JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Effective 9 a.m., Wednesday, Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP), Capt. Andy Blomme, increased port conditions for the Port of Canaveral to X-RAY, due to the expectation of gale force winds generated by Hurricane Irene.
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 possible heavy rain run-off.
Vessels more than 500 gross tons should make preparations to leave the port at this time or should have requested 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.
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 gale force winds (39 mph) or when an evacuation is in progress.
For information on Hurricane Irene’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page at the following link – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
