Dredge Boat Working in the Nanticoke River

     Sharptown, Md. -- The Dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the Nanticoke River in the vicinity ofNanticoke River Channel Light 61 (LLNR 24315) and Nanticoke River Channel Daybeacon 70 (LLNR 24350 from 05 January until 25 February, 2013. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations.  Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment.
     Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.
     Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 12261.

Sharptown Powerboat Races This Weekend on the Nanticoke

     Sharptown, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Bo Bowman Memorial Regatta” power boat races will be held on the Nanticoke River on Saturday, July 14, 2012 and on Sunday, July 15, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event consists of various classes of highspeed power boats operating on a marked, racetrack-type course.
     As described in Title 33 CFR Section 100.501, a regulated area is established on the Nanticoke River near Sharptown, Maryland, between the Maryland S.R. 313 Highway Bridge and Nanticoke River Light 43 (LLN–24175), bounded by a line drawn between the following points: Southeasterly from latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W, to latitude 38°32′42″ N, longitude 075°43′09″ W, thence northeasterly to latitude 38°33′04″ N, longitude 075°42′39″ W, thence northwesterly to latitude 38°33′09″ N, longitude 075°42′44″ W, thence southwesterly to latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W.
     This area will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 14, 2012 and July 15, 2012. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16.
     The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this area by federal, state and local agencies. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12261.

Swim and Triathlon May 5 on the Nanticoke River

     Bivalve, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Nanticoke River Swim & Triathlon” will be held on the Nanticoke River on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The open water event includes approximately 500 participants swimming on a 3-mile and 1.8-mile triangular courses, and a triathlon sprint course along the north jetty at the Cedar Hill Marina in Bivalve, Maryland.

     As described in Title 33 CFR Section 100.501, special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of the Nanticoke River, including Bivalve Channel and Bivalve Harbor, bounded by a line drawn from a point on the shoreline at latitude 38°18′00″ N, longitude 075°54′00″ W, thence westerly to latitude 38°18′00″ N, longitude 075°55′00″ W, thence northerly to latitude 38°20′00″ N, longitude 075°53′48″ W, thence easterly to latitude 38°19′42″ N, longitude 075°52′54″ W.

     The regulated area will be enforced from 9 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. on May 5.. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain waters of the Nanticoke River, including Bivalve Channel and Bivalve Harbor. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A.\

     When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Mariners are urged to schedule their transits on this portion of the waterway beyond the enforcement times. 

     For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12230.