Question for Miami area boaters

[FootballFan]

Was wondering if someone had an easy answer to my question.

Periodically the Coast Guard closes Government Cut and the adjacent area when Cruise ships are transiting due to security concerns. Port Everglades never closes for this, only a Miami thing.

It is more than a hassle, when you make it to the area then find out things are shut down.

Is there anywhere online that you can look up a schedule for that day, or the next day or two when there will be closures?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Mike Blake]

Call the CG and see if they will tell you, (If their not sleeping)

 

[LMBoat]

Periodically? To my knowledge Government Cut has been closed to recreational boats since 9/11. Use Fishermans Channel to the south. I've always been able to transit this way.

 

[jxm99]

Periodically? To my knowledge Government Cut has been closed to recreational boats since 9/11. Use Fishermans Channel to the south. I've always been able to transit this way.

the north side is closed when there are more than 2 ships in port. The south side is always accesible

 

[RollerCoastr]

There are ships there pretty much all wkd, every wkd. It clears out during the week, but I don't think I saw less than 4 ships at any given time this wkd.

Be careful not to cut the corner of Dodge Island - it's REALLY shallow there. It's marked, but a little confusing. The channel essentially lines up with the Miami River. On most wkd, the shallows are also usually marked by the yacht or sailboat who didn't look at his charts or thought he could follow a center console...

If you're not in a hurry you can also make your way east on the north side of the Tuttle, and on the north side of the Venetian. The south side of the Venetian is dicey at the western end, and south of Monument Island, but it's also pretty sandy, and it's very scenic over there.

 

[FootballFan]

Thank you for your responses.

As I look at the chart, it shows government cut as the inlet which dumps into a turning basin. Then continuing straight the label is Main Channel on the north side of Dodge Island. I see the south channel from the ICW along the south side of Dodge Island. I am clear on the route south side of Dodge island.

Just to make sure I am clear, you can always transit the south channel (southside of Dodge). Where the south channel comes back to the turning basin, are there ever any cruise ship closures of the Turning Basin? or the Inlet itself?

Question arises navigating to the marina which is immediately to starboard after you enter Government cut from the outside.

Had been told there were closures at times - just wanting a path into that marina - from ICW or outside.

Thanks, Mark

 

[RollerCoastr]

Just to make sure I am clear, you can always transit the south channel (southside of Dodge). Where the south channel comes back to the turning basin, are there ever any cruise ship closures of the Turning Basin? or the Inlet itself?

Question arises navigating to the marina which is immediately to starboard after you enter Government cut from the outside.

Yes, Dodge Cut (south) is an option while ships are in port.

Are you referring to the eastern turning basin? I've never seen a ship use it - if they do that, it's so early in the morning that I never WILL see it. (and only the ships at the east end of the island would use it anyway - all the others go to the inside basin)

You wouldn't want to be anywhere near the turning basin when a ship is there, even if the CG let you. The wash created by thrusters and azipods would spin a pleasureboat in circles 200' away. It'd be fun to watch, but not to experience!

You shouldn't have any trouble getting to Miami Beach Marina from the inlet. I've never seen them close the area between the inlet and the CG station.

From the ICW, you not only have the paths I mentioned above, but you can stay east in the ICW after Haulover. There are some incredible homes to see along Bay Harbor, Normandy and Indian Creek islands, and you'll end up right at MBM.

Be prepared as you cross under the MacArthur (immediately before MBM). The tidal currents there can be wicked and that pass-through gets congested on wkds.

 

[FootballFan]

Thank you for the fantastic input.

Not in fl this week, so getting research on understanding the area completed. Headed back in a couple of weeks, can't wait.

 

[Alex F]

I'm willing to bet that the only section of the port that would be closed is just after intersection of Fishermens Channel and Meloy Channel Inlet.



But, as always, it's best to double check with local authorities.

 

[FootballFan]

Thanks Alex. It is about that time that you are heading south I think... or have you already started?

 

[Alex F]

I'm already there, Mark. I'll PM you to see if we can get together.