Effective 8 a.m. Monday, the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Jacksonville and Fernandina and all other terminals and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds of generated by Hurricane Dorian that is expected to land in the area by Wednesday.
These ports and facilities are currently closed to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations while Yankee remains in effect.
Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 24 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum,
…the USCG advised.
This means:
- All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.
- Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.
- Vessels bound for Jacksonville or Fernandina unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.
- Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor.
- Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
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.
If and when port condition Zulu is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the COTP.
Dorian caused disruption to several cruise ships’ routes in the last few days to avoid the Tropical Storm.
See here 6 safety measures by USCG and general marine safety tips ahead Hurricane Dorian.
