Thursday, July 11, 2013

Hurricane Preparedness: USCG Port Conditions

Hurricane season makes it a great time to review the United States Coast Guard port conditions that are issued when tropical weather  affects a particular port. Amver participants, and other mariners, should pay close attention to Marine Safety Information Broadcasts (MSIB) for updates.

Pre-Storm Preparations

  • Hurricane season begins June 1st.  All vessel owners and operators should review hurricane plans and checklists.  Recommend reviewing the Industry Hurricane Plan (link to Word document).
Port Condition Whiskey- 72 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Broadcasts (MSIB) as needed to keep mariners informed.
Port Condition X-Ray- 48 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
  • Bunkering and Lightering are prohibited in the inshore anchorages.
  • Ships should complete cargo operations.
  • Anticipate the Captain of the Port will order the port closed to all vessel movements except for emergency and rescue traffic.
Port Conditions Yankee- 24 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and issue MSIBs.
  • Facilities will be made aware that the Captain of the Port will order cessation of cargo handling operations during condition zulu.
  • Ship's personnel should inspect mooring/anchoring lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.
  • Movements will be permitted by the Captain of the Port only when a suitable lay berth or anchorage space is available nearby.
  • As a last resort, large crude tankers may be allowed to ballast down in the channel.
  • The Captain of the Port may close the port to all marine traffic except for emergency/rescue traffic when sustained winds exceed 35 knots.
Port Condition Zulu- 12 hours prior to Gale Force Winds
  • The Captain of the Port MAY update radio broadcasts and MSIBs to notify the maritime community that the port is closed to all commercial traffic with the exception of emergency/rescue traffic.
  • All cargo handling operations will be suspended.
  • Ship's personnel should inspect the mooring/anchor lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.
Post Storm
  • Restoration of commercial operations.
  • Channels surveyed to insure safe transit.
  • Vessel traffic prioritized.
Photo credit: USCG photo

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