Winter Storm to Hit San Francisco Bay

 

A major winter storm is forecast for the San Francisco Bay this week. The storm is forecast to impact the entire Bay Area region, Monterey, and Lake Tahoe.

Patchy fog, heavy rain, gale force winds (in excess of 34 knots) and increased wave action are expected Wednesday night, 10 December 2014 through Thursday 11 December 2014, with weather abating and showers expected on Friday 12 December 2014....

This MSIB clarifies USCG Captain of the Port expectations and provides recommended actions in preparation for heavy weather conditions forecast for the San Francisco COTP Zone. Industry partners should review the applicable portions of the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bay Harbor Safety Plan, implement heavy-weather plans and shall take due diligence to prepare for potential storm impacts.

USCG Sector San Francisco will be conducting harbor patrols to ascertain pre-storm conditions and provide recommendations for preparatory actions. The COTP may require additional precautions to ensure the safety of the ports and waterways. The following requirements and recommendations are provided in advance of the heavy weather:

* Ports and waterfront facilities should remove and/or secure all debris and potential flying hazards.

* Secure hazardous materials and pollution hazards in a safe manner away from waterfront areas.

* Terminal operators should prepare to terminate all cargo operations not associated with storm preparations.

* Container stacking protocols should be implemented. Waterfront facilities that are unable to reduce container stacking heights to no more than four high (or no more than two high for hazardous materials) should devise a contingency plan with alternative container stacking protocols and submit these plans to the Captain of the Port.

* Heavy weather mooring arrangements shall be implemented for all oceangoing commercial vessel greater than 500 tons that are submitted to the Captain of the Port.

* All facilities shall continue operations in accordance with their approved Facility Security Plans and comply with the requirements of the Marine Transportations Security Act (MTSA).

* Anticipate that drawbridges may be closed to vessel traffic due to high winds and safety concerns.

* Vessel loading/discharging operations are not authorized during gale force winds unless specifically cleared by the COTP. This includes container oeprations and bunkering and discharging operations in accordance with the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bay Harbor Safety Plan.

* Bulk liquid terminals should ensure that all transfer hoses and loading arms are drained, flanged and secured. Valves on transfer piping leading to pier and waterfront areas should be secured in the closed position.

* All vessels at anchorage shall implement heavy weather communications procedures with VTS San Francisco in accordance with 33CFR110.224.

* Ferry operators are encouraged to evaluate their ability to operate in the pending conditions and take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of passengers and crews. Ferry vessel movements may be restricted if winds reach gale force strength.

* In accordance with the San Francisco, San Pablo and Siusun Bay Harbor Safety Plan, vessel operators shall notify the COTP via VTS San Francisco of intent to operate during storm conditions, and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of transits.

* Marine construction and dredging operations should be suspended and secured in advance of gale force winds.

* Marine event organizers should postpone events until after the passage of the storm....


Source: Extract from U.S. Coast Guard, Sector San Francisco, Maritime Security Information Bulhttp://www.kepcorp.com/en/home.aspxletin (MSIB ) 14-09 dated 10 December 2014