Rules regarding dredgers

[Terry in Naples]

The pass into Naples Fl where I live is starting a dredging project. Where can I find the proper regs/rules for passing this operation in the pass. ? I have tried but cannot find any USCG specifics. Specifically passing over the pipes etc that are pumping the sand.
Thanks Terry

 

[Ross]

U.S.Army Corp of Engineers

 

[Chuck Creel]

Ahoy Terry,
Allow me to answer your question regarding passing a dredge in a channel.. The key here is that the dredge is considered restricted in manoverablility which gives him right of way in MOST ALL cases. This is taught in Rules of the road and basic navigation rules. You can obtain a copy of these rules to keep onboard your vessel for refernce and id highly recommend doing so to every boater. For you safety, your families, and peace of mind for the professional mariners alike.
Here is the rule for passing a dredge that is in operration and actully dredging.

They will display a ball diamond ball shape from their mast and have also 2 diamond shaped oblects on one side with 2 balls on the other. At night they will display 2 green lights and and 2 red lights on opposite sides of dredge. Having said all that just remember the phrase " diamonds are a girls best friend" then pass on the green side or side with diamonds. Also contact them via VHF .. We professional mariners dont bite hard honest..

PLease take a boating course with the power squadron or coast guard auxillry at little or no cost. You will learn alot and your boating will be safer and more enjpoyable..

HAppy holidays and fair wiinds;

Captain Charles Creel
200 Master
Master of Towing
SAiling endorsment 25 Tons

 

[Ron20324]

Just off the top of my head, I suppose the point could be made that if the dredge is dredging, it probably has multiple anchors deployed, and thus not under way? Then the boat under way would operate under the more generic rule "Nothing hits the boat, and the boat don't hit nothing".

 

[Rick Webb]

Check the NOTAMS for Where, When and How

They will give you the specifics on wht they want you to do.

 

[Stu Jackson]

...the point could be made that if the dredge is dredging, it probably has multiple anchors deployed, and thus not under way?....

Good point, Ron. In our neck of the woods (i.e., the channel being dredged is the Oakland Estuary), the anchors are spread either 0, 90, 180, 270 from the dredge on white balls with yellow quick flashing lights. Since the anchor's on the bottom and the catenary of the chain from the dredge to the anchor is UP on the dredge side, we just kiss the yellow lights. Simpler if there's room to do that.

I do very much like the "diamonds are a ... best friend!" Could be man or woman, depends on who's givin' and/or gettin'!

 

[Benny]

This should help.

Gordon Pass, dredging
Caldwell Marine International, LLC, will commence dredging operations in Gordon Pass, Colliers County, Naples, Florida on or about November 3, 2009. This project will begin at the mouth of Gordon Pass and end at Cuts 3 and Cut 4. The dredge ELLIOT 370 will be on scene with three (3) workboats and monitoring Marine Channel 16 VHF. Submerged and floating pipelines will be positioned along the channels' edge and visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. Dredging operations will be continuous
twenty-four (24) per day and seven (7) days per week until completion on or about January 2, 2010.
For further in formation please contact Mr. Wes Gammons at (561) 644-7486 or Mr. Brian Markle at (561) 313-5021