Set Port Condition WHISKEY

MSIB_Vol_XIX_Issue_078_Port_Condition_WHISKEY.pdf

At 1600 (4:00 p.m.) local time, October 17, 2019, in preparation for an approaching tropical system that is expected to become Tropical Storm NESTOR, the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector New Orleans set Port Condition WHISKEY 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 submit a Remaining In Port Checklist (RIPC) in accordance with the MHCPP prior to 1200 (12:00 p.m.) local time, October 18, 2019. 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.

Upon completion of the RIPC fax or e-mail the reporting tool (Enclosure 2 of the MHCPP) to the Vessel Traffic Service at (504) 365-2519 or e-mail to: D08-PF-VTSNEWORLEANS-LMR@USCG.MIL

Vessel owners and operators are reminded of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that went into effect October 2014 pertaining to vessels and barges located below MM 73 AHP, LMR, and for parties to the agreement to adhere to the conditions of the agreement as port conditions change. At this time, the Coast Guard does not intend to implement the safety zone for river evacuation below MM 73.

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 as per 33 Code of Federal Regulations 160.208 and 33 CFR 160.212. The COTP will make notifications as soon as waterway and bridge closures become apparent. The COTP has also outlined specific port preparation requirements and recommendations in the MHCPP.

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 cargoes 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.

Ports and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may quickly set Port Condition X-Ray and further conditions as the situation develops. 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, if necessary.

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

CAPTAIN K. M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans