U. S. COAST GUARD CAPTAIN OF THE PORT MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN 010-08
PORT CONDITION YANKEE SET FOR CAPTAIN OF THE PORT ZONE NORTH CAROLINA
September 4, 2008, 1 p.m.
The Captain of the Port for North Carolina has set Port Condition Yankee for all commercial waterways in Captain of the Port Zone North Carolina effective 1300 local time, September 4, 2008, in preparation for the anticipated impact of heavy weather. The Captain of the Port North Carolina further anticipates setting Port Condition Zulu on or about 0100 local time, September 5, 2008. Please take in consideration that the Hurricane’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 24 hours. A safety zone for all the U.S. Inland Waters, Coastal Inlets and Territorial Seas within the Captain of the Port Zone, from Little River Inlet to the North Carolina - Virginia boundary has been established. The ports of Wilmington and Morehead City are CLOSED to ALL INBOUND traffic. No vessel may enter this safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port. All cargo and bunker handling operations shall cease upon the setting of Port Condition Zulu.
1. Commercial vessels and barges over 500GT and all tank barges over 200GT departing the port must clear the Cape Fear Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy “CF” upon the setting of Port Condition Zulu.
2. All commercial vessels and barges who have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must be at their site in accordance with their application as approved by the Captain of the Port upon the setting of Port Condition Zulu.
3. Vessels bound for waters within the Captain of the Port Zone North Carolina 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 for guidance on specific issues, or contact Sector North Carolina at (252)240-8145. In addition, severe weather information may be found on the Fifth Coast Guard District web site at http://www.uscg.mil/d5/ . 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
