Hurricane Protocol News

Gustav Reveals Gap in Marine Industry Preparations

According to the  Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association, the Coast Guard, Corps of Engineers and inland barge industry have collaborated extensively since the 2005 hurricane season to better prepare for and respond to hurricane events along the Gulf Coast. Specifically, the collaboration  produced a detailed, written protocol for storm preparation, communications and response  efforts as they pertain to the marine industry, including rigid procedures for evacuating  vessels in advance of a storm, or securing vessels in-place when evacuation is not feasible. The protocol proved effective during Hurricane Gustav, with the exception of isolated  incidents inside the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC).