Coast Guard sets port condition Whiskey in Miami

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard sets port condition Whiskey in Miami

Editor's Note: Click image to go to NOAA website

MIAMI — Effective 12 p.m. Wednesday the Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Whiskey for the Ports of Fort Piece, Miami, Everglades and Palm Beach due to the expectation of sustained tropical storm force winds of at least 39 mph generated by Tropical Storm Dorian that may arrive within 72 hours.

Ports are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect.

Sustained winds of at least 39 mph are possible within 72 hours. Mariners are reminded that ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing South Florida ports. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.

Pleasure crafts are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

If and when port condition Yankee is set, meaning sustained tropical storm force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement may be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.

The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:

• Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen.  This means help could be delayed.  Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
• Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay.  Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm. 
• Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.  Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove electronic position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and to secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
• Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
• Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
• Don't rely on social media. People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.

All marine interests must take early and substantial action to ensure safety of the port and vessels.  Future port conditions cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, but provided the storm remains on the projected course and track, port stakeholders can expect the following progression of port conditions:

Sustained gale force winds from a hurricane force storm are predicted within 72 hours.

For information on Tropical Storm Dorian progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

 

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-USCG-