What is ICW bridge clearance?

All fixed bridges crossing the channel of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Florida have a clearance of 65 feet above MHW except the Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami, which has a 56-foot clearance. Horizontal clearance between fenders at most bridges is 90 feet, however, some bridges may be less.

What channel do bridges monitor in Florida?

Channel 9
In Florida, bridges monitor Channel 9 and some other states bridge operators monitor channel 13. Before calling in, make sure you double check the name of the bridge you want to pass under. If you mix up the name of the bridge, the operator may not acknowledge you.

How deep is the Intercoastal in Florida?

12-foot-
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway serves ports for more than 1,100 miles (1,800 km) between Brownsville, Texas, and Apalachee Bay, Fla. It lies mainly behind barrier beaches and provides a 150-foot-wide, 12-foot-deep channel.

How do you navigate Intracoastal Waterway in Florida?

The rule to follow when navigating the ICW is as follows:

  1. Always keep the yellow squares to port.
  2. Always keep the yellow triangles to starboard.

What is the lowest bridge height on the ICW?

65 feet
The stated minimum vertical clearance of fixed bridges for the Atlantic ICW is 65 feet, except for the JuliaTuttleBridge in the Miami area, which is 56 feet. (The passage offshore from Port Everglades Inlet at Fort Lauderdale to Government Cut in Miami allows you to avoid that bridge.)

How do you signal for a bridge open?

It is customary, at least in most areas, to contact the bridge tender by VHF radio to request an opening, however, there is a sound signal that can be used. To sound signal the bridge use one prolonged blast followed within 3 seconds with one short blast. The bridge tender will acknowledge an OK with the same signal.

How do you signal a drawbridge to open?

Sound Signals You can also signal the drawbridge by horn to request an opening with one prolonged blast (four to six seconds in duration) followed by one short blast (about one second). The bridge tender will reply with the same sound signal to acknowledge that the bridge can be opened immediately.

What channel do bridges monitor?

Most bridges monitor VHF Channel 09, designated by the Federal Communications Commission as the “bridge tender channel.” Bridges in NC and VA still answer on VHF Channel 13, as do the locks in the Okeechobee.

Can you swim in the Intracoastal Waterway Florida?

Although there may be local ordinances banning swimming at dangerous spots along the coast, it’s not inherently illegal to swim in the Intracoastal or inlet waterways, said Katie Purcell, a spokeswoman with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

How fast can you go on the ICW?

The Intracoastal Waterway extends almost the entire east coast of the United States and boaters treat it like I-95. The difference is the speed limit for I-95 is 70 miles per hour while the Intracoastal’s maximum speed is 25, and boats don’t have brakes.

How long does it take to navigate the Intracoastal Waterway?

about 4 weeks
The trip can be done in about 4 weeks if everything is perfect. The first limiting factor is the number of miles a particular boat can do in daylight hours. It’s foolish, in our opinion, to travel the ICW at night.