MIAMI — Effective 12 p.m. Friday, Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Capt. Chris Scraba, increased port conditions for the Port of Miami and Port Everglades to X-RAY, due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Isaac may arrive within 48 hours.
Waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and oil pollution hazards from dockside areas. Secure all hazmat and potential sources of pollution due to heavy rain run-off.
Vessels more than 500 gross tons should make preparations to leave the port at this time or have received permission from the COTP to remain in port. Vessels unable to depart the port must contact the COTP and submit a safe mooring plan in writing when requesting and prior to receiving permission to remain in port. Proof of facility owner/operator approval will be required.
Inbound vessels that will be unable to depart the port if Port Condition YANKEE is set, are advised to seek an alternate destination. Container terminal operators shall reduce general cargo container stack heights to no more than four high and hazardous material cargo container stacks to no more than two high, or propose alternate securing arrangements to the COTP. The COTP may require additional precautions to ensure the safety of the ports and waterways.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of sustained gail force winds (39 mph) or when an evacuation is in progress.
“There are very strong winds, high waves and rip currents forecasted and we need the boating public to cooperate with us and be smart by staying out of harm’s way until the storm passes,” said Capt. Chris Scraba, Captain of the Port.
For information on Hurricane Irene’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page.
