Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for Port of Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Effective 8 a.m. Saturday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Jacksonville due to the expectation of tropical-storm-force winds generated by Hurricane Isaias that may arrive within 24 hours.
All vessels greater than 300 gross tons must depart the port unless the COTP has approved a request to remain in port. Terminals and facilities must cease all cargo operations and secure handling of equipment within the next 12 hours. Bulk liquid terminals must ensure all transfer hoses and loading arms are drained, flanged and secured.
Sustained winds of near 80 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 are at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges without approved applications to remain in port shall depart at this time.
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 ports 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.
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 warning the public of these important safety messages:
For information on Hurricane Isaias progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.
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-USCG-