Effective 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard Sector San Juan captain of the port (COTP) set port condition X-ray for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgins Islands due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds of 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph generated by tropical storm Isaac that may arrive within 48 hours.
According to a release the Coast Guard issued, these ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray remains in effect.
Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges 500 gross tons and above should make plans for departing the port.
Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds potentially making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
If and when port condition Yankee is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
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