USCG sets Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee for Guam, CNMI; Zulu expected at midnight

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam and the Marianas set Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee for the Ports of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands effective noon today preparation for Super Typhoon Bavi.

The Captain of the Port orders the following:

• "Dead" ships or vessels/barges unable to put to sea must have written authorization from the COTP to remain in port.

• All commercial vessels 200 gross tons or greater must evacuate the port unless in receipt of written COTP approval. No inbound vessel traffic is authorized.

  
  

The Port Authority of Guam has elevated its storm readiness posture following the U.S. Coast Guard's declaration of Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee.

Condition Yankee indicates that tropical storm-force winds are expected within approximately 24 hours, requiring final storm preparations and the orderly suspension of commercial port operations.

Under Condition Yankee:

·   The port is closed to inbound vessel traffic;

·   Vessels greater than 200 gross tons are required to depart the harbor, if not otherwise exempted by the U.S. Coast Guard;

·   Cargo operations will cease within the timeframe established by the Captain of the Port.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, vessel and facility operators may be affected further as conditions change. Under the next condition, PHWC Zulu, the ports of the Marinas will be closed to maritime traffic, and all cargo and bunker operations will be suspended until further notice. Zulu is anticipated at midnight.

Port personnel have completed all storm preparations in accordance with the Port's Typhoon Annex.

All three gantry cranes, the container yard to include refrigerated cargo and containers storing hazardous materials, administrative facilities, maintenance equipment, and other critical infrastructure have been secured to minimize storm impacts and position the port for a safe and efficient recovery following the passage of Typhoon Bavi.

“Our storm preparations are complete; we are fully compliant with government of Guam and U.S. Coast Guard requirements, and our focus now shifts to the safety of our personnel as Typhoon Bavi approaches,” said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio.

Arrangements have been made with the Governor, Lt. Governor, Department of Public Works, and Black Construction to prioritize the clearing of Route 11, the Port Access Road, immediately following the passage of Typhoon Bavi to ensure the movement of cargo and fuel into the community.

⁠Arrangements have also been secured with Matson to provide Guam Memorial Hospital with a refrigerated container for use as a temporary deep freezer in support of its typhoon response and recovery operations.