10/11/2025
‼️🚨Sector Virginia Marine Safety Information Bulletin ‼️🚨
UPDATE:
MSIB 126-25
October 11, 2025
SETTING OF PORT CONDITION ZULU (MODIFIED)
SUMMARY: Due to the approach of a severe storm, the Coast Guard Sector Virginia Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition ZULU (Modified). Sustained gale force winds (>34 knots) are expected within 12 hours at the Virginia Capes Sunday 12 Oct 2025 between 3:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Seas of more than 12 feet are forecast in this area. Offshore conditions are significantly worse with seas over 20 feet and areas of sustained winds over 40 knots gusting to over 50 knots. Inshore conditions are also hazardous, especially for small craft. The Virginia Capes will be closed (Modified Port Condition Zulu) to all traffic from 3:00 a.m thru 1:00 p.m. Sunday, in accordance with 33 CFR 165.520. Ocean inlets will also be especially hazardous during this storm.
The remainder of the Sector Virginia COTP Zone is currently OPEN to all vessel traffic and commercial activities. There are no formal vessel traffic restrictions outside of the Virginia Capes or precautions for Anchorage “R”. No remain in port checklists or notifications are required unless specifically directed.
All mariners are advised to take prudent actions in preparation of the approaching severe weather. Restrictions may change as weather predictions are refined.
RESTRICTIONS: Effective 3:00 a.m., Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Chesapeake Bay Entrance at the Virginia Capes is closed to all vessel traffic. During that time, other than vessels designated by the COTP, no vessels may enter, transit, move, or anchor within the closed area. Vessels at anchor within Anchorage “R” must: remain at anchor, maintain engines available for immediate maneuvering, and actively monitor VHF Channel 16. No additional vessels may anchor within Anchorage “R” unless authorized by the COTP.
Given the forecasted weather, these anticipated restrictions may be rescinded by 1:00 p.m., or extended beyond, as conditions dictate. Additional communication will follow accordingly.
MARINE DEBRIS: Tidally influenced major flooding will likely induce significant marine debris in the Elizabeth River, James River, Chesapeake Bay, and other impacted areas.
MONITORING: Vessels at facilities must carefully monitor their moorings and cargo operations. Anchored vessel must prepare for heavy winds. Additional anchor(s) must be made ready to let go and preparations must be made to have a continuous anchor watch during the storm. Engine(s) must be made immediately available for maneuvering. Also, all vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16.
VOYAGE PLANNING: Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Higher wind speeds and seas states may impact or limit Coast Guard, and other first responder, ability to conduct search and rescue, medical evacuations, and other operations.
RECREATIONAL VESSELS AND SMALL CRAFT: Inlets will be particularly hazardous and subject to shifting shoals. In addition to possibly delaying transit or storm avoidance, consider additional precautions:
Determine if Personal Flotation Devices, or lifejackets, should be worn and that an adequate supply is available.
Ensure that all prudent actions have been taken to minimize water entry into the vessel.
Check the condition of anchor and mooring lines, pendants, fendering, and chafing gear.
Move vessel to safe area or remove from water before severe weather.
Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage.
Trailered boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.
Owners of boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
STAY CLEAR OF BEACHES: Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
BRIDGE OPERATIONS: Due to the high winds, regional bridge operations may be impacted.
WEATHER: Mariners are advised to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service or other weather media outlets as conditions and forecasts may change.
COMMUNICATIONS: For urgent safety of life issues, aids to navigation discrepancies, shoaling, or marine debris reports contact the Sector Virginia Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (877) 722-5727. For any other questions relating to this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management Division Duty Watchstander via email [email protected].
Authority: 33 CFR 165.520
_________________________________________
MSIB 124-25
October 11, 2025
SETTING OF PORT CONDITION YANKEE
SUMMARY: Due to the approach of a severe storm, the Coast Guard Sector Virginia Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition YANKEE. Sustained gale force winds (>34 knots) are expected within 24 hours at the Virginia Capes Sunday 12 Oct 2025 between 3:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Seas of more than 12 feet are forecast in this area. Offshore conditions are significantly worse with seas over 20 feet and areas of sustained winds over 40 knots gusting to over 50 knots. Inshore conditions are also hazardous, especially for small craft. The Virginia Capes will be closed (Modified Port Condition Zulu) to all traffic from 3:00 a.m thru 1:00 p.m. Sunday in accordance with 33 CFR 165.520. Modified Port Condition Zulu messaging will be sent at 3:00 p.m. Saturday to alert mariners 12 hours in advance of these gales. Ocean inlets will also be especially hazardous during this storm.
The Sector Virginia COTP Zone is currently OPEN to all vessel traffic and commercial activities. No formal vessel traffic restrictions are anticipated outside of the Virginia Capes or precautions for Anchorage “R”. No remain in port checklists or notifications are require unless specifically directed.
However, all mariners are advised to take prudent actions in preparation of the approaching severe weather. Restrictions and elevated Port Conditions are anticipated and as weather predictions are refined.
ANTICIPATED RESTRICTIONS: Effective 3:00 a.m., Sunday, October 12, 2025, the coastal waters of Virginia from Cape Charles Light south to the Virginia-North Carolina border may be closed to vessel traffic. During that time, other than vessels designated by the COTP, no vessels may enter, transit, move, or anchor within the closed area. Vessels at anchor within Anchorage “R” must: remain at anchor, maintain engines available for immediate maneuvering, and actively monitor VHF Channel 16. No additional vessels may anchor within Anchorage “R” unless authorized by the COTP.
Given the forecasted weather, these anticipated restrictions may be rescinded by 1:00 p.m., or extended beyond, as conditions dictate. Additional communication will follow accordingly.
MARINE DEBRIS: Tidally influenced major flooding will likely induce significant marine debris in the Elizabeth River, James River, Chesapeake Bay, and other impacted areas.
MONITORING: Vessels at facilities must carefully monitor their moorings and cargo operations. Anchored vessel must prepare for heavy winds. Additional anchor(s) must be made ready to let go and preparations must be made to have a continuous anchor watch during the storm. Engine(s) must be made immediately available for maneuvering. Also, all vessels should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16.
VOYAGE PLANNING: Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Higher wind speeds and seas states may impact or limit Coast Guard, and other first responder, ability to conduct search and rescue, medical evacuations, and other operations.
RECREATIONAL VESSELS AND SMALL CRAFT: Inlets will be particularly hazardous and subject to shifting shoals. In addition to possibly delaying transit or storm avoidance, consider additional precautions:
Determine if Personal Flotation Devices, or lifejackets, should be worn and that an adequate supply is available.
Ensure that all prudent actions have been taken to minimize water entry into the vessel.
Check the condition of anchor and mooring lines, pendants, fendering, and chafing gear.
Move vessel to safe area or remove from water before severe weather.
Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage.
Trailered boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.
Owners of boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
STAY CLEAR OF BEACHES: Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
BRIDGE OPERATIONS: Due to the high winds, regional bridge operations may be impacted.
Mariners are advised to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service or other weather media outlets as conditions and forecasts may change.
COMMUNICATIONS: For urgent safety of life matters, contact the Sector Virginia Command Center on VHF-FM Channel 16 or call (877) 722-5727 For questions pertaining to this bulletin, contact the Waterways Management Division Duty Watchstander at (757) 374-3408 or email [email protected].
WEATHER: Mariners are advised to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service or other weather media outlets as conditions and forecasts may change.
COMMUNICATIONS: For urgent safety of life issues, please contact the Sector Virginia Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (877) 722-5727. For any other questions relating to this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management Division Duty Watchstander via email [email protected].
Authority: 33 CFR 165.520
