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MA: Cape Cod Canal, vessel clearance required before entry
- Date Reported: Jul 12, 2018
- Reporter: Waterway Guide Staff
- Source: CG 1st District LNM 01282018
- Description:
Cape Cod Canal Navigation Requirements
1. Mandatory Clearance (Vessels 65 Feet and Over) The 65 foot rule is strictly enforced by the Marine Traffic Controller. You must request clearance via VHF 13 at least 15 minutes prior to entering from either the east (Cape Cod Bay) or the west (Buzzards Bay/Cleveland Ledge). Additionally, observe the traffic lights at both ends: Green indicates you may proceed, while Red requires you to stop and wait for radio clearance.
2. Radio Guard and Monitoring All radio-equipped vessels, regardless of size, are required to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF 13 throughout the entire passage. This ensures you can receive emergency instructions or warnings regarding commercial traffic from the Marine Traffic Controller and facilitates bridge-to-bridge communication.
3. Speed Limits and Current Hazards The maximum speed limit is 10 mph (8.7 knots) over the ground. Because tidal currents can be extreme, the USACE recommends transiting with a fair tide. Low-powered vessels that cannot maintain safe headway against the current are considered an obstruction to navigation and may be ordered to exit the canal or wait for a tide change.
- Lat / Lon: N 41° 41.129' / W 070° 40.482'
DISCLAIMER: Waterway Guide Media provides Navigation Alerts as a resource for planning purposes only and does not warrant the information included in the postings as accurate. Advice and descriptions contained in the alerts are not for navigation.
