The Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition X-Ray for the ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City. Heavy weather from Hurricane Beryl is expected to make landfall within 48 hours. A temporary safety zone is in effect for that portion of Sector Houston-Galveston’s Captain of the Port Zone (as defined in 33 CFR 3.40-28) west of GIWW MM-319.5 to include the ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City and all surrounding navigable waterways.
• Vessels are to continue to submit their Remain in Port checklist.
• Departing orders for vessels without approval to remain in port shall begin.
• Commence clearing vessels from Bolivar Anchorage.
• Vessels may be required to have an assist vessel for bunkering and lightering operations.
• Suspend all cargo transfers when winds reach 40 mph.
• Disconnect transfer hoses/arms when winds reach 50 mph.
• Smaller vessels shall seek shelter in preparation for possible port closure.
• All containers stored near flood-prone areas should be moved.
• Reminder: Port Closure (ZULU) may be set 12 hours ahead of expected arrival of tropical storm conditions.
This MSIB supersedes MSIB 16-24. All port entities are advised to review appropriate Heavy Weather Plans and prepare for setting Port Condition Yankee All documents (checklists & forms) mentioned in this MSIB can be found on Sector Houston-Galveston’s Homeport page under Local Contingency Plans. Please address questions to the Sector Houston-Galveston Command Center at (866) 539-8114. This bulletin shall remain active until cancelled or superseded by another bulletin