Coast Guard sets port condition for New Orleans and Morgan City

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard has set Port Condition Whiskey, a 72-hour alert, for the ports of New Orleans and Morgan City, La., in anticipation of Tropical Storm Bonnie, Thursday.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletins alerting mariners to the change in port condition have been issued.

Mariners are encouraged to use all means available to monitor the path of Bonnie and remain prepared to take actions as the weather system develops.

The following actions are required when a port is in condition whiskey:

All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross tons (gt) and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs will report their intention to depart or remain in port.
All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gt and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs remaining in port will complete a checklist located in the Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan Enclosure 1 and submit to the COTP within 24 hours for approval.
The Coast Guard will have increased harbor patrols and will advise vessel and facility operators of any conditions that require immediate action or correction.

Mariners are cautioned that the status of the port condition may change quickly as the situation develops and are reminded to secure or move their vessels as necessary to prevent damage to nearby vessels and structures.

Information on the 2010 Maritime Hurricane Contingency Port Plan can be found at www.homeport.uscg.mil/nola

Editor's Note: Media interested in speaking to a Coast Guard representative about port conditions should contact: Lt. Brian Sattler, 504-846-5922 at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, or Lt. Angel Flood, 985-380-5341 at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Morgan City.

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