SeaPort Manatee takes a proactive and coordinated approach to hurricane preparedness and severe weather response to protect everyone working at the port, cargo, the environment and critical infrastructure. The port follows the U.S. Coast Guard’s condition directives, which are based on the anticipated arrival of gale-force or hurricane-force winds.
Planning and Coordination
Hurricane preparedness begins months before the official peak of hurricane season. SeaPort Manatee works in close coordination with federal, state and local agencies, including:
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
- Manatee County Emergency Operations Center
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group
The Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group includes representatives from terminal operators, shipping lines, employee organizations, emergency services and other key stakeholders. This group meets regularly to review procedures and coordinate next steps when a storm threatens the region.
Guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for establishing port condition levels in advance of a tropical storm or hurricane to ensure the safety of vessels, port facilities and personnel. These levels are determined by the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) based on forecasts from the National Weather Service and other expert agencies.
Port condition levels are progressive and reflect the expected arrival time of sustained gale-force winds (39–54 mph) or stronger. Each level outlines specific preparedness actions for ports, terminal operators, vessel owners and port users.
Port Readiness and Operations
When a storm is forecast to impact the region, SeaPort Manatee activates its heavy weather plan and begins implementing protective measures in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard port conditions. These include:
- Securing cargo, equipment and other items that could become airborne hazards
- Suspending waterside cargo operations when conditions deteriorate
- Monitoring road conditions and suspending truck traffic as necessary
- Suspending landside operations when they can no longer be conducted safely
Post-Storm Recovery
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Coast Guard surveys the shipping channel to ensure it is free of obstructions and safe for navigation. Once the channel is declared safe, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port will lift restrictions and allow vessel traffic to resume.
- Concurrently, SeaPort Manatee conducts a full landside survey to assess damage and clear debris.
- SeaPort Manatee staff coordinates with its tenant terminal operators to provide support and coordinate plans to resume operations.
- Once safe operating conditions are confirmed and roads are accessible, port operations resume.
Our Commitment to Safety
While maritime commerce is vital to the U.S. economy, the safety of port personnel, partners and the public remains the port’s highest priority. SeaPort Manatee is committed to maintaining seamless communication, coordination and preparedness throughout hurricane season to minimize disruptions and safeguard critical infrastructure.