Navigating Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren

Jaybeaux

Well-Known Member
Jan 3, 2016
2,024
Upper Potomac River
Boat Info
2006 Sea Ray 48
Naught On Call
Engines
Cummins QSC-540s with V-Drives
11 KW Onan Genset
In a couple of weeks, we are making a trip down the Potomac River which will take us past the Naval Testing Center in Dahlgren, VA. We've been through that area before, but it was on holidays or weekends, which means the firing range is not in operation. My upcoming trip will be on a Thursday, so there is a distinct possibility that the range may be in operation.

I'm familiar with the Range Boats, the telephone numbers to call in advance to see if the range is open, the Yellow ATONs the Navy has on both sides of the river. Also, the "danger area (specifically the Middle Danger Area) is well marked on my charts and electronic maps.

My plan, if the range is open, is to take the Maryland side route. I'll pick up Buoy "R" at Lower Cedar Point. My next buoy is "Q", followed by "O". Here is where my question starts. Is there sufficient water depth to get past Swan Point if we are required to navigate down to Navy buoys "M" and "K"? To stay out of the range, I have to be inside of a white beacon (shown on the charts) and hopefully not run aground on a spit that runs southward off of Swan Point. It just looks like awfully skinny water right there.

My "proposed" route is shown by the blue line. I'm just concerned about getting through this tight spot.

Also, with my down-river course, keeping the Navy Yellow ATONs on my starboard side is correct, yes?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Jaybeaux
2018-07-30_LI.jpg
 
I was heading north from Coles point to National Harbor last Thursday morning and was hailed by one of the range boats. He gave me an exact rout to follow buoy by buoy along the MD side of the river. We were able to create a rout on the plotter as the directions were relayed.
 
Do you recall how shallow the water got? I'm probably making too much of this, but it's my first time!
 

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