2006 Hurricane Plan

The purpose of this Plan is to provide steps and procedures that should be taken before, during and after the passage of a severe storm or hurricane.

GENERAL

The Port will follow the United States Coast Guard (USCG) benchmarks for hurricane stages based on information from the National Weather Service.  The stages are as follows:

CONDITION FIVE

This condition is set from December 1^st to May 31^st each year except when modified by a rare winter condition.  No hurricanes are expected.

CONDITION FOUR

An alert condition set annually on June 1^st which remains in effect through November 30^th or a heightened condition in which hurricane force winds are possible within 72 hours.

CONDITION THREE

A readiness condition in which 50-knot winds are possible within 48 hours.

CONDITION TWO

A warning condition in which 50-knot winds are possible within 24 hours.

CONDITION ONE

A danger condition in which hurricane force winds are possible within 12 hours.

The intent of the Plan is to have the Port in the safest possible condition at least six (6) hours prior to landfall by a hurricane.  Factors considered are a minimum of vessels in-port, removal of potential missile/debris material, adequately moored vessels that have complied with require­ments of the Executive Director and the COTP (Captain of the Port) Miami regulations, and the evacuation or relocation of equipment, supplies, records, and cargo to high ground or best available storage locations.

DEFINITIONS OF WEATHER TERMINOLOGY

Advisory

Advisory messages are issued by the U. S. Environmental Science Services Administration, Weather Bureau concerning tropical storms and hurricanes.  They are issued by the Hurricane Warning Centers.  An advisory gives details as to where the tropical storm or hurricane is located, its intensity, direction and speed of movement.  Precautionary measures are given for ships in or near the storm.  See also “Hurricane Warning”.

Bulletin

A weather bulletin is a public release from a U. S. Weather Bureau Hurricane Warning Center during periods between advisories, giving latest details on the tropical storm or hurricane.

Local Statements

A public information release prepared by the U. S. Weather Bureau in or near the threatened area giving details on conditions that will be felt locally, as well as, areas that should be evacuated and other precautions in the local area to protect life and property.

Squall

A strong wind usually associated with a thunderstorm or shower which maintains its peak speed over a period of two (2) or more minutes and then decreases quickly.

Tropical Disturbance

Any observable weather pattern which persists for at least 24 hours, exhibiting rain and/or low barometric pressure.

Tropical Depression

An area of low atmospheric pressure originating over tropical waters with winds blowing counterclockwise around the center at speeds less than 39 MPH (34 knots).

Gale Warning

A warning of strong winds in the range of 39-54 MPH (34-47 knots).  Gale warnings may precede or accompany a hurricane watch and may be used as the warning for coastal sections adjacent to an area under hurricane warning.

Tropical Storm

Further intensification of the weather pattern exhibited by a tropical depression with sustained winds between 39-73 MPH (34-64 knots). Wind speed is the major factor in defining a “storm”.  An “eye” may form as the storm strengthens.

Hurricane

A violent storm originating over tropical waters with winds near its center reaching 74 MPH (64 knots) or greater.  In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricane wind blows in a counterclockwise direction around the center.  The size of the storm may range from 50 to 1,000 miles in diameter.

Hurricane Center or “Hurricane Eye”

The relatively calm area near the center of the storm.  In this area winds are often light and the sky may be seen, as it is often only partly covered by clouds.

Storm Surge

Increase in sea level water height from what would exist with no hurricane.  A storm surge is associated with tropical storms or hurricanes as they approach or move across the coastal line.  Advisories often contain information as to how many feet the “storm surge” will exceed the normal water level.  Typically the stronger the hurricane, the greater the storm surge.

Hurricane Watch

An announcement issued by the U. S. Weather Bureau to the public and all other interests via press, radio and T. V. whenever a tropical storm or hurricane becomes a possible threat to coastal areas within 24 to 48 hours.

The Hurricane Watch is not a Warning.  It indicates that the hurricane is close enough that everyone in the area covered by the “watch” should listen for subsequent advisories and be ready to take precautionary action in case hurricane warnings are issued.  A Hurricane Watch implies the possibility of dangerous conditions within 24 to 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning

A warning which indicates that hurricane winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) and greater, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas ( in this case with winds as low as 60 MPH) are expected in a specified coastal area.

When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately or at least within the next 12 to 24 hours.

It is of utmost importance that ALL precautionary measures and actions be initiated immediately for the protection of life and property when a hurricane warning is announced.

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

Category 1

Sustained winds 74- 95 MPH (64-82 knots).  Damage to shrubbery, trees, unanchored mobile homes, and poorly constructed signs.  Low-lying coastal roads flooded, minor pier damage, and tearing exposed small craft from moorings.

Category 2

Sustained winds 96-110 MPH (83-95 knots).  Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees, many felled.  Major damage to exposed mobile homes.  Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs.  Damage to roofing materials, windows, doors and minor damage to buildings.  Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes inland are cut off by rising water, 2 to 4 hours before hurricane eye.  Considerable damage to piers and marinas flooded.  Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from moorings.

Category 3

Sustained winds 111-130 MPH (96-113 knots).  Extensive damage to large trees.  Poorly constructed signs blown away.  Damage to roofing materials, windows and doors.  Structural damage to small buildings.  Mobile homes demolished.  Serious flooding along coast, many small structures near coast destroyed.  Larger structures battered by waves and debris.  Low-lying escape routes more quickly flooded.  Water rises 3-5 hours before hurricane eye.

Category 4

Sustained winds 131-155 MPH (114-135 knots).  Shrubs and trees uprooted and all signs downed. Extensive damage to roofs, many of them collapsing.  Damage to windows and doors. Complete destruction to mobile homes.  Flood damage to lower floors of structures near shore line.  Low-lying inland escape routes completely cut off by rising water 3 – 5 hours before hurricane eye.  Major beach erosion.

Category 5

Sustained winds of 156 MPH or greater ( 35+ knots).  Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down.  Very severe and extensive damage to windows and doors.  Complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings.  Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors.  Some complete building failures.  Small buildings overturned or blown away.  Complete destruction of mobile homes.

EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR

The Executive Director has overall local responsibility of the piers, warehouses and facilities at the Port.

Port Responsibilities

• Preparation of roads, gates and other structures to provide for prompt restoration of normal operations.

• Conduct Port / Tenant preparations meetings.

• Maintain communications with U.S.C.G. and National Weather Service.

• Preparation of buildings and facilities against damage.

• Coordinate the removal of debris to keep evacuation routs open.

• Maintain inventory of materials and equipment suitable for use in emergency operations.

• Secure all portable security booths.

• Pre-stage emergency generators. (lift stations)

• Assign individuals to damage assessment teams.

• Establish Port USER conference calls. (Out of state, hard wire)

• Provision of information to EOC regarding all estimated or known damages and emergency actions.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Preparation of office areas to minimize water intrusion damage.

• Secure all loose gear and stevedoring equipment such as pallets, dunnage, lumber, etc.

• Preparation of leased buildings and facilities against damage.

• Secure fuel tanks and storage areas.

General

            All Port USERS:

            Vital records and computer equipment should be secured and covered with plastic.

            Cover and secure all filing cabinets with plastic.

Secure current emergency home telephone numbers of employees and designates time/place for call-in of employees after hurricane to assess damage.  All phones, equipment, etc. should be locked into filing cabinets and workstations should be cleared.

Move computers, printers and copy machines etc. into the computer rooms, secured areas or plastic bags.  All electrical equipment will be unplugged.

Ground level building/offices should also place equipment off the floor in case of tidal surge.

            Move all valuable papers into secured locations.  All loose equipment, papers, etc.,
            will be removed from desks and placed in secure areas.

 

            Establish meeting places and alternates for the post-hurricane meeting.

            Contact contractors (if any, for contract for post hurricane assistance).

            Contact insurance company.

AT HOME

Make sure you have:

  •    Battery operated Flashlights                                 •   Battery operated Radio or TV

  •    Extra batteries                                                       •   Emergency cooking facilities

  •    Lantern                                                                  •   Candles

  •    Matches and a hand can opener                            •   Fire extinguisher

  •    Canned food and Canned milk                              •   Medicine, baby food, etc.     

         •    First aid kit                                                             •   Storm shutters for windows   

         •    Masking Tape                                                        •   Bleach

                                                                                             •   Rotary dial telephone

Pay attention to official announcements on radio and T.V. from the National Hurricane Center and Red Cross Disaster Committee.  DON’T pay attention to rumors!

If you are in a coastal or low lying area, be ready to evacuate early. Pre-storm tides may cut you off if you don’t evacuate when instructed to do so.

YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS YOUR LIFE IS SERIOUSLY THREATENED.  IF YOU RECEIVE WORD TO LEAVE----GO!!!!

Gas-up your cars ahead of time to avoid long lines.  Fuel may be unavailable for days after a hurricane.  If you intend to drive somewhere before the hurricane comes, do it early.  This will help prevent traffic tie-ups and avoid storm damage to your vehicle.  As winds become stronger, vehicles will be harder to control, and roads will be full of debris.  Pavement may become undermined and collapse under the weight of a car.

Make sure emergency equipment is in good working order, and that you have enough supplies for several days.

Be sure all fire extinguishers are ready to use.  If you expect to evacuate, make plans in advance:  where to stay, how top get there.  Check with your doctor on what you should do for the elderly and invalid in your home.  If you have a boat, make arrangements in advance for safe harbor.

If you are locating outside the hurricane threatened area, carry a current road map and follow a route away from seashores, lakes, canals, etc.

Watch T.V./radio updates for Port status.

PILOTS

The Pilots will coordinate with port operations and shipping lines to have vessels sail from the Port prior to the suspension of their services.

TUG SERVICE

The Port will coordinate with the local tug company to provide for a recovery and assistance plan to provide for prompt resumption of Port operations and services after a hurricane.

VESSEL MASTERS/VESSELS REMAINING IN-PORT

The vessel's Master will take prompt, effective action to ensure the safety of his ship and crew.  If possible, he will avoid the hurricane by putting to sea.  If the Executive Port Director allows the vessel to stay in-port, the Master will follow all Port and COTP requirements as a condition for remaining in-port. 

THE DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE PORT DIRECTOR ARE FINAL.

LEASED TERMINAL OPERATORS

Terminal operators will take prompt, effective action to ensure the safety of their terminal facility and its personnel and the environment.  They will secure, or remove, hazardous materials, reduce or eliminate missile hazards, secure large storage tanks and take other appropriate action to minimize the effects of high winds and tides.

SAFETY ZONES

Safety zones may be designated by the COTP Miami in accordance with 33 CFR 165 during Hurricane Conditions One and Two.  If a safety zone is established, no vessel may enter into or transit that area without permission of the Captain of the Port. Safety Zones may be established after the storm has passed in order to expedite the clean up and to prevent unlawful acts against unmanned vessels, waterfront facilities, etc. 

PRE-HURRICANE SURVEYS

Joint water and shore side surveillance surveys will be conducted by the Port representatives and local shipping lines/terminal operators to determine the degree of preparedness. 

The requirements of the Executive Director to ensure the safety of the facility will be adhered to and followed promptly, by the shipping lines and terminal operators.

COMMAND CENTER

Upon declaration of  CONDITION 2 (24 HOUR), Port Security located at 301 Broadway will be equipped to become the Command Center. Communications will be established and maintained by port security and RBPD Officers with the following agencies;

• U.S.C.G.

• County Emergency Management

• Customs and Border Protection

• Riviera Beach Police Department

• Riviera Beach Fire Department

The following items will be placed in the center.

• Emergency Generators and Fuel

• Hard wire Phone/Fax

• Laptop with Dial-up.

• Communication Radio

• AM/FM Radio & TV

• VHF Radio

CONDITION FOUR (72 HOUR)

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Operations will control the movement and status of vessels at the Port in compliance with the Executive Port Director's requirements and COTP directions.

Upon CONDITION FOUR (June 1^st through November) port operations will monitor and maintain vessel status conditions, as to ensure vessels are in “ready condition” (sea-worthy) in the event the order to evacuate is given by the Port Executive Director or the COTP. Any vessel currently or projected to not be in “ready condition” may be ordered out of port by the Executive Director.

Port Operations and Maintenance

Planning and Preparations

• Check operation of all building vents and openings to elevator machine room’s and hoist way walls to insure proper operation.

• Check all sump pumps, float switches and alarms to insure proper operation.

• Check storm shutters for condition and readiness for installation. Conducting repairs as deemed necessary.

• Inspect and check cables and straps for passenger loading bridge (FMT).

• Test and inspect emergency generators monthly.

• Maintain / trim trees and scrubs for high wind weather conditions.

• Inspect and stage window panels at Bldg #4.

• Stockpile fuel and top off tanks.

Items to be reviewed for purchase incase of need;

• Portable Emergency Generators.

• Wet Vac’s

• De-Humidifiers

• Flashlights

• Food / Water / Ice

• Portable AC units for Control Center and Computer room

• Digital Cameras

CONDITION THREE (48-HOUR WARNING)

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Operations will control the movement and status of vessels at the Port in compliance with the Executive Port Director's requirements and COTP directions.

Port Operations

Upon CONDITION THREE notification, port operations will convene a tenant meeting as appropriate, to maintain open communication between the port and all stake holders.

After consideration and approval of the Port Executive Director, port operations will contact all agents and shipping lines to determine vessel arrivals, departures and requests from vessels to stay in-port.

  NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard will not allow vessels 100 gross tons, or larger, to 
  stay in-port. The Executive Director will review port operations information and
  determine which vessels may remain in-port, which vessels will not be allowed to enter
  the Port, and which vessels must leave the Port for a safer harbor.  THE DECISION
  OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS FINAL.

Should a vessel be required to stay in port, the vessel owner, is REQUIRED to submit to the port insurance documentation indicating appropriate coverage for all possible damages incurred by the port should the vessel sink, come aground, damage the docks and/or sea guards or any other damages to include, liability insurance for crewmembers staying on the vessel. 

Port Operations will notify those vessels that are allowed to remain in-port, and
will obtain the following information for the Port records (same information as                                                                                              required by the USCG COTP Miami).

1. Name, call sign, and official number of vessel
   Nationality of vessel

2. Name of Master

3. Name, address, and phone number of agent

4. Name, mailing address, and phone number of the chatterer or operator

5. Name, mailing address, and phone number of the owner

6. Gross tonnage

7. Amount of ballast the vessel may hold

8. Amount of bunkers, lube oil and diesel oil on board

9. Amount and type of dangerous cargo on board (enclose copy of the
   dangerous cargo manifest)

10. Estimated draft with vessel ballasted

11. Name of berth and location

12. Depth of water in the vessel’s berth at low water

13. Availability of vessel's main propulsion system

14. Describe how vessel will be secured to the berth, Submit a diagram showing the
    mooring arrangements with the size mooring lines or wire

15. Condition of vessel's anchors, and number of anchors

16. Number of officers, and crew that will be on board, and their position.

17. Next of “kin” emergency contact information for all crew to stay aboard.

Port operations will advise the vessel owner/operators that they shall obtain permission 
from the COTP Miami to remain in-port.  They must also comply with the following USCG COTP requirements:          

1. The vessel shall be moored with sufficient mooring lines and wire to resist the effects  
   of hurricane force winds.  The Master should be alert to possible rapid change in
   water level due to storm surges and tend mooring lines accordingly
    

2. Sufficient officers and crew shall be on board to tend mooring lines, the vessel's main

propulsion unit and other machinery.
 

3. The vessel shall be ballasted in accordance with the approved request to remain in-
   port.
    

4. All practical, and reasonable, measures shall be taken to ensure maximum vessel
   stability and all vessels removed from shore power.
    

5. All side port, hatches, portholes, and other openings shall be closed and secured.
    

6. Bilge pumps shall be in good operating condition and ready for immediate use.
    

7. All fire fighting equipment shall be ready for immediate use.
    

8. At least one (1) pilot ladder shall be rigged on each vessel on the onshore and
   offshore sides: i.e. a gangway, or other suitable means of access between the vessel
   and the pier shall be rigged.
    

9. At least one fire steel line of sufficient strength to tow the vessel shall be rigged at the
   bow and at the stern of the offshore side of the vessel, no more than six (6) feet from   
   the water's edge.
   Spare mooring lines and/or wires shall be readily available on deck, forward, and aft.
    

10. No less than six (6) hours before strike time, all galley fires shall be extinguished.
     

11. No less than six (6) hours before strike time, a continuous radio watch shall be    
    maintained on Channel  16 VHF.

            (It shall be the Master's responsibility to ensure that all of the above conditions are        
            maintained until he is notified that normal operations may be resumed.)

All other ocean-going vessels should make ready for departure to open sea prior to the
setting of CONDITION TWO, or suspension of pilotage service, whichever occurs first.

The Port Director and Director Operations will conduct a survey of the terminal and Port area. The Port Director and Director of Operations will:

1. Coordinate with the terminal operators the actions necessary to secure equipment and cargo to minimize potential damage and missile/debris material which will include having all containers stacked no higher than 2-high in block fashion for empties with loaded containers surrounding blocked areas.

2. Assemble information on Port preparation activities and provide status reports to the Executive Port Director and the COTP Miami,

c.    Coordinate security operations.
 

4. Commence removal of potential missile/debris material.

5. Determine railroad movements required for the next 24 hours;

6. Check the emergency generator at the Maritime Office Building and MOC.

7. Have all vehicles and equipment, including generators, fueled.

8. Have all vehicles and equipment moved to secure locations.

9. Secure Cruise Terminal Passenger Loading Bridge in the down position. making a wind break with containers

10. Prepare a hurricane work schedule in preparation of a Port closure.

11. Traffic cones and barricades will be removed and secured.

12. Radio equipment will be checked and readied.

13. Protect Bldg #1 generator room vents  and door with plywood  and sand bags.

14. Lower high mast lighting and secure to base. (20 Poles approximately 30 to 45 minutes for each pole.)

15. Secure all loose items around the port.

16. Empty all dumpsters

CONDITION TWO (24-HOUR WARNING)

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A Safety Zone will be in effect.  No vessel may anchor within the boundary lines of the Port.            
All vessels and barges in excess of 100 gross tons are prohibited from anchoring within the    
territorial waters under the cognizance of COTP Miami.  All ocean-going vessels not having
permission to remain in-port should initiate action to depart to open sea at this time.

The Manager of Operations will inspect all vessels which will remain in port:

·        Sufficient lines and wire to resist the effects of wind

·        Sufficient officers and crew on board to tend the lines and machinery

·        All side ports, hatches, portholes and other openings shall be closed and secured

·        Bilge pumps shall be in good working order

·        Fire fighting equipment shall be ready

·        At least one pilot ladder will be rigged on the onshore and off shore sides

·        A gangway or other suitable means of access between the vessel and the pier shall be rigged

·        At least one fire warp of sufficient strength to tow the vessel shall be rigged at the bow and stern on the off shore side, no more than 6 feet from the waters edge

·        Spare mooring lines and wires will be readily available on deck

·        Continuous radio checks

·        All galley fires shall be extinguished

Construction Sites:

·        Secure Equipment

·        Remove road signs

       Operations will make a vessel status report to the Executive Director, keeping the

       Executive Director advised as to when pilotage service will be suspended.

       The Director of Operations:

        a.   Make a status report to the Executive Director on the securing of the facilities
              under their control.  All securing activities should be done prior to CONDITION
              ONE (12 hours).

        b.   Ensure removal of railroad crossing arms (after last train movement), security
              access gates, and other signage that may pose a hazardous condition;

     c.   Ensure all mobile equipment is to be gassed and serviced prior to CONDITION
  ONE (12 hours)

d.      Make a survey of the facilities to determine that the pre-hurricane checklists have

either been completed or determine their state of completion.

         e. Unresolved problems posing a threat to Port operations will be addressed and

    contingency plans formulated for action after the passage of the hurricane.

f.        The security gatehouse will undergo final prepara­tions for securing which includes

              removal of all equipment, paperwork, etc. to the Operations Warehouse.

 

        g.  Coordinate final shutdown time of the buildings with various tenants.  The
             MOC/MOB/PLAZA buildings will be completely evacuated at the announcement of
             CONDITION ONE.

h.       Remove signs that are not permanently mounted.

i.    Install window and door panels Bldg # 4.

CONDITION ONE (12-HOUR WARNING)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Director of Operations 

       1. Vessels moored at wharves should be ballasted down, have the outboard anchor at short
            stay, maximum mooring lines out, maintain standby power, set a navigation watch and  
            guard CH 16 VHF-FM,

2.  The Director of Operations will provide the Executive Director with final vessel status
     report.

       3.   A final status report is made to the Executive Director on the condition of the Port  
             and terminal areas.

       4.   All checklist items are completed in anticipation of Port closures

5.      The main gate is closed and secured by order of the Executive Director.

 

6.      Main phone lines from Bellsouth will be forwarded to Command Center.

 

7.      Begin conference calls for tenant stake holders every 4 hours. (Out of state, hardwire)

The Executive Director will give the order to close the Port.

POST HURRICANE SURVEY

After the passage of the hurricane, the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Director of Operations, Facility Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager and Manager of Security will conduct a survey of the Port areas to assess damage.

After the “ALL CLEAR” has been given as directed by the Port Director, the following items will be checked;

1.      Wind and water damage

2.      Passenger loading bridge (FMT)

3.      Fenders; missing or damaged. The port boat will be  launched with inspections conducted

4.      Water outlets

5.      Electrical and telephone circuits

6.      Fire sprinkler systems

7.      Power pole line hazards

8.      Traffic signs and controls, including US 1

9.      Roadway debris removal

10.  Passenger and Cargo Terminals

11.  Lighting and fixtures

12.  Elevators

After an initial safety inspection of the port is conducted, teams (two persons teams) will survey for post-hurricane damage assessments. Teams will be equipped with the following;

1. Flashlights

2. Safety vest and hard hats

3. Digital Cameras

4. Means of communication

 Damage reports will be prepared and corrective action implemented as necessary.

Pilots to be requested to take soundings of channel, turning basin, and Port.

The Port Director will disseminate through normal communication channels, as well as through the broadcast media return to work instructions. Emergency schedules will be based on these general announcements;

1.      The Port Director has ordered the Port CLOSED.

2.      The Port Director has ordered employees with recovery responsibilities to report to work.

3.      The Port Director has opened the port and all employees are to resume normal operational duties.

Employees are responsible for following advertisements regarding the return to work instructions. Employees who have experienced hurricane damage that will prevent their compliance with the return to work instruction should make every effort to inform their immediate supervisor.

Once it is clear for employees to report for work, proceed as follows:

1.      Report to normal work location unless otherwise instructed.

2.      If upon arrival the location is damaged such that one is unable to perform normal work functions, employees are to await instructions from their immediate supervisor.

3.      For the first few days following the passing of a disaster, casual wear will be acceptable for non-security related assignments.

4.      Reassigned duties and work hours will be scheduled as needed for emergency response functions.

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The material presented in this site is believed to be accurate at the time of its posting, but much of the information here is continually changing and the accuracy of this material cannot be guaranteed.  All official documents of the Port of Palm Beach fall under the various public information laws, and the official versions may be obtained through the Office of Administration.  Material on this site may be reproduced with attribution, but we recommend you verify the accuracy with the Office of Administration prior to reproduction.

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