MSIB Vol XX Issue 089 - Setting of Port Condition WHISKEY

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/21/2020 06:50 PM EDT

united states coast guard

Setting of Port Condition WHISKEY

At 1800 local time, August 21, 2020, in preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm LAURA and Tropical Depression 14, the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector New Orleans set Port Condition WHISKEY in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans.

Port Status: Open to all commercial traffic.

All vessels entering and departing the COTP Zone New Orleans are reminded to update their Notice of Arrival with any changes to their arrival or departure information (33 Code of Federal Regulations 160.208, 33 CFR 160.212).  The COTP has also outlined specific port preparation requirements and recommendations in the MHCPP.

Mariners are advised, that drawbridges will close when wind speeds exceed 35 mph or once evacuation begins.  As a result, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.  For most up to date bridge information and contact information please visit http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=B_STATUS

Port partners and mariners are cautioned that the COTP New Orleans may set Port Condition X-RAY and further conditions as the situation develops.  You are strongly encouraged to review your existing hurricane plan, take actions to minimize risk, and be prepared to evacuate, if necessary.

Attachments:
(1) Recommended Precautionary Measures for Ships
(2) Recommended Precautionary Measures for Barges
(3) Remaining In Port Checklist Reporting Tool – submit within 24 hours to Vessel Traffic Service via fax at (504) 365-2519 or email D08-PF-VTSNewOrleans-LMR@uscg.mil
(4) Storm Preparation Checklist for Vessels (Port Condition WHISKEY)
(5) Storm Preparation Checklist for Waterfront Facilities (Port Condition WHISKEY) – submit via email to FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil or MSUBatonrougefacilities@uscg.mil.
(6) 72 Hour Storm Specific Verification Report Form (Facilities with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan) – submit via email to secnola-wpm@uscg.mil

For additional information, contact the following:

Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 Email address: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Center (24 Hour): (504) 365-2230 or VHF-FM channels 11, 12, or 67
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802

CAPTAIN W. E. WATSON
Captain of the Port New Orleans

For a current list of MSIBs in the COTP New Orleans Zone visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans under “Safety notifications”