MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN
HURRICANE SANDY

[MSIB # 16-12]

October 28, 2012

NOTICE OF HURRICANE READINESS CONDITION YANKEE

The Captain of the Port is notifying Port partners that Hurricane Condition YANKEE will be set throughout the port at 1600 on October 28, 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 #15-12, dated October 27, 2012.

The Captain of the Port Sector Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that projections indicate 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” and adhere to the following:

 Lightering operations must cease. Bunkering operation requests will be approved by the Captain of the Port on a case-by-case basis.
 All cargo operations utilizing cranes must cease.
 All moored tank barges are required to have a tug on standby alongside or in immediate proximity. All freight barges are required to be moored to a pier or wharf.
 All anchorages north of Bombay Hook Point are closed to vessels intending to anchor.
 Vessels anchored in Big Stone Anchorage are required to have a Pilot onboard.
 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.
 
PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE READINESS CONDITION MODIFIED ZULU

 Vessels must be securely moored and prepared for hurricane conditions.

 Mariners are advised that all vessel movement within the Port of Sector Delaware Bay may be suspended with the exception of vessels seeking safe harbor or refuge. Vessel movements without specific authorization from the Captain of the Port will be prohibited.

 Liquid cargo transfer operations will be suspended.

Mariners are advised that based on continued deteriorating weather conditions, the entrance to Delaware Bay may be closed to incoming 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. Additionally 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. Vessel agents are reminded to ensure their ships are provided a copy of the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan which can also be found on Homeport at https://homeport.uscg.mil/DelawareBay. 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.