MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN
HURRICANE SANDY

[MSIB # 15-12]

October 27, 2012

NOTICE OF HURRICANE READINESS CONDITION X-RAY

The Captain of the Port is notifying Port partners that Hurricane Condition X-RAY will be set throughout the port at 1600 on October 27th 2012 due to the potential for Hurricane SANDY to impact the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware tri-state area. This Marine Safety Information Bulletin is an update to MSIB #14-12, dated October 26, 2012.

The Captain of the Port Sector Delaware Bay has determined that the possibility exists that the Port of Philadelphia and surrounding areas will experience high winds, severe thunderstorms, and increased seas, surf and tidal surge. All members of the port community to include vessel owners and operators, vessel agents, pilots, and facility owners and operators are to take adequate precautions and to follow the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan, to include Section 406, dated May 17, 2011 and comply with the requirements of Section 1200, “Storm Preparation Checklists for Vessels and Facilities”. Specifically, vessels desiring to remain in port must submit a “Remaining in Port Checklist” by noon on October 28, 2012. An up to date Port Hurricane Contingency Plan can be found on Homeport at https://homeport.uscg.mil/DelawareBay. Vessel agents shall ensure their ships are provided a copy of the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan.

Additionally, Commercial vessels and barges over 500 gross tons, and tank barges over 200 gross tons, which do not intend to remain in port are encouraged to make plans to depart the Delaware River no later than 24 hours prior to the onset of gale force winds on their transit route (i.e. on the Delaware Bay).

PREPERATIONS FOR HURRICANE READINESS CONDITION YANKEE

In preparation for setting Hurricane Condition YANKEE, mariners are advised that the following limitations may be imposed:

 All anchorages north of Bombay Hook Point will be closed to vessels intending to anchor.
 All bunkering and lightering operations must cease.
 All cargo operations utilizing cranes must cease.
 All moored tank barges will be required to have a tug on standby alongside or in immediate proximity. All freight barges will be required to be moored to a pier or wharf.
 All local tug companies should have a list of tugs available for assistance prior to and after hurricane passage.
 All coastal inlets are closed to departing traffic.

The COTP will broadcast notification using VHF-FM radio in the event any limitations or restrictions are imposed in the COTP Sector Delaware Bay area of responsibility. This notification will be forwarded to the Maritime Exchange and will be available as requested. The U.S. Coast Guard will provide the best possible advance notification before changing port operational status. Please refer to the Homeport website for additional information and checklists.

If there are any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin or expectations of the Captain of the Port, please contact (215) 271-4807.