The 2021 Hurricane Season commences June 1st and continues through November 30th. You are strongly encouraged to review your existing hurricane plan or develop a plan if you do not have one. It is extremely important to decide in advance how to minimize your risk and be prepared to evacuate as necessary.
The Captain of the Port (COTP) will set hurricane port conditions in accordance with the Sector New Orleans Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP). The MHCPP is available on the Coast Guard Homeport website https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans, and you are encouraged to review the contents of the plan. This plan describes what actions the COTP will take in anticipation of a hurricane or tropical weather conditions, outlines the requirements of each port condition, and includes information regarding vessel movements and mooring requirements during anticipated landfall.
Furthermore, the COTP emphasizes the importance of properly maintaining and securing your equipment during hurricane season. Important hurricane-related information will be provided to the maritime community, as needed, through Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) and Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNMs).
Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) Annual Hurricane Operation Plans
In accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 165.838, all floating vessels are prohibited from entering or remaining in the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, Harvey Canal, and Algiers Canal, while the RNA is enforced. However, all facilities that have vessels intending to deviate from the requirements and remain within the RNA during the enforcement period, shall develop an Annual Hurricane Operation Plan and provide a copy to the COTP as prescribed within 33 CFR 165.838(e)(1). Guidance outlining the requirements for the Annual Hurricane Operation Plan can be found in enclosure (6) of the Sector New Orleans MHCPP.
For further information, contact:
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 12 or 67
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 Email address: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch: (504) 365-2370
