U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Houma

07/21/2026

HOUMA, La. - Marine Safety Unit Houma has upgraded the Houma Captain of the Port zone to Port Condition X-Ray and Hurricane Condition III. This readiness condition indicates that winds between 35-50 mph are possible within 48 hours.

Ports and facilities are open to all commercial traffic, and all transfer operations may continue while X-Ray remains in effect.

The National Weather Service reports that Tropical Storm Bertha is tracking westward across the northeast Gulf toward southeast Louisiana. The storm's outer bands are expected to bring heavy rain, potential storm surge and isolated to scattered flash flooding to the area over the next two days.

Required Port Actions:

• Vessel Departures: Vessels greater than 300 gross tons should prepare to leave the port or obtain official permission from the Captain of the Port to remain.

• Remaining in Port: Vessels unable to depart must contact the Captain of the Port and submit a written safe mooring plan before receiving permission to stay. Proof of facility owner or operator approval is required.

Prep Checklist for Mariners and Residents:

• Track the Storm: Continually monitor the National Hurricane Center, weather.gov and local news for updated advisories.

• Secure Small Craft: Pull kayaks and small boats out of the water. Secure trailers above flood lines and store loose gear indoors.

• Secure Larger Vessels: Move larger boats to safe havens. Double mooring lines, secure all hatches and tie down loose items.

• Watch Drawbridges: Coastal drawbridges may close to vessel traffic eight hours before gale-force winds arrive or when evacuations are ordered. Transit early.

For the latest port status updates, visit the Coast Guard Navigation Center at navcen.uscg.gov/port-status.

07/20/2026

HOUMA, La. - Marine Safety Unit Houma has set Port Condition Whiskey for the Houma Captain of the Port zone due to Tropical Depression Two. The system is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha, bringing heavy rain, potential storm surge and flash flooding to Southeast Louisiana within 72 hours.

Under Port Condition Whiskey, ports remain open and transfer operations may continue, but mariners must take immediate precautions.

Required Port Actions:

• Remaining in Port: Commercial vessels and barges over 500 gross tons, and tank barges over 200 gross tons, must arrange safe mooring and submit a written application to the Captain of the Port within 24 hours to remain in port.

• Departing Port: All commercial vessels over 500 gross tons and tank barges over 200 gross tons planning to depart must do so at least 24 hours before gale-force winds arrive.

72-Hour Prep Checklist for Mariners and Residents:

• Track the Storm: Monitor the National Hurricane Center, weather.gov and local news.

• Secure Small Craft: Remove kayaks, paddleboards and small boats from the water. Secure trailers above potential flood lines and store loose gear indoors.

• Secure Larger Vessels: Move larger boats to safe havens. Double mooring lines and secure all hatches.

• Watch Drawbridges: Coastal drawbridges may close to boat traffic eight hours before gale-force winds arrive. Transit early.

Get the latest port status updates at navcen.uscg.gov/port-status.

06/02/2026

Congratulations to our members who recently promoted during a very eventful spring promotion season! MSU Houma has been very fortunate to have many great talents getting recognized for their dedication to the Coast Guard and this recognition was well deserved.

Cliffton Hendry has promoted from the rank of CWO2 --> CWO3 serving as the current Marine Safety Specialist Response Chief Warrent Officer.

John Larkin and Ben Waalkes (both Apprentice Marine Inspectors), were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (O3) after serving 4 successful years between their time on the cutters and coming to provide their shipboard knowledge to MSU Houma.

Machinery Technitian Cheif Tristian Grogan and Marine Science Technitian First Class Gavin Kline were promoted to the rank of CWO2 (Chief Warrent Officer) after successfully completing their Enlisted Marine Inspector Training Program in or Marine inspections shop. They have both departed to their new units with CWO2 Grogan heading to Marine Safety Detachment Peoria Illinois and CWO2 Kline is traveling to Marine Safety Unit Cleveland to continue providing their subject matter expertise to their new units.

Congratulations Everyone 🎊!!!

05/15/2026

Recently we have said fair winds and following seas to several outstanding shipmates at MSU Houma.

Pictured in front of the unit sign is LTJG Zack Woods alongside several members from his Marine Inspections shop. Zack is departing after 2 years of time at MSU Houma and after an eventful 5 years of service will be transitioning to an Engineering Job in the Civilian workforce in Colorado.

Pictured with the skateboard 🛹 is YN1 Cody Levy alongside fellow members of the MSU Houma admin shop, who served as the first class yeoman for MSU Houma the past 3 years. He will be transferring to Recruitment Office Quad Cities in Davenport Iowa acting as the Military Entry Processing Liason for new recruits

Congratulations to both members on a great tour at MSU Houma and good luck in your futures!

03/28/2026

Earlier today, Gina Saizon, Response Program Manager for LOSCO; AND Kevin Borne: Division Admin; hosted Jessica Domangue, LA state legislature district 53 representative; to show the barrier islands clean up progress that were affected by the LOOP spill.

Mrs.Saizon explained to Rep. Domangue how the oil was being cleaned, how and why the oil drifted to where it was, the types of wildlife in the area, and the process of the response.

The group stopped on Whiskey Island and surveyed cleanup efforts where they found a small handful of tar balls. They stopped at several barrier islands and smaller mangrove marshes along the way.

03/26/2026

The Unified Command has consolidated all information related to the LOOP oil spill, including the latest press releases, marine traffic notices, sampling data, and claims resources. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.loopllc.com/info-portal or access the site using the QR code provided.

03/26/2026

Notice To Mariners traveling in the vicinity of Lake Pelto (Update to the previously posted advisory)

03/23/2026

03/19/2026

Updated Cleanup efforts continue in the Gulf and surrounding barrier islands, see link in comments for full update