Captain of the Port sets Port Condition X-Ray for Ports of Wilmington, Morehead City, NC

Captain of the Port sets Port Condition X-ray for Ports of Wilmington, Morehead City

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Captain of the Port of North Carolina has set Port Condition X-ray Monday for the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City in preparation for the anticipated weather impact from potential Tropical Cyclone 10.

Gale force winds (34 knots or 39 mph) and above are predicted along the coast of North Carolina. Pleasure craft operators are advised to seek safe harbor.  To enter, transit, or remain within this Captain of the Port Zone, vessels must comply with the following requirements:

1. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross tons, all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs, and all tank barges over 200 gross tons desiring to remain in port, must immediately complete and submit an application for approval, in writing, to the COTP.

2. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross tons, all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs, and all tank barges over 200 gross tons departing the port, must depart not later than six hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds at Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 16 (Light List Number 835).

3. Vessels bound for these ports that are unable to depart prior to the arrival of gale force winds at Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 16 are advised to seek an alternative destination.

4. Facility Operators should begin making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment, and debris are secured safely.  Notification should be made to the COTP of any heavy weather preparation problems that cannot be mitigated prior to projected arrival of gale force winds.

Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds exceed 34 knots or once evacuations begin.  As a result, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds, because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures.

For guidance on specific issues or to obtain a vessel application to remain in port, contact the Sector North Carolina Command Center at the number listed above.  A vessel remaining in port checklist may be obtained via the internet at http://homeport.uscg.mil.  Once on homeport, select North Carolina in the Port Directory.  The checklist is located under the "Local Contingency Plans" header.

Visit www.nhc.noaa.gov for more information on the weather and its projected path.

-USCG-