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AL: Tombigbee River, Demopolis Lock, Test Buoy

• Date Reported: Oct 21, 2020
• Reporter: Waterway Guide Staff
• Source: USACE Mobile
• Description:

  Notice is given to mariners that the US COAST GUARD has deployed new test buoys at the above locations and is requesting mariners to provide feedback on the buoys’ performance as Aides to Navigation (AToN).
  
  On behalf of BMCS Kyle Norman, Officer In Charge (OIC), USCGC WEDGE WLR-75307:
  
  "The U.S. Coast Guard has replaced the Green Buoy at the upper approach to Demopolis Lock (Tombigbee River Mile 213.7) and the lower Red Buoy at Rattlesnake Bend (Tombigbee River Mile 224) with prototype buoy hulls. These buoys are constructed of a plastic hull and are larger than the steel hulls currently in service on the Western Rivers. The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center is seeking public feedback to determine the radar signature and visual aspect of these buoy hulls. Mariners are asked to email [email protected] to note whether the buoys meet, exceed, or do not meet radar and visual expectations for navigation. It is requested the river mile and buoy color are reported when emailing feedback. Comments from Commercial and Recreational waterway users are welcomed and highly desired."
  
  For additional information, contact BMCS Kyle Norman, OIC, USCGC WEDGE WLR-75307, at 251-259-1924.

• Lat / Lon: N 32° 31.270' / W 087° 53.067'

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.

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• Comment by: Ro and Shorty Whittington on Jul 4, 2021
  Vessel Type: Power
  LOA: 58'
  Draft: 4.5'

  Went past test buoy 4pm on sunny day. Can't say anything about radar only visual observation. It appeared to be larger than normal and a little brighter green (I was hoping for lime green) but was floating crooked. That might be because it is a test, I don't know. Is there any protection against bird poop? Sometimes that acts as camouflage. Are those reflectors or solar panels? Either is a good idea. Thanks for trying to improve design and asking my opinion. Ro

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