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CABO SAN LUCAS

THE DECISION TO SORTIE OR REMAIN IN PORT

General

Under normal circumstances, the decision on whether to sortie or remain in port is largely based on the answer to a single question: Would the vessel in question be better off attempting an evasion at sea or remaining in port? Evasion rationale should include consideration of the following general factors:

1. Vessel characteristics
2. Berth and anchorage conditions
3. Most recent tropical cyclone warning advisory
4. Tropical cyclone climatology

Individual vessel characteristics and berth/anchorage conditions are best determined by those responsible for each vessel and local port authorities. Tropical cyclone warnings are issued by the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Center Pearl Harbor for the Department of Defense assets and are rebroadcast over the weather channel in Mexico. The interpretation of tropical cyclone climatology is addressed in the following sections.

Evasion at Sea

Evasion at sea is the recommended course of action for ships at anchorages or berths in the Port of Cabo San Lucas.

Commanding officers and ship masters with access to tropical cyclone warnings and advisories coupled with OTSR services are most capable of making the safest and most prudent decision for successful storm evasion and avoidance. In all sortie situations, OTSR services from Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center (NPMOC), San Diego should be requested and utilized. The best sortie route in a specific tropical cyclone scenario is largely dependent on the location of the tropical cyclone and the forecast track. During any tropical cyclone threat there is normally one to three options available to the commanding officer and ship master. Selection of the best option is the objective of all concerned!

Keeping in mind that tropical cyclones normally approach the Port of Cabo San Lucas from the east through southwest, the following guideline is offered: An evasion route heading west-northwest into colder water is the recommended course of action and would provide following wind and sea for almost all approaching tropical cyclones once the T is crossed. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 55% of all storms originate normally within 72 hours of CPA southeast of the Port. Consequently, when a hurricane threat becomes evident, a sortie at the earliest time is highly recommended. In an emergency, steaming in Magdalena Bay, situated 150 nmi north of Cabo San Lucas on the western coast of the Baja Peninsula, could provide some shelter from approaching tropical storms. It has very deep water and is partially surrounded by hills up to 1400 ft (426.7 m) high. During the Second World War, Magdalena Bay was used for maneuvers by U. S. Navy ships.

In all cases, the timing of the evasion is affected by:

1. The time required to make preparations to get underway
2. The time required to reach open water and gain sea room
3. The forward speed of the tropical cyclone
4. The radius of hazardous winds and seas that can adversely impact a vessel's
5. ability to reach open water.

Remaining in Port

Remaining in port is not the recommended course of action for all ships at the anchorages or in the Inner Harbor in the Port of Cabo San Lucas.

Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/mexico/cabosanl/text/sect8.htm