to as deep draught vessels, strictly adhere to these guidelines. For purposes of these guidelines, low powered vessels are those which are unable to maintain a speed of at least 8kts, through the water; full powered vessels are those which are able to maintain 8kts or more through the water. Poor handling vessels are those which, because of steering characteristics, are unable to consistently navigate within the channel half width. In all cases, vessels towed on a hawser are considered to be poor handling vessels if the overall length of the tow exceeds 152m from the stern of the towing vessel to the stern of the tow. Tandem tows, except for small scows and non descript vessels which operate outside the main channel, are unmanageable and navigation should not be attempted. The entrance channel between the breakwaters is marked by Range A. Tides and currents should be obtained from the appropriate Tide and Tidal Current Tables. Vessels arriving at the bar should give a Security call on Ch 13, 30 minutes before entering the breakwaters. So as not to delay river traffic, low powered or poor handling vessels intending to enter the river should be prepared to delay up to 45 min, if necessary, to allow full powered and more manoeuvrable vessels to precede them through the breakwaters.During LNG/LPG movements in the Calcasieu River, special restrictions may be placed on this waterway by the local COTP. Copies of the local LNG/LPG Operations Plan may be obtained from the Port Arthur Coast Guard Marine Safety Office. Traffic Guidelines: Efficient and safe pilotage area traffic movement is dependent upon pilots exercising good professional skill and judgement with respect to visibility, vessel draught, vessel speed, state of tide, wind speed and direction, channel depth, direction and speed of currents, individual vessel manoeuvring characteristics, presence of other vessels, and width of channel. Meeting and passing situations involving two vessels with combined beams exceeding 50% of the available channel width are restricted. Both involved pilots may, however, agree that conditions are such that meeting or passing can be accomplished safely. In fog, or any condition that restricts visibility, vessels will not normally be moved until conditions improve to a point where 1nm visibility is available throughout the route to be transited. All vessels transiting the channel must be ballasted to a condition that keeps the propeller and rudder submerged to a sufficient degree to maintain control of the vessel. LNG vessels transiting within the pilotage area shall be piloted in accordance with the current US Coast Guard Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Vessel Management and Emergency Plan put into effect by the USCG COTP.

Available up to 3,900hp from private companies. Unless otherwise authorised by the COTP, Port Arthur, 1,000GT or greater tows on a hawser transiting the Calcasieu River are prohibited unless such tows have a tug of sufficient horsepower made up to the tow in such a manner as to ensure that complete and effective control is maintained at all times. Inbound vessels only, may shift the tow or pick up an additional tug within 100m inside the entrance breakwaters provided that such action is necessary.

Prevailing winds: SE'ly. Visibility falls below 0.25nm on about 50 days annually; October through to March are the foggiest months. Severe local windstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes can occur in any season, but are most frequent in spring. Tornadoes and large damaging hail are unusual. During the warmer months, small funnel clouds may be sighted at times. Some of these may reach the ground or water as twisters or waterspouts, but usually cause little or no damage.

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 30°12.90'N 93°13.08'W UNCTAD LOCODE: US LCH For details see: CALCASIEU PILOT REQUIREMENTS ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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VHF: Calcasieu Pilots: Ch 16, 13 and 66A. Tel: +1 337 4775959, Fax: +1 337 4785354, Email: dispatch@lakecharlespilots.com. VTIS Lake Charles: Ch 66, 66A. Port of Lake Charles: Ch16, 10.

Lake Charles is a Customs port of entry. For crew not to be detained onboard, each crew member must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book. Immigration/USCG require Notice of Arrival (NOA) sent 96 hrs before arrival.

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.

No action initiated unless there is illness onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information. Health officials inspect vessels at berth.