The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for dense shutout fog impacting the Lower Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay after midnight through the morning hours on Monday, 05JAN26, Tuesday, 06JAN26, and Wednesday, 07JAN26.
Mariners should consider these conditions before beginning or continuing their transits.
VTS Houston-Galveston, if required, may Meter Commercial Traffic for the Houston/Galveston Vessel Traffic Service Area, following the forecasted Dense Fog events.
Anticipate the following measures to be put in place:
1- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting between Lynchburg and Morgan’s Point.
2- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting in the intracoastal waterway between Mile Marker 345 and Mile Marker 355.
3- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting between the intracoastal waterway and Morgan’s Point.
4- Check in’s to be based on overall user saturation throughout the Vessel Traffic Service Area and may be delayed. Mariners should anticipate delays in movement and keep their radios tuned to VHF Ch 05A for available check in periods. Vessels should be ready to move within 15 minutes of checking in to avoid delays and/or potential revocation of movement check in.
For any questions, please contact the VTS Watch Supervisor 281-464-4837
Very respectfully,
Vessel Traffic Service
USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
(281) 464-4837 24/7 Watch Supervisor
