***UPDATE*** RNA Status: At 1300 local time, September 10th, 2024, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has ordered the enforcement of Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – East and Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – West, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.838.
Vessels must depart RNA – East by 1200 local time, September 11, 2024. Vessels must depart RNA – West by 1000 local time, September 11, 2024.
All vessels east of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) on the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to Mile Marker 20 east of Harvey Locks, and the Harvey Canal from the Lapalco Bridge south to the confluence of the Harvey and Algiers Canal shall make immediate preparations to evacuate the RNA if they do not have an accepted annual hurricane operations plan with the Coast Guard.
Port Status: Vessel traffic control measures in effect. Port Condition YANKEE has been set in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.
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.
The Coast Guard does not intend to implement the safety zone for river evacuation below MM 73. The Coast Guard urges vessel owners and operators to follow the guidance and policy contained within the
“Mile Marker (MM) 73 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)” (found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans) for the fleeting of barges and to ensure there is appropriate horsepower on standby to ensure the safety of fleets. These requirements will be further 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 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 complete a Remaining-in-Port Checklist to the Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS) as listed below. All COTP New Orleans MHCPP hurricane forms can be accessed using the QR Code below or at https://linktr.ee/secnolahurricanereporting.
(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 WWMNOLA@uscg.mil
For additional information, contact the following:
Waterways Management: WWMNOLA@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
At 2200 local time on September 9th, 2024, in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm Francine, 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: At this point, the Coast Guard does not intend to activate the RNAs.
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.
The Coast Guard does not intend to implement the safety zone for river evacuation below MM 73. The Coast Guard urges vessel owners and operators to follow the guidance and policy contained within the
“Mile Marker (MM) 73 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)” (found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans) for the fleeting of barges and to ensure there is appropriate horsepower on standby to ensure the safety of fleets. These requirements will be further 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 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 complete a Remaining-in-Port Checklist to the Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS) as listed below. All COTP New Orleans MHCPP hurricane forms can be accessed using the QR Code below or at https://linktr.ee/secnolahurricanereporting.
Waterfront FACILITIES Storm Preparation Checklist (Port Condition YANKEE) – submit via email to FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil or D08-DG-MSUBatonRouge-Bullpen@uscg.mil.
- 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
- RNA FACILITIES with AHOP – 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report – submit via email to WWMNOLA@uscg.mil
For additional information, contact the following:
Waterways Management: WWMNOLA@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
