ampa Bay Harbor Safety & Security Committee
Serving the Ports of Tampa, Port Manatee & St. Petersburg
Port Heavy Weather
Advisory Group
(PHWAG)
Before PHWAG
 Decision Making Process
Primary US Coast Guard 7th District
Secondary Captain of the Port, Tampa
 Decision Based on Limited Information
Gathered Outside of AOR (Area of Responsibility
Based upon USCG’s Limited Ability to Respond
 Decision Timeliness – Critical Point
Too Early
Too Late
Where Are We Now
 Decision Making Process
Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group
COTP Tampa
 Decision Foundation
Critical Risk Factors
Awareness of Needs
Limitation of Resources
 Decision Element
Local Focus
Timely
Tampa Bay Port Heavy Weather
Advisory Group
Key Maritime Stakeholders
Primary Purposes
•Review & evaluate the effectiveness of Tampa Bay Port
Heavy Weather Contingency Plan & make
recommendations for improvements;
•Identify critical infrastructure and maritime industry issues
to facilitate the securing or reopening of the port.
•Advise the COTP of critical risk factors to port and vessel
operations relating to tropical storms or hurricanes.
PHWAG Decision Making Model
 Analyzes the Critical Risk
Factors:
–
weather, vessels, berths,
facility operations,
hazardous materials,
resources available
 Determine Appropriate
Course of Action:
–
none; control traffic; cease
all traffic
 Recommendation to
COTP:
– No Evacuation
– Partial Evacuation
– Complete Evacuation &
Cessation of Vessel Traffic
and Transfer Operations
What is Considered in Controlling
Vessel Traffic
Evaluation Of Evasion Routes
The table below provides each of the Port Hurricane Conditions Used by the COTP.
Port Hurricane
When Set
Condition
Condition IV
1 Jun - Nov 30 Hurricane Seasonal Alert
(Return to this condition after storm passage)
Condition Whiskey
Arrival of sustained gale force winds anticipated within 72 hours
Condition X-Ray
Arrival of sustained gale force winds anticipated within 48 hours
Condition Yankee
Arrival of sustained gale force winds anticipated within 24 hours
Condition Zulu
Arrival of sustained gale force winds anticipated within 12 hours
The table below provides the potential orders the COTP may issue.
Port Hurricane
Potential Action
Condition
Condition IV
Recommend preparations for hurricane season
Condition Whiskey
No action, control traffic, suspend vessel traffic
Condition X-Ray
No action, control traffic, suspend vessel traffic
Condition Yankee
No action, control traffic, suspend vessel traffic, suspend cargo operations
Condition Zulu
All traffic and cargo operations suspended (mandatory action)
When Is the Port Closed?
 3 Stages Towards Port Closure
1 – Vessel Movements & Cargo Transfer
2 – Facility and Terminal Closure
3 – EOC Orders Evacuation
 Stopping of traffic or vessel cargo operation
doesn’t mean the port is closed.
Determining the Need to Control
Vessel Traffic & Port Operations
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Storm Location and Path
Current State of the Sea
Wave Forecast
Vessel Information
Vessel Traffic Management
Movement Stops – Movement Starts
 Maximize Efficiencies & Minimize Economic Impact
– Prioritize Vessels by Cargo, Delay Time, Tides,
Speed, etc.
– Establish Queue based on Needs of Port, Logistics of
Resources, and Maximization of Traffic Flow
– Vessel Must Have CG Control # for Entry or ReEntry
What if a Major Hurricane Strikes?
The ports of Tampa Bay are essential for
recovery of the surrounding communities.
The surrounding communities are essential for
the recovery of the ports of Tampa Bay.
Restoring the Infrastructure of the
Community
 Critical Factors
Exchange of Information – Timely & Factual
Cooperation/Partnership
Priorities Based upon Maximizing Recovery Efforts
Decision Making
At Local Level
Impact on Overall Recovery Effort
Lessons Learned – Best Practices
 Priority of Power Restoration to Maritime
Facilities
 Establish Contracts with Outside
Vendors
 Gaining Immediate Access for First
Responders
PHWAG – Partner for Success
“Safe Passage Throughout Tampa Bay”
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60 Million Tons of Cargo
~ 50% of all seaborne commerce passing through the state
~ 50% of Florida’s Fuel Supply
5.7 billion gallons of Petroleum Products
~ 50 % of Florida Hazardous Chemicals
~ 800,000 Cruise Passengers
Questions?