San Jacinto Maritime Technology & Training Center

Seats available for the following classes. Call 281-459-5483 or email mailto: [email protected] to reserve your seat today!

OICEW‐Diesel Engine 22 June – 17 July
Medical Care Provider 22-24 June
Advanced Firefighting Refresher 25-26 June
Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation 25 June
Able Seafarer - Engine (AS-E) 29 June - 2 July
Advanced Fire Fighting 29 June - 2 July
Search & Rescue (Management Level) 29-30 June
Management of Medical Care 1 July
Able Seafarer (AB) 6-10 July
Advanced Stability 6-10 July
Engine Room Resource Management 6-10 July
Bridge Resource Management 6-8 July
OICEW Instrumentation 6-31 July
Apprentice Mate (Steersman) 6-22 July
QMED-Oiler 6-24 July
Basic Fire Fighting 7-8 July
Bridge Resource Management 6-8 July
Basic Training Revalidation 8 July

The Captain of the Port (COTP) is advising mariners of heavy rainfall due to a tropical circulation event that
is approaching the area. This system is expected to produce widespread rainfall totals of 4–8 inches, with
isolated amounts of 8–12 inches possible. A flash flood watch has been issued until Wednesday morning,
increasing threat for excessive rainfall and flash flooding into mid next week and possibly beyond. Area
watersheds, namely San Jacinto and Brazos River may be impacted.
Gale force winds expected, storm surge, blinding rain reducing visibility, high tides, and San Jacinto River
levels 6-8 ft are the major threats.
All vessels and facilities are encouraged to begin planning to take preventive measures in advance of the
storm. Such measures may include the following:
• Barge fleet operators are urged to act immediately and prepare fleets to handle high run-off rates and
strong currents.
• All Houston-Galveston marine operations should take precautions accordingly as flash flooding can
occur.
• Dock side locations should secure any equipment that could be impacted by flooding and run off
channel side.
• Line handlers should be prepared to handle increased water levels due to run off and lay out storm
lines as needed.
• Bolivar Roads Anchorage may experience periods of closure due to gale winds.
• Recreational Boaters should stay off the water in heavy weather and ensure moorings are secure.
• Follow your organization’s heavy weather plan and take action.
• Continue to Monitor the National Weather Service for most up-to-date forecasts.
Based on current forecasts and anticipated rainfall amounts, there is an increased possibility that the Sector
Houston-Galveston High Water Plan may enter the Action Phase. This phase is initiated when the Sheldon
Gauge reaches a level of eight feet. Mariners and waterfront facilities should remain attentive to waterway
conditions and be prepared for potential operational adjustments associated with elevated water levels.
Additional notifications will be issued if activation of the Action Phase becomes necessary.
Additional guidance regarding severe weather may be issued in the form of further Marine Safety
Information Bulletins, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, or other forms as necessary. Please contact the Sector
Houston-Galveston Command Duty Officer at (866) 539-8114 if you have any questions or comments.

MSIB 26-06 Severe Weather and High Water Risk for more Information

Waterways Management
Sector Houston-Galveston
U.S. Coast Guard
WWM Duty Cell: 713-398-5823
[email protected]

Please read, from USCG VTS Sector Houston- Galveston

0935 (LOCAL) 15JUN26:
Heavy rainfall due to a tropical circulation event is approaching the area and will bring significant widespread totals of 4-8 inches and isolated amounts of 8-12 inches are possible. Flash flood watch issued until Wednesday morning, increasing threat for excessive rainfall and flash flooding into mid next week and possibly beyond. Area watersheds, namely San Jacinto and Brazos River may be impacted.
Gale force winds expected, storm surge, blinding rain reducing visibility, high tides, and San Jacinto River levels 6-8 ft are the major threats.
Barge fleet operators are urged to act immediately and prepare fleets to handle high run-off rates and strong currents.
All Houston-Galveston marine operations should take precautions accordingly as flash flooding can occur.
Dock side locations should secure any equipment that could be impacted by flooding and run off channel side.
Line handlers should be prepared to handle increased water levels due to run off and lay out storm lines as needed.
Bolivar Roads Anchorage may experience periods of closure due to gale winds.
Recreational Boaters should stay off the water in heavy weather and ensure moorings are secure.
Follow your organizations heavy weather plan and take action.

Well....It happened again!!!!
Hurricane Season is back!

Please refer to MSIB 26-05 for guidance for facilities and vessels in Houston-Galveston Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone.

Sector Houston-Galveston has five Port Conditions within our Hurricane and Severe Weather Plan. As the
COTP, when severe weather approaches, I intend to issue Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) and
other broadcasts declaring the Port Condition for vessels and facilities. The five Port Conditions are:

Pre- Storm Condition: 96 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Whiskey: 72 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition X-Ray: 48 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Yankee: 24 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Port Condition Zulu: 12 hours prior to arrival of tropical storm conditions;
Post-Storm Recovery: COTP will set after a storm has passed once the situation allows.

VESSELS: All commercial vessels shall follow the Heavy Weather Port Conditions listed below. Since
harbors along the Gulf coast may not provide adequate safe refuge for approaching storms, I may direct all
capable sea-going vessels to make timely departures from port ahead of Tropical Storm conditions, as
necessary. All vessels over 500 gross tons should plan to depart unless they suffer a casualty that makes
departure improbable. A “Declaration of Intent to Remain in Port” is required for any vessel over 500
gross tons requesting to remain in port. All smaller vessels should make plans and be prepared for port
closure.
Following a storm’s passing, vessels returning to port are required to resubmit a Notice of Arrival as per 33
Code of Federal Regulations Part 160, and this office will rescreen each vessel prior to reentry. Post storm,
vessels may also be required to fill out the “Vessel Post Storm Self-Assessment Checklist.”

FACILITIES: All regulated commercial facilities shall follow the Heavy Weather Port Conditions
listed below. It is requested that pre-storm assessments include any vessels that will be allowed to remain at
the facility during a storm. All containers, storage tanks, pallets, and other items/equipment that could create
a risk/hazard in a high wind environment shall be secured, in accordance with regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
Post storm, waterfront facilities will be required to report conditions of their docks, berths, wharves, and pier
as soon as practical using the “Facility Post Storm Self-Assessment Checklist”.
• MSIB 26-05 Severe Weather Safety Planning for Vessels and Facilities_signed.pdf
Waterways Management
Sector Houston-Galveston
U.S. Coast Guard
WWM Duty Cell: 713-398-5823
[email protected]

This Memorial Day.weekend, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸

At San Jac Maritime, we are grateful for the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who protected the freedoms we enjoy every day. Today, we pause to reflect on their legacy and extend our deepest gratitude to the families who carry their memory forward.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember our heroes.

NEW VTS Houston- Galveston Restrictions coming May 18!!!

On Monday, May 18, 2026:
Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston Directs the following for tow and barge operations at Texas International Terminals:
I. No arrivals/departures with strung out barges
II. Must operate in keeping with LSHSC TXIT Industry Best Guidance
III. Lead vessel and assist vessel must be a minimum of 1200 hp each
IV. On FLOOD CURRENT – DAYLIGHT Only (local sunrise to sunset)
a. Assist vessel required for all configurations.
b. No transits when flood current is greater than 1.0 kt.
V. On FLOOD CURRENT – NIGHT Only (local sunset to sunrise)
a. Assist vessel required for all configurations.
b. No transits when flood greater than 0.5 kt.
Vessels will be asked to confirm they can comply with restrictions upon check-in.

Very respectfully,

Vessel Traffic Service
USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
(281) 464-4837 24/7 Watch Supervisor
[email protected]

Here are the classes for the rest of May. Call us to reserve your seat!
281-459-5483

Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 15 May
Able Seafarer (AB) 18-22 May
Train the Trainer 18-22 May
MEECE 18-22 May
Basic Safety Training Refresher 18-20 May
First Aid & CPR 18 May
Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher 21-22 May
Rating Forming Part of An Engineering Watch RFPEW 27-29 May
Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 29 May
Search & Rescue (Mgmt Level) 28-29 May

We have seats available for the following classes:

⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️🛟🛟🛟🛟🛟

Please call 281-459-5483 or email: [email protected]

VPDSD 8 May
Advanced Fire Fighting 11-14 May
Engine Room Resource Management 11-15 May
Radar Observer-Unlimited 11-15 May
Tankerman PIC-Barge (DL) 11-15 May
Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 15 May
Able Seafarer (AB) 18-22 May
Train the Trainer 18-22 May
MEECE 18-22 May
Basic Safety Training Refresher 18-20 May
First Aid & CPR 18 May
Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher 21-22 May
Rating Forming Part of An Engineering Watch RFPEW 27-29 May
Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 29 May

National Maritime Center is BACK!!!!

Resumption of Services at the National Maritime Center and Regional Examination Centers
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security and US Coast Guard has been restored, and the National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are resuming normal operations in a phased approach to prioritize the most critical functions and address the backlog of applications and examinations resulting from the lapse in appropriations.
Application Procedures and Processing Timelines
• The Application Submission Portal (ASAP) for submission of applications and supporting documentation remains active.
• Applications for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs), medical certificates, and course approvals and related requests will be processed on a first-in/first-out basis.
• Only applications that demonstrate a clear and documented nexus to national defense will be considered for expedited processing. Marine employers with national defense-related requests are advised to contact the NMC Customer Service Center (CSC).
• All extension policies and mitigation measures outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, 2026, remain in effect through their stated expiration dates. Mariners should refer to that bulletin for full details.
During the prolonged lapse, the NMC has accumulated a significant backlog of applications, currently more than 19,000 submissions and growing. Processing timelines are expected to extend 8-12 months from the date a completed application is received.
To avoid potential delays and disruptions to employment and operations, mariners are strongly encouraged to apply at least 8-12 months in advance of expiration. After submission, mariners should also allow additional time for applications to be entered into the system before checking the status online or contacting the CSC.
RECs
RECs will resume operations; however, counter (walk-in) services will remain suspended until further notice to allow staff to focus on backlog reduction and examination scheduling.
Examination Scheduling Priorities
Examination scheduling will be conducted in the following order of priority:
1. Mariners with previously scheduled examinations on or after May 1, 2026: Appointments will be honored as scheduled.
2. Mariners whose examinations were scheduled and cancelled between February 17, 2026, and May 1, 2026: Mariners will be contacted by REC staff to reschedule at the earliest available opportunity.
3. All other applicants: Scheduling will open once priority groups have been accommodated.
During the initial resumption period, the CSC will not schedule examinations. After the period for mariners whose examinations were canceled during the furlough to re-schedule is completed, the opportunity to schedule an exam for all mariners will be available through the CSC. Anticipate opening exam schedule for all other mariners shortly.
Course Approvals
Course approvals will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Mariners are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, REC operations, and policy adjustments as operations stabilize. For ongoing updates, sign up for the NMC list server by scanning the QR code below.
For questions, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing [email protected], or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely,
/P. A. Drayer/
Patrick A. Drayer
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections

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We still have a few spots available in our Maritime High School Summer Camp!!!! This 1 day event lets students see what's it's like in a day in the life of a mariner! The day will include hands-on demonstrations AND a boat ride!