Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for the Port of Jacksonville, Fernandina

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: 904-714-7606/7607 After Hours: 305-318-1864 PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for the Port of Jacksonville, Fernandina

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Effective 8 a.m. Monday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Jacksonville and Fernandina and all other terminals and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds of generated by Hurricane Dorian that may arrive within 24 hours.

These ports and facilities are currently closed to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations while Yankee remains in effect.

Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 24 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.

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. Vessels bound for Jacksonville or Fernandina unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.

Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. 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.

Be advised, about eight hours prior to the predicted arrival of sustained gale force winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and will not open until after the severe weather has passed.  It is critical that vessels intending to evacuate the ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina, or Canaveral via the St. Johns River or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway depart early to avoid being blocked by bridges.

If and when port condition Zulu is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the COTP.

The Coast Guard is advising 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.

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 EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets, 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 tropical storms or 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 24 hours.

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

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-USCG-