Hurricane Sandy and U.S. Coast Guard Port Conditions

Hurricane Sandy has the potential to disrupt port conditions and Amver ships up and down the Eastern Seaboard. What do the various port conditions mean? Here's a great summary.

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.

Port Condition Whiskey- 72 hours prior to Gale Force Winds

• The Captain of the Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (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.

Are you prepared for Sandy?

Photo credit: USCG