Setting of Port Condition NORMAL 

 

 

Effective September 12th, 2024 at 1300, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has set port condition NORMAL. Vessel movement and cargo operations are authorized within the COTP New Orleans Zone, as described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 3.40-15. 

The following waterway restrictions remain in effect:  

 

·       The Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile Marker 167.5, Ahead of Passes (AHP), to MM 20, Below Head of Passes (BHP) is closed to all vessel traffic.   

 

·       Towboats, tugboats, crewboats, pilot boats, and other vessels drafting below 12 feet are authorized to transit northbound of MM 167.5. 

Vessels requesting deviation from the above requirements should utilize the Vessel Request for Movement Form found at https://linktr.ee/secnolahurricanereporting or by using the QR code below.  Except in an emergency or to prevent/mitigate a potentially hazardous condition, all vessels shall contact the Vessel Traffic Center prior to movement. If vessels move in the event of an emergency, notify the Vessel Traffic Center as soon as practicable. 

 

Fleet boats may transit light boat in the vicinity of their fleets to conduct necessary safety checks on fleets and/or respond to emergencies without contacting the Vessel Traffic Center prior to movement. 

 

Although some waterways are open to traffic, shoaling, storm debris, and other hazards may still exist.  Mariners must be mindful of their vessel wake, as flooding conditions may exist in many communities near waterways. Aids to Navigation may also be damaged or missing. Mariners transiting the area should use caution, and report any Aids to Navigation damage, obstructions, and/or other waterways issues to Sector New Orleans Command Center at (504) 365-2209.  

 

For the most up-to-date information on port infrastructure, please visit: 

 

·       Floodgates: 

·       Flood Protection Authority West: http://slfpaw.org/floodgate-summary/   

·       Flood Protection Authority East:  https://www.floodauthority.org/closures/ 

·       Bridges:  

·       http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/operations/ferrystatus/fmbs_status.aspx?PID=B_STATUS  

·       Locks:  

·       https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/LockStatus/  

 

Owners and operators should submit required lightering and salvage plans to: secnola.salvage@gmail.com.  

Owners and Operators are requested to continue submitting the following status reports:  

1.     Regulated Waterfront Facilities 

·       Any immediate concerns threatening the safe operation of your facility? 

·       Will you require any deviations to COTP approved plans?  

·       Does your facility have power?  

·       Are vessels able to safely moor? 

·       Will your facility have a priority cargo movement request?  

As a reminder, the recent increase in current and water levels may have altered the bottom conditions at your berths. It is the facility’s responsibility to provide safe berthing to all visiting vessels. It is highly encouraged that facility operators conduct a dock survey to ensure vessels docking have sufficient water depth.  

 

1.     Barge Fleeting Areas 

·       Are all barges accounted for safely moored?  

·       Barges unaccounted for, list current known status including any cargo onboard? 

 

All New Orleans and Baton Rouge regulated facilities are requested to complete the “Post Storm Facility Status” reporting form, found by using the below QR code or at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Ff8a9iFbB4