MSIB 04-18 Activation of Synthetic Aids (Deactivated on January 24, 2018)

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay is notifying mariners to proceed with caution while operating in the Delaware River and its tributaries, the Delaware Bay, and the NJ and DE coasts. Due to inclement weather and significant ice conditions, many aids to navigation are off station and not watching properly. Synthetic aids to navigation will be temporarily placed in the river until ice and weather permit repositioning and correction.

Synthetic aids to navigation have been established to assist mariners transiting the channel. A synthetic aid is Automated Identification System (AIS) aid to navigation message broadcast (typically from shore) to an assigned position where a corresponding buoy/beacon should be located. The following aids are broadcasting with an AIS signal:

• Delaware River Lighted Bell Buoy 6 (LLNR 2575) MMSI: 993672681
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 8 (LLNR 2595) MMSI: 993672682
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 12 (LLNR 2725) MMSI: 993672683
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 13 (LLNR 2740) MMSI: 993672078
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 18 (LLNR 2875) MMSI: 993672684
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 21 (LLNR 2920) MMSI: 993672685
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 22 (LLNR 2925) MMSI: 993672686
• Delaware River Lighted Buoy 27 (LLNR 2965) MMSI: 993672687

Mariners are encouraged to report any off-station aids to navigation or other unsafe conditions immediately to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center may be contacted at (215) 271-4995.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin or the expectations of the COTP, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4889 or the Situation Unit Controller at (215) 271-4807.