Port condition Zulu set for Port of Baltimore
The Captain of the Port of Baltimore has set port condition Zulu Monday, for all commercial waterways in the upper Chesapeake Bay in preparation for the anticipated heavy weather impact of Hurricane Sandy, the USCG news release said.
This port condition is a change from the previous condition of Yankee.
A safety zone for the upper Chesapeake Bay from Smith Island to the C&D Canal remains in effect. The Port of Baltimore is closed to all inbound and outbound traffic. No vessel may enter, depart or transit within this safety zone without the permission of the COTP.
1. All cargo and bunker handling operations must cease at this time.
2. A safety zone has been established prohibiting vessel movement and activities unless specifically authorized by the COTP.
3. All commercial vessels and barges who have received permission from the COTP to remain in port must be at their mooring site in accordance with their plan.
4. Vessels bound for this port are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater. Due to uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
Coast Guard Stations Annapolis, Crisfield, Curtis Bay, Oxford, St. Inigoes, Stillpond and Washington, D.C., have secured operations in anticipation of the hurricane. The Coast Guard once again strongly urges boaters to stay off the water.
