New Orleans Vessel Traffic Center News

New Orleans Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) discover vessels whose rudders may have set into the mud while safely anchored. Masters and/or operators of vessels are reminded of their responsibility, as noted in 46 Code of Federal Regulations 4.05-1, to notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector Office whenever their vessel is involved in a marine casualty which includes any unintended grounding [46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1)]. In addition, Masters and/or operators of vessels are reminded of their responsibility under 33 Code of Federal Regulations part 164.25 which require all vessels over 1600 gross tons to test their steering gear no more than 12 hours before entering port or getting underway.