Coast Guard sets port condition X-ray for Long Island Sound

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District PA Detachment New York
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment New York
Office: (212) 514-4291
After Hours: (917) 703-0983
PA Detachment New York online newsroom

Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-ray for Long Island Sound

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Coast Guard set Port Condition X-Ray for all commercial waterways in Long Island Sound ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, Monday.

The order, set by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) for Long Island Sound, went into effect at 4 p.m., due to the expectation of gale force winds expected to arrive within 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds are likely east of New York City, across Long Island and Southern Connecticut. There is also an increased possibility of minor to locally moderate flooding late Tuesday through Wednesday along the south shore of Long Island. Tropical storm warnings have been set for Connecticut and Long Island by the National Weather Service.

All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 300 gross tons and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs must immediately report their intention to depart or remain in port. If desiring to remain in port during the storm, a ‘Remaining In Port’ Checklist should be completed and submitted to the COTP within 24 hours of approval.

Please refer to Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 07-20 for details.

All mariners are encouraged to use all means available to monitor the path of Tropical Storm Isaias and remain prepared to take action as the system progresses. In addition, 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. Monitor NOAA weather forecasts for current storm information.

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.

Be advised. Pleasure craft may need to seek safe haven. Also, drawbridges may not be operating if sustained gale force winds are attained or if evacuation is in progress.

-USCG-