Faced with critical shoaling concerns at the northern end of Ocracoke Island, the North Carolina Ferry Division will be adjusting its spring schedule on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route to accommodate an emergency dredging effort.

Beginning Friday, March 30, the schedule will be as follows:

• From Hatteras: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7:30, 9, and 10 p.m., midnight.

• From Ocracoke: 4:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8;30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5;30, 6;15, 7:30, 8:45, and 10:30 p.m., midnight.

In addition, there will be two "shuttle" ferries that will make unscheduled departures during peak periods to help alleviate any congestion.

"With this adjusted schedule, we'll be able to solve a serious shoaling problem while also meeting the needs of citizens," said Ferry Division Director Harold Thomas. "We need to have the navigational issues on Ocracoke fixed before the peak of the visitor season arrives."

The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will resume its published spring schedule when dredging operations are complete.