06/01/2026
Well....It happened again!!!!
Hurricane Season is back!
Please refer to MSIB 26-05 for guidance for facilities and vessels in Houston-Galveston Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone.
Sector Houston-Galveston has five Port Conditions within our Hurricane and Severe Weather Plan. As the
COTP, when severe weather approaches, I intend to issue Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) and
other broadcasts declaring the Port Condition for vessels and facilities. The five Port Conditions are:
Pre- Storm Condition: 96 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Whiskey: 72 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition X-Ray: 48 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Yankee: 24 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Zulu: 12 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Post-Storm Recovery: COTP will set after a storm has passed once the situation allows.
VESSELS: All commercial vessels shall follow the Heavy Weather Port Conditions listed below. Since
harbors along the Gulf coast may not provide adequate safe refuge for approaching storms, I may direct all
capable sea-going vessels to make timely departures from port ahead of Tropical Storm conditions, as
necessary. All vessels over 500 gross tons should plan to depart unless they suffer a casualty that makes
departure improbable. A “Declaration of Intent to Remain in Port” is required for any vessel over 500
gross tons requesting to remain in port. All smaller vessels should make plans and be prepared for port
closure.
Following a storm’s passing, vessels returning to port are required to resubmit a Notice of Arrival as per 33
Code of Federal Regulations Part 160, and this office will rescreen each vessel 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 Conditions
listed below. It is requested that pre-storm assessments include any vessels that will be allowed to remain at
the facility during a storm. All containers, storage tanks, pallets, and other items/equipment that could create
a risk/hazard in a high wind environment shall be secured, in accordance with regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
Post storm, waterfront facilities will be required to report conditions of their docks, berths, wharves, and pier
as soon as practical using the “Facility Post Storm Self-Assessment Checklist”.
• MSIB 26-05 Severe Weather Safety Planning for Vessels and Facilities_signed.pdf
Waterways Management
Sector Houston-Galveston
U.S. Coast Guard
WWM Duty Cell: 713-398-5823
[email protected]
