Bridge comment on Dr. Sally Ride Memorial (NASA Causeway) Bridge

Comment by: chip vaughn on Apr 16, 2018
LOA: 48'

Having traveled the ICW many times from Cape Cod to Key West, the NASA Causeway Bridge is the only draw that questions the need for an opening because of height clearance. We are 27 feet with gear down, and yesterday the bridge clearance was 21 feet. We were told that if we did not lower our gear even though we still could not clear that we were subject to a $25,000 fine! Is this guy serious? cv

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  From the Code of Federal Regulations:
  §117.11 Unnecessary opening of the draw.
  No vessel owner or operator shall—
  (a) Signal a drawbridge to open if the vertical clearance is sufficient to allow the vessel, after all lowerable nonstructural vessel appurtenances that are not essential to navigation have been lowered, to safely pass under the drawbridge in the closed position; or
  (b) Signal a drawbridge to open for any purpose other than to pass through the drawbridge opening.
  [CGD 91-059, 59 FR 16563, Apr. 7, 1994]

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Marina Review for New Smyrna Marina and The Fishing Store

Reviewed by: chip vaughn on Nov 26, 2017
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent service. Clean facility. Personal service. Can't be beat.

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