August 9, 2023
Week 32
Aids to Navigation Updates
- Watch Hill Light – operating properly as of August 9,2023
- Block Island Wind Farm WTG-3 Fog Horn inoperable as of August 30,2022
- Bristol Harbor West Channel Buoy 3 off station July 4, 2023
- Mt Hope Bay Bridge Radar inoperable. First reported May 15th
- Brayton Point Channel Lighted Buoy 3 reported sinking August 8, 2023
- Braga Bridge Sound Signal Inoperable. First reported January 15,2023
- Pawcatuck River Channel Daybeacon 23 discontinued for dredging 2015
- URI Coastal Monitoring Lighted Research Buoy Discontinued September 2020
Chart Terminations and Corrections
- NOAA has started ending production and maintenance of paper nautical charts.
- Chart 13205 “Block Island Sound and Approaches” will be cancelled August 30,2023
- Chart 13209 “Block Island Sound and Gardiners Bay” cancelled on July 5,2023
- Chart 13218 “Martha’s Vineyard to Block Island” will be cancelled August 30,2023
- Chart 13221 “Narragansett Bay RI-MA, cancelled and no longer availaber
- Chart 13223 “Narragansett Bay, including Newport Harbor,RI” will be cancelled August 30,2023
SECTION V – ADVANCED NOTICES
RI- NARRAGANSETT BAY (CHART 13221) – MOUNT HOPE BAY- KICKAMUIT RIVER
The U.S. Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to Aids to Navigation to this waterway: Change the seasonal statue of the following aids in the Kickamuit River from Permanently maintained to Remove for the winter season from November 15 to May 1st. Steel hulls will be permanently changed to foam hulls to compensate for shoaling in the river.
- Kickamuit River Buoy 1
- Kickamuit River Buoy 2
- Kickamuit River Buoy 4
- Kickamuit River Buoy 6
- Kickamuit River Buoy 7
RI-SEACOAST-NARRAGANSETT BAY (Chart 13221) EASTERN APPROACH
The Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy “NB” converting to an AIS signal
RHODE ISLAND GENERAL NOTICE
RI-BLOCK ISLAND
XOCEAN will be conducting operations of the remotely piloted Uncrewed Surface Vehiles (USV) out of Block Island, New Harbor, from August 21,2023 to August 23,2023. The equipment is uncrewed, it will be manned throughout 24-hour operation, piloted remotely using 360-degree cameras and other navigational aids. The USV has a yellow painted superstructure and is equipped with AIS, a flashing yellow light, sound signal, active radar reflector, retroreflective markings, and words “UNCREWED” will be displayed on the vehicle, to make it conspicuous to other traffic. Mariners may contact the USV on VHF Channel 16 or the 24-hour command center at 206 800-0747, for any additional information. Mariners are advised to use caution and keep a sharp lookout when transiting the area.
Shoaling Notices in Rhode Island Waters
Chart 13221 “Greenwich Bay-Warwick Cove”– Shoaling has been observed within the federal navigation channel to at least depth of 3 ft mean low water. Shoaling is encroaching from the west and has impacted the western part of the channel, reducing the authorized width from 150 feet to approximately 90’ between Warwick Cove Buoy 3 and Warewick Cove Buoy 7.
Chart 13205 “Point Judith Pond”– Shoaling has bee observed within the channel to a least depth of 5.5 ft mean low water in approximate position 41.22’48N and 071.33’55W between Point Judith Pond Channel Buoy 2 and Point Judith Channel Buoy 4. Shoal is encroaching from the East side of the channel protruding west.
Chart 13221 “Mount Hope Bay-Kickamuit River” – Shoaling has been reported in the Kickamuit River in the vicinity of Kickamuit River Buoy 2. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution.
Summary of Onging Dredging and Marine Construction Projects
Block Island Wind Farm
The Lift Boat RAM XV will be jacked down at Block Island Wind Farm Tower 4 from approximately May 14 to August 1,2023 to attend to Tower Four while it undergoes maintenance. Mariners are requested to navigate with caution in the area and not pass beneath the RAM XV. RAM XV will be monitoring VHF-FM CH 16 for any concerned traffic. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. Details can be found at Orsted Mariners Briefings Offshore Wind Farm Information for Mariners, orsted.com and us.orsted.com/mariners.
RI- NEWPORT- GOULD ISLAND
Cavanaugh Marine Inc. – will be conducting surface pile jacket repairs and anode installation and underdeck repairs, at Building 35, Gould Island, Newport, Rhode Island, un position, 41.32.373N, 071.20.715W from July 12,2023 to October 30,2023. Operations will run Monday through Friday, between, 6 AM, to 6 PM. Equipment on scene will be a Floating barge work platform, Push Boat and Support Bessel, monitoring VHF CH 16 for any concerned traffic. Barge/work platform on site not impeding navigation. Requesting vessel in the vicinity keep their wake down so we can have safe diving operations underneath the pier.
RI- Newport – Gould Island Vicinity
Naval Underea Warfare Center will be conducting continued testing using surface and subsurface devices north and east of Gould Island in the vicinity of the torpedo test range restricted area marked on NOAA chart 13223 and the Newport Bridge Monday-Friday from January 2023 through December 2023. Mariners are requested to cooperate with participating vessels for the safety of all. Any concerned traffic can contact Navy support craft on VHF channels 13 and 16.
REPORTED UNEXPLODED ORDANCES (UXO)
The Coast Guard advertises this information through local, Sector Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNMs) and through the weekly, First Coast Guard District LNM. BNMs are additionally available directly to mariners by email sign-up at the CG Navigation Center Web Site (Subscribe to Our RSS Feeds | Navigation Center (uscg.gov). Once identified NOAA will then chart the UXO location so they are available on electronic navigation chart updates. Information on proper reporting and safety procedures for UXOs can be found at the following link: Home – DENIX (osd.mil)
RI- NARRANGANSETT BAY – WEST PASSAGE – UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE- UPDATE 9/2/2022
Sixteen (16) unexploded ordnances have been located via survey in Narragansett Bay – West Passage in positions:
(1.) 41-27-7.68N 071-24-35.64W; (2.) 41-27-25.74N 071-24-38.94W; (3.) 41-27-33.60N 071-24-38.34W (4.) 41-24-49.80N 071-22-58.14W (5.) 41-26-40.32N 071-24-42.54W (6.) 41-26-34.44N 071-24-8.22W; (7.) 41-26-00.18N 071-24-30.48W; (8.) 41-28-00.96N 071-24-28.68W; (9.) 41-24-43.74N 071-214.44W; (10.) 41-24-56.52N 071-21-59.64W; (11.) 41-24-52.62N 071-23-43.62W; (12.) 41-27-38.880N 071-24-6.978W; (13.) 41-26-4.324N 071-24-30.591W; (14.) 41-27-36.236N 071-24-37.026N; (15.)41-26-44.709N 071-24-38.974W; (16.) 41-24-45.927N 071-21-39.508W. Mariners are urged to avoid the ordnances and transit the area with caution.
Recurring Events
2023 Ida Lewis Yacht Club Shields Wednesday Night Series – Race/Regatta held from May 17, 2023 – September 20,2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Event to be held in the vicinity of Gould Island to Rose Island. Expect up to 30 vessels 30 ft in length. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 401 486-5318.
Shields Class Aloha Series- Race/Regatta– scheduled to be held June 4, July 16, August 20 and September 23,2023 from Gould Island to Goat Island from 1:30 to 6 PM. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 401 486-5318.
M32 Catamaran MIDTOWN SERIES- Race/Regatta scheduled to be held between Halfway Rock and the Pell Newport Bridge weekly starting June 2 to October 1, 2023 from 12 noon to 4:30 PM. Expect up to 12 vessels, 32 feet in length capable of sailing at over 20 knots. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 413 364-0067.
2023 Ida Lewis Yacht Club J24 Fleet 50 Thursday Night Series – Race/Regatta. Races scheduled from May 25 – August 31,2023 from 6 PM to 8 PM between Rose and Goat Island and Castle Hill. Expect up to 10 vessels 24’ in length. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 401 486-5318.
Bristol Yacht Club Millard Race Series- Race/Regatta. Races to be held every Wednesday in the vicinity of Mt. Hope Bridge, Sandy Point, East Potters Cove and West Poppasquash Neck May 24 to September 6,2023 from 5 PM to 7 PM weekly. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 508 245-1192.
Wickford Yacht Club Wednesday Night Racing- Race/Regatta runs from May 17 to September 6,2023 from 4 PM to 7:30 PM in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Expect up to 50 vessels up to 50’ in length. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 617 510-0384.
Rhode Island Yacht Club Tuesday Series- Race/Regatta. The races are held from May 16 to September 19,2023 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM in the vicinity of the Upper Providence River to Prudence Island. Expect 15 vessels, 25’ to 50’ in length. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 401 941-0220.
Jamestown Yacht Club Weekly Race Series, Race/Regatta every Tuesday from May 9 to August 29,2023. Expect up to 55 vessels, 20-66’ in length racing between Prudence Island and Beavertail Light. Mariners may contact person in charge by cellphone at 401 782-7271.
NARRAGANSETT BAY– Regent Craft Inc. will be testing a prototype wing in the ground effect (WIG) craft in Narragansett Bay from July 7,2023 until August 31, 2023. The testing areas include the waters of Narragansett Bay west of Prudence Island. Testing of the prototype will last approximately 2-4 hours, Monday through Friday with occasional tests on weekend and occur during daylight hours only. All mariners are advised to deconflict traffic conditions. The vessel can be reached on VHF channel 13/16. For further information, please contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast New England at (508) 457-3211.
ONE TIME EVENTS
NARRAGANSETT BAY-AROUND BEAERTAIL SWIM- Bay Swim
Mariners are advised that the Around Beavertail Swim is scheduled to being in Mackeral Cove and finishing at Fort Getty, Jamestown, RI. The event will take place on August 10, 2023 from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Expect up to 4 swimmers and 5 safety vessels 12-24ft in length. Mariners are advised to transit to the area with caution. Mariners may contact the person in charge by phone at (401) 741-7193 or by marine radio on channel 16.
NARRAGANSETT BAY- HINMAN MASTERS TRAM RACE- RACE/REGATTA
Mariners are advised that this regatta is scheduled to take place in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay between Rose Island and Goat Island, from August 11 to August 13,2023 from 10:00 am to 5 pm. Expect up to 20 sailing vessels, 23ft in length with up to 12 support powerboats of up to 24ft in length. Mariner are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. Mariners may contact the person in charge by phone (312) 402-2105.
NARRAGANSETT BAY-SAFE HARBOR RACE WEEKEND – RACE/REGATTA
Mariners are advise that the Safe Harbor Race Weekend is scheduled to be held n the vicinity of East Passage, Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. The event will take place from August 11 and August from 9:00 am to 4:00. Expect up to 60 sailing vessels, 30-120ft in length. Mariners are advised to transit to the area with caution. Mariners may contact the person in charge at (401) 855-0945.
NARRAGANSETT BAY- NARRAGANSETT BAY YACHTING ASSOCIATION JUNIOR RACE WEEK – RACE/REGATTA
Mariners are advised that the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association Junior Race Week is scheduled to be held in the vicinity of Rose Island and Goat Island, East Passage Narragansett Bay. The event will take place on August 14 through August 16,2023 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Expect up to 85 sailing vessels, 8-14 ft in length. Mariners are advised to transit to the area with extreme caution. Mariners may contact the person in charge by phone at (516) 641-6217.
