USCG: Sector Charleston Prepares for Upcoming Hurricane Season
See also Hurricane and Severe Weather Preparation.
SECTOR CHARLESTON
UPCOMING 2021 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
The Atlantic Hurricane Season will begin June 1, 2021 and will run through November 30, 2021. During this timeframe, the assigned port condition (PORTCON) will remain PORTCON IV and the port status will remain OPEN for all ports and waterways within the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zone. These waters are identified in 33 CFR 3.35-15 and lie between the intersection of the North Carolina – South Carolina boarder and the northern bank of the Savannah River.
In the event of forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone, the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port (COTP) will coordinate with the Heavy Weather Advisory Group (HWAG) to evaluate port preparation and changes in port condition.
The HWAG consists of maritime transportation system professionals local to the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zones, providing input on local operations and coordination for overall port well-being in response to severe weather events.
The COTP will announce changes to port conditions via a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners when forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone threaten South Carolina. These port conditions are as follows:
| Forecasted Hours Prior to Tropical Storm Force Winds | Port Condition | Measures in Effect |
| 1 DEC – 31 MAY | V | General. Port status is OPEN. |
| 1 JUN – 30 NOV | IV | Hurricane seasonal alert. Industry to review heavy weather plans. Port status is OPEN. |
| 72 | WHISKEY | The COTP will assess lay-up and mooring plans, meet with stakeholders, and conduct port assessments. Port status is OPEN. |
| 48 | X-RAY | The COTP will finalize review of lay-up and mooring plans, hold further meetings with stakeholders, and continue port assessments. Port Status is OPEN. |
| 24 | YANKEE | The COTP may restrict vessel movements, including stopping inbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is OPEN with RESTRICTIONS. |
| 12 | ZULU | The COTP may restrict all vessel movements, including stopping inbound and outbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is CLOSED. |
| AFTER STORM PASSAGE | OPEN or OPEN with RESTRICTIONS | Prior to authorizing vessel movements and cargo operations, the COTP will conduct a risk analysis based on actual weather observed and port assessments, which may include verifications of aids to navigation, channel hazards, waterfront facility damage, and vessel accountability. |
Very Respectfully,
LT Chad Ray
USCG Sector Charleston
Waterways Management Div., Chief
(843) 323-7761
All vessels, waterfront facilities, and marinas should review their heavy weather plans now. Please take into account that drawbridges may not open for vessel traffic when sustained wind speeds reach 25 mph or during land evacuations. Vessels or oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons that are unable to go to sea are required to submit heavy weather plans to the COTP. The request form can be obtained from Sector Charleston’s HOMEPORT internal site at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. All requests should be submitted to D07-PF-SECTORCHASN-WWM@uscg.mil. The COTP will carefully evaluate vessels requesting to remain in port. Submission alone of a Remain in Port Request does not grant approval from the COTP.
Currently, and running to May 31, 2021, the threat of severe weather is decreased. PORTCON V with a port status of OPEN remains in effect. This, however, does not prevent the COTP from changing port conditions in the event of forecasted severe weather.
For HWAG or waterway specific questions, please contact (843) 323-7761. For facility and foreign vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 740-3186. For domestic vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 754-2076. For Coast Guard related emergencies, please contact Sector Charleston Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston.
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