Local Knowlege Flashcards
What is the diameter of the la LA turning basin
1’596 feet
What are the bearings of the LA main channel
- 027.
What is the variation of Los Angeles harbor
12* E
What is the rate of change
5 min annual decrease from 2016
Where can it be found
On the chart in the middle of the compass rose
What LA approach light (approach buoy) has a racon on it
Lighted whistle buoy 3
What is the speed limit LA outer harbor
Outside Precau area 12kts or less
Pilot operating area (tankers -60,000 = 8.0 kts
Tankers + 60,000 = 6.0 kts
Outer harbor 1.5 meter draft or more is 10.0 kts every where else is six
Vessels less than 1.5 no more than 15kts in outer harbor
Vessels in fish harbor, west channel, yacht anchorages no more than 4.4 kts and no wake
What is the speed limit in Long Beach
Outer harbor Vessels over 1.5m draft 10kts
less than 1.5m 15kts.
Within the main channel between the breakwater entrance and light “6” 10kts
Everywhere else 6kts or minimum engine speed (dead slow)
3knots if there is a ship at 121
In long beach where might one experience back cushion and suction, and how can its effects be reduced.
One place is the back channel
Reducing the speed will reduce the effects of cushion and suction
What defines and active VTS user
Power driven vessel more than 40meters in length
Vessel more than 8meters and towing
Vessel licensed to carry 50+ passengers
Define a “passive user” in the VTS
100gt and carrying 1 or more passengers for hire, regardless of power or sail, dredge Or plant, Power driven vessel 20 meters in length
What are the distances/ clearances of the Vincent Thomas Bridge
Hor CL 1,150’
Vert CL 165’
Vert CL (center) 185’ Middle width 500’
What is the purpose of the LA/LB traffic service
Designed to enhance the navigational safety in the main approaches to the ports of LA/LB and their harbors by giving advanced notice of vessel traffic in their area. As well as other info that might assist in the safe navigation to their vessel
What are the pilotage regulations for the Los Angeles Harbor
300gt or more, or a foreign vessel entering departing or shifting
When are you required to take an alcohol and drug testing after a marine casualty or accident
Alcohol test within 2 hours of incident, drug test asap but not more than 32 hours, crew members and embarked personnel directly involved in the casualty or accident, accident with more than 25,000 in damage, injury requiring more than first aid, death, spill exceeding more than 10,000 gal, spill involving a reportable quantity of hazardous substances.
What is the clearance of the power cables in Long Beach
155’
California Edison requires 8’ clearance to avoid dangers of arcing
What specific charts, and publications must a pilot have access to and maintain
18751,18746,18740,18720. Coast pilot. Light list IV VTMS User manual Los Angeles and Long Beach Port tariff, tide and current tables
How can you obtain weather forecast 24 hours per day
Inmarsat c weather bulletin, noaa ports, radio, Internet, NOAA Wx broadcasts
Where are all the la fire boat stations located
Main channel pier 85-86
East channel pier 194-195
West channel pier 43
Fish harbor 256 and 260
You are on an inbound ship within I nm of queens gate and observe a fleet of sailboats traveling eastward approaching the number 3 buoy, and hoisting their spinnakers and it appears they will continue east towards the delta anchorages. What should you do?
The sailboats are to keep clear of any vessel that can only safely navigate a narrow, as per rule 9 and the charted note c also slow the vessel to allow more time to asses the situation if the sailboats are not following the rules and to allow the sailboats to safely pass ahead is the prudent mariner to avoid a close quarters situation
You are on a Laden tanker preparing to enter queens gate, what is the maximum draft for a minus 1foot tide for the transit
64’ per the harbor safety plan
You are on a ship entering the la pilot station bound for berth 208 what is the UKC for transit ?
Between LA approach channel lighted buoy #1 and main channel buoy #11 the UKC is 10% of the vessels draft before list and trim characteristics. Between #11 and and off e designated berth 2’ and alongside you must remain afloat.
The standards of care for reduced visibility state, whenever visibility inside the federal breakwater is less than .5nm the LA/LB traffic center will impose _______________ where appropriate
One way traffic
You are the master of a tug with a tow on approach to long beach. You will enter the harbor, break tow, and proceed to berth. Describe the sequence of events
Check into VTS, check into Precau area, call pilots on ch 74/12 notify of intentions to enter and go to berth, and if you will be using an escort tug, and if coming from foreign port embark pilot. Security call on ch 13 check out with traffic on ch 14 , enter harbor when no traffic conflicts, break tow in bravo anchorages if possible, make up on the hip or in the push, make fast escort tug (if needed) notifying pilots when made fast, and ready to proceed to berth. Call pilots at first line and last line.
What does 33CFR165.1109 say about the LA/LB deep water pilot areas
No vessel shall enter this area unless it is enter or departing the LA/LB main channel. In lb inbound vessels shall pass eastward of lighted whistle buoy LB and departing pass westward.
Where is the LA pilot station located
Southern most part of pier one Los Angeles harbor
What channel does the la pilots work
Vhf 73
alternate vhf 63
77 tugs
What is the la pilots call sign
KEB-260
What are the regulations concerning the radio listening watch in LA
Must be an English speaking licensed deck officer
Describe 3 sectors of the VTS
Offshore sector VTS call sign San Pedro traffic mon ch 14
Inside the federal breakwater LA P/S vhf 73/63 a
Inside the federal breakwater LB P/S vhf 74/12
Name three areas where one way traffic is recommended in long beach
Back channel, Cerritos channel, entering Queens gate, entering southeast basin, entering pier j slip, during visibility less than .5nm
Tanker master/ pilot conference
Contact the escort tug operator to confirm the number and position of escort tugs. Establish the working channel, establish the destination of the tank vessel, allow time for feedback for any pertinent information offered by the master or escort tug master deem nessary.
What is the definition of charted depth
Depth is a vertical distance from the chart datum to the bottom an it is expressed in the same units as the applicable chart.
What is the responsibility of the officer in charge in the event of a maritime casualty
Shall give notice asap to the nearest uscg marine safety or inspection office.
What constitutes a marine casualty ?
Any accidental grounding or occurrence that results in damage to or to another vessel, any collision , bad weather damage, fire, explosion, equipment failure that might affect or impair the seaworthiness of the vessel. An injury (72 hours off the job ), or loss of life
How and when is a Marine casualty reported?
First, a rapid report by wire or voice. 2nd a written report (USCG Form 2692) to the local OIC Marine inspection ASAP at the port of occurrence, or first port of arrival.
Name 5 landmarks in the LA harbor region that can assist positioning.
1: 5 stacks NNW of slip 5 2: tank at Center of reservation point 3: tank near S. End of pier 1 4: lighted radio tower atop of San Pedro city hall 5: lighted observation tower at ports of call
Describe the line of demarcation
A line drawn from seaward extremities of the Anaheim Bay entrance jetties then to LB Breakwater east end light no 1. The a line drawn from LB LT #2 to LB Light then La #2 to LA light.
During what season does the Santa Ana wind blow
The Santa Ana is an offshore dessert wind occurring near San Pedro during the fall and winter whenever a strong high pressure sets over the so cal region and generates a NE to E’ly flow. The wind flows through the Cajon pass into the great valley and turns sw through the Santa Ana river valley following a well defined path over the plains over Orange County to reach the ocean near Newport.
What are the day and night storm signals
Signals at various locations used to advise Mariners of wind conditions : Small craft advisory : one red pennant / red light above white light 18-33 knots Gale warning: 2 red pennants / white light above red light (34-47 knots) storm warning : red square flag with black center square / 2 red lights (48-63knots)
hurricane warning: 2 red square flags with black center squares/ lights red white red (63
Where are the storm signals displayed in booth harbors?
LA top of marine exchange building
LB LB pilot station, and LB marina
Also day signals only at LA Yacht Club in Terminal Island
What is the vertical Clarence of the commodore him lift bridge?
N/a bridge no longer exist
Was- down 38’ up 163’
New bridge is a fixed span with a vertical clearance of 47’ when completed
What is the speed limit in the outer harbor
Vessels drawing more than 5 feet may not exceed 10 knots, vessels drawing less than 5 feet may not exceed 15knots in restricted area
What is the speed limit in the inner and middle harbor
Six knots
Are allowable speeds controlled by draft?
Yes in the outer harbor only
What is the general set of the current at the LA Harbor entrance?
East, to parallel the entrance. Set
How do you decide the size of escort tug needed for a laden tanker, when must they meet when inbound from Sea?
Refer to US coast pilot seven chapter 4 page 294 tanker force selection matrix or in the LA or LB tide books
What is the call sign for LA pilot station
KEB 260
What is the call sign for Long Beach pilot station
KMA 372
Queensway bridge
36 feet for the 500 foot main channel span. Or 45 feet at the center
Surge LA and Long Beach Harbor
Both LA and Long Beach Harbor are subject to surge. The most persistent and conspicuous oscillation have a period of approximately one hour in the vicinity of reservation point in the east end of terminal Island.
While at anchor in the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, what other thing does the harbor safety plan recommend the vessel bridge management should do?
1: keep a 24 hour bridge watch by an English-speaking license deck officer monitoring channel 16.
2: check frequently to assure the vessel is not dragging anchor.
3: determine accurate wind speed by contacting BTS or the LA or Long Beach pilot stations when when’s exceed 40 kn but your propulsion plan on standby ready to bring online on short notice and make other anchor ready to let go.
4: provide 15 minutes advance notice to the respective pilot station inside Anchorage or to BTS outside anchorages before heaving anchor to get underway.
Describe the duty of the pilot when it is determined further navigation of the vessel would be dangerous to the vessel?
Must notify master. Discuss navigational intentions with the master intention to master as safe anchoring. Discuss operation and intentions with bridge management check with US Coast Guard on information.
To determine size of escort tug needed for a latent tanker you should use the following tug selection matrix.
All laden tank vessels entering the port should ensure proper implementation of the displacement ton tug braking force table. In addition to meet the requirements of the tug force selection matrix, tractor tug shall be tethered inbound and outbound. Conventional tugs may be tethered or untethered inbound but shall be tethered outbound. Tank vessels shall not proceed closer than two nautical miles from the federal breakwater entrance unless prescribed tugs are in position at the southern boundary of the pilot operating areas. Master shall ensure that the anchors are ready for letting go prior to entering the pilot operating areas.
List considerations for minimum under keel clearance
Tank ships mean draft, the tankships trim and list characteristics, the intended transit speed and corresponding squad characteristics, the tide and current conditions, present Seastate conditions, pass weather impact on water depth. Depth of the facility or Anchorage. Depth of the transit area. Tides and currents. Speed of transit. Whether, Seastate, role of the vessel, pitching of the vessel, traffic.
Describe title range and current
The mean range of tide in LA Harbor is 3.8 feet and in Long Beach Harbor 3.8 feet. The the diurnal range of the tide is about 5.4 feet. For these harbors. And the range of 9 feet may occur at times of Max tides. Tidal currents flow the axis of the channel and rarely exceed one knot
Describe the winds
Winds are variable particularly in the fall and winter. They are strongest during periods of Santa Ana conditions. An off shore desert wind. They can reach up to 50 its and can be forecasted. Winter storms can bring winds of 17 its and above. Gales are rare
Are there any Shoals areas in the harbor? If so where are they?
Yes, about .3 miles south of the shore just east of point Furman light there is a rock covered 3 feet and rock a wash.
What is the whistle signal for the bridges
Henry ford railroad bridge, to open too short blasts one prolonged
acknowledgment to prolonged blast, one short blast
cannot open immediately five short blasts
What is the chart datum for the LA/LB area
In feet at mean Lower low water
Describe the general prominent features when approaching San Pedro bay.
- San Pedro hill, 3.3 miles northwest of point Fermin, used on approach from the south east or west, these hills terminate Seaword and steep rocky cliffs about 60 feet high, with horizontal terraces between them and the summit. 2. On top of the summit are too large white radar Domes, 3. Point Fermin, the south east extremity of San Pedro hill. A cliff 100 feet high, a light is shown fl 10 sec 120’ 13 nm. 4. Long Beach light 5. LA light 6. Tanks at pier 1 and reservation point. 7. Radio tower above city hall 8. Artificial island with derricks in east side of LB
What is a TSUNami ?
Is a large wave caused by a submarine earthquake. The waves are characterized by a long wavelength and high rate of speed. The first wave or surge will cause a recession of the water from the shore. A tremendous on coming crest will follow this recession. If time allows put to see and head for the nearest Deepwater if caught in port it is difficult to avoid damage.
What is the depth and width of the following channels LA entrance Long Beach entrance La east basin Cerrito’s channel
LA entrance controlling depth 80 feet. 400 yards wide long beach entrance 76 feet 400 yards wide LA East basin 53 feet Cerritos channel 53 feet
You were on a laden tanker preparing to enter Queensgate, what is the maximum draft for a -1 foot tied for the transit.
64 feet per the harbor safety plan
You were on a ship entering the LA pilot station bound for berth 208 what is the UKC for transit?
The max sounding is 44 feet and a 1.5 foot clearance is required from buoy 11 inbound. A 10% UKC Clarence is required between LA SEA B and number 11 therefore the max draft of a vessel transiting from sea to birth to wait is 42.5 feet
What is the cause of fog off the southern California coast
Winds create an offshore current and displace warm surface water, causing an upwelling of colder water. Moist air is then cooled and advection fog results.
In the harbor, it is mostly land radiation fog warm air over cool water.
5 things that constitute a marine casualty
Unintended grounding, injury requiring more than first aid, loss of life, collision, loss of propulsion, loss of steering
5 things that must go on a form when reporting a marine casualty
Vessel name, vessel official number, date of occurrence, people involved, reason for the report, was a drug or alcohol test taken.
Who monitors vhf ch 13?
Vessels greater than 20 meters in length, towing vessels 26’ or greater for bridge to bridge communication
Define an escort tug.
Escort tug is in the proximity to the vessel during transit for assistance
Define assist tug
Positioned alongside the vessel for assistance to steering, stopping, and turning
Where do escort tugs meet tankers?
No closer than 2 nm from the federal breakwater
Frequency for vhf ch 13
156.650
Six things to be done in case of an oil spill
- Find and stop the flow
- Contain the spill as best to your ability with the ships personnel
- Report to the uscg
- Contact the nearest spill response agency
- Entry into official log book
- Minimize environmental risk
UKC for shifting from LA to LB or vice versa
3’
What is PORTS?
nOAA website for real time tide current and other meteorological information
Restricted visibility
Tankers 150,000 or greater visibility must be greater than
1 nm
Restricted visibility tankers greater than 60,000 but less than 150.000 visibility must be greater than
.75 nm
Restricted visibility
All vessel’s with a draft 45’ or more must have visibility greater than
.75 nm
Restricted visibility
Tank barges and petroleum barges
Greater than 0.5 nm
All vessel’s restricted visibility
3 times the vessels LOA
What is the water depth at the Commodore Heim bridge?
42.3’ @ M.L.L.W.
Vertical clearance of Ford Ave Bridge
6.7ft down
165’ up
Mean high water
4.7ft
What channels do LB pilots work
74
12
05a tugs (primary)
65 tugs (alternate)
Describe a Controlled Navigation Area (CNA)
Restricting entry into certain areas of the port by recreational boats without a port police issued permit
Inclement weather: Small craft advisory
Sustained winds 21-33kts potentially in combination with wave heights exceeding 10ft
