Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent and Severn Rivers

Book 3 · Chapter 13

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Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent and Severn Rivers

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This chapter describes the western shore of Chesapeake Bay from Point Lookout, on the north side of the entrance to Potomac River, to Mountain Point, the northern entrance point to Magothy River. Also described are Patuxent River, Herring Bay, West River, South River, Severn River, and Magothy River, the bay’s principal tributaries; the ports of Solomons Island, Benedict, Chesapeake Beach, Shady Side, Galesville and Annapolis; and several of the smaller ports and landings on these waterways.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for Chesapeake Bay are described in 33 CFR 80.510, chapter 2.

From Potomac River to Patuxent River, the western shore of Chesapeake Bay is mostly low, although the 100-foot elevation does come within 1 mile of the water midway between the two rivers. Above Patuxent River, the ground rises and 100-foot elevations are found close back of the shore along the unbroken stretch northward to Herring Bay. Above Herring Bay, the 100-foot contour is pushed back by the tributaries. Except for the developed areas, the shore is mostly wooded.

The bay channel has depths of 50 feet or more and is well marked by lights and buoys.

The fishtrap areas that extend along this entire section of the western shore are marked at their outer limits and are shown on the charts.

 Ice

Ice is encountered in the tributaries, particularly during severe winters. When threatened by icing conditions, certain lighted buoys may be replaced by lighted ice buoys having reduced candlepower or by unlighted buoys, and certain unlighted buoys may be discontinued.

The danger zone of an aerial firing range and target area begins off Point Lookout and extends northward to Cedar Point. (See 33 CFR 334.200, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) The target areas in the danger zone are marked by lighted buoys.

A middle ground with depths of 10 to 18 feet is about 8 miles eastward of Point Lookout; the area is about 7 miles long in a north-south direction and 2 miles wide. The stranded wreck near the middle of the shoal is marked by a light.

A fish haven is about 4.4 miles north-northeast of Point Lookout in about

 St. Jerome Creek to Hooper Island Light

St. Jerome Creek, 5 miles north of Point Lookout, is entered through a channel marked by lights, a daybeacon, buoys, and bush stakes to a basin about 0.5 mile above the entrance, thence northward into the creek. In 2018, the controlling depths were 1.7 feet in the entrance channel and 4.0 feet in the basin, thence 5.6 feet in the channel above the basin. In 1998, severe shoaling was reported in the vicinity of St. Jerome Creek Daybeacon 3. The creek is used principally as an anchorage for oyster and fishing boats.

There are several small wharves along St. Jerome Creek. A landing is at , on the south side of the creek just above the entrance; gasoline is available. A dredged channel leads south from St. Jerome Creek into Southern Prong. Private daybeacons mark the channel to a marina in Southern Prong. Berths with electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, a 40-foot marine railway and partial hull repairs are available.

, on the west side of Chesapeake Bay 6 miles north of Point Lookout, has no prominent natural marks. Point No Point Light (), 52 feet above the water, is shown from a white octagonal brick dwelling on a brown cylinder, in depths of about 22 feet, 1.6 miles southeastward of the point. The light is 1.7 miles due west of a point on the bay ship channel 76.4 miles above the Capes.

Hooper Island Light (), 63 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower on a brown cylindrical base, in depths of 18 feet near the outer edge of the shoals, 3 miles westward from Hooper Islands. The light is 2.8 miles due east of a point on the bay ship channel 84.4 miles above the Capes.

 Patuxent River

The enclosed naval seaplane basin 8.5 miles north-northwestward of Point No Point and 2 miles southwestward of Cedar Point has depths of about 10 feet. The entrance to the basin is between two breakwaters, each marked at their outer ends by a light.

() is 10 miles north-northwest of Point No Point. The ruins of an abandoned lighthouse are on the tiny islet 0.3 mile off the point. The shoal extending 0.5 mile eastward from the islet is marked at its outer end by a lighted bell buoy. A fish haven is 0.6 mile northwestward of Cedar Point.

empties into the west side of Chesapeake Bay 89.3 miles above the Virginia Capes. Commercial traffic consists chiefly of shellfish and shells and petroleum products. Drafts of vessels using the river are mostly 7 feet or less and seldom exceed 12 feet.

The river has natural depths of 25 to 30 feet in the approach, 30 to over 100 feet for 16 miles upstream, thence 23 feet to the Benedict highway bridge 19 miles above the mouth, thence 10 feet for 12 miles to within 2 miles of Nottingham, thence 6 feet for 5 miles, and thence 3 feet to Hills Bridge, 40 miles above the mouth. The channel is not difficult to follow as far as the Benedict bridge, and the principal shoals are marked by lights and daybeacons; the channel above the bridge is narrow in places and is marked for about another 2.5 miles.

Anchorage can be had off the mouth of Patuxent River; shelter from westerly winds is found in depths of 20 to 30 feet close to shore on the north side of the approach. Shelter from easterly winds is found in depths of 30 to 50 feet in the channel about 1.5 miles above the entrance.

Bottom in Patuxent River channel is mostly soft as far as the Benedict highway bridge, and vessels can anchor where convenient. Small vessels anchor in the creeks back of Solomons Island, but there is little swinging room. St. Leonard Creek is a good small-vessel anchorage in any weather.

The current velocity is 0.4 knot in the entrance to Patuxent River off Drum Point. Ice closes the river to near the mouth in severe winters.

Marine supplies and complete hull and machinery repairs are available along the Patuxent River. Principal locations are in the creeks behind Solomons Island, i.e., Back Creek and Mill Creek. Facilities are also available in Town Creek, Cuckold Creek and Island Creek and at Benedict.

Patuxent River empties into the head of the bight between Cedar Point and , 5 miles to the northward. Cove Point Light (), 45 feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on the point. The light is 1 mile west of a point on the bay ship channel 92.6 miles above the Capes. The high bluffs on , 1.5 miles to the southward, are prominent.

The entrance to Patuxent River is between and , 0.9 mile to the southward. The shoals that extend off Fishing Point and , 1 mile to the east-northeastward, are marked at their outer ends by lights. A fish haven is about 1 mile east-southeastward of Patuxent River Light 3. A light is just off Drum Point.

Mileages on Patuxent River, shown as Mile 8W, 11E, etc., are the nautical miles above the midchannel point on a line drawn between Drum and Fishing Points. The letters N, S, E and W following the numerals denote by compass points the side of the river where each feature is located.

The Patuxent River Naval Air Station is along the south side of the entrance. The inclosed seaplane basins, East Patuxent Basin at Mile 0.8S and West Patuxent Basin at Mile 1.35S, have depths of 12 feet and 11 to 15 feet, respectively. Lights mark the entrance points to West Patuxent Basin. A restricted area off the air station begins about 2.4 miles south of Cedar Point and extends north to the mouth of Patuxent River, thence upstream for about 2.5 miles. (See 33 CFR 334.180, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

, Mile 1.8N, is joined to the mainland on the northwest by a causeway. The shoal that extends 500 yards southward from , at the south end of the island, is marked at its outer end by a light. is the village on the island. The pier of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory on the east side of the island has depths of 8 feet at the outer end and is marked by a private light.

and have a common entrance between Solomons Island and the mainland 200 yards to the north-northeastward. The marked main approach, between the island and the shallow middle ground to the eastward, has depths of 20 to 25 feet. The second marked approach, between the middle ground and the mainland to the northward, has depths of 12 feet.

The two creeks separate just above the entrance. Mill Creek goes eastward of a shallow spit with a small islet at the southern end, and Back Creek goes westward; the spit and the islet are marked by lights.

There are many small-craft facilities in Back Creek and Mill Creek and along the northern side of Solomons Island. Lifts to 75 tons are available for complete repairs. Complete hull and machinery services, gasoline, diesel fuel and pump-out station services are available.

The Back Creek cove between the islet and the inner side of Solomons has general depths of 15 feet and is used as an anchorage by many yachts and fishing boats.

Back Creek has depths of 12 feet for 0.7 mile above the cove, thence 10 to 6 feet for another 0.5 mile.

has depths of 16 to 12 feet for 1.2 miles, thence 10 to 4 feet for another mile. Two submerged wrecks, reported covered 9 feet, are along the east side of the channel, about 0.5 mile above the mouth. Midchannel courses will safely pass the wrecks.

is at Mile 2.9S. A shoal with a daybeacon at its outer end extends about 175 yards east of Town Point. , on the southwest side of the low point, is used by fishing and oyster boats and recreational craft. The creek, marked at the entrance by a light, is entered about 0.5 mile south-southwestward of Town Point. The entrance light also marks the outer end of a shoal that extends southward from the northern entrance point. Submerged wrecks are reported in the southwestern arm of the creek. Several small-craft facilities are on Town Creek.

State Route 4 fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 30 feet at the west span and 35 feet at the east span crosses Town Creek about 0.3 mile above the entrance light. An overhead power cable with a clearance of 55 feet crosses the north arm of the creek about 0.45 mile above the entrance light.

Thomas Johnson Memorial (State Route 4) Bridge has a fixed span with a vertical clearance of 140 feet and crosses the Patuxent River between Town Point and the north shore. The area in the immediate vicinity of the bridge is subject to unpredictable and sudden changes in wind conditions. Mariners under sail should exercise caution while navigating in the area.

Point Patience at Mile 3.9N is marked at the outer end by a lighted buoy. The current is reported to be especially strong within 25 yards of the light. The long piers used by the Government on the east and west sides of the point are within a restricted area. (See 33 CFR 334.180, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

and have a common entrance at Mile 4.7W. Lights and daybeacons mark the entrance channel. Gasoline and some supplies are available at Clarks Landing, on the peninsula between the two creeks. Depths at the fuel pier are about 6 feet.

Cuckold Creek, which extends northwestward from the entrance, has depths of 15 to 11 feet for 1 mile, thence 10 to 4 feet into the several arms. Three marinas are on the south side of the creek 0.6 mile, 0.8 mile and 0.9 mile above the entrance, respectively. Gasoline, diesel fuel and some supplies are available. Hull and engine repairs can be made; marine railway, 60 feet; lift, 10 tons.

enters Patuxent River at Mile 5.3E. In 1990, the reported controlling depth was 7 feet across the bar at the entrance; thence in 1980, depths of 5 feet were reported available for 1 mile into the creek; the deeper water favors the east side of the entrance. The creek is used principally as a small-boat harbor.

St. Leonard Creek, Mile 7E, has depths of 15 to 10 feet for 2 miles, then shoals gradually to 1 foot at the head, 3.5 miles above the entrance. Safe anchorage is available in depths of 15 to 21 feet, 0.5 mile above the entrance. An overhead power cable with a reported clearance of 50 feet crosses the creek about 3.4 miles above the mouth. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available at a marina on the east side, 2 miles above the mouth. The shoal that extends 0.4 mile southward from , on the northwest side of the entrance, is marked at its outer end.

, which is not an island but a mainland peninsula, is at Mile 9.5N. A light marks the limit of the shoal area that extends 0.2 mile southward of the peninsula.

, which empties into Patuxent River along the east side of Broomes Island, has depths of 8 to 10 feet for 1 mile, but there are unmarked shoals, particularly along the west side of the entrance; a light marks the east side of the entrance.

The village of Broomes Island is on the west side of Island Creek about 1 mile from the outer end of the peninsula. Gasoline and some supplies are available at the crab and oyster piers.

, on the west side of Broomes Island, is entered by a unmarked dredged channel which leads to a turning basin in the upper end of the east arm.

A private channel, marked by private buoys, leads to a marina at the entrance of at Mile 12.6 W. In 1997, the channel had a reported depth of 5 feet. Gasoline, diesel fuel, some supplies, berths, a sewage pump-out station and a 10-ton lift are available; minor repairs can be made.

, Mile 13.2E, has depths of 10 to 7 feet for 1.5 miles. Private daybeacons mark the channel through the shoals just above the entrance. A shoal that extends 0.3 mile southwestward from the point on the east side of the entrance is marked at its outer end by a warning daybeacon.

The highway bridge over Patuxent River at Mile 18.8, from Town Point on the west side to Hallowing Point on the east side, has a 49-foot swing span with a clearance of 16 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.567, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.)

Benedict, a village just below the west end of the highway bridge, is the head of commercial navigation on Patuxent River. A marina at the south end of Benedict can provide gasoline, berths and some supplies. Minor repairs can be made; marine railway, 32 feet.

Navigation on Patuxent River above Benedict is difficult because of the numerous fishtraps and stakes.

Overhead power cables with a clearance of 60 feet over the main channel cross Patuxent River at Mile 20.9. The supporting towers are marked by private lights.

An overhead power cable across Patuxent River at Mile 25.5, a mile above , has a clearance of 53 feet.

is a village at Mile 28.3E. The state landing has depths of 12 feet at the face.

Nottingham, a village at Mile 32.8W, has a landing with depths of 13 feet at the face. In 1980, a draft of 5 feet could be carried with local knowledge to the Maryland Route 4 fixed highway bridge at Upper Marlboro, about 10 miles above Nottingham.

On the west side of Chesapeake Bay north of Cove Point is a liquefied natural gas unloading terminal of the Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP., The offshore unloading platform, 2,470 feet long with dolphins, has reported depths of 40 feet alongside. The platform has a deck height of 40 feet and provides berthing space for two LNG tank vessels. The northern berth has depths of 40 feet, but shoaling to 34 feet has been noted at the southern berth. The platform marked by private lights and sound signals, is connected to shoreside facilities by a submerged tunnel. A safety and security zone surrounds the terminal. (See 33 CFR 165.1 through 165.7, 165.20 through 165.25, and 165.502, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

, on the west side of Chesapeake Bay 6.3 miles northwest of Cove Point, had a reported depth of 4 feet in the entrance channel in 2008; thence in 1998–2004, 7 feet in the small-boat basin. The 600-foot stone jetties on either side of the entrance are almost covered at high water and marked at their ends by private lights.

 Plum Point Creek to Tracys Creek

() empties into the west side of Chesapeake Bay 15 miles north-northwest of Cove Point. In 1997, depths of 4.5 feet were reported in the entrance to the creek and in the small-boat basin. A marina on the north side of the creek can provide some berths, gasoline, some supplies and a sewage pump-out station.

Overhead telephone and power cables with a clearance of 52 feet cross the creek 0.1 mile above the mouth.

The Naval Research Laboratory firing range fans out from a point near Randle Cliff Beach (), 18 miles northward of Cove Point. (See 33 CFR 334.170, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) The laboratory towers are prominent.

Chesapeake Beach () is a resort and fishing center on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay 19.6 miles northward of Cove Point. Fishing Creek, on the north side of the resort, is entered by a dredged channel which leads from the bay through jetties to an anchorage basin in the creek. The channel is marked by lights and a daybeacon. The fixed highway bridge 0.3 mile above the jetties has a width of 36 feet and a clearance of 10 feet.

Small-craft facilities on the south side of the creek at Chesapeake Beach have gasoline, diesel fuel, a pump-out station, water, ice, berths and marine supplies. Hull and engine repairs can be made; marine railway, 50 feet; lift, 40 tons.

(), on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay 21.6 miles above Cove Point, has shoal areas extending in all directions; depths of 11 feet are less than 1 mile to the eastward and northeastward. A fish haven is about 2.2 miles east-northeast of Holland Point and an additional fish haven is about 1.3 miles east-southeast of Holland Point.

, between Holland Point and the marsh 3 miles to the northward, has general depths of 12 to 7 feet. , with depths of 2 to 5 feet, extends from the north side of the bay to within 1 mile of Holland Point and is marked at its south end by a light.

, 0.6 mile westward of Holland Point, is entered through a jettied private channel from the south side of Herring Bay. The channel is marked by a 198° lighted range and other private aids. In 2008, the channel had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet. The channel is very narrow and must be followed closely to carry the best water. A small-craft facility is on the east side of the harbor just inside the entrance. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, berths with electricity and repairs are available.

Rockhold Creek, at the northwest corner of Herring Bay, has good shelter for small boats. A dredged channel leads from the bay to a turning basin just below the fixed highway bridge at Deale. Above the bridge, depths of 2 to 3 feet can be carried for about 0.4 mile. The dredged channel is marked with lights, buoys and daybeacons midway to the bridge. A light marks the outer end of two breakwaters at the entrance. The fixed highway bridge 1 mile above the entrance has a horizontal clearance of 47 feet and a vertical clearance of 14 feet. The fixed highway bridge 1.8 miles above the entrance has a horizontal clearance of 41 feet with a vertical clearance of 10 feet.

Tracys Creek, branching west from Rockhold Creek at Deale, is crossed by a fixed bridge with a horizontal clearance of 46 feet and a vertical clearance of 11 feet. An overhead power cable at the bridge has a clearance of 37 feet.

A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in Rockhold Creek.

There are extensive small-craft facilities on both sides of Rockhold Creek below the first bridge and on the east side of the creek between the first and second bridges.

 West River to Fishing Creek

, 8.5 miles above Holland Point, empties into the west side of Chesapeake Bay north of (). A fish haven is off the entrance. The river has depths of 14 to 7 feet for about 4 miles, then shoals gradually to less than 3 feet in the tributaries. The river channel approach is marked by lighted buoys and by lights and daybeacons to , on the west side of the river 2.5 miles above the entrance light. A yacht club is on the east side of the river at , opposite Galesville. Several small-craft facilities are at Galesville.

, on the south side of West River 0.5 mile westward of Curtis Point, is entered by a marked dredged channel that leads to an anchorage basin, and thence to at the head of the south fork. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced.

Small-craft facilities on the north side of Parish Creek and at Shady Side can provide gasoline, diesel fuel, water, electricity, a pump-out facility, berths and marine supplies. Hull and engine repairs can be made. Largest haul-out capabilities: marine railway, 35 feet; lift, 25 tons.

empties into the north side of West River 1.1 miles westward of West River Entrance Light 2. The river, marked at the entrance by a light, has depths of 11 to 9 feet for 2 miles. The critical shoals extending off the points are marked.

, on the east side of Rhode River 1 mile above the entrance light, has depths of 4 to 7 feet. The entrance to the creek is marked by daybeacons. is a town on the east side of the creek.

, on the north side of Rhode River 1.5 miles above the entrance light, has depths of 9 to 5 feet for 1 mile. The entrance is marked by daybeacons.

Small-craft facilities are on Cadle Creek and Bear Neck Creek.

, just north of West River, has channel depths of 14 feet or more to the second bridge, 6 miles above the mouth, then shoals gradually to 2 feet at the bridge near the head, 8.5 miles above the mouth. The river channel is marked to a point about 0.3 mile below the second bridge. Several of the creeks that flow into the river have good depths and are used extensively by local yachts and motorboats. Most of these tributaries are reported to provide good anchorage. There are commercial facilities above and below the first bridge.

Minimum wake areas and a 6-knot speed limit are enforced in many parts of the river and in most of the coves and creeks that flow into the river. These areas are marked by regulatory markers.

The entrance to South River is between and , 1.8 miles to the northeastward. Thomas Point Shoal Light (), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a white hexagonal tower on piles, in depths of 5 feet near the outer end of the shoal 1.2 miles east-southeastward of the point. The light is 1.5 miles due west of a point on the bay ship channel 124.2 miles above the Capes.

Selby Bay, on the southwest side of South River 1.7 miles above the mouth, has general depths of 8 to 11 feet. The south end of the bay is shallow. The channel to Selby Beach, on the northwest side of the bay, is marked by lights and a daybeacon. Ramsay Lake has a narrow entrance from the south end of Selby Bay; in 1998, a depth of 5.5 feet was reported in the entrance, thence 7 to 8 feet in the lake. The fixed highway bridge over the Selby Bay entrance to the lake has a width of 22 feet and a clearance of 14 feet.

Small-craft facilities are on the south and west sides of Selby Bay and in Ramsey Lake.

, on the southwest side of South River 3 miles above the mouth, has depths of 12 feet in the entrance and 4.5 feet reported through the narrows 0.2 mile above the entrance. The narrows connect Brewer Creek with to the southward. Gasoline, water, berths and limited marine supplies are available in Pocahontas Creek; hull and engine repairs can be made.

, on the southwest side of South River 3.5 miles above the mouth, has general depths of 13 to 15 feet. Care should be taken to avoid the 2-foot shoal near midbay and the 2-foot shoals along the northwest and southeast sides of the bay. , with depths of 11 to 7 feet for about 0.4 mile, empties into the southwest side of the bay. Gasoline, water and berths are available in the cove on the north side of the bay just inside the entrance.

State Route 2 fixed highway bridge at , 5 miles above the mouth of South River, has a clearance of 53 feet.

, on the north side of South River, extends along the westerly side of Edgewater. The creek has depths of 6 feet for 0.7 mile, nearly to the head.

There are small-craft facilities at Edgewater, and in Warehouse Creek, on the south side of the river opposite Edgewater.

Beards Creek, on the south side of South River 5.7 miles above the mouth, has depths of 15 to 8 feet for 1 mile; a shallow spit extends halfway across the entrance from the point on the northwest side. In 1978, a submerged piling was reported in Beards Creek in about The highway bridge at Riva, 6 miles above the mouth of South River, has a fixed span with a clearance of 25 feet.

, immediately northward of the entrance to South River, has depths of 7 to 4 feet. A privately dredged channel leads from the Chesapeake Bay to the Annapolis Coast Guard Station wharf on the northwest side of the creek.

 Severn River

, the approach to Annapolis, empties into Chesapeake Bay 127 miles above the Virginia Capes. Commercial traffic consists of tour boats, fishing and shell fishing craft. Naval craft and many pleasure craft use the river.

The river has main channel depths of 17 feet or more from the entrance to Annapolis, thence 15 feet or more for 8 miles, thence 11 to 7 feet for 2 miles to within 1 mile of the head. The channel is well marked as far as Annapolis, above which it is marked at the critical points and is easy to follow.

 Tides and currents

The tide is greatly influenced by winds. The current velocity seldom exceeds 0.5 knot. Ice rarely interferes with navigation except in severe winters, and then only for a short time.

The Severn River Comprehensive Vessel Management Plan regulations established maximum speed limits for day and night operation of boats and minimum wake speed limits for the Severn River and its tributaries. These speed limits vary and are marked by white and orange regulatory markers. For more information contact Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Marine Police, Tawes State Office Building, Annapolis, MD 21401; telephone 410-260-8880.

The entrance to Severn River is between and Greenbury Point, 2 miles to the northward. , with depths of 4 to 5 feet, extends 1 mile east-southeastward from the point; it is marked at its outer end by a light.

The entrance to is on the southwest side of Severn River 0.8 mile above Tolly Point. A dredged entrance channel leads to the lake from the river and has a reported controlling depth of 6 feet on the centerline in 1998. The lake has depths of 5 to 9 feet. The entrance channel is marked by lights and daybeacons. The small private wharves along the shore of the lake are used mostly for mooring pleasure craft.

is on the north side of the entrance to Severn River. Three towers on the point are prominent up and down the bay; each tower has a flashing red light on top and fixed red lights on the sides. A light marks the shoal extending 0.4 mile south of the point.

A naval deep-draft anchorage is southeast of Greenbury Point, and several smaller naval anchorages and prohibited anchorages are west and northwest of the point. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.159, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Proper advanced application must be made at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the planned anchoring. Submit application to the Chairman, Department of Seamanship and Navigation (SEANAV) via email: usna-port-ops-group@usna.edu. Applications should include the following information:

a. Name and type of vessel, call sign or official number, and registry;

b. Position (both GPS coordinates and precise anchor circle depicted on the chart);

c. Dates and times (estimated arrival and departure); and

d. Name and 24-hour contact information for the person in charge of the anchored vessel. The application will normally be considered on a case-by-case basis. Of particular note, applicants should refrain from requesting to anchor within the circle designated on the chart as Anchorage A.

The entrance to is northwest of Greenbury Point. The creek has an unmarked entrance bar and generally deeper water through a narrow channel inside. Floating breakwaters are in the entrance to Carr Creek, south of . North of Carr Point, the creek is within a naval firing range danger zone. (See 33 CFR 334.1 through 334.6, and 334.205, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Mariners are prohibited from the danger zone during range operations; warning lights will be activated on the shoreline.

, on the southwest side of Severn River 0.7 mile above the mouth, has depths of 7 to 9 feet for most of its 1-mile length. A light marks the outer end of the breakwater on the south side of the entrance, and lights and daybeacons mark the narrow entrance channel. The creek is used by fishing boats and pleasure craft. Berthing and repair facilities are located on the north side of the creek at and on the south side of the creek. Diesel fuel and gasoline are available on the south side of the creek.

Spa Creek is on the southwest side of the Severn River, 1.4 miles above the mouth. Vessels using the creek have drafts of 10 feet or less. The Spa Creek highway bridge, about 0.4 mile above the entrance, has a 40-foot bascule span with a clearance of 15 feet. The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 16 (156.80 MHz) and works on channels 13 and 68; contact by phone at 410–974–3840. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.571, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, pump-out station, water and ice are available on the north side of the creek just east of the bridge.

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is on the north side of Spa Creek. The U.S. Naval Academy occupies the entire northeastern part of the city between Spa Creek and College Creek, 0.7 mile to the northwestward.

 Quarantine, customs, immigration and agricultural quarantine

(See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and appendix for addresses.)

Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Health Service, chapter 1.)

Annapolis is a customs port of entry.

 Harbor Regulations

The harbormaster has an office on the north side of Market Slip and enforces city regulations for the harbor. The harbormaster also controls municipal rental berths and mooring available in the harbor. A speed limit of 6 mph is enforced.

The Naval Academy Santee Basin on the Severn River side of Annapolis has reported depths of 15 feet. The basin and seawall are within a restricted area. (See 33 CFR 334.160, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Spa Creek waterfront has depths of 4 to 10 feet reported alongside the bulkhead and wharves almost to , 250 yards below the north end of the Spa Creek highway bridge. Market Slip is 250 yards long and 40 yards wide, with depths of 8 to 10 feet; the slip is open to the public and is used extensively by small craft.

Extensive marine facilities are on both sides of Spa Creek above and below the bridge. Most of the boatyards are on the south, or Eastport, side of Spa Creek.

The U.S. Navy Marine Engineering Laboratory extends from Carr Creek along the eastern shore of Severn River for about 1 mile to Ferry Point. Naval restricted areas surround the small boat basin, 0.4 mile westward of Carr Creek, and Dungan and Worthington Basins just to the west. (See 33 CFR 334.150 and 334.155, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

College (Dorseys) Creek, on the southwest side of Severn River 2.1 miles above the mouth, has depths of 11 to 8 feet for most of its 1-mile length; the best water in the entrance is along the south side. A footbridge, two bascule bridges, an overhead pipeline and a fixed bridge cross the creek from Annapolis on the southeast bank to West Annapolis on the northwest bank. The drawspans of the bascule bridges are secured in a fixed position. (See 33 CFR 117.555, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridges and overhead pipeline have a minimum width of 40 feet and clearance of 5 feet.

The highway bridge, 2.4 miles above the mouth of Severn River has a fixed span with a clearance of 75 feet. A large fishing pier is above and adjacent to the highway bridge on the east of the Severn River.

Weems Creek (), on the southwest side of Severn River 3.2 miles above the mouth, has depths of 13 feet for 0.8 mile, thence 11 to 7 feet for 0.3 mile to near the head. A shoal extends 300 yards eastward from the point on the north side of the entrance and is marked by a daybeacon. The highway bridge 0.5 mile above the entrance has a swing span with a width of 28 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.577, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The fixed highway bridge about 500 feet above the drawbridge has a clearance of 28 feet. A private special purpose buoy at the mouth of Weems Creek marks a speed controlled area.

U.S. Route 50/301 fixed highway bridge over Severn River, 3.5 miles above the mouth, has a clearance of 80 feet at the center span.

, an expansion of Severn River beginning 6 miles above the mouth and continuing for 2 miles, has depths of 17 to 23 feet and is traveled extensively by motorboats. , west of Round Bay, has depths of 17 to 19 feet and is marked by daybeacons. Depths of 4 feet can be carried to a boatyard in , behind St. Helena Island. erths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramp, pump-out station, storage and some marine supplies can be obtained. A 35-ton lift is available for hull and engine repairs.

, on the north side of Severn River 9 miles above the mouth, has depths of 16 to 10 feet for most of its 0.4 mile length. Marine services are on the creek with 4 to 6 feet available alongside. Berths, electricity, water, ice and a launching ramp are available. A marine railway can handle crafts to 50 feet; lift to 9 tons for hull and engine repairs.

There is a small-boat basin on the east side of Severn River, 11 miles above the mouth. The controlling depth to the basin is about 3 feet.

 Whitehall Bay to Magothy River

, on the west side of Chesapeake Bay, is between Greenbury Point () and , 1.5 miles to the northeastward. The bay has general depths of 13 to 6 feet. At the mouth of Whitehall Bay are two naval firing range danger zones. (See 33 CFR 334.1 through 334.6, and 334.205, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Mariners are prohibited from the danger zones during range operations; warning lights will be activated on the shoreline. The entrance channel is about 300 yards wide between on the west and on the east, both with depths of 3 to 4 feet; a light marks the western limit of North Shoal. A lighthouse is on , on the west side of the entrance to Whitehall Creek.

, which empties into the northwest corner of Whitehall Bay, is entered through a privately dredged entrance channel marked by a light and daybeacons; in 1998, the reported controlling depth was 7 feet. The depths above the dredged channel are 7 to 14 feet for 1.5 miles to near the head of the creek. Gasoline is available at a pier 0.7 mile above the entrance. A marine railway, 1.3 miles above the entrance, can handle boats up to 40 feet. Gasoline and water are available just west of the railway.

, which empties into the northeast corner of Whitehall Bay, has depths of 9 to 13 feet for 1.5 miles, then shoals gradually to 1-foot at the head 0.5 mile farther up. The narrow, crooked entrance channel is marked by daybeacons. In 1998, shoaling to 6 feet was reported in the channel between daybeacons 4 and 5. A 35-ton lift is available on the east side of the creek, 1 mile above the mouth.

, in the northeast corner of Whitehall Bay just eastward of Whitehall Creek, has depths of about 2 feet in a very narrow entrance, thence 10 to 7 feet for 0.7 mile, then shoals gradually to 1 foot at the head, 0.6 mile farther up. Local knowledge is necessary to carry more than 2 feet through the entrance.

A fish haven, marked by a buoy, is about 1 mile eastward of Hackett Point.

The two spans of the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge (Chesapeake Bay Bridge) are 3.7 miles long from shore to shore and 130 miles above the Virginia Capes. The western end is 0.5 mile southwestward of Sandy Point and the eastern end is 4 miles south-southwestward of Love Point. There are two main channel spans along the length of the bridge, Chesapeake Channel and Eastern Channel.

The suspension spans over Chesapeake Channel 1.4 miles from the western end of the bridge have a horizontal clearance of 1,500 feet and a vertical clearance of 182 feet. Flashing red aerolights are mounted on top of the two suspension towers. Three fixed white lights are mounted vertically over fixed green range lights, at the center of Chesapeake Channel spans. Sound signals are mounted on the south and north sides of the bridge at the center of Chesapeake Channel spans. Lighted buoys mark Chesapeake Channel on either side of the bridge.

The fixed spans over Eastern Channel 1.2 miles from the eastern end of the bridge have a horizontal clearance of 690 feet and a vertical clearance of 58 feet. The center of the spans are marked by a range of two green lights. A sound signal is at the span center.

A privately marked channel leads to a marina and yacht club at the eastern end of the bridge. In 2004, the reported approach depth was 6 feet. Gasoline, diesel fuel, a pump-out station, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, dry storage, a launching ramp and hull, engine, and electronic repairs are available; lift to 70 tons.

is just north of the west end of the bridges. In 1998, the reported controlling depth was 5.5 feet in the state-maintained entrance channel and basin at Mezick Ponds. The entrance channel is marked by private buoys and the basin is marked by private daybeacons. Slow no-wake signs are posted in the entrance channel and in the basin. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station and some marine supplies are available; overnight mooring is prohibited except in an emergency.

Sandy Point Shoal Light (), is extinguished. The red brick house with a white roof, on a brown cylindrical pier structure still remains 51 feet above the water about 0.4 mile northeastward of Sandy Point. The light house structure is about 0.5 mile west of a point on the bay ship channel 131.5 miles above the Capes.

Baltimore Light (), 52 feet above the water, is shown from a white, octagonal house on a brown cylindrical pier, in depths of 25 feet, 2.5 miles north of Sandy Point.

, on the west side of Chesapeake Bay 1.7 miles westward of Baltimore Light, has depths of 10 feet or more for 6 miles, thence 4 feet for 0.5 mile to within 0.2 mile of a fixed highway bridge. There are many excellent anchorages in the numerous tributaries, and the area is a favorite cruising ground for pleasure craft. The critical points along the lower half of the channel in Magothy River are marked.

Minimum wake areas and a 6-knot speed limit are enforced in many parts of the river and in most of the coves and creeks that flow into the river. These areas are marked by regulatory markers.

The entrance to Magothy River is between and Mountain Point, 0.4 mile to the north-northeastward. , the southernmost extremity of , is a sandy spit making out from a high wooded bluff. Prolonged winds of constant direction may cause substantial variation in the tide. The current velocity is 0.6 knot on the flood and 0.3 knot on the ebb in the entrance to Magothy River.

, marked through the entrance, is on the south side of Magothy River 0.5 mile above the mouth. The creek has depths of 7 to 5 feet for 0.6 mile to near the head. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, berths and some marine supplies are available at marinas in the creek. Hull and engine repairs can be made; lift, 25 tons.

, on the north side of Magothy River along the west side of Gibson Island, has general depths of 6 to 13 feet. The bay is the approach to Magothy Narrows and the harbor on the north side of Gibson Island; the eastern shore of the island is connected with the mainland on the north by a causeway.

The marked channel through has depths of about 11 feet, and there are depths of 9 to 10 feet in Inner Harbor. The Gibson Island Yacht Club has facilities in Inner Harbor.

A marine service pier on the east side of the entrance to , at the west end of Inner Harbor, has reported depths of 7 feet at the outer end. The boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet for repairs.

, which flows into the eastern end of Magothy Narrows, has depths of 7 feet nearly to its head. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, berths and some marine supplies are available just above the mouth.

, in the northwest side of Sillery Bay, has depths of about 6 feet over the entrance bar through a narrow, marked channel that leads to deeper water inside the creek. A marina just inside the north prong has berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 30-ton travel lift and some marine supplies. Hull and engine repairs can be made.

, marked by daybeacons off the entrance, is on the north side of Magothy River 2.5 miles above the mouth. The creek has depths of 11 feet inside the creek and 9 feet or more to a marina at the upper end of the creek.

Blackhole Creek, on the north side of Magothy River 3.5 miles above the mouth, has depths of 7 feet in a narrow, marked entrance channel and 5 or more feet almost to the head. A special anchorage is in the cove on the west side of Blackhole Creek 0.2 mile above the entrance. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.72, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

and have a common entrance on the south side of Magothy River, 3.8 miles above the mouth. Depths of 8 to 12 feet can be carried in both creeks for about 0.3 mile. A small-craft facility just inside Mill Creek has water, berths and marine supplies. Hull and engine repairs can be made; lift, 25 tons. An overhead power cable just inside the creek has a clearance of 54 feet.

is on the southwest side of Magothy River 4 miles above the mouth. The creek is entered by a narrow, marked dredged channel. In 2015, the channel had a controlling depth of 6 feet. Depths of 9 feet are inside the creek, with gradual shoaling to the flats at the head. Hull and engine repairs can be made at a boatyard on the east side of the creek just inside the entrance. A 50-ton lift is available.

Gasoline, water and marine supplies are available on the southwest side of Magothy River, 5 miles above the mouth. Repairs can be made; lift, 25 tons.

For planning, not navigation. Verify current information before departure.