US COAST GUARD Hurricane Season 2017 LCDR Deon Scott Chief, Planning Division USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
Hurricane Season 1 June through 30 November each year. September is historically the most active period during the year. Annual hurricane workshops are held in various locations prior to the start of hurricane season. These provide a forum for exchange of information between government, industry, and other regional stakeholders. 2
Sector Houston Severe W/X Plan Sector Houston Hurricane Tabletop Exercise will take place on May 11, 2017. Texas Division of Emergency Management is conducting a Full Scale June 1-9 2017. Houston Severe WX Plan The Sector Houston Galveston Severe Weather plan can be found on the Houston Galveston HOMEPORT page. 3
Severe W/X Plan Annexes ANNEX A: Declaration of Intent to Remain in Port/Acceptance Letter Template ANNEX B: Vessel Self-Assessment Checklist ANNEX C: Commercial Fishing Vessel Hurricane Evacuation Form ANNEX D: Facility Pre-Storm Checklist ANNEX E: Facility Post-Storm Self-Assessment Checklist ANNEX F: Port Asset/Infrastructure Reporting Form ANNEX G: Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) procedures ANNEX H: Port Coordination Team 4
ANNEX I: Port Status Boards* Severe W/X Plan Annexes ANNEX J: Critical ATON* ANNEX K: Sample Captain of the Port (COTP) Order ANNEX L: Sample Safety Zone Regulation Language/Critical Bridge List ANNEX M: Sample Message Traffic/Marine Safety Information Bulletins ANNEX N: American Waterways Operators (AWO) Directory* ANNEX O: Marina List ANNEX Q: Emergency Operations Center Agency Rep Standard Operating Procedure 5
Off Season Expectations Assess and Learn from Last Year: Assess lessons learned from the previous year and update plans accordingly prior to the start of the annual hurricane season on 1 June. Work with Partners: Maintain interaction with industry partners, including state, federal and local partners should continue throughout this time. 6
Facilities Plans for fleeting areas and lay-up vessels at facilities that are unable to depart port should be provided to the Sector Waterways Management Division prior to the start of the hurricane season. 7
Tugs/Barges Written Agreements should be made with terminal owners/operators for berthing of vessels prior to a heavy weather event. The COTP will expect to see written agreements when allowing vessels to be berthed at facilities. Plans for laying up vessels and barges should be provided to the COTP. 8
Facilities Ensure required hurricane response equipment is onhand and operational. Conduct regular tests of emergency systems, such as communications and power systems. Provide updated list to COTP of vessels/barges in excess of 500 GT moored at facility for over 30 days. 9
Port Conditions Whiskey - set when gale force winds are due within 72 hours. Condition 4 X-Ray - set when gale force winds are due within 48 hours. Condition 3 Yankee - set when gale force winds are due within 24 hours. Condition 2 Zulu - set when gale force winds are due within 12 hours. Condition 1
Port Condition Whiskey Port Status: open to all commercial traffic. COTP establishes a safety zone requiring all selfpropelled oceangoing vessels over 500 GT and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs to report their intention to depart or remain in port. Any of these vessels or tugs intending to remain in port must complete a REMAINING IN PORT CHECKLIST and submit to COTP within 24 hours. COTP will advise the port of intentions for setting next port condition (X-RAY).
Port Condition XRay Port Status: open to all commercial traffic. The rules are similar to port condition Whiskey. Gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
Port Condition Yankee Port status: vessel traffic control measures in effect. Establish a Safety Zone controlling vessel movements and activities as appropriate. COTP approve or direct, as necessary, final mooring arrangements for vessels remaining in port.
Port Condition Zulu Port status: closed to all vessel traffic except for vessel movements and activities specifically authorized by the COTP. Establish a Safety Zone prohibiting vessel movement and activities.
Notifications BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS will be sent at these intervals as severe weather approaches 72 HOUR 48 HOUR 24 HOUR 12 HOUR Questions can be directed to the Sector Houston- Galveston Vessel Traffic Service (281) 464-4837 or Command Center 281-464-4854
Questions? Numbers to Know: Sector Houston-Galveston Vessel Traffic Service (281) 464-4837 24 Hour Command Center (281)-464-4854 Sector Houston-Galveston Waterways Mgmt Div 281-464-4891 or 4890