A Hazard to Navigation

C

CaptMac

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
303
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2715K213
Vessel Name
Passage Weaver
MMSI Number
367558060
For anyone cruising the Swinomish Channel (La Conner), please note the following message in the latest issue of Notice to Mariners

WASHINGTON – STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA TO STRAIT OF GEORGIA – SWINOMISH CHANNEL SOUTH ENTRANCE – Submerged
tree
The USCG has verified a submerged tree is in the Swinomish Channel South Entrance in the vicinity of the northeast side of Swinomish Channel.South Entrance Lighted Buoy 2 (LLNR 18790). The tree was photographed at a +0.4 foot tide at approximately 48-21.6676N, 122-33.2537W.The USACE is working on removing the tree. If the tree can be removed from the channel, a BNM will be released informing mariners of the channel status. Mariners transit at the slowest safe speed, and use extreme caution.

Chart 18427 LNM 13/14

Capt Mac
Passage Weaver
 
Thanks!!

I have passed it along...
 
Thanks, Capt. Mac, for the information.

I have also learned firsthand that the south end of the Swinomish Channel is narrow, as well as shallow, with rocks that are just below the surface right outside the edge of the dredged area.

It is very important for me to have the chartplotter really zoomed in, as well as eyes on the water :shock:
 
Humm...good question.

Since Passage Weaver is in the back yard and not in the water, it's tough to see that far....

🙂

Mac
 
Thanks Mac. Will you or others post back when this tree issue is resolved. Thanks... 🙂

My Google search showed this http://bitterendblog.com/?p=20678 which shows a chart where the tree is located presumably.

[EDIT]
With reference to "If the tree can be removed from the channel, a BNM will be released informing mariners of the channel status." what is a BNM, and how does one learn that the BNM has been released ?
 
baz":1cqg9zg6 said:
Thanks Mac. Will you or others post back when this tree issue is resolved. Thanks... 🙂

My Google search showed this http://bitterendblog.com/?p=20678 which shows a chart where the tree is located presumably.

[EDIT]
With reference to "If the tree can be removed from the channel, a BNM will be released informing mariners of the channel status." what is a BNM, and how does one learn that the BNM has been released ?
Click to expand...

Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM)
Broadcast Notices to Mariners are made by the Coast Guard through Coast Guard and Navy radio stations. These broadcast notices, which are broadcast on VHF-FM, NAVTEX, and other maritime frequencies, are navigational warnings that contain information of importance to the safety of navigation. Included are reports of deficiencies and changes to aids to navigation, the positions of ice and derelicts, and other important hydrographic information.
 
Thanks Herb.... very useful info.

However, let's take an example of a boater cruising toward this area today where the tree is located. They have Chan 16 being monitored and have a good 'lookout' on board.

Apart from monitoring Chan 16, how should they monitor "VHF-FM" and "NAVTEX" and "other maritime frequencies" in real time so they receive urgent reports of things to be aware of in the area they're cruising ?

My further research (taken from http://www.uscg.mil/d13/dpw/notices.asp) reveals such things as Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), Special Notice to Mariners (SNM) and special web site links such as for U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) (LORAN, GPS, DGPS status, Local Notice to Mariners): http://www.navcen.uscg.gov.

It appears one can sign up for receiving the latest LNMs notices for a particular district/area (for example see http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict&region=13) by registering with a one-way email service (see for example http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=LNMlistRegistration). Now using http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmDistrict&region=13 I was able to locate a PDF file that details the "SWINOMISH CHANNEL SOUTH ENTRANCE – Submerged tree" issue.

Using the LNM LIST SERVER REGISTRATION I tried registering with my Email info to receive LNMs at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=LNMlistRegistration but to my disappointment all the Districts displayed were showing errors

The CGLS site is currently unavailable due to maintenance.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Maybe I will try later. I also placed a call (I had to leave voicemail) to the Commander of my 13th Coast Guard District (Washington and Oregon) to ask for any updates on the "SWINOMISH CHANNEL SOUTH ENTRANCE – Submerged tree" issue.

So with all the above it seems that a boater should use their computer to access all the various LNMs for their cruising area to find out 'alerts' such as Mac posted.
 
I try to avoid the Swinomish Channel, or Slough as my friend Pat Anderson calls it, if at all possible. The currents continually shift the silt with each change of direction. Very hard to stay safe even with all the aids possible on the location of hazards and shoaling. Besides the South end reminds me too much of the Gulf ICW, and that is the reason I do most of my boating in the PNW.

A snag today....something else tomorrow. I travel it no faster than I want to hit something and keep my eyes open.
 
A snag today....something else tomorrow. I travel it no faster than I want to hit something and keep my eyes open.
Click to expand...

Herb, that sounds very close to what Mr Samuel Clemens would have written.
 
walldog":1s7re2qr said:
I try to avoid the Swinomish Channel, or Slough as my friend Pat Anderson calls it, if at all possible. The currents continually shift the silt with each change of direction. Very hard to stay safe even with all the aids possible on the location of hazards and shoaling. Besides the South end reminds me too much of the Gulf ICW, and that is the reason I do most of my boating in the PNW.

A snag today....something else tomorrow. I travel it no faster than I want to hit something and keep my eyes open.
Click to expand...

For me, I have no issue traversing the Swinomish Channel (Slough/Sloo). I normally arrange to be at either end close to high tide. I also take care and go slowly. The southern end/entry is certainly the most treacherous at low tide.
 
I had placed a call (I left voicemail) to the Commander of my 13th Coast Guard District (Washington and Oregon) to ask for any updates on the "SWINOMISH CHANNEL SOUTH ENTRANCE – Submerged tree" issue.

Today I was called back and was told the submerged tree has yet to be removed. It's very close to Buoy #2 at southern entrance. The Commander indicated he thought that by end of week it should be removed.

I mentioned the issue with registering Email for LNMs and was told this is handled/managed by some USCG Dept. on east coast. He will investigate the issue.
 
Barry I am very impressed the district commander followed up your query with a direct call and useful feedback! Perhaps we should make you our Ranger Tug liaison to the USCG! Good work.

Lee
 
Lee:

The investigative effort was small and took very little time. Frankly, I was motivated to find out more after reading Herb's posting about BNMs. So Herb deserves credit IMO. 🙂

I now have some URL refs to peruse before undocking for a cruise.

The Commander was very understanding and was very forthcoming with his information. I sensed he was kind of surprised, but somewhat grateful with my telephone call. 🙂

We learn something every day.

Barry
 
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