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29 Aug 2019 / Fernandina/Jacksonville, United States

Hurricane Condition Whiskey set

Hurricane Condition WHISKEY [is] set in the Port of Fernandina and Jacksonville. All maritime interests are directed to complete preparations to implement the Port Heavy Weather Plan for Northeast and Eastern Central Florida.

The ports of Fernandina, Jacksonville and Canaveral remain open with no restrictions. It is important that you monitor the storm development as well as prepare for potential changes in Port Hurricane Conditions…

…Maritime interests are reminded that there are no "safe havens" identified within the ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina, and Canaveral for a vessel to safely survive tropical storm force winds, or storm surges without creating a threat to the safety of the port and public welfare. The safest condition for the port and during the arrival of a hurricane is when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ships should coordinate their efforts in accordance with their evasion plan. Masters should take early and decisive action to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.

Vessels desiring to remain in port during the Hurricane must request and receive permission. The request must be submitted in writing and explain the reasons why the vessel is submitting the request. All requests must also include a completed "Remaining in Port Checklist" that will describe the mooring arrangements and vessel specifics. This checklist must be signed by the vessel's master and a representative of the facility where the vessel intends to moor. If the request is approved, additional measures may be required to ensure the safety of the port and the vessel. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the addition of extra mooring lines or fenders and the removal of cargo from the vessel.

All remain in port requests must be submitted to the Remain in Port Liaison Officer (RIPLO) at [email protected]. If you have any questions regarding remain in port requests, please contact LTJG Andres Nealis at 904-714-7628.

Be advised, about eight hours prior to the predicted arrival of sustained gale force winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and will not open until after the severe weather has passed. It is critical that vessels intending to evacuate the ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina, or Canaveral via the St. Johns River or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway depart early to avoid being blocked by bridges.

(For information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at [email protected])

Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Jacksonville, Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 034-19/032/19 dated 28 August 2019

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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