Mile marker 53 lower Mississippi River is part of one of America’s most significant waterways. It is part of the largest drainage system in the United States, boasting over 3,700 miles of navigable waters. As indicated by its name, the river starts at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and travels 2,340 miles to its exit point in the Gulf of Mexico. The river’s navigation allows for transportation of goods and services far and wide. With a dynamic history, the Mississippi River is the ultimate pinnacle of the American dream.
In terms of its commercial fleets, the lower Mississippi River boats can be divided into two categories: towboats and barges. Towboats are typically powered by marine diesel engines, and are used to guide unloaded barges. Barges have evolved over time to become more multi-purpose than nautical vessels. Currently, they also dot the river and are used for carrying cargo such as grain, asphalt, coal, steel, and other materials.
For those in the trade industry, the choice of barge makes all the difference. The deck barges, which are longer and heavier than the standard models, are great for transporting cargo. Meanwhile, hopper barges are used for lighter loads such as grain and sand, as they can be easily tipped over. In terms of size, barges come in a large variety, from 30’ in length to over 200’.
When deciding on the right barges for efficient navigating the Mississippi River, captains consider the type, size, and number of vessels. In terms of speed, towboats and deck barges move the fastest because their design allows for smoother transitions along the route. Smaller barges are preferred if the cargo needs to go a shorter distance. Also, captains should consider the water level, which can sometimes be too low with normal flow.
The safety of the fleet is equally as important as its efficiency. The shallow, irregular depths that characterize the Mississippi River warrant an experienced crew keeping a vigilant watch of the navigational routes. Factors such as marine traffic, fog, and the presence of fixed objects can make navigating the river dangerous. Thus, the number of experienced folk and the quality of the equipment are essential.
History
The Mighty Mississippi began its role as a commercial waterway with the advent of steamboats in 1811. Prior to this, a significant portion of the river’s transportation was done by canoe and rafts, with slave labor heavily involved in the work. After the steamboat, trading and ferrying went from being localized to regional, as did the profiting from the river’s trading port. As the industry and technology expanded, barges and towboats to move cargo and passengers started dominating the river.
In the following years, the river has become home to some of the biggest industrial complexes in the United States, as well as providing an essential trade route for all of Middle and Southern America. Nevertheless, the lower Mississippi River continues to stay the same, with its original beauty and wildlife undisturbed by the commerce that takes place around it.
Economy
The modern-day Mississippi River flow has created a major economic impact for the Gulf Coast Region. It is not only a gateway to domestic markets but also to the world. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the shipping industry transports $2 billion in goods annually, with agricultural products being the most shipped. Other commodities like petroleum, steel, chemicals, and general cargo are also transported.
Part of the reason why the Mississippi is so successful is because of its nature. Not only is it an established body of water with an ‘uninterrupted’ structure, but because of its width and flat bottom, it leaves no stone unturned in terms of shipping. It can accommodate ships of various sizes due to its width, and its flat bottom makes navigation more efficient by reducing drag while its turbulent water prevents sediment build-up.
In addition, the river’s location and accessibility is a big part of its success. As one of the busiest inland waterways of the world, the Mississippi River serves 43 states and 85 ports from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This enables people to buy and sell a variety of goods to the rest of America and the world.
Major revenue for the river comes from a variety of sources, most notably from the shipping of commerce and raw materials. On top of that, shipping for leisure and recreational activities such as fishing and cruising has become a large factor in the river’s success as well.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River has seen many effects due to its large-scale shipping industry. Many environmentalists are concerned about the state of the river’s wildlife and ecosystems because of the pollutants that have been released in it. This has inspired advocates to take action and regulate the chemicals used by the vessels and ships navigating the river.
Oil waste and other contaminants have been identified as the major threat to the Mississippi River’s environment. The concentrated water column makes it easy for these pollutants to travel and affect wildlife. In 2017, a USGS report found that the river was contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals, giving it a high limitation to its wildlife.
The growing need for safe navigation in the lower Mississippi River is prioritized by the Coast Guard, which is responsible for the patrolling, maintenance, and compliance of the river’s laws. On top of that, the EPA has regulations in place for the pollutant that is used in the river, and the government continues to invest money in sciences and technical solutions for restoring the river’s environment.
Popular Culture
The Mississippi River is part of American culture. Its influence can be seen everywhere, from literature to music. Throughout the years, the river has been honored in literature, with works such as Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and Mark Twain’s ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’.
Music also has a special place in the heart of the Mississippi. Many musical acts started their career on this river and have praised it many times, such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. Traditional jazz, blues, and gospel music have all originate from the area, and have spread all over the world.
The Mighty Mississippi River has also inspired many television shows, books, and movies. A number of them were filmed on or near the river and involve its natural beauty and tales of its wildness. ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘The Mummy’ are just a couple of examples of movies inspired by the river.
Today, the Mighty Mississippi River is still an icon of Americana and a major part of the country’s culture. The river itself and the trade that takes place along its route are embodied in folklore and art, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Pilotage
Piloting, or the navigation of a vessel up and down the Mississippi River, requires skill and experience. Most vessel operators employ experienced river pilots to guide their vessels safely up and down the river’s channels. The pilots are responsible for navigating the vessel safely and at the correct speed, taking into account the current, the depth of the water, and any possible objects in their way. Additionally, a river pilot needs to be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations governing navigation on the river.
In the length of the Lower Mississippi River, there are only 12 ports. Of those, five have federal harbors, with most having been built since the 1950s. The ports and harbors are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard. Many of the ports and harbors have comprehensive facilities, deep water and locks, making them ideal for navigational purposes.
Having a trained pilot aboard the vessel is essential for safe navigation of the Mississippi River. Piloting is essential in busy waterways like the lower Mississippi River, where vessels of all sizes can cross each other’s paths and cause collisions. Additionally, as vessels of different sizes need to operate in different conditions, a pilot can help to make sure the journey is as safe and quick as possible.
The Mississippi River poses many navigational challenges for boaters, making the use of navigational charts crucial for safe passage. Navigational charts are maps of the river and its features, showing depths of water, locations of submerged objects, buoys, lights, and other features. The charts also include landmarks and prominent points of interest, such as bridges and locks.
The Mississippi River Commission has been in charge of producing and distributing navigational charts since 1889. Today, the commission creates updated chart books, as well as online navigational systems. Additionally, the US Coast Guard also publishes navigational publications that detail boat lane, navigation restrictions, and other safety-related information.
When navigating the Lower Mississippi River, having a reliable set of navigational charts is essential. The charts will provide the vessel operators with the most up-to-date information on the river’s conditions. Additionally, the navigational charts will provide information on currents and winds, which can impact the safe passage of vessels on the river.
Equipment
The Mississippi River is a congested waterway and its vessels must be appropriately equipped for the voyage. The towboats and barges on the river are usually equipped with sophisticated and expensive equipment such as engines, radar, and navigation devices, which help to progress their journey as safely and efficiently as possible.
Towboats are equipped with two main groups of equipment for a successful journey. The first are navigation systems such as navigation lights, compasses, radios and other communication devices, GPS systems, radar systems, and course plotters. The second type is propulsion systems, such as engines and screw propellers. In addition, other equipment such as lifeboats, bilge pumps, winches, and firefighting equipment are also essential.
Barges also need to be equipped with the same types of equipment as towboats, as well as additional equipment such as anchor chains and winches. Additionally, barges must also be equipped with safety systems such as fire extinguishers and lifeboats.
In order for towboats and barges to make their voyage up and down the Mississippi River, their vessels must be properly equipped for the job. Having the right equipment aboard will not only ensure the success of the voyage, but keep all passengers and crew members safe.
