MSIB Vol XX issue 123 Setting Port Condition ZULU

Setting of Port Condition ZULU

In preparation for the approaching Tropical Storm ZETA, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans will set Port Condition ZULU in accordance with the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan (MHCPP) found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans as follows:
Port Status: Vessel traffic control measures in effect.

Effective at 0200 local time on October 28, 2020, no vessel movement is authorized within the COTP New Orleans Zone, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 3.40-15 as follows:
 No southbound vessel movement on the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 20 Below Head of Passes (BHP) to MM 167.5 Above Head of Passes (Sunshine Bridge)
 No vessel movement on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) from MM 44.2 East of Harvey Locks (EHL) to MM 20 West of Harvey Locks (WHL)

Northbound vessels transiting in the river system when ZULU is set may continue northbound to a safe refuge, but should contact the Vessel Traffic Center at (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67 with their intentions.

Effective at 1000 local time on October 28, 2020, no vessel movement is authorized within the COTP New Orleans Zone, as described in Title 33 CFR Part 3.40-15 as follows:
 No vessel movement on the Lower Mississippi River from MM 20 BHP to MM 303 AHP
 No vessel movement on the GIWW from MM 44.2 EHL to MM 20 WHL
 No vessel movement on the GIWW Port Allen – Morgan City Alternate Route from MM 30 to MM 65
 No vessel movement on the Atchafalaya River from MM 0 to MM 45

Northbound vessels transiting in the river system when ZULU is set may continue northbound to a safe refuge, but should contact the Vessel Traffic Center at (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67 with their intentions.

Fleet boats may transit light boat in the vicinity of their fleets to conduct necessary safety checks on fleets and/or respond to emergencies without contacting the Vessel Traffic Center prior to movement.

Mariners are advised that drawbridges will close when wind speeds exceed 35 mph or once evacuation begins.

For any request aside from the aforementioned permitted vessel movements, requests for deviation from requirements for Port Condition ZULU should be directed to the Vessel Traffic Center for consideration using Attachment (2) of this MSIB. Except in an emergency or to prevent/mitigate a potentially hazardous condition, all vessels shall contact the Vessel Traffic Center prior to movement. If vessels move in the event of an emergency, notify the Vessel Traffic Center as soon as practicable.

RNA Status: The COTP has ordered the enforcement of Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – East, described in 33 CFR 165.838 (refer to MSIB Volume XX Issue 121 for details). The RNA canals shall not be used for safe haven. Vessel owners must use good judgment in determining a floating vessel’s mooring location during a storm. All facilities with an Annual Hurricane Operations Plan (AHOP) shall moor their vessels in accordance with those plans.

Under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, the COTP may close portions of the port in response to forecasted weather and actual damage, impact, or threat in different geographic areas within the port. The COTP may establish a Safety Zone controlling vessel movements and activities as appropriate, including all Navigable Waters of the United States within 12 nautical miles of shoreline. All vessels are strongly urged to maintain a safe distance from the offshore safety fairways to protect the integrity of the navigational shipping lanes.

Attachments:
(1) Storm Preparation Checklist for Waterfront Facilities (Port Condition ZULU) – submit via email to FacilitiesNOLA@uscg.mil or MSUBatonrougefacilities@uscg.mil.
(2) Request for Vessel Movement Deviation Form – submit via email to D08-PF-VTSNewOrleans-LMR@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) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 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”

• VESSEL Request for Movement (Port Condition ZULU).pdf
• MSIB Vol XX Issue 123 Setting Port Condition ZULU.pdf
• Waterfront FACILITIES Storm Preparation Checklist (Port Condition ZULU).pdf