Gulf Coast Pilot Notes
Alabama
Fly Creek Entrance Light 2
30 32.6N, 87 54.6W Fl R 4s 4M Red
Tides p. 492, Differences p. 535
Currents p. 666, Differences p. 712
triangle. 17ft.
Pilotage: Alabama has a short coastline. The
Mobile Bay/Dog River: 30 34N, 88 05W
primary feature is Mobile Bay, with numerous
(see charts on next three pages)
shallow dredge spoil banks and other obstruc-
Pilotage: Located about 21nm N of the
tions. Caution is advised. Without up-to-date
entrance to Mobile Bay on the W shore,
local knowledge, use only the Main Ship
controlling depths to the highway bridge at
Channel, respecting Markers 1 and 2. When
the river’s mouth and the channel across the
crossing Mobile Channel at the GIWW in-
bay are reported to be about 5ft at mid-tide.
tersection 3sm above Mobile Point at lighted
All hurricane reconstruction expected to be
buoys 25 and 26 the USCG has requested all
completed late 2007.
vessels to make a SECURITE call on VHF 13.
Waypoint
Numerous collisions, groundings and close
quarters situations have occurred here.
Dog River Channel Daybeacon 1
In Mississippi Sound, Petit Bois Pass is used
30 32.7N, 88 01.6W Green
primarily by fishing vessels with local knowl-
square.
edge drawing about 4ft or less. The pass is no
longer maintained and is subject to frequent
Port of Entry: Customs 251-441-5106.
changes. Passage can generally be made by
Dockage/Moorings: Several marinas on
following the deep green water during calm
both sides of the river. Turner Marine 251-
weather and by avoiding the breakers during
476-1444 is the sailboat marina. Adjacent
rough weather. Local knowledge is advised.
Dog River Marina is the powerboat marina.
Waypoints
Anchorage: No deep all-weather anchor-
age is available. It is possible to find a lee in
Mobile Point Light
some weather conditons.
30 13.7N, 88 01.5W Fl W 10s 24M
Fuel: At the marinas.
On skeleton tower. 125ft.
Supplies: Provisions require transportation.
Services: Repairs and haulouts of all sizes.
Mobile Entrance Lighted Horn Buoy M
30 07.5N, 88 04.1W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
stripes w/ red spherical topmark. High-intensity flash tube:
Fl W 2.5s. 1 horn 10s. RACON M (– – ).
Mississippi
Reed’s mariners are encouraged to update
and verify all information, especially in the
Tides p. 495, Differences p. 535
Gulf Coast region. Email information up-
Currents p. 666, Differences p. 713
dates to publisher@reedsalmanac.com.
No all-weather anchorages exist along this
Caution: Due to hurricanes in 2005, all shore. A lee may be provided under sum-
Mississippi coast charts prior to that date mertime prevailing winds behind the barrier
are grossly inaccurate. Many charted depths islands. Sudden changes in weather condi-
throughout the region may be inaccurate, tions may make such anchorages untenable.
and floating aids to navigation may be inac- The only operational recreational boat facil-
curately charted. Digital or paper charts ity is at Biloxi.
should have the latest Notices to Mariners
Waypoints
updates entered.
Horn Pass Lighted Whistle Buoy HI
Numerous unmarked wrecks exist outside
of the marked and maintained channels; pro-
30 08.5N, 88 34.67W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
ceed with extreme caution and monitor VHF stripes w/ red spherical topmark.
16 continuously. Many charted landmarks
Pascagoula Channel Lighted Buoy 19
have been destroyed.
30 13.2N, 088 30.4W Q G 4M Green
200