Setting of Port Condition X-RAY
At 2000 local time, August 22, 2020, in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storms MARCO and LAURA, the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector New Orleans will set Port Condition X-RAY in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.
Port Status: Open to all commercial traffic.
All vessels entering and departing the COTP Zone New Orleans are reminded to update their Notice of Arrival with any changes to their arrival or departure information (33 Code of Federal Regulations 160.208, 33 CFR 160.212). The COTP has also outlined specific port preparation requirements and recommendations in the MHCPP.
Mariners are advised that drawbridges will close when wind speeds exceed 35 mph or once evacuation begins. As a result, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds. For most up to date bridge information and contact information please visit http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=B_STATUS
Mariners are also advised that the Coast Guard has established a regulated navigation area (RNA) for the canals adjoining the Mississippi River. The provisions of the RNA will be enforced 24 hours in advance of the closure of the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier or West Closure Complex navigation gates. Vessels will not be permitted to stay in the RNA past 24 hours in advance of and through the storm passage if the RNA is activated, except those vessels moored in accordance with mooring plans verified by the Captain of the Port. Alternate routes exist for vessels to transit around or depart from the RNA. This RNA is needed to protect the floodwalls, levees, and adjacent communities within the IHNC, Harvey, and Algiers Canals from potential hazards associated with vessels being in this area during a hurricane.
Vessel owners and operators are reminded of the “Mile Marker (MM) 73 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)” providing barge fleet owners and operators with policy and guidance for the fleeting of barges in this area during hurricane season. At this time, the Coast Guard does not intend to implement the safety zone for river evacuation below MM 73. However, these requirements will be discussed on the Port Coordination Team conference calls and reassessed as needed.
Port partners and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may quickly set Port Condition YANKEE and further conditions as the situation develops. You are strongly encouraged to review your existing hurricane plan, take actions to minimize risk, and be prepared to evacuate, if necessary.
Attachments:
(1) Recommended Precautionary Measures for Ships
(2) Recommended Precautionary Measures for Barges
(3) Remaining In Port Checklist Reporting Tool – submit immediately to Vessel Traffic Service via fax at (504) 365-2519 or email D08-PF-VTSNewOrleans-LMR@uscg.mil
(4) Storm Preparation Checklist for Vessels (Port Condition X-RAY)
(5) Storm Preparation Checklist for Waterfront Facilities (Port Condition X-RAY) – submit via email to FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil or MSUBatonrougefacilities@uscg.mil.
(6) 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report Form (Facilities with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan) – submit via email to SecNOLA-wpm@uscg.mil
For additional information, contact the following:
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) 365-2514 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
