September 3, 2026
The Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay, is notifying mariners that the Coast Guard is enforcing three safety zones to facilitate the Philadelphia to Sea Maintenance Dredging. Maintenance dredging will be conducted in Marcus Hook Range and Marcus Hook Anchorage (No. 7) on the Delaware River on September 3, 2026, through approximately October 31, 2026.
Safety zone one includes all the waters within a 250-yard radius of the dredge CHARLESTON and all associated dredge equipment operating in or around Marcus Hook Range.
Safety zone two includes all the waters of Marcus Hook Anchorage (No. 7), as described in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 110.157(a)(8).
Safety zone three includes all the waters of Mantua Creek Anchorage (No. 9), as described in 33 CFR 110.157(a)(10).
Vessels wishing to transit through safety zones one and/or two may do so if they can make satisfactory passing arrangements with the dredge CHARLESTON, in accordance with the Inland Navigational Rules in 33 CFR Subchapter E via VHF-FM radio channels 13 and 5, or via phone at (757) 508-2326 at least 30 minutes prior to arrival.
Vessels desiring to anchor within Marcus Hook Anchorage must be at least 650 feet in overall length and obtain permission from the COTP at least 24 hours in advance, at (833) 453-1007. The COTP will permit, at maximum, two vessels at a time on a “first come, first served” basis in the anchorage. Vessels under 650 feet in overall length may request to anchor in Marcus Hook Anchorage and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The maritime public will be notified of any changes to vessel traffic patterns or availability of Marcus Hook Anchorage via subsequent updates to this Marine Safety Information Bulletin and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
Normally, Marcus Hook Anchorage is a 48-hour anchorage; however, vessels will not normally be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 12 hours during this time.
Vessels anchoring in Mantua Creek Anchorage must be at least 500 feet in overall length while dredging operations are underway in Marcus Hook Anchorage and Marcus Hook Range. Vessels under 500 feet in overall length may request to anchor in Mantua Creek Anchorage and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Mantua Creek Anchorage will remain a 48-hour anchorage.
Vessels that require an examination by the Public Health Service, Customs or Immigration authorities will be directed to an anchorage for the required inspection by the COTP. Smaller vessels are encouraged to use Kaighn Point Anchorage (No. 12) and Deepwater Point Anchorage (No. 6) as alternatives.
If there are any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin or expectations of the Captain of the Port, please contact (833) 453-1007.