The beginning of September marks the middle of Hurricane Season for the Gulf of Mexico area. Now that we are seeing the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and dreading the formation of more possible storms to come, we are all wondering what actions can be taken and contingency plans can be made to ensure protection for future Hurricane disasters. Not only do we need emergency plans for our homes and vehicles, which can be found here, but also for our watercraft that is sometimes housed in ports or docked directly off the gulf.
When Benny Cenac Jr., owner of Cenac Marine Services (CMS), was asked if any vessels were locked in or out of ports in Texas during Hurricane Harvey, he undoubtedly responded, “All Cenac vessels in the area were placed strategically and safely according to Cenac Marine Service’s proven Hurricane policies and procedures along with their SMS safety program that insures the vessels and employees will be in safe harbor.” In addition to the safety and protection of the employees and vessels, Cenac mentioned that all agencies, including the Coast Guard and Local Law Enforcement were notified that CMS vessels stood ready and able to help in any way necessary.
Cenac’s proven Hurricane policies and procedures have been tried and true over the many years of natural disasters. The introduction states how “it is imperative that watercraft seek protected areas. Areas with high banks or where trees are near a deepwater edge are among the safest places in which to seek a safe mooring during a hurricane.” It also explains that most of the Coast along the Intercoastal Waterway, particularly in Louisiana, is below 20 feet MSL, where much of the coastal area is susceptible to storm surge damage.
The Hurricane Command Center which is located at Cenac Marine Services, LLC Headquarters in Houma is constructed on a floating barge to eliminate the possibility of flooding that can be associated with Hurricanes. It has also been constructed to withstand Category 5 Hurricanes >200 mph winds. The office is equipped with a Backup Generator capable of providing sufficient uninterrupted power to the entire facility. There is also a backup command center located in Osyka, MS, which is an area that is considered to be low risk for natural disasters.
Between June 1 and November 30 of each year the Compliance Manager is required to regularly monitor the National Weather Service to assess and track Tropical Storm Development. The Operations Manager ensures that each Vessel Master understands the safety policies and procedures. Each vessel has a dispatcher that monitors the storm’s progress closely while all of these departments continue to work closely together to ensure the safety of each vessel and the employees involved. Depending on the position of the storm there has also been several “safe harbors” locations designated for each vessel to retreat to.
Mr. Cenac’s number one priority is the safety and well-being of his employees. Which is why this bulletproof plan has been put into place over the years with no room for error. Because of this well-organized design not only are the Cenac Marine Services workers out of harm’s way, but the vessels are also available to provide help as needed to those affected by previous and potential hurricanes.