Implementation of Condition Alpha of the Operating Guidelines for Ice Conditions in Lower Cook Inlet, effective January 24, 2024

The U.S. Coast Guard is implementing Condition Alpha of the Operating Guidelines for Ice Conditions in Lower Cook Inlet, effective January 24, 2024.  Condition A specifies that there is ice present with no immediate impact to mooring and represents the lowest severity of ice present in Lower Cook Inlet.

All vessels scheduled to arrive in Cook Inlet north of Homer, Alaska must submit a voyage plan no less than 24 hours prior to arrival at the Kachemak Bay Pilot Station. We have also posted the Guidelines referenced above to the Sector Anchorage Homeport webpage.

IV.LOWER COOK INLET GUIDELINES South of 60° 45’ N latitude (East - West Forelands)

Lower Cook Inlet will be broken down into two conditions:

Condition “A” – Ice present with no immediate impact to mooring

A.SELF-PROPELLED VESSEL OPERATIONS

1.Condition “A” – Ice present with no immediate impact to mooring

a. Engines, critical machinery remain in standby;

b. Ice scout/assist tug deployed in immediate vicinity;

c. Extra mooring lines immediately available. 

B.NIKISKI TUG/BARGE OPERATING GUIDELINES

When Lower Cook Inlet guidelines are in effect, in addition to filing a voyage plan with the COTP the following actions should be taken:

1.Condition “A” - Ice present with no immediate impact to mooring

a. Engines, critical machinery remain in standby

b. Extra Mooring lines immediately available

CDR J. Z. Downing

Sector Anchorage

Chief of Prevention

john.z.downing@uscg.mil

Cook Inlet Ice Guidelines Signed_25OCT2022.pdf

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Lower Cook Inlet Activation_signed.pdf

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