U. S. COAST GUARD CAPTAIN OF THE PORT MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN 009-08
PORT CONDITION X-RAY SET FOR THE PORTS OF WILMINGTON AND MOREHEAD CITY, NC
September 3, 2008, 7 p.m.
The Captain of the Port for North Carolina has set Port Condition X-Ray for all commercial waterways in Sector North Carolina, in preparation for the anticipated impact of heavy weather and anticipates setting Port Condition Yankee on or about 1700 local time, September 4, 2008. Please take into consideration that Hannah’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 within 48 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 immediately complete and submit in writing 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 by Port Condition Yankee (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 by Port Condition Yankee are advised to seek an alternative destination outside of Sector North Carolina’s COTP Zone.
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 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 through Marine Safety Unit Wilmington.
J. E. RYAN
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port
North Carolina
