Coast Guard Urges Vessels To Prepare For Hurricane Isaias

TAMPA, FL — Due to possible sustained gale-force winds from Hurricane Isaias, on Thursday at noon the Coast Guard declared "Port Condition X-Ray" for the Port of Tampa.

"Port Condition X-Ray" is one of five changes in port operations established by the Coast Guard to prepare for the arrival of a hurricane. "Port Condition X-Ray" is declared when gale-force winds of 39 to 54 mph or more are predicted to arrive within 48 hours.

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The declaration is intended to signal the operators of commercial and recreational vessels that, while all ports remain open for the time being, mariners should prepare to leave port.

Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum.

All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 300 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.Ports are safest when the number of vessels are at a minimum so all ocean-going vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.

Vessel operators wishing to remain in port must contact the captain of the Tampa Port immediately to receive permission to stay put and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.

Vessels bound for South Florida that are unable to leave 24 hours before threatening winds make landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.

Operators of pleasure crafts are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not operate if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress.

The Coast Guard is also asking all port facilities to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to prepare for strong winds. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

The captain of the Tampa Port anticipates setting Port Condition X-Ray at noon Thursday for the ports in Tampa. These dates and times are subject to change based on future forecast. During Port Condition X-Ray, sustained winds greater than 39 mph are possible within 48 hours.

These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray remains in effect.

Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the captain of the Tampa Port to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for the Port of Tampa Bay that are unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.

Pleasure crafts are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

The Coast Guard sets five stages of conditions when a tropical storm or hurricane is predicted.

• Port Condition Whiskey is set when gale-force winds of 39 mph are predicted to arrive within 72 hours.
• Port Condition X-Ray is set when gale-force winds are predicted to arrive within 48 hours.
• Port Condition Yankee is set when gale-force winds are predicted to arrive within 24 hours.
• Port Condition Zulu is set when gale-force winds are predicted to arrive within 12 hours.
• Port Condition Recovery means the storm is no longer a threat to the area, however, some damage may have occurred and response and recovery operations are in progress.

If and when Port Condition Yankee is set, the Coast Guard will restrict all vessel movements.

For the general public, the Coast Guard is warning boaters to:

• Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
• Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm.
• Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Boats that can be hauled on trailers should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.
• Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove distress beacons and to secure life rings, life jackets and small boats.
• Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.