Fireworks Schedule Around the Bay

Mariners are advised that, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 100.506, the following safety zones are established for fireworks displays planned during the 2013 Independence Day holiday period:
1. Anacostia River, Washington, DC, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°52′16″ N,
077°00′13″ W, located approximately 500 yards southeast of the shoreline near Washington Nationals Ball Park. This safety
zone will be enforced on July 3, 2013, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for
approximately 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

2. Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′55″ N, 076°36′17″ W, at the entrance to Baltimore Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southwest of Pier 6, and
Northwest Harbor (Western Section), Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′37″ N, 076°35′54″ W, located near the western end of Northwest Harbor. These safety zones will be enforced on
July 4, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chart 12281.

3. Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the two fireworks barges in approximate position 38°41′36″ N, 076°31′30″ W and 38°41′28″ N, 076°31′29″ W, located north and south of the jetties at Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2013, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled from 9:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Chart 12263.

4. Choptank River, Cambridge, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks launch site located at Great Marsh Point, Cambridge at 38°35′06″ N, 076°04′46″ W. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2013 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12266.

5. Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°17′45″ N, 076°23′49″ W, approximately 300 yards east of Rockaway Beach, near Turkey Point. This safety zone will be enforced on July 6, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12278.

6. Northeast River North East, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°35'26'' N, 075°57'00'' W, located approximately 400 yards south of the North East Community Park. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12274.

7. Patuxent River, Solomons Island, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in an area bound by the following points: 38°19′42″ N, 076°28′02″ W; thence to 38°19′26″ N, 076°28′18″ W; thence to 38°18′48″ N, 076°27′42″ W; thence to 38°19′06″ N 076°27′25″ W, thence to the point of origin, located near Solomons Island, MD. This safety zone will be enforced
on July 4, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15

8. p.m. Chart 12284.

9. Potomac River, Prince William County, Virginia, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°34′08″ N, 077°15′34″ W, located near Cherry Hill, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on June 29, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of June 30, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

10. Severn River and Spa Creek, within an area bounded by a line drawn from 38°58′39.6″ N, 076°28′49″ W, thence to 38°58′41″ N, 076°28′14″ W, thence to 38°59′01″ N, 076°28′37″ W, thence to 38°58′57″ N, 076°28′40″ W, located near the entrance to Spa Creek in Annapolis, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Charts 12282, 12283.

11. Tred Avon River, Oxford, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°41′24″ N, 076°10′37″ W, approximately 500 yards northwest of the waterfront at Oxford. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2013from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chart 12266.

12. Upper Potomac River, Alexandria Channel, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°48′37″ N, 077°02′02″ W, located near the waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on July 13, 2013, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with a rain date of July 14, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289. Fireworks barges and launch sites on land will have signs labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the
enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or the designated on-scene-patrol personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as
directed. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

13. Aquia Creek, Stafford, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge barge located in Aquia Harbour on July 4, 2013 (no rain date) for a display scheduled from 9:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chart 12288.

14. Chester River, Town of Chestertown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek on July 4, 2013 (no rain date) for a display scheduled from 9:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chart 12272.

15. Fairlee Creek, Great Oak Landing Marina, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Shell Point on July 6, 2013 (rain date of August 31, 2013) for a display scheduled at 9:25 p.m. Chart 12274.

16. Herring Bay, Herrington Harbour South Marina, Rose Haven, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the south jetty on July 3, 2013 (rain date of July 4, 2013) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12266.

17. Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks discharge site located on a point of land at the mouth of Long Haul Creek on July 6, 2013 (rain date of July 7, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12263.
18. Nanticoke River, Nanticoke, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 70 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the end of a pier at the Jay Pepper Campground on July 5, 2013 (rain date of July 6, 2013) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12261.

19. Patuxent River, Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near Long Point on June 29, 2013 (rain date of June 30, 2013) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12284.

20. Potomac River, Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 50 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the shoreline near the entrance to Monroe Bay on June 29, 2013 (rain date of July 7, 2013) for a display scheduled
at approximately 9 p.m. Chart 12286.

21. Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Municipal Pier on July 4, 2013 (rain date of July 6, 2013) for a display scheduled at approximately 9 p.m. Chart 12286.

22. Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore on July 3, 2013 (rain date of July 4, 2013) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12278.

23. Severn River, Sherwood Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Sherwood Forest Club’s Main Pier on July 3, 2013 (rain date of July 6, 2013) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

24. St. Mary’s River, St. Mary’s City, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of a dock at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on July 5 2013 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12233.

25. Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Park Island on July 6, 2013 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12274

Mariners are urged to transit these areas with caution, to keep a sharp lookout for other watercraft in these areas, and are reminded to heed the directions of patrolling law enforcement and public safety officials. Absent specific guidance, mariners should remain 300 yards from any fireworks discharge site. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or email
Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

Body of Missing Boater in Harford County Recovered

     Harford County, Md. -- Maryland Natural Resource Police (NRP) Officers recovered the body of Kamhou Zairavong, 35, of Edgewood. Zairavong was boating on the Bush River with a friend on the evening of July 15 when he was whisked away by a current while swimming.

     NRP units discovered the victim’s body today at 7:20 a.m. near where he was last seen swimming in the vicinity of 2021 Park Beach Drive in Aberdeen. Zairavong’s body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

     NRP reminds citizens to wear life jackets when boating and swimming.

Centennial ScoutFleet Boat Parade Saturday at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Centennial ScoutFleet 2012 at Baltimore” boat parade is scheduled to occur in Baltimore Harbor on Saturday, July 21, 2012. The event consists of 20 Sea Scout vessels operating on a parade route located between the Inner Harbor and the Fort McHenry Angle in Baltimore, Maryland from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The official patrol vessel can be contacted via marine band radio VHF-FM 16. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone (410) 576-2674 or e-mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Rowing Regatta in the Northwest Harbor this Saturday

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge” rowing regatta is scheduled to occur in the Northwest Harbor on June 23, 2012 (rain date June 24, 2012). Approximately 500 participants in 12-person paddling teams will race in vessels 42 feet in length on a designated course with 4 marked lanes located off Tide Point, between the American Sugar Refining wharf and North Locust Point Marine Terminal Pier 8 in Baltimore, Maryland.

     Course markers will be set from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., with racing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and course markers will be removed from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. As described in the Table to Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 100.501, special local regulations establish a regulated area for all waters of Patapsco River, Northwest Harbor, in Baltimore, Maryland, from shoreline to shoreline, within an area bounded on the east by a line drawn along longitude 076°35’ W and bounded on the west by a line drawn along longitude 076°36’ W. This area will be enforced from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on June 23, 2012, and in the case of inclement weather, this marine event may be postponed and the regulated area enforced from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24, 2012.

     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 channel VHF-FM 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 waterway beyond the enforcement times.

     Comments or questions should be directed to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division by telephone at (410) 576-2674 or e-mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Fireworks Displays on the Chesapeake and Tributaries

   Visit our home page for the 2013 schedule.


 Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore has received notice of the following fireworks displays, scheduled to occur on or near navigable waters during the 2012 Independence Day holiday period:

1. Chester River, Town of Chestertown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 5, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:20 p.m. Chart 12272.

2. Fairlee Creek, Great Oak Landing Marina, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Shell Point on July 7, 2012 (rain date of September 3, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12274.

3. Herring Bay, Herrington Harbour South Marina, Rose Haven, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the south jetty on July 3, 2012 (rain date of July 4, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12266.

4. Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks discharge site located on a point of land at the mouth of Long Haul Creek on June 30, 2012 (rain date of July 7, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12263.

5. Patuxent River, Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near Long Point on June 30, 2012 (rain date of July 1, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12284.

6. Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Municipal Pier on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 7, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12286.

7. Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore on July 4, 2012 (rain date of July 5, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12278.

8. Sassafras River, Georgetown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located upland along the river east of Dyer Creek on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12274 .

9. Severn River, Sherwood Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Sherwood Forest Club’s Main Pier on July 3, 2012 (rain date of July 6, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

10. Somers Cove, Crisfield, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Jersey Island on July 4, 2012 (rain date of September 2, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12231.

11. St. Mary’s River, Carthagena Creek, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge barge located in Carthagena Creek on June 29 2012 (rain date of June 30, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12233.

12. St. Mary’s River, St. Mary’s City, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge barge site located at the end of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland pier on July 6 2012 (rain date of July 27, 2012) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12233.

13. Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Park Island on July 1, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12274.

14. Upper Potomac River, Mount Vernon Cut, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 11 a.m. Chart 12288.

15. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the National Harbor Commercial Pier on June 30, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 11 a.m. Chart 12289.

16. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge floating platform located adjacent to the Gaylord National Harbor Resort on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at approximately 9 p.m. Chart 12289.

17. Upper Potomac River, Oxon Hill Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the National Harbor Commercial Pier on July 4, 2012 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at approximately 9:45 p.m. Chart 12289.

Mariners are urged to transit these areas with caution, to keep a sharp lookout for other watercraft in these areas, and are reminded to heed the directions of patrolling law enforcement and public safety officials. Absent specific guidance, mariners should remain 300 yards from any fireworks discharge site. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

 Mariners are advised that, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 100.506, the following safety zones are established within the Captain of the Port Baltimore Zone for fireworks displays planned during the 2012 Independence Day holiday period:

18. Anacostia River, Washington, DC, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°52′16″ N, 077°00′13″ W, located approximately 500 yards southeast of the shoreline near Washington Nationals Ball Park. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

19. Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′55″ N, 076°36′17″ W, at the entrance to Baltimore Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southwest of Pier 6, and Northwest Harbor (Western Section), Patapsco River, Maryland, within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°16′37″ N, 076°35′54″ W, located near the western end of Northwest Harbor. These safety zones will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12281.

20. Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the two fireworks barges in approximate position 38°41′36″ N, 076°31′30″ W and 38°41′28″ N, 076°31′29″ W, located north and south of the jetties at Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12263.

21. Choptank River, Cambridge, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks launch site located at Great Marsh Point, Cambridge at 38°35′06″ N, 076°04′46″ W. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12266.

22. Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°17′45″ N, 076°23′49″ W, approximately 300 yards east of Rockaway Beach, near Turkey Point. This safety zone will be enforced on June 30, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12278.

23. Northeast River North East, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 39°35'26'' N, 075°57'00'' W, located approximately 400 yards south of the North East Community Park. This safety zone will be enforced on July 3, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (no rain date) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Chart 12274.

24. Patuxent River, Solomons Island, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in an area bound by the following points: 38°19′42″ N, 076°28′02″ W; thence to 38°19′26″ N, 076°28′18″ W; thence to 38°18′48″ N, 076°27′42″ W; thence to 38°19′06″ N 076°27′25″ W, thence to the point of origin, located near Solomons Island, MD. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12284.

25. Potomac River, Prince William County, Virginia, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°34′08″ N, 077°15′34″ W, located near Cherry Hill, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on June 30, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 1, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

26. Potomac River, Charles County, Maryland, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°20′36″ N, 077°14′09″ W, located near Fairview Beach, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on July 14, 2012, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with a rain date of July 21, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 10 p.m. Chart 12288.

27. Severn River and Spa Creek, within an area bounded by a line drawn from 38°58′39.6″ N, 076°28′49″ W, thence to 38°58′41″ N, 076°28′14″ W, thence to 38°59′01″ N, 076°28′37″ W, thence to 38°58′57″ N, 076°28′40″ W, located near the entrance to Spa Creek in Annapolis, Maryland. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12283.

28. Tred Avon River, Oxford, Maryland, within a 150-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°41′24″ N, 076°10′37″ W, approximately 500 yards northwest of the waterfront at Oxford. This safety zone will be enforced on July 4, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (with a rain date of July 5, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12266.

29. Upper Potomac River, Alexandria Channel, within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°48′37″ N, 077°02′02″ W, located near the waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia. This safety zone will be enforced on July 7, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with a rain date of July 8, 2012) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Chart 12289.

Fireworks barges and launch sites on land will have signs labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or the designated on-scene-patrol  personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576- 2693 or  Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

Martha Lewis Open For Tours in Fells Point as Part of Baltimore's War of 1812 Events

     Havre de Grace, Md. -- While the spotlight shines on Baltimore’s waterfront at the upcoming Star-Spangled Sailabration June 13-19, representatives from the local tourism community hope to cast a little light on the North East portion of the state. The Skipjack Martha Lewis will be among 46 ships gathering at Baltimore’s Waterfront from regional, national and international ports of call to kick-off Maryland’s bi-centennial commemoration of the War of 1812.

     “We are so excited to show Martha off to the masses!” said Cindi Beane, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy. “The skipjack is in integral part of our state and local heritage -- we are honored to be a part of this historic event!” 

     The V-bottom, two sail bateau (skipjack), the Martha Lewis, berthed in Havre de Grace, is one of the few remaining working dredge boats, that make up the Chesapeake Bay oyster fleet -- the last to fish commercially, under sail, in the United States of America. 

     The Martha Lewis will be docked at Fell’s Point at Broadway Pier June 12-14 and will move to the Baltimore Marine Center on June 14 until the 17. The vessel will be open for tours from 1100 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

     Not only will the vessel be open for tours, she will be on a mission to help promote the numerous heritage attractions and tourism in the Upper Bay Region. The Martha Lewis will be our maritime goodwill ambassador this weekend!” said Wini Roche, Tourism Manager for Harford County. “The boat is an example of how today’s visitors can experience unique Chesapeake towns like Havre de Grace where the past is ever-present. The War of 1812 was the pivotal moment in Havre de Grace’s history. What an opportunity to tell this important story and others of our region,” Roche stated.

     In honor of the state’s bi-centennial, the Upper Bay’s 1812 Steering Committee through the support of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway has recently completed an Upper Bay Heritage & War of 1812 Sites - Discovery Guide & Passport. Visitors are encouraged to visit heritage sites in Harford & Cecil Counties and receive a stamp. Those who obtain 5 or more stamps may take their passport to the Havre de Grace Visitor Center or the Cecil County Visitor Center at the Perryville Outlet Center to receive a commemorative coin. 

     The passport will also be distributed at the Chesapeake Campaign tent at Sailabration by members of The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee. 

     The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee is coordinated by the Cecil and Harford county Offices of Tourism and includes 1812 site representatives and stakeholders including representatives from Perryville, Port Deposit, Havre de Grace, Charlestown, and Elkton and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway

     For more information on the Discovery Guide & Passport visit www.upperbay1812.com.

American Flag Day Foundation Fireworks Celebration June 16 on the Patapsco

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that an aerial fireworks display is scheduled to occur on the Patapsco River on June 16 (no rain date) at dusk, as part of the American Flag Day Foundation’s celebration at the Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland.

      The Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone for all waters of the Patapsco River, adjacent to the Northwest Harbor (East Channel), within a 200-yard radius of a fireworks discharge barge located in approximate position latitude 39°15’54” N, longitude 076°34’40” W (datum NAD 1983), effective from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on June 16.

     The fireworks barge will have a sign on its port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone.

     For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Star Spangled Sailabration June 13-19 in Baltimore

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised the Port of Baltimore will be hosting the Star Spangled Sailabration 2012, an international maritime festival that will launch Maryland's three-year War of 1812 bicentennial efforts, from June 13 until June 19. This event will bring dozens of Navy vessels and tall ships from the United States and international navies to the port. In addition to a parade of sail and fireworks, an air show featuring a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is planned to be held in the vicinity of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which temporarily will close portions of the main navigation channels.

     It is anticipated the increased activity associated with this festival will result in some disruption in and potential delays to normal port operations. All entities conducting business in the port, including, but not limited to shipping lines, port operators, and vessel agents should plan accordingly. Specific details on Coast Guard established safety zones and other waterway closures resulting from planned festival activities will be provided in future Local Notice to Mariners publications. 

     For more information concerning the schedule of planned events, visit the Star Spangled 200 website at: http://www.starspangled200.com/events_list . 

     Questions concerning this announcement can be direct to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2519. Charts 12278, 12281.

Aerial Wire Performance May 9 at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that Ripley Entertainment Inc. will sponsor a “high-wire” solo walk over a portion of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Wednesday, May 9, scheduled to occur at noon. The angle of the wire will be rigged on an incline, between the Light Street Pavilion and the top of a crane mounted on a barge located near Inner Harbor Pier 1, Baltimore. The walk is expected to last approximately 15 minutes and the performer will be accompanied and supported by sponsor-provided watercraft. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Kinetic Sculpture Race This Weekend in Baltimore

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual “American Visionary Art Museum Kinetic Sculpture Race” is scheduled to occur in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A water entry and exit is scheduled at the Boston Street Public Boat Ramp, in Northwest Harbor, from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants will be accompanied and supported by kayaks and a motorized safety launch. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.
     Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship on the shore of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in central Maryland. The eight-hour race covers 15 miles—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand.
     Kinetic Sculpture Racing traces its roots to Ferndale, California in 1969 when artist Hobart Brown upgraded his son’s tricycle into a 5-wheeled pentacycle that was part of a race down Main Street. (Hobart did not win.) Over the decades since, the California race evolved into a 3-day all-terrain Kinetic Grand Championship including treacherous sand dunes, water crossings, and elaborate sculptures and costumes. You can learn more on Wikipedia.
     For more about the Baltimore race, visit http://www.kineticbaltimore.com.

NOAA Issues Special Navigation ‘Booklet Charts’ to Commemorate the War of 1812

     Baltimore, Md. -- As the nation kicks off maritime celebrations to commemorate the War of 1812, NOAA is releasing special navigation products that will help recreational boaters enjoy the festivities safely.

     Beginning this month, the public will have free online access to special Booklet Charts that include nautical charts, OPSail® tall ship parade routes, and historical background for activities planned in five ports holding official bicentennial events. 

     NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is working closely with the U.S. Navy and port officials to make the commemorative events come alive with historical information for War of 1812 activities in New Orleans (April 17-23), New York (May 23-30), Norfolk (June 2-12), Baltimore (June 13-19) and Boston (June 29-July 6). 

     Coast Survey has also produced commemorative chart posters for the five ports. The PDF posters, available free from the web, depict naval stories from the War of 1812, illustrated with historical charts and artwork. 

     The commemorative editions of the Booklet Charts and posters can be downloaded from NOAA’s War of 1812 website and are developed from the current experimental Booklet Charts, which can be downloaded and printed at home. As people use the site to help make their plans for War of 1812 activities, they will also find links to timely navigation information, ocean observations, and up-to-date marine weather. 

     In 1807, it was common to lose ships to accidents in U.S. coastal waters. The nation needed nautical charts, so President Thomas Jefferson signed a law authorizing the Survey of the Coast. The survey would measure water depths, establish a spatial reference system to determine location, and produce the nation’s navigational charts. 

     As relations among the United States, England, and France grew contentious, Jefferson instituted an economic embargo against both nations. With the U.S. recalling American seamen and effectively terminating the American merchant marine and international trade, the result was a stalled Survey of the Coast for the rest of the Jefferson Administration. 

     Jefferson's successor, James Madison, reinstituted the survey and during a thaw in relations between the two countries sent Ferdinand Hassler, the first head of the Survey of the Coast, to England in late 1811 to buy survey instruments. President Madison declared war on England eight months after Hassler's arrival in London, and he was unable to return to the U.S. until 1817. 

     Years of debate and struggles over control of the new agency ensued, however, and the actual Survey of the Coast didn’t begin until 1832. When U.S. Coast Survey Superintendent Alexander Bache took over in 1843, the U.S. Coast Survey picked up steam and, by 1860, had deployed survey teams to all parts of the growing nation’s coastline. 

     Today, America’s coastal waters remain as central to the nation’s prosperity as they were 200 years ago. Mariners and others still rely on NOAA’s Coast Survey charts, constantly updated with the accuracy and precision needed to protect life and property. 

     NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels. 

On the Web:
Office of Coast Survey: http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/
NOAA War of 1812 web site: http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/WarOf1812
NOAA Booklet Charts: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html
NOAA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov
NOAA on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/usnoaagov
NOAA on Social Media: http://www.noaa.gov/socialmedia

Baltimore to Host Star Spangled Sailabration June 13-19

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised the Port of Baltimore will be hosting the Star Spangled Sailabration 2012, an international maritime festival that will launch Maryland's three-year War of 1812 bicentennial efforts, from June 13 until June 19, 2012. This event will bring dozens of Navy vessels and tall ships from the United States and international navies to the port.

     In addition to a parade of sail and fireworks, an air show featuring a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is planned to be held in the vicinity of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which temporarily will close portions of the main navigation channels. It is anticipated the increased activity associated with this festival will result in some disruption in and potential delays to normal port operations. All entities conducting business in the port, including, but not limited to shipping lines, port operators, and vessel agents should plan accordingly.

     Specific details on Coast Guard established safety zones and other waterway closures resulting from planned festival activities will be provided in future publications. For more information concerning the schedule of planned events, visit the Star Spangled 200 website at: http://www.starspangled200.com/events_list .

     Questions concerning this announcement can be direct to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2519. Charts 12278, 12281.

More Scenes from the Baltimore Boat Show

     Baltimore, Md. -- The Baltimore Boat Show continues today and tomorrow. Here are some scenes from the show. Find out more at http://www.baltimoreboatshow.com