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MAZATLAN

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 U. S. Government and are rebroadcast over The Weather Channel on Mexican television. Information is also provided over VHF Channel 16 in Spanish every 6 hours, 3 hours, or 30 minutes, depending on the proximity of the tropical cyclone. Details include the general situation, name, position, coordinates, distance to closest place on land, direction & speed, sustained winds, waves, squalls, and pressure. This warning is not prognostic. Local radio and TV put out tropical cyclone forecasts provided by Mexico City. If needed, Mr. Rafael Rivera (Husbandry Agent/General Manager Tropical Tours) can provide this information in English. He is available through the Captain of the Port's office on channel 16, email at tropical@acnet.net or bojorq@prodigy.net.mx, or via phone (52) (69) 16-50-77 or cellular phone (52) (69) 19-16-20. Additionally, local notification will be made to ships in port 72 hours prior to the anticipated arrival of a tropical cyclone. The Captain of the Port normally maintains a plot of active tropical cyclones. 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 anchoragesor berths in Mazatlan.

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 scenario there are normally several 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 Mazatlan from the south through southwest, the following guideline is offered: An evasion route to the west-northwest around the Baja California Peninsula would provide following wind and sea for almost all approaching tropical cyclone situations. A sortie route into the Gulf of California is not recommended. According to the pilots during the site visit in February 2000, if a tropical cyclone is tracking west of 110° W longitude a ship may proceed out of Mazatlan to the south along the coast. If required, steaming in the Bay of Banderas near Puerto Vallarta can provide a safe haven (See Puerto Vallarta Port Study).

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

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

Remaining in Port

Remaining in port is not the recommended course of action for any Navy or Coast Guard ships in the Port of Mazatlan. Additionally, the anchorages are not suitable for use during the passage of a tropical cyclone.

All commercial shipping is required to leave at least 24 hours prior to the expected arrival of a tropical cyclone. For planning purposes and dependent on the number of ships in port, it can take between 30 and 120 minutes to sortie 1 to 5 ships out of the harbor.

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