Gulf Coast Pilot Notes
Lighted Whistle Buoy GP
Harbormaster: The Biloxi Port Commis-
30 07.2N, 88 52.7W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
sion 228-374-6600 has jurisdiction over both
the small-craft and commercial harbors. The
stripes w/ red spherical topmark. RACON: C (– • – •)
harbormaster at the Small-Craft Harbor 228-
436-4062 monitors VHF 16.
Biloxi: 30 24N 88 53W
Dockage/Moorings: The Biloxi Small-
Pilotage: From the Gulf, enter through
Craft Harbor is located in the center of the
Dog Keys Pass and follow the channel 12nm
historic resort town, on the shore facing
into Biloxi Bay. At Marker 26 turn WSW into
Deer Island, and is currently at significantly
Biloxi Small Craft Harbor channel. Just past
reduced capacity. This is expected to improve
Marker 27, turn NNW into Point Cadet Ma-
by mid-2008.
rina channel.
Anchorage: Some possibilities in the Back
Waypoints
Bay of Biloxi.
Dog Keys Pass Lighted Gong Buoy 1
Port of Entry: Customs 228- 864-6794.
Fuel: Near Point Cadet Marina.
30 12.9N, 88 47.5W Fl G 4s 4M . Green Supplies: Extensive. Some miles away
Biloxi East Channel Light 2
Services: Few, most facilites destroyed in
2005 tropical season. At press time, construc-
30 18.0N, 88 46.48W Fl R 6s 4M . Red tion was underway and Biloxi harbor was
triangle. 17ft.
expected to be operational by July of 2008.
Louisiana
The waterways and locks criss-crossing the
Mississippi River delta move all manner of
(see chart on next spread) commerce. Seasonal flows in the river signif-
Tides p. 495, Differences p. 535
icantly affect and override regular tidal cur-
Currents p. 666, Differences p. 713
rents. Be aware of lock and flow conditions
before attempting to transit the river.
Pilotage: Hurricanes in 2005 caused dra-
Several routes pass through and around the
matic changes to the coastline from Vermil-
Mississippi River delta. Offshore, stay sea-
ion Bay to Lake Borgne. Entire islands have
ward of the 100-fathom line, and use charted
disappeared beneath Gulf waters. Normally
Safety Fairways whenever possible.
navigable channels have silted. Charts pre-
Inshore, vessels running W in Mississippi
2005 are now inaccurate. Digital and paper
Sound may proceed through Cat Island Pass
charts should be renewed or updated with all
into Chandeleur and Breton Sounds, pro-
Notices to Mariners. Not all areas have been
ceeding to the marked channel at Bayou Bap-
re-surveyed. Proceed with caution.
tiste Collette, which intersects the river at
Reed’s mariners are encouraged to update
Venice. The channel alongside the SE extent
and verify all information, especially in the
of Venice leads to Tiger Pass on the SW side
Gulf Coast region. Email information up-
of the delta. Breton and Chandeleur Sounds
dates to publisher@reedsalmanac.com.
have shoaled from storms that washed away
Marinas and support facilities in the New
Breton Grand Gosier Islands.
Orleans area and along Lake Ponchartrain
Along the SW coast, avoid Ship, Tiger and
have mostly been rebuilt, but a prudent mar-
Trinity Shoals. Grand Isle and Port Fouchon
iner will call ahead. Any operational shore-
at Belle Pass now have few yacht accommo-
side facilities found in the delta will focus on
dations.
offshore pertroleum support activities. Typi-
Hazards: Commercial traffic transiting the
cally, pleasure craft are not allowed access to
Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal can cre-
such facilities except in emergencies.
ate a rolling wave of water along the channel
Offshore petroleum exploration and produc-
margins. When meeting large ships, yachts
tion equipment was heavily damaged by Hur-
should keep a good distance off the shoreline
ricanes Katrina and Rita. Some wreckage may
and not place the stern of their boat toward
not yet have been discovered or marked. Stay
the oncoming wave.
within the charted Safety Fairways and use
extreme caution when transiting these waters.
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