The USCG Captain of the Port has set Port Condition X-Ray.
 
Port Condition X-Ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.  
Port Status:  Open to all commercial traffic.
 
Port Condition X-Ray was set at 2200 hours local yesterday, Sunday, September 2, 2018
The full MSIB is below.

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC ACTIONS ARE REQUIRED:

 
All self-propelled ocean going vessels over 500 Gross Tons, all oceangoing barges, and their supporting tugs below the Huey P. Long Bridge at MM 106 above Head of Passes (AHP) on the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) are required to report their intentions to depart or remain in port in accordance with the MHCPP prior to 2200 local time, September 3, 2018. 
 
ACTIONS FOR VESSELS
 
  1. Inform the Vessel Traffic Service one of the following:
    The vessel is remaining in port; or
    The vessel is departing port.
  2. Vessels planning to remain in port shall submit the Remain In Port Checklist (RIPC). 
NOTE:   Vessels are only required to submit the first page of the RIPC Reporting Tool.
Vessels are not required to submit additional mooring plans.
 
Vessels should report their intentions and/or submit the completed RIPC to the Vessel Traffic Service at:
Fax (504) 365-2519, or 
For the Remaining In Port Checklist —>  (Click here)  SUBMIT FIRST PAGE ONLY IF VESSEL IS REMAINING IN PORT
For the Remaining in Port Reporting Tool for Ocean Going Vessels —> (Click here) DO NOT SUBMIT – COMPLETE AND RETAIN ON BOARD
For the Remaining In Port Reporting Tool for Ocean Going Barges and Supporting Tugs —>  (Click here) DO NOT SUBMIT – COMPLETE AND RETAIN ON BOARD 
NOTE: Submission of the SECTOR NEW ORLEANS HURRICANE REMAINING IN PORT CHECKLIST REPORTING TOOL signifies completion of this checklist; however, submission does not guarantee approval. Keep this completed checklist onboard with other required records and logs. 


ACTIONS FOR FACILITIES

 
All regulated facilities in the New Orleans Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are requested to submit the “Facility Pre-Storm Checklist” to the COTP in preparation for facilities that may impacted by the impending storm.
 
Port Condition X-Ray Facilities Checklist —>  (Click here)

 Upon completion of the Facility Pre-Storm Checklist, fax or email the form to the Sector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch via:

Fax at (504) 365-2416, or
 
 
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR ALL PARTIES
 
See the full MSIB below for additional measures for consideration.

Set Port Condition X-RAY

At 2200 local time, September 2nd 2018, in preparation for a potential approaching tropical system, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector New Orleans set port condition X-RAY in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP).
All self-propelled ocean going vessels over 500 Gross Tons, all oceangoing barges, and their supporting tugs below the Huey P. Long Bridge at MM 106 above Head of Passes (AHP) on the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) are required to report their intentions to depart or remain in port in accordance with the MHCPP prior to 2200 local time, September 3, 2018. Vessels planning to remain in port shall submit the Remain In Port Checklist (RIPC). Vessels are only required to submit the first page of the RIPC reporting tool found in Enclosure 2 of the MHCPP. Vessels are not required to submit additional mooring plans.
Vessels should report their intentions and/or submit the completed RIPC via fax or e-mail to the Vessel Traffic Service at (504) 365-2519 or e-mail to: D08-PF-VTSNEWORLEANS-LMR@USCG.MIL
All regulated facilities in the New Orleans Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are requested to submit the “Facility Pre-Storm Checklist” in accordance with the MHCPP, to the COTP in preparation for facilities that may impacted by the impending storm.

Upon completion of the Facility Pre-Storm Checklist, fax or email the form to the Sector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch via fax at (504) 365-2416 or e-mail to: facilitiesnola@uscg.mil

The following precautionary measures are provided for your consideration. All vessels and facilities operating below the Huey P. Long Bridge are strongly urged to implement these measures:
  • Secure missile hazards and clear nonessential equipment and loose gear.
  • Secure/remove hazardous materials or cargos to a safe location, especially drums.
  • Oil transfer terminals not engaged in transfer operations should drain all loading arms and hoses of product, blank off hoses, and empty/clean small discharge containment.
  • Mooring lines doubled up with due consideration given to the effects of predicted storm surge.
  • If moored, outboard anchor rigged at a short stay.
  • Ensure sufficient number of officers and crew onboard to tend mooring lines, and/or get underway.
  • Vessel ballasted to ensure maximum safety.
  • All side ports, hatches, portholes, and other openings are closed and secured.
  • All fire-fighting equipment is ready for immediate use.
  • A continuous radio watch maintained on Channel 16 and 67 VHF-FM.
  • If at anchorage, at least two anchors set, for vessels equipped with at least two anchors.
  • If at anchorage, vessels should remain ready to get underway within 15 minutes.
  • Spare mooring lines and/or wires should be readily available.
  • Facility storage tanks should be pressed up.
  • Styrene and other similar product-producing facilities should take additional precautionary measures

You may review the MHCPP, referenced above, online at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.

Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
Email address: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2230 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802