At 1400 local time on October 27, 2020, in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm ZETA, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans will set Port Condition YANKEE in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.
Port Status: Vessel traffic control measures in effect.
RNA Status: The COTP has ordered the enforcement of Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – East, described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.838. Refer to MSIB Volume XX Issue 121 for details.
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 CFR 160.208 and 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 please contact Coast Guard District Eight Bridges at D8DPBALL@uscg.mil.
Vessel owners and operators are reminded of the “Mile Marker (MM) 73 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)” 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 and barges should be moored in accordance with the standards set forth in the MOA (found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans).
Port partners and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may quickly set Port Condition ZULU 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. For recommended precautionary measures and storm preparation checklists refer to MHCPP found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans. Vessels intending to remain in the port must submit a Remaining-in-Port Checklist to the Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS) as listed below.
Attachments:
(1) Waterfront FACILITIES Storm Preparation Checklist (Port Condition YANKEE) – submit via email to FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil or D08-DG-MSUBatonRouge-Bullpen@uscg.mil.
(2) VESSEL Remaining In Port Checklist Reporting Tool – submit within 24 hours to Vessel Traffic Service via email D08-PF-VTSNewOrleans-LMR@uscg.mil or fax at (504) 365-2519
(3) RNA FACILITIES with AHOP – 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report – submit via email to SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
For additional information, contact the following:
Waterways Management: 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 or D8DPBALL@uscg.mil
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802
