PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard strongly urges mariners and members of the maritime community in the Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware region to prepare for the approach of tropical storm Hermine.
Coast Guard units across the projected path have made necessary preparations to avoid the storm as best as possible and highly encourage other mariners to do the same.
If you have not already done so, pleasure craft operators are advised to seek safe harbor. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they are less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or sustaining damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure the life rings, emergency beacons, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted and preclude from assisting people who may be in actual distress.
Visit www.nhc.noaa.gov for more information on Hermine and its projected path.
The captain of the port in each area along the projected path of Hermine is working closely with the maritime industry to ensure that the port is ready for the storm’s arrival.
The Captain of the Port has set condition X-RAY. During this port condition, all maritime operations including waterfront facility and vessel transits may occur until further notice and are subject to prudent seamanship and safe working practices. Commercial vessel and facility operators should plan for contingencies and review vessel schedules for arrivals and departures to and from maritime facilities.
The Captain of the Port will change the port condition when the Hurricane condition winds are 24 hours out.