The Captain of the Port (COTP) has set modified Port Condition Yankee as of Monday, September 13, at 12:00 PM, for the ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport, Texas City and the portion of the GIWW from MM 319.5 to MM 442. Heavy weather from Tropical Storm Nicholas is expected to make landfall within 24 hours.
Although the COTP does not intend to close the port, vessel and facility operators are required to take the following actions:
- These ports are closed for all inbound transits of vessels 500 gross tons and greater, to include shifting berths within the ports.
- Self-propelled oceangoing vessels 500 gross tons and greater and oceangoing barges 500 gross tons and greater and their supporting tugs must coordinate with any facility at which they intend to remain prior to the arrival of tropical storm force conditions.
- All vessels should have arrangements to suspend bunkering and lightering, and depart from the Bolivar Anchorage if wind speeds reach 40 mph.
- All cargo transfer and bunkering operations by vessels remaining in port shall cease if wind speeds reach 40 mph.
- Disconnect all transfer hoses and loading arms if wind speeds exceed 50 mph.
- Smaller commercial vessels not restricted by draft, including fishing vessels, should seek shelter outside the deep draft shipping channels and turning areas. Inland tows must identify a facility/fleeting area that will support a safe mooring for the duration of heavy weather.
Additional guidance regarding Tropical Storm Nicholas will be issued in the form of further MSIBs, Broadcast Notice to Mariners or other forms as necessary. Please address questions to the Sector Houston-Galveston Command Center at (281) 464-4855. This bulletin shall remain active until cancelled by another bulletin.
Self-propelled vessels over 500GT and integrated tug and barges (ITB) requesting to remain in port must submit a Declaration of Intent to Remain in Port.