Hawaii Ocean Safety Team Membership Meeting
August 24, 2006
INTRODUCTIONS
Robin asked the new attendees to introduce themselves.
AGENDA ITEM #1 Call to Order
Robin Bond called the meeting to order. There were 39 people in attendance.
AGENDA ITEM #2 CDR Kathy Moore – Heavy Weather and Vessel Dispersion Plan Briefing
The USCG has been reviewing a HOST SOP effort that began several years ago and was never quite finished. An effort to review and update the SOP has been conducted for about a year. This presentation is intended to review the current draft plan. Unless there are major objections this will be the basis for an update of the HOST SOP.
Communications to the public will be via three ways.
- Notice to Mariners
- Marine Safety Information Bulletins
- COTP Orders
Pre-Season Efforts
• Review Plans
• Evaluate piers & mooring lines
• Update contact information with USCG
• Pre-Season Hurricane Brief
Safir-Simpson Scale
This is the standard by which Hurricanes are categorized. Categories 1 – 5. This is different than the USCG 5 tiered standard but will probably not go away. Also, the surge values indicated by Safir-Simpson don’t correlate to the Hawaiian Islands . The most storm surge we might see will be 3 to 4 feet. This depends on the area. Also, Hawaii ’s real risk is from surf on top of storm surge.
The USCG is trying to get a decision on Hurricane Plan implementation decisions during the day. That way they can communicate with Stakeholders giving them sufficient warning to be prepared for plan implementation the next day.
The trigger for plan implementation will probably been “sustained tropical gale force winds”. When this may make landfall will be the anticipated trigger point.
Heavy Weather Port Conditions – Determining Factors:
• Where storm forms
• Speed of the storm; changes
• Size/strength of the storm
• Time of day of landfall
• Location of landfall
Trigger is tropical storm force winds. Anticipate rolling conditions through Hawaiian Islands .
Condition 5 – Hurricane Season is June 1st – November 30th.
• Submit lay-up plans for any new vessels. Coordinate with harbor masters.
• Required equipment on hand
• Test emergency systems
• Notify COTP of vessels moored for more than 30 days
Condition 4 – Tropical storm force winds 72 hours out
• Over 300 GT: Prepare to get underway (bunkers, stores & cargo ops)
• Certain HAZMAT facilities may require vessels to get underway
• Request COTP permission to remain in port; Notify of hazardous conditions
• Plan for CONDITION 3
Planning for Conditions 3 – 1
• Notify COTP of intentions
• COTP Notice of Arrival for > 200 GT
• Facility securing & debris removal
• Secure HAZMAT; Tanks to optimal level
• Tug arrangements
• Offshore lightering terminated
• Clear fuel pipelines
• Alternate communications
Condition 3 – Tropical storm winds within 48 hours
• Container to 1 high;
• Heavy wx mooring for lay-up vessels
• Barge fleets secured/ballasted; cargo removed
• Coordinate port departures: tugs & pilots
• Offshore lightering terminated
• Stand-by tugs ID’d
• Inbound vessels may be denied entry
Some of these actions may not be possible and will require dialogue.
Condition 2 – Tropical storm winds within 24 hours
• Vessels > 300 GT put to sea
• Vessels > 200 GT must have COTP permission to remain in port
• Vessels < 200 GT evacuate to sheltered water
• Barge fleets report status to COTP
• Cease bunkering
Condition 1 – Tropical storm winds within 12 hours
• Safety Zone enacted for affected port
• Port Closed; remains closed until COTP opens it
• All cargo ops cease
Post Storm Recovery
• Damage assessments: aerial & surface.
• Wreck removal, navigation and pollution hazards
• Port re-opening will be coordinated and probably a staged recovery.
Bill Davis – State Harbors Division
He reported that the State plans to implement their plans at 72 hours. They pretty much follow along with the USCG. The plans are in agreement.
Robin Bond – HOST
This “plan” is more of a guidance document than a Plan. Each year it will be reviewed at a HOST meeting prior to hurricane season. Any concerns or comments that you may have can be addressed annually. Dialogue with many marine constituencies is still needed and HOST will be working with the USCG.
AGENDA ITEM #3 – Patrick Shaw Northwest Cruise Association
Holland America Line – Avoiding Whale Strikes
Holland America Line has worked with NOAA on an interactive program that is in the public domain. They won an award for their efforts.
About 20% to 25% of all whale deaths are caused by collisions with ships.
This program discusses regulations, reporting requirements, whale types and whale behavior. Collision avoidance strategies depend on detection and behavior understanding. The program is actually a course to help mariners develop these skills. Pilot schemes in and around to whales are also discussed.
It includes several inter-active exercises to help the student learn the material.
If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of this program please contact patrick.shaw@hawaiiantel.net.
Norwegian Cruise Lines is currently working on a project tailored for Hawaii waters. NCL is working with the Sanctuary to identify where the concentrations of whales are located, and if such concentrations are along one of NCL’s routes, the vessel will reduce speed. NCL is also posting extra lookouts to watch for whales.
Jeff Walters with the Hawaii National Marine Sanctuary.
They are working on a couple of video segments that they will be putting on DVD’s and on their web site. It won’t be sophisticated as the Holland America effort but it will be Hawaii / humpback whale specific. These video segments will be part of a complete campaign to help educate mariners in the Sanctuary. Small boats are also at risk. Part of their efforts is going to be directed at kayakers. Stickers are being printed to put on rental kayaks to make people aware of how to be responsible whale watchers. They are also looking to include a brochure insert to the vessel re-registration packages from DLNR.
AGENDA ITEM #4 Statewide Maritime Transportation Security Exercise – Brad Rimell and Kathy Moore
It was a major exercise involving multiple locations. A Unified Command was established at the Hawaii Oil Spill Response Center . Field Operations were established at Bellows Air Field. We had participation from FBI, Fire, Police Depts., and Civil Defense. A real functioning Unified Command was established. Plus, many comments reflected the great value in learning what other agencies had in the way or resources. Certainly, developing the critical relationships that we need to draw upon as a community for effective response was extremely valuable.
Many companies in the community participated by conducting there annual Maritime Security Exercises. NCL and Smith Maritime played by implementing increased level of security in response to a change in MARSEC Level.
AGENDA ITEM #5 Any USCG Concerns? No additional concerns at this time.
AGENDA ITEM #6 Any USCG Auxiliary Concerns? No additional concerns at this time.
Announcements.
Chris Woolaway – September 16th is the “Get The Drift and Bag-It” cleanup. Please feel free to give her a call if you would like to participate.
NEXT MEETINGS
Executive Board Meeting:
September 14th, 3:00 pm , Hawaii Yacht Club located in the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor .
General Membership Meeting:
October 19th, 2:00 pm , Honolulu Community College Marine Training Facility.