U.S. Coast Guard Captain Sets Port Condition ‘YANKEE’ for Port Canaveral Due to Hurricane Ian
By Space Coast Daily // September 27, 2022
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition “YANKEE” for Port Canaveral: Sustained gale force winds are predicted within 24 hours.
Port Canaveral is open and conducting limited Port operations and preparing for the closure of waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations.
Vessel owners and operators should take immediate decisive action to comply with Port orders to ensure the safety of their vessels, crews and/or facilities.
Port Condition YANKEE will be set in Port Canaveral. No vessel, regardless of size or service, will be allowed to transit through Port Canaveral upon the setting of Port Condition YANKEE unless authorized by the Captain of the Port.
Additionally, all ship-to-shore cargo operations must cease 6 hours prior to setting Port Condition ZULU.
Maritime interests are reminded that there are no “safe havens” identified within Port Canaveral for a vessel to safely survive Tropical Storm Force Winds or Storm Surges without creating a threat to the safety of the port and public welfare. The safest condition for the port during the arrival of a hurricane is when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum.
All ships should coordinate their efforts in accordance with their evasion plan. Masters should take early and decisive action to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.
Be advised, about eight hours prior to the predicted arrival of sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and will not open until after the severe weather has passed. It is critical that vessels intending to evacuate Port Canaveral via the Barge Canal depart early to avoid being blocked by bridge closures.
For additional information please contact Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at (904) 714-7557.
