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Hurricane Information

For questions concerning Hurricane Plan contact (409) 719-5086 or (409) 723-6500.

Hurricane Port Conditions

Pre-Storm Preparations

Hurricane season begins June 1. All vessel owners and operators should review hurricane plans and checklists. Recommend reviewing the Industry Hurricane Plan.

WHISKEY - 72 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds

Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 72 hours.

The Captain Of The Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) as needed to keep mariners informed.

X-RAY - 48 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds

Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 48 hours.

The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and MSIB.

Bunkering and lightering is prohibited in the inshore anchorages.

Ships should complete cargo operations.

Anticipate that the COTP will order the port closed to all vessel movements except for emergency and rescue traffic.

YANKEE - 24 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds

Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 24 hours.

The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and MSIB.

Facilities will be made aware that the COTP will order cessation of cargo handling operations during condition zulu.

Ships personnel should inspect the mooring / anchoring lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.

Facilities may insist that vessels depart their docks during this time.

Movements will be permitted by the COTP only when a suitable lay berth or anchorage space is available nearby.

As a last resort, large crude tankers may be allowed to ballast down in the channel.

The COTP may close the port to all marine traffic except for emergency / rescue traffic when sustained winds exceed 35 knots.

ZULU - 12 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds

Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 12 hours.

The COTP may update radio broadcasts and MSIBs to notify the maritime community that the port is closed to all commercial traffic with exception of emergency / rescue traffic.

All cargo handling operations will be suspended.

Ships personnel should inspect the mooring / anchor lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.

Post Storm

Search and Rescue and pollution response phase.

Restoration of commercial operations.

Channels surveyed to ensure safe transits.

Vessel traffic prioritized.

Downloads

Industry Hurricane Planning Information

Remaining In-Port Checklist for ships

Remaining In-Port Checklist for Tugs/Barges

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Last Modified 3/28/2012

Pre-Storm Preparations
	Hurricane season begins June 1. All vessel owners and operators should review hurricane plans and checklists. Recommend reviewing the Industry Hurricane Plan.

WHISKEY - 72 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds
	Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 72 hours. The Captain Of The Port will issue radio broadcasts and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) as needed to keep mariners informed.

X-RAY - 48 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds
	Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 48 hours. The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and MSIB. Bunkering and lightering is prohibited in the inshore anchorages. Ships should complete cargo operations. Anticipate that the COTP will order the port closed to all vessel movements except for emergency and rescue traffic.

YANKEE - 24 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds
	Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 24 hours. The Captain of the Port will update radio broadcasts and MSIB. Facilities will be made aware that the COTP will order cessation of cargo handling operations during condition zulu. Ships personnel should inspect the mooring / anchoring lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge. Facilities may insist that vessels depart their docks during this time. Movements will be permitted by the COTP only when a suitable lay berth or anchorage space is available nearby. As a last resort, large crude tankers may be allowed to ballast down in the channel. The COTP may close the port to all marine traffic except for emergency / rescue traffic when sustained winds exceed 35 knots.

ZULU - 12 hours Prior to Gale Force Winds
	Gale force winds from hurricane expected to make landfall within 12 hours. The COTP may update radio broadcasts and MSIBs to notify the maritime community that the port is closed to all commercial traffic with exception of emergency / rescue traffic. All cargo handling operations will be suspended. Ships personnel should inspect the mooring / anchor lines, paying particular attention to the possibility of storm surge.

Post Storm
	Search and Rescue and pollution response phase. Restoration of commercial operations. Channels surveyed to ensure safe transits. Vessel traffic prioritized.