Pier Pressure

V

V1rowT8

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No....not the old Cleveland Indians joke.

I just received a permit that amongst other things, includes permitting of a pier/boathouse on a parcel of land I own. Since this will be my first pier, I could use some input.

One of the state stipulations was for lighting on the pier/boathouse in the interest of night safety. The pier will extend into a fairly active waterway, and I have been directed to adhere to USCG lighting regulations in this process. It's obviously prudent that the structure be lighted in order to avoid a night accident, but I cannot for the life of me find anything pertaining to mandated lighting thru the USCG, except for reference to boat lighting itself. Anybody privvy to this? Short of calling the USCG, I am lost.

Also, beyond the statutory requirements placed upon me, I am looking for suggestions on well proven and practical pier lighting products. Beyond that, any do's and don'ts that any of you have learned through the course of pier ownership would be appreciated. This will be a 70 foot pier, with a 40 foot L-head, and adjacent covered slip with lift, located in northeast NC.

Thanks in advance.
 
Call USCG, but some sort of white light w. 2 mile visibility is the norm. A guy went right through the middle of a household pier here in Bogue Sound this fall. Lights all along the way might help (though probably not that guy).
 
quote:
Originally posted by caltexfla

Call USCG, but some sort of white light w. 2 mile visibility is the norm. A guy went right through the middle of a household pier here in Bogue Sound this fall. Lights all along the way might help (though probably not that guy).

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Better yet, write the Coast Guard. That way, they will have to provide you a written answer. Keep it in case there are any questions or problems later.
 
Good luck, if it's like the permitting process on our lake, the rules are vague, but they will let you know if you violate one. Our docks are limited in square footage and must have relectors fixed, no requirement for lighting. Check with neighbors and see how theirs are done.
 
We are in Md. and in the creek of the Annapolis CG. We have a 150'pier with a 30' 'T' on the end. I had it wired with 12v 1/2 dome pile lights every third pile, that shines onto pier, and two on the t-head that shine down. Wish I had a boat house, but up here, if you didn't buy property with that permit from yrs. ago, they won't issue any new ones.
 
Another thought - The people you hire to build the pier probably know what lighting it needs. Still, I would write to the Coast Guard so you will have a written response.
 
Interesting, We have had a dock in MD for over thrity years and I have never heard of this. However, if you google "USCG pier lighting requirements" then go to; ehow dot com, they go into what you should not do; like put green and red lights on your dock, stacked white lights, etc. and lighting of docked boats. Gee, I guess you will have to have a generator down there in case you lose power. I felt better when I was ignorant of this idea. At least they didn't ask you to comply with the Army Corp of Engineers stuff... Tim
 
I had the same issue at my last house, I bought a vapor proof light fixture and added a photocel switch with a 5000 hour bulb at the very end on top of the outer pile.
Now they also offer them with the 13w flourescent.
They are cast aluminum with a glass cover and a cast cage over the glass, very tough.

http://www.crouse-hinds.com/catalog/PDFS/Vaporproof Incandescent Lighting.pdf

If you are installing a power tower then a lot of them come with a light that will also work well.
 
I have never heard of a permit that didnt include an inspection requirement.
I suggest asking who will inspect to confirm your proper lighting and ask them for written description of the requirements.
When it comes to inspections it really doesn’t matter what we think or what somebody else did or even what's on the adjacent pier, only what the inspector will require at the time of inspection.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

I have never heard of a permit that didnt include an inspection requirement.
I suggest asking who will inspect to confirm your proper lighting and ask them for written description of the requirements.
When it comes to inspections it really doesn’t matter what we think or what somebody else did or even what's on the adjacent pier, only what the inspector will require at the time of inspection.

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+1

Plus, I think I would have blueprints drawn up and take them to the inspecting authority for "pre-approval". Might save time and money making changes and revisions later.

Bob
 
We couldn't get power to pier at first due crossing the wetlands, and then found a guy that dug down both ends, and fired a torpeedo from one to other thru the earth. Ran conduit without disturbing anything, and required an elect. inspec.
 
I doubt there is any USCG-mandated lighting for private piers. Only prohibitions against improper lighting mimicing various vessel lighting scenarios. There must be a million unlit piers, or ones that are lit only at the owners' convenience.
 
Self contained solar powered lights work well when shore power is not readily available.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

I doubt there is any USCG-mandated lighting for private piers. Only prohibitions against improper lighting mimicing various vessel lighting scenarios. There must be a million unlit piers, or ones that are lit only at the owners' convenience.

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It depends on where they are relative to a navigable channel. Regardless of what the CG says, I think if you are in an area where there is boat traffic, it behooves you to light the thing. The solar lights are a really good idea. There are plenty that are bright enough.
 
"...found a guy that dug down both ends, and fired a torpeedo from one to other thru the earth..."

I watched one of those things work one day... it's almost obscene!
 
I would downwash the pier in order to minimize the affects on mariners night vision. I would think the ACOE would be on place for answers.
 
V: Check your email. I found a connection who wants to discuss this with you.
 
V1, CWO3 Edge said in his voicemail that you can also email him if you prefer. Let me know if you need/want his email address. Also let us know how this turns out and how it is lit so we will all know where to go for the dock party...

Everyone: Thru my old contacts in the USCG I was able to get directed to USCG Sector NC Waterways Management Office. CHief Warrant Officer Edge has agreed to work V1 in getting any information and further assistance he may need in getting his dock set up properly.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

V1, CWO3 Edge said in his voicemail that you can also email him if you prefer. Let me know if you need/want his email address. Also let us know how this turns out and how it is lit so we will all know where to go for the dock party...

Everyone: Thru my old contacts in the USCG I was able to get directed to USCG Sector NC Waterways Management Office. CHief Warrant Officer Edge has agreed to work V1 in getting any information and further assistance he may need in getting his dock set up properly.

Click to expand...

Great, but let's get it posted here so we all will know.
 
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