Old House Channel connects Pamlico Sound and Roanoke Sound and forms the main/bridgeless, non-AICW northbound route into Manteo, NC. Oregon Inlet is a most unreliable, and downright dangerous passage from southern Roanoke Sound out into the briny blue.
Please see Note C on Chart 12205 regarding frequently shifted navigation aids in these channels.
Wanchese Channel is on the western shore of Roanoke Sound between Oregon Inlet and Manteo.

NC ‘“ CAPE HENRY TO PAMLICO SOUND ‘“ MANTEO CHANNEL/OLD HOUSE CHANNEL/WANCHESE CHANNEL ‘“ DREDGING
The Dredge CHESAPEAKE will be conducting operations in and around approaches to Old House, Manteo and Wanchese Channels from 20 March until 15 April. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged
pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 12205.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old House Channel

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wanchese Channel