Port Of South Louisiana (USLU8)

Claimed to be the largest tonnage port district in the Western Hemisphere, the Port of South Louisiana encompasses St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes. It is administered by the Port of South Louisiana Port Authority and includes the following port areas and terminals: ..... 1. Ama 8. Norco 2. Convent 9. Paulina 3. Destrehan 10 Reserve 4. Garyville 11. St James 5. Good Hope 12. St Rose 6. Gramercy 7. La Place

Port of South Louisiana stretches along a section of the Mississippi River above New Orleans from 114.9 miles Above Head of Passes (AHP) to 169.2 miles AHP.

Harbour: Draught 14.3m, LOA 304.8m, beam 50.0m, 180,265DWT. Beam unrestricted at certain docks. Offshore: Draught 14.2m, LOA 260.37m, 119, 363DWT.

Approx. 225,000,000t of cargo (of which approx. 7,500,000t is coal) and 3,600 vessels handled annually.

..... Anchorages: Kenner Bend 115.1-115.6 miles AHP AMA 115.7-117.2 miles AHP Bonnet Carre 127.3-129.0 miles AHP La Place 134.2-135.0 miles AHP Reserve 137.0-137.5 miles AHP Grandview (Lower) 146.5-147.3 miles AHP Grandview (Upper) 147.7-148.8 miles AHP Burnside (Lower) 165.0-165.9 miles AHP Burnside (Upper) 166.3-167.0 miles AHP ..... There are a number of Midstream Buoy areas, including: Triangle Buoys (2) 136 Associated Terminals La Place 136 to 137 miles AHP. Reserve Midstream Buoy 138 miles AHP. Associated Terminals Globalplex Dock Reserve 138.6 miles APH St John Buoys Reserve 140.5 to 141 miles AHP. Associated Terminals Convent Midstream Midstream Buoys 158 miles AHP. SSA Buoys, Convent 158.7 miles AHP. Associated Dock Facility 160 miles AHP. St James Buoys 167 miles AHP. Burnside Buoys 168 miles AHP.

From the E boundary of St Charles Parish at 115M AHP, to the W boundary of St James Parish at 168M AHP, the vessel track follows the line of the river where the banks are a sufficient guide. The channel is marked at low river stages by buoys, light buoys and beacons at bends and other critical places. Shoaling areas of the river bed are dredged and the resulting channels are marked by leading lights: Fairview at 115M AHP and Lower Belmont at 152M AHP. The Federal project depth is 13.7m to 181M AHP and then 12.2m up to Baton Rouge. Constant dredging is required to maintain these depths and advice should be sought from The District Office, Corps of Engineers, Pritanya Street, New Orleans for the latest controlling depths. Some individual berths may have deeper alongside depths, where owners have carried out dredging. The annual rise and fall of the river is heavily influenced by floods, the highest levels being seen between April and July. The highest average level is in April and the average lowest in October. The maximum difference between highest and lowest levels at Baton Rouge is 12.2m, the mean difference being 6.4m. There is a bulletin board at College Point, 157M AHP, indicating the current level above normal low river. There is also a river gauge maintained at Reserve, 138M AHP. Navigation rules for US inland waters must be observed N of a line drawn between the heads of the Southwest Pass breakwaters. Cautions: There is a ferry crossing route at Reserve, 138M AHP. Hazardous floating debris including logs may be encountered at all times along the river. Note: Water depths in the Mississippi River are continually subject to change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operate their Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) service for calculating max real time draught. In an effort to prevent collisions and groundings, the waters from South Pass and Southwest Pass up to 233.9M AHP (the N boundary of Baton Rouge) have been designated a Regulated Navigation Area under US Department of Commerce, Code of Federal Regulations - Title 33.

BA 3384. Admiralty Pilot NP69A, NP286(5). US 11369, 11370. US Coast Pilot 5.

USCG Sector New Orleans (NOLA) is located on the W bank of the Mississippi River approx 1,000m N of the Crescent City Connection bridge at 94.5m AHP. USCG Sector Lower Mississippi (LMR) is located on the Wolfe River Chute at 736m AHP Contact Rescue Centre Tel: +1 504 589 6225.

1000

Pilotage is compulsory at the bar and on the river for all foreign vessels over 100t and US vessels over 1,000t under register in foreign trade. Pilotage is optional for coastwise vessels that have onboard a pilot licensed by the Federal Government. There are four pilot associations which cover various parts of the Mississippi River area: ..... 1. Associated Branch Pilots: responsible for the river between the Gulf of Mexico and Pilottown. 2. Crescent River Port Pilots: responsible along the river from Pilottown to New Orleans. (Note - the Gulf Outlet Canal is now closed to maritime shipping). 3. New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots: responsible for the river from New Orleans, passing Port of South Louisiana and on to Baton Rouge. 4. Associated Federal Coast Pilots of Louisiana Inc: responsible for public vessels and vessels in the coastwise trade from South and Southwest Passes all the way to Baton Rouge. Associated Branch Pilots' station is located at Venice, approx 10nm above Pilottown; pilotage is provided 24 hours a day. Vessels should send an ETA with draught, DWT and available speed 24 hours prior to arrival off Southwest Pass Entrance Bell buoy SW. If the original ETA changes by more than 2 hours, an amended ETA is required 12 hours in advance of arrival, or if the arrival time is later than the original ETA, 12 hours prior to original ETA. Associated Branch Pilots' boats have white superstructure with either red or black hulls. The Crescent River Port Pilots have an office in New Orleans that is manned 24 hours a day, year round. Vessels requiring a Crescent River Port Pilot shall provide an ETA at least 24 hours prior to arrival off Southwest Pass. If the original ETA changes by more than 2 hours, an amended ETA is required 12 hours in advance of arrival, or if the arrival time is later than the original ETA, 12 hours prior to original ETA. Vessels arriving without the required notice may be delayed if a pilot is not available in addition to the penalties specified in the tariff. Vessels may notify the Crescent pilots, 24 hours a day: Tel: +1 504 392 7598 or Telex: 673 7841. The river pilots board vessels off Pilottown about 2.3 miles above Head of Passes Light. The pilot station, on the E side of the river at Pilottown, maintains a lookout and is equipped to handle radio traffic on VHF Ch 09 and 67. The Crescent River Port Pilots have fast white motorboats with the names "Pilot, River Pilot, Port Pilot or Crespilot" in red on the sides. The Crescent River Port Pilots take vessels from Pilottown upriver to New Orleans. (Note - The Crescent River Port Pilots would normally take vessels from Pilottown upriver to New Orleans and from Light 78 on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Canal to New Orleans. However, the Gulf Outlet Canal is now closed to maritime shipping following flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina and a permanent storm surge barrier has been built across it). New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots are located in Metairie and available 24 hours. Vessels requiring a pilot shall provide an ETA at least 24 hours prior to arrival off Southwest Pass. If the original ETA changes by more than 2 hours, an amended ETA is required 12 hours in advance of arrival, or if the arrival time is later than the original ETA, 12 hours prior to original ETA. Associated Federal Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana LLC are located at Metairie and available 24 hours. Vessels are requested to send ETA 12 hours prior to arrival off Southwest Pass.

Mississippi River miles 115 AHP to 169.2 AHP.

Following periods of severe weather and flooding, river channels may be subject to substantial changes in depths and course.

Vessels should proceed at reduced speed during the river's periods of high water to protect shoreline structures, both partially or wholly submerged, including levees. Airdraught restrictions: ..... Name Position Miles AHP Hale Boggs Bridge 122 Veterans Memorial Bridge 146 Sunshine Bridge 167 The minimum vertical clearance under these bridges is 40m. Airdraught is further restricted at Montz, 129 miles AHP, due to two cables located 0.5nm apart. Caution: USCG advises mariners to keep mast height data under constant review to take into account the changing river stages. It is recommended that bridge clearance data be ascertained and kept available on the bridge of the vessel. Such data can be obtained from USCG for the various river stages. The PORTS program for calculating max draught is in use along the Lower Mississippi. In an effort to prevent collisions and groundings, the waters from South Pass and Southwest Pass up to 233.9M AHP (the N boundary of Baton Rouge) have been designated a Regulated Navigation Area under US Department of Commerce, Code of Federal Regulations - Title 33. The Bonnet Carre Spillway is on the E bank of the river 127.9 miles AHP. When the spillway is in operation due to high stages of the river, all vessels and particularly heavily loaded tows passing the site, are directed to steer a course sufficiently close to the S bank to avoid possible crosscurrents or draw resulting from water being diverted through the spillway and flowing toward and into Lake Pontchartrain.

The river stage is generally measured in New Orleans at the Carrolton Street gauge at Mile 103 AHP. The river is considered at high water stage when the Carrolton gauge reaches 3.35m or above. During high water season, the current is very strong and swift and sometimes vessels require tugs to hold them into the berth. This usually does not occur until the river stage reaches 4.0-4.25m. Low water: The river is considered at low water stage at 0.76m. During this period, Panamax or larger vessels may have problems loading to their max allowable draughts alongside some berths. During low water periods, it is recommended that vessels loading below 11.58m take frequent soundings while alongside the load berth. Should a vessel touch bottom slightly while loading during low water, there is seldom any damage as the bottom is soft mud. It should also be noted that during low water there are 2 places in the Baton Rouge pilots' district where groundings can occur during transit. They are Belmont crossing (152.2m AHP) and Red Eye (223.2m AHP)Anticipated river stages: ..... Mid Nov - Jan/Feb Gradual rise from 0.6-0.9m to 3.3-4.6m. Jan/Feb - Feb/Mar Gradual fall after first crest of about 0.6-0.9m. Feb/Mar - Apr/May Gradual rise to crest of about 3.6-5.2m but usually not more than 4.3-4.6m. Apr/May - Mid Sep Gradual decline from crest to about 0.9m. Mid Sep - Mid Nov Low water period, may drop to 0.6m.

VTS Monitoring Areas. ..... 1. VHF Ch 11: The navigable waters of the LMR below position 29°55.46'N 089° 55.45'W (Saxonholm Light) at 86.0nm AHP, extending downriver to Southwest Pass, and within a 12nm radius around position 28°54.34'N 089°25.72'W (Southwest Pass Entrance Light at 20.1nm BHP). 2. VHF Ch 12: The navigable waters of the LMR bounded on the N by a line drawn perpendicular on the river at position 29°55.52'N 090°12.25'W (Upper Twelve Mile Point) at 109.0nm AHP and on the S by a line drawn perpendicular at position 29°55.46'N 089°55.45'W (Saxonholm Light) at 86.0nm AHP. 3. VHF Ch 05A: The navigable waters of the LMR below position 30°38.70'N 091° 17.50'W (Port Hudson Light) at 245.5nm AHP bounded on the S by a line drawn perpendicular on the river at position 29°55.52'N 090°12.25'W (Upper Twelve Mile Point) at 109.0nm AHP. Procedure: ..... Vessels must comply with all measures established or directions issued by the VTS and a copy of the VTS Regulations should be carried onboard. The VTS should be notified of any of the following: 1. Marine casualty 2. Involvement in the ramming of a fixed or floating object 3. Pollution incidents 4. A defect or discrepancy of any aid to navigation 5. Hazardous conditions 6. Improper operations of vessel equipment 7. A situation involving hazardous materials for which a report is required 8. A hazardous vessel operating condition Reporting: ..... Vessels navigating the Algiers Point VTS System Area must report to New Orleans Traffic on VHF Ch 12 as follows: Checking In (Sail Plan): At least 15 minutes before navigating the area, stating: 1. Vessel's name and type 2. Position 3. Destination and ETA 4. Intended route 5. Time and point of entry 6. Dangerous cargo onboard 7. Number of barges (towing vessels only) 8. Status of barges - loaded or empty (towing vessels only) 9. Unusual conditions (towing vessels only) Checking Out: Vessels must report their name and position as follows: 1. On arrival at destination or 2. When leaving the VTS area Vessels navigating the Algiers Point Area should report on VHF Ch 12 when passing the following Reporting Points: 1. Algiers Canal Forebay MM88.0 (29°55.40'N 089°57.70'W). First check-in point upbound for deep draught vessels, including sea-going tows 2. Industrial Canal Forebay MM92.7 (29°57.20'N 090°01.68'W). Second check-in point upboard for deep draught vessels and first check-in point for inland tows 3. Crescent Towing Smith Fleet MM93.5 (29°57.50'N 090°02.62'W). Second check-in point fro inland tows Vessels navigating downriver: 1. Huey Point Long Bridge MM106.1 (29°56.60'N 090°10.10'W). First check-in point for all downbound vessels 2. Marlex Terminal (navel vessels) MM99.0 (29°54.65'N 090°05.87'W). Second check-in point for all downbound vessels Vessels navigating the 81 Mile Point VTS Special Area should report on VHF Ch 05A when passing the following Reporting Points: Vessels navigating upriver: 1. Sunshine Bridge MM167.5 2. Bringier Point Light MM173.7 Vessels navigation downriver: 1. COS-MAR Dock MM187.9 2. Wyandotte Chemical Dock Light MM183.9 Reports should state the following information: 1. Vessel's name 2. Destination 3. Confirmation of proper operation of vessel's AIS 4. Size of tow and number of loaded and empty barges (if applicable) Vessels equipped with a properly functioning AIS are exempt from reporting to the VTS-LMR when entering/exiting a VTS area Voice reporting is still required at the reporting points for the Algiers Point and 81 Mile Point Special Areas

There are a number of towage companies in the Area including: ..... Name Tugs HP Bisso Towboat Co. 12 3,400 to 5,200 Parker Towing Co. Inc. 7 2,800 to 4,200

Fog: The lower Mississippi area is most susceptible to fog from Dec to Jun, while the worst fog usually occurs from mid-Dec to mid-Feb.

Port: Tel: +1 985 6529278. Fax: +1 985 6529518. Email: info@portsl.com Website: www.portsl.com Associated Branch Pilots: VHF: Ch 16, 06, 09, 67 Tel: +1 504 831 6615 (Metairie office) +1 504 524 0844 (Pilottown office) Fax: +1 504 831 4536 (Metairie office) +1 504 522 7929 (Pilottown office) Email: info@barpilot.com Website: www.barpilot.com Crescent River Port Pilots' Association: Tel: +1 504 392 8001, Fax: +1 504 392 7598, Email: tiva.chavez@crescentpilots.com. Website: www.crescentpilots.com New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association: Tel: +1 504 219 2611, Fax: +1 504 455 2942. Website: www.neworleansbatonrougepilots.com Associated Federal Pilots & Docking Masters of Louisiana LLC: VHF: Ch 09 Tel: +1 504 456 0787, Fax: +1 504 456 0987, Email: fedpilot@bellsouth.net. Website: www.federalpilot.com For individual port contacts of other organisations please refer to the respective port entries. New Orleans Traffic: VHF Ch 05A, 11, 12 Tel: +1 504 589 2780 Email: d08-pf-vtsneworleans-lmr@uscg.mil

For crew not to be detained onboard vessel, all crew members must have a visa in their passport or Seaman's Book.

Please see country information for details of documentation requirements. The agent will advise SW pass pilots of vessel's ETA. Cargo documentation: Ocean borne/domestic Bill of Lading; Cargo Manifest and Letter of Credit (where applicable).

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

Navigation Rules for the US Inland Waters must be followed inside a line drawn between the heads of the Mississippi entrance breakwaters at Southwest Pass. Coastguard Vessel Inspection: Please see country information.

No action initiated unless there is illness onboard. Ship Sanitation Control Certificates: Please see country information.