Marine Safety Information Bulletin - Port of Key West

Tropical Storm Fay

MIAMI - Effective 12:00 p.m. Sunday, Hurricane Condition YANKEE (sustained Gale Force winds from a hurricane force storm are predicted within 24 hours) is set for the Port of Key West, Fla.

All mariners are reminded that there are no safe havens for the Port of Key West area and that the port is safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. For planning purposes, all oceangoing vessel and barges over 500 gross tons will be required to depart Port of Key West and head out to sea when Hurricane Condition YANKEE is set. Inland vessels and barges over 500 gross tons are required to seek safe refuge in a port outside the Port of Key West.

Vessel movement will be restricted and allowed only on a case-by-case basis by approval of the Captain of the Port. All vessels expecting to conduct cargo operations during Condition YANKEE shall submit a Cargo Operations Plan to terminal owners for approval. All ship-to-shore operations must be completed six hours prior to the setting of Port Condition ZULU. 

• Affected ports are closed to inbound traffic.
• Anticipate drawbridges may be closed to vessel traffic as early as eight hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds.
• Coast Guard Port Survey teams will conduct Port Condition YANKEE validation.

Tropical Storm Fay is expected to develop into a hurricane. All marine interests must take early and substantial action to ensure safety of the port and vessels. Future port conditions cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, but provided the storm remains on the projected course and track, port stakeholders can expect the following progression of port conditions.

Sustained Gale Force winds from a hurricane force storm are predicted within 24 hours.

For additional information please call Coast Guard Sector Key West at 305-295-9700.

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