The Coast Guard captain of the port has set Port Condition Yankee for the coastal waters of the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia Saturday due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy.
All remaining ports in the Hampton Roads remain at Port Condition X-Ray.
Condition Yankee means that gale force winds are possible within 24 hours at the Virginia Capes.
No vessel may enter ports along the eastern shore without the permission of the captain of the port.
Facility operators and agents should contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads at 757-638-6641 to request permission for vessels to enter the port.
It is primarily the facility operator’s decision to allow vessels to remain moored during the passing of the hurricane. Facilities that do not allow vessels to remain moored must provide them with sufficient notice to allow the vessels time to move to a safe mooring, hurricane anchorage or to depart to sea.
Facilities and vessels should communicate with each other regarding vessels’ plans. Facility operators should continue making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment and debris are safely secured. All vessel moorings should be reinforced.
Anchored vessels should prepare for severe winds. Additional anchors should be made ready to let go, and preparations should be made to have a continuous anchor watch. Also, vessels shall monitor VHF-FM channel 16.
