HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu set port heavy weather condition Whiskey for all commercial ports throughout the State of Hawaii effective at 8 p.m., Friday, due to the expectation of gale force winds generated by Hurricane Fausto that may arrive within 72 hours.
At 11 a.m., Friday, Hurricane Fausto was located approximately 1460 miles east of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
During heavy weather condition Whiskey, port facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect. At port condition Whiskey:
- All pleasure craft shall seek sheltered waters.
- Operators of vessels 200 gross tons (GT) and greater should plan to depart port. The COTP may direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port.
- Vessels that desire to remain in port must submit a safe mooring plan and receive written permission from the COTP and the Hawaii DOT–Harbors Division.
- Submit requests immediately and note that requests received after Port Condition X Ray may not be considered.
Vessels that request to remain in port must submit a safe mooring plan and receive written permission from the COTP and the Hawaii DOT-Harbors Division. Send requests to D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil and HawaiiDistrict.heavyweather.request@hawaii.gov. Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands should seek sheltered waters and anticipate additional restrictions and possible port closures as conditions progress. The COTP may restrict the operations of, or deny port entry to, vessels transporting oil or certain hazardous materials.
If and when port condition Yankee is set because sustained tropical storm force winds (34 knots and 39 mph) are expected within 24 hours, the port is closed to incoming traffic without specific approval from the COTP.
The Coast Guard is advising the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
- Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or sustaining damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to update their beacon’s registration and secure all devices safely to their vessel prior to a major storm. These devices often float free from vessels in marinas or at docks during storms and signal a distress when there is none. Ensure life rings, life jackets, and small boats are secured. If not properly secured, these items can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
- Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and internet. Mariners should monitor VHF-FM Channels 16 and 22A for Broadcast Notice to Mariners and watch for MSIB updates via email. Monitor the USCG Navigation Center website at Port Status | Navigation Center for up-to-date port status information.
For questions, contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) at D14 DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil or the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 1-800-552 6458.
For more information follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
-USCG