Model guidance is more confident in southern Gulf of Mexico disturbance rapidly intensifying into a hurricane prior to landfall in TX/LA Wed/Thurs

970s mb central pressure is quite significant, up to Category 2. Please keep an eye on (soon-to-be) Francine pic.twitter.com/LV1dUsmWmG

— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) September 8, 2024

P.H. Dexippus said:

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Getting spicy

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BayAg_14 said:

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GoAgs11 said:

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This seems like Beryl all over again

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It's nothing like Beryl. HTH

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GoAgs11 said:

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Models im seeing put this over houston

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miley said:

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From the pilots association:

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Sabine Pilot Helicopter Trials
16-MAY-2024

Owners, Agents, and Terminal Operators,

In January of this year, the Sabine Bank Channel Pilots embarked on a three-month helicopter trial that has proven the long-term viability of conducting pilot transfer operations via air. This successful trial concluded in the second week of April, marking a significant milestone in our operations. During the trial, a few essential things were noticeable:
Pilot transfer operations by helicopter occurred in conditions that would have been less safe or impossible by boat alone. We transferred over 60 pilots by hoist in heavy weather conditions(Force 6 or greater) that would have otherwise been difficult or dangerous.
The helicopter improved pilot boarding time accuracy. Many of the boardings by helicopter happened on time or earlier than scheduled. More than half of the pilot boardings by helicopter were earlier than planned or within five minutes of the expected boarding times. Given the challenges of terminal construction traffic and winter weather, this gain in time increases the efficiency of the waterway.
Feedback from the captains of several ships involved with pilot transfer by helicopter underscored the enhanced safety this method provides for the ship and its personnel. The ship personnel do not need to venture outside the ship's handrails to rig a pilot or accommodation ladder. If rigging a ladder is required, it can be done within inshore waters where additional emergency assistance is closer. Safety data does not usually capture the number of times a person does not have to go outside the handrails to rig a pilot ladder. Still, it's clear from the mariners' comments that helicopter operations are preferable and safer for the ship's crew.
Pilots who boarded the vessels by helicopter reported significantly less fatigue than when they boarded by boat. On a typical day, the transit to and from the offshore boarding station in Sabine Pass is about an hour's boat ride. When the wave heights increase, it can take much more time, and that additional time carries a physical toll. However, with the helicopter service, pilots reported a higher state of readiness and attentiveness upon arrival to the ship's bridge. This reduction in fatigue benefits the pilots and enhances the safety and efficiency of the entire operation, making it a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

We have been presented with the opportunity to continue this helicopter service, and it's in the best interest of vessels, industry, and pilots to move forward now.

Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association's published tariff was amended during the trial, and a transportation fee of $2480 per pilot was assessed. This fee was based on a three-month contract, but only a small portion of that was 24-hour service. Helicopter service will be offered 24-hours moving forward, and the transportation charge will increase to $3225 per pilot, a change that we want stakeholders to be aware of.

We plan to resume helicopter service on May 22, 2024, and run until December 31, 2024.

The Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association is working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Coast Guard to determine when the Sabine Bank Channel extension will be charted and buoyed. The target date to commence service on the channel extension is January 1, 2025. We hope to initiate a long-term helicopter service contract in December.

Your support is crucial as we move forward with this service. We value your input and welcome any questions or concerns you may have.

Wesley Moore
Sabine Bank Channel Pilotage Association

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