U. S. COAST GUARD CAPTAIN OF THE PORT MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN 008-08
PORT CONDITION WHISKEY SET FOR THE PORTS OF WILMINGTON AND MOREHEAD CITY, NC
September 2, 2008, 3 p.m.
The Captain of the Port for North Carolina has set Port Condition Whiskey for the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina, in preparation for the anticipated impact of heavy weather. Please take in consideration that the Tropical Storm’s trajectory and intensity is highly variable and conditions could change. However, according to the latest projections Gale Force winds (34 knots or 39 mph) are expected to reach Frying Pan Shoals Light (LLNR 835) within 72 hours. Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. To enter, transit or remain within this Captain of the Port Zone, vessels must comply with the following requirements:
1. All commercial vessels and barges greater than 500GT and all tank barges greater than 200GT desiring to remain in port must arrange safe mooring and shall complete and submit in writing within 24 hours to the Captain of the Port an application to remain in port for approval.
2. Commercial vessels and barges over 500GT and tank barges over 200GT departing the port must depart not later than 24 hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds at Frying Pan Shoals Light.
3. Vessels bound for these ports that are unable to depart 24 hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds at Frying Pan Shoals Light are advised to seek an alternative destination.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater or once evacuations begin. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
Refer to “Sector North Carolina Hurricane Port Preparedness and Heavy Weather Plan” located on the web at (http://homeport.uscg.mil/northcarolina) under “Safety and Security” for guidance on specific issues, or contact Sector North Carolina at (252)247-4570. Vessel applications to remain in port may be obtained on the web site, through Sector North Carolina, or Marine Safety Unit Wilmington.
J. E. RYAN
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port
North Carolina
