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26MAY23 1110
See below MSIB 23-23 from USCG Sector Houston-Galveston.
NOTE: All USCG annual preparedness messages are uploaded to the GICA website at:
Hurricane Response - Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (gicaonline.com)
NOTE: The interagency presentations (USCG/USACE/NWS/NOAA) shared during the 25MAY23 GICA Joint Hurricane Team meeting held at the Port of New Orleans AND a copy of the 2023 Joint Hurricane Response Protocol are uploaded to the GICA website at:
Hurricane Response Protocol 2023 - Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (gicaonline.com)
USCG Sector Houston-Galveston MSIB 23-23
The 2023 Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1, 2023. All facilities and vessels in the Houston-Galveston Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are encouraged to review their severe weather plans and begin preparations for the hurricane season.
Sector Houston-Galveston has instituted a Port Condition Matrix with two tracks, a ’traditional’ track and a ’modified’ track, designed to clearly communicate with the port community whether the COTP intends to close the port. Both tracks have the exact same expectations except with the ’traditional’ track the COTP intends to close the port, whereas with the ’modified’ track, the COTP does not intend to close the port due to low intensity or low likelihood of a tropical storm.
Regardless of track, the COTP will issue Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) and broadcasts declaring the Port Condition with further requirements and instructions for vessels andfacilities. The Port Conditions are:
• Port Condition Whiskey – 72 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm force winds associated
with tropical storm activity;
• Port Condition X-Ray – 48 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm force winds associated with tropical
storm activity;
• Port Condition Yankee – 24 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm force winds associated with
tropical storm activity;
• Port Condition Zulu (FOR TRADITIONAL TRACK ONLY) – 12 hours prior to arrival of
tropical storm force winds associated with tropical storm activity;
• Post-Storm Recovery – COTP will set once port conditions allow, after the storm has passed.
VESSELS: All commercial vessels shall follow the Heavy Weather Port Condition Matrix (attached).
Of note, submitting a declaration will not guarantee the ability to remain in port but will give this office the ability to review the proposed request, provide situational awareness of what vessels will possibly remain in port for post storm accountability, and ensure facilities are aware of the vessels at their docks intending to remain in port.
Following a storm’s passing and once the port is reopened, vessels
will need to resubmit Notice of Arrival as per 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 160 and this office will rescreen vessels prior to reentry. Post storm, vessels may also be required to fill out the “Vessel Post Storm Self-Assessment Checklist”.
FACILITIES: All regulated commercial facilities shall follow the Heavy Weather Port Condition Matrix (attached).
All containers, storage tanks, pallets, and other items/equipment that could create a risk/hazard in a high wind environment shall be secured as necessary in accordance with regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Waterfront facilities are encouraged to conduct pre-storm surveys and conduct post-storm emergency surveys of their docks as soon as practical if there is reason to believe that bottom conditions have changed. The surveys help determine whether water depths have been reduced and whether ship traffic is able to safely proceed. Post storm, facilities may be required to fill out the “Facility Post Storm Self-Assessment Checklist”.
Please contact Sector Houston-Galveston WWM Division via houstonwwm@uscg.mil or the Command Center at 281-464-4851 if you have any questions.
CLICK HERE for a Copy of
USCG Sector H-G MSIB 23-23
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