MSIB Vol XXI Issue 058 Setting of Port Condition ZULU- Sunshine Bridge (MM167.5 AHP) to MM 20 BHP

Setting of Port Condition ZULU

In preparation for Hurricane IDA, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector 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. Refer to Volume XXI, Issue 056, published August 27, 2021.

Effective at 1400 local time on August 28, 2021, 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 vessel movement on the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 167.5 Above Head of Passes (Sunshine Bridge) to MM 20 Below Head of Passes (BHP).

Northbound vessels and vessels transiting the GIWW when ZULU is set may continue to a safe refuge, but shall contact Sector New Orleans to ensure coordination and ensure visibility.

All other requests for vessel movement shall be directed Sector New Orleans and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis using Attachment (2) of this MSIB. In extreme circumstances when a vessel has to move to mitigate an emergent safety concern or potentially hazardous situation, the vessel shall notify the Coast Guard as soon as it is safe to do so.

Contact Information:
1400 – 1945: Contact Vessel Traffic Center at (504) 365-2514 or VHF-FM channels 5A, 12, or 67
After 1945: Contact Sector Command Center at (504) 365-2209.

Effective at 2200 local time on August 28, 2021, 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 vessel movement on the Lower Mississippi River from MM 20 BHP to MM 303 AHP.
• The GIWW Port Allen – Morgan City Alternate Route from MM 30 to MM 65 and 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 Sector Command Center at (504) 365-2209.

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 Sector Command Center prior to movement.

Mariners are advised that drawbridges will close when wind speeds exceed 35 mph or once evacuation begins.
RNA Status: The COTP has ordered the enforcement of Hurricane Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) – East and West, described in 33 CFR 165.838. The RNA canals shall not be used for safe haven. 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-SMB-SECNEWORLEANS-SITCON@uscg.mil

For additional information, contact the following:

Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 Email address: SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
Vessel Traffic Center: VHF-FM Channel 05A, 12, or 67, or via landline at (504) 365-2514
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2209
Coast Guard District Eight Bridges: (504) 671-2128 or D8DPBALL@uscg.mil
National Response Center (24 Hour): 1-800-424-8802

 

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

• Waterfront FACILITIES Storm Preparation Checklist (Port Condition ZULU).pdf
• MSIB Vol XXI Issue 058 Setting of Port Conditon ZULU Sunshine Bridge to MM 20 BHP.pdf