The Bayonne Bridge is undergoing a major construction project and special care is required to avoid ship allisions, including ship antenna strikes similar to those that occurred in the past, which may cause severe property damage or loss of life.
It is imperative that ships transiting under the Bayonne Bridge know the distance from the ship’s keel to the highest point and provide accurate information to the Pilot and the ship’s agent for safe navigation.
This information is required by Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 164.11(k) and should clearly indicate whether any adjustable or whip antennas are included in the calculations. To date, the
majority of bridge allisions have been the result of ships' crews either relying on inaccurate information while drafting transit plans or failing to follow approved Safety Management Procedures.
For current vertical and horizontal clearance information and construction status at the Bayoone Bridge, reference should be made to NOAA Chart 12333 and the First Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners (LMN) at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov
