Notice to Mariners
Oswego Canal & Central Erie Canal
August 17, 2018
Mariners are advised that the swift current on the Oswego Canal alerted in an August 15th Notice to Mariners is anticipated to continue through the weekend, and therefore during the Oswego Paddlefest tomorrow (Saturday, August 18th), announced in a July 31st Notice to Mariners. Captains of transiting motor vessels who can adjust their itineraries to avoid the Oswego Canal between Locks O-3 and O-8 tomorrow morning and early afternoon are requested to do so, and those who are unable are to proceed at a no wake, near idle, bare steerageway speed when in sight of event participants, and are to stay clear of and give way to these paddlers at all times.
Mariners are also advised that water levels are expected to be higher than normal between Locks E-23 Brewerton and E-27 Lyons through the weekend and so need to be conscious of their wakes, which can be worsened in these pools by the higher water and can cause shoreline environmental and property damage.
Mariners are further advised that following a high water, high flow event, the possibility of increased floating debris – and some not immediately visible, but just below the surface – is almost assured, and so what is considered “prudent speed” is now lower than usual.
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