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January 3, 2018
Dear Subscriber,
Inclement Winter Weather Advisory
Sector Hampton Roads Port Entrance Closure and Restrictions
Due to the forecasts of severe winds and reduced visibility
at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay,
the Captain of the Port (COTP) Hampton Roads will be
imposing the following restrictions:
effective at 6 p.m. tonight, January 3, 2018, no vessels may
enter or depart from the Chesapeake
Bay, and no vessels over 2,500 gross tons may move within
the port without obtaining
permission from the COTP or his designated representative.
These restrictions are anticipated to
last until approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2018,
but are subject to adjustment based on
conditions.
Vessels under 2,500 gross tons will be permitted to move
within the port, but should do so with
extreme caution. If a vessel or vessel representative
believes there are circumstances that require
a vessel to arrive or depart during the time of this
restriction, they may request an exception from
the COTP. To reach the COTP to obtain permission to transit
during the restrictions, contact the
Sector Hampton Roads Command Center at (757) 668-6637.
PRECAUTIONS: It is primarily the facility operator’s
decision to allow vessels to remain
moored during the storm. Facilities that do not allow
vessels to remain moored must provide
them with sufficient notice to allow vessels time to move to
a safe mooring, heavy weather
anchorage, or depart to sea.
All facility and vessel operators should continue to make
heavy weather preparations to include
ensuring all loose cargo, cargo equipment, and debris are
secured safely. All vessel mooring
should be reinforced.
Vessels anchored shall prepare for severe winds. Additional
anchor(s) should be made ready to
let go and preparations shall be made to have a continuous
anchor watch. Engine(s) should be
made immediately available for maneuvering. Also, vessels
should maintain a continuous
listening watch on VHF Channel 16.
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