Safe Speed:
Due to the strong currents in the vicinity of the Matagorda Ship Channel, all vessels will tranist the Matagorda Ship Channel at a "safe naviagble transit speed" as detemined by the Pilot onboard. Any reduction or limitation of RPMs by the vessel or crew could result in Delays, Detentions and/or Cancellations until satisfactory conditions exist.
Maximum Vessel Dimensions:
Maximum Vessel Dimensions were as follows:
Length: 229 meters (751 feet)
Beam: 33.2 meters (109 feet)
Draft: see draft restrictions
Oversized Vessels:
Oversized, excessive draft or unusual type vessels will be handled on a per job basis and by specific agreement with the pilots prior to any movements.
Duty Pilots:
Two Pilots are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ocean Going Barges:
-
Pilotage is compulsory for all large Ocean Going Barges transiting the Matagorda Ship Channel
-
All Ocean Going Barges when loaded, must be in the notch when transiting the Matagorda Ship Channel.
-
Barges in ballast may be towed while transiting the Matagorda Ship Channel but MUST HAVE a tail boat of sufficient power to stop the barge quickly in case of emergency.
-
INBOUND. If the seas are too rough offshore for the pilot to board the OGB and the Tug Captain and Pilot agree, the Pilot will guide the unit from the pilot boat and board the unit as soon as seas permit.
-
OUTBOUND. If it is found to be rough offshore or in the jetties, the Pilot will depart the unit prior to reaching rough water and guide the unit outbound from the pilot boat if the Captain of the OGB so desires.
-
All Ocean Going Towline Barges will be restricted to daylight passage only.
