Hot Port News from GAC

• At this time, all waterways in the Mobile AOR are open to all traffic with the below mariner guidelines.
• It is expected that Tropical Depression Nine could affect all waterways from mile marker 222 to mile marker 375 (Ft Walton Beach, FL to Carrabelle, FL) of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Port of Panama City.
• The COTP may issue additional MSIBs as the weather approached and Port Statuses change. Mariners throughout the COTP Mobile AOR are encouraged to use all means available to monitor the path of Tropical Depression Nine and remain prepared to take actions if the storm path changes.
• Current information may be obtained from the COTP Mobile Voice Mail Announcement system at phone number 251-441-5080.

The following guidelines are provided in order to make preparations for the onset weather system. At this time, all waterways from Mile Marker 222 to 375 of the  Gulf Intracoastal Waterways and the Port of Panama City in the Mobile AOR are required to TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS.  

Port Status WHISKEY is set at this time and the following actions are required:

All Oceangoing Commercial Vessels and CG Regulated Barges Over 300 GT:

1. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 200 Gross Tons (GT) and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs must report their intention to depart or remain in port.
2. Make necessary preparation to get underway and depart the port.
3. All oceangoing commercial vessels and Coast Guard regulated barges over 300 GT that intend to remain in port are required to submit a Remaining in Port Checklist for Oceangoing Vessels and a detailed mooring plan to the COTP Mobile. The request must be faxed to (251) 441-6746 or emailed tosecomobarrivals@uscg.mil
4. The Coast Guard will continue to contact waterfront facilities to determine the intentions of the facility and any vessels moored thereto. Individually assess vessels desiring to remain in port, and issue COTP Orders as appropriate.
5. The COTP Mobile may take administrative action against oceangoing commercial vessels and Coast Guard regulated barges over 300 GT that refuse to depart port/relocate to safe harbor, submit an insufficient/inadequate mooring plan, or have not taken the necessary steps to prepare for forecasted heavy weather.
6. Any oceangoing commercial vessel and Coast Guard regulated barges greater than 300 GT permitted to remain in port should have the outboard anchor at short stay, adequate mooring, lines out, have a navigation watch set and maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 VHF-FM. Vessels allowed to remain in port must have the decks clear of any missile hazards, potential pollution hazards, and flammable materials. All persons in charge must ensure hatches are secured for heavy weather.
7. All waterfront facilities & vessels should start securing cargo operations in preparation for storm arrival. Vessels required to depart port shall ensure cargo operations are secured to meet sail times. Vessels required to depart port shall ensure cargo operations are secured to meet sail times. Vessels requiring tugs & pilots during their transit should arrange for these services immediately.
8. Oceangoing commercial vessels and Coast Guard regulated barges greater than 300 GT not approved to remain in port should start departing the port immediately.
9. All commercial vessels with installed Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) – regardless of tonnage, length, or service – that remain or transit within the port must activate the AIS. The AIS shall remain activated through Port-Storm ZULU (following landfall). Vessel operators must contact the COTP if, for any reason, the installed AIS is not activated.

Ports and mariners are cautioned that the COTP Mobile may quickly set Port Status X-ray ad further conditions as the situation develops.

(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)

Source:  U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Mobile, Marine Safety Information Bulletin

• In preparation for the approaching heavy weather, all oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons are required to submit a contingency plan for heavy weather to Sector St. Petersburg via email atStefan.A.Lewis@uscg.mil to request and receive permission to remain in port. Proof of facility owner/operator approval is required.
• Vessels bound for any of these ports, which would be unable to depart if weather conditions worsen, are advised to seek an alternate destination as these ports may be closed to inbound traffic.
• Drawbridges may be locked down as early as eight hours to the anticipated arrival of sustained gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress.

(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)

Source:  U.S. Coast Guard, Sector St Petersburg, Port Community Information Bulletin # 22-16 dated 29 August 2016