About the NCHSSC
OverviewGeographic Scope
North coast of Puerto Rico, primary focus on the Port of San Juan and all navigable waterways within COTP Sector San Juan's north coast zone.
Our Mission
Inclusive, transparent forum for port stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions improving safety, efficiency, and security of our waterways.
Governing Framework
Operating under NVIC 01-25 (USCG, January 2025), developing formal bylaws and a Harbor Safety Plan tailored to Puerto Rico's maritime community.
Why It Matters
80–90% of Puerto Rico's consumer goods arrive by sea. The NCHSSC ensures the port community operates safely and collaboratively to maintain this lifeline.
Meetings
ScheduleNCHSSC Quarterly Full Committee Meeting
| Date | Meeting | Location | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2026 | NCHSSC Quarterly Full Committee Meeting | Centro Internacional de Mercadeo Torre II, Suite 801, Guaynabo, PR · 8:30 AM AST | View Agenda ↗ |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Port Coordination Team Meeting | Virtual – Microsoft Teams · Agenda sent via email | — |
| Aug 21, 2026 | NCHSSC Quarterly Full Committee Meeting — Hosted by Allied Universal | TBD | TBD |
Subcommittees
Working Groups| Subcommittee | Focus Areas | Meets | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚓ Safe Navigation | Vessel traffic, setback deviations, aids to navigation, Harbor Safety Plan, Med Mooring | Monthly – Last Thursday | Active |
| 🚨 Emergency Preparedness | Port emergency response, FEMA coordination, tabletop exercises | TBD | Forming |
| 🔒 Cybersecurity | USCG Cybersecurity Rule (eff. July 2025), Facility Security Plan integration | TBD | Forming |
| 🌿 Environmental | Environmental protection, alternative fuels, dredging, waterway stewardship | TBD | Forming |
| 📣 Membership & Outreach | Member recruitment, succession planning, educational programming | TBD | Forming |
News & Updates
Latest2026
HSC Selects New President: Jose M. Rosario
The NCHSSC Managing Board selected Jose M. Rosario as the new President of the Harbor Safety Committee. The committee is still looking for interested members to take leadership roles in subcommittees — managing board positions are still vacant.
MSIB 05-26: Rescission of Previous MSIBs
USCG Sector San Juan announces the official rescission of all MSIBs issued prior to January 1, 2026, ensuring only current and accurate information is referenced by mariners and stakeholders. Contact: LCDR Rachel Thomas · ssjwwm@uscg.mil
MSIB 04-26: Navigation Obstruction Hazard
The COTP San Juan advises mariners to immediately report vessels or equipment reducing navigable capacity in San Juan Bay. Reduced air draft, depth, or channel width increases the risk of allisions, collisions, and groundings. Non-compliance may result in civil penalties and criminal charges under 33 USC 409 and COLREGs Rule 9. Contact: LCDR Rachel Thomas · ssjwwm@uscg.mil
MSIB 03-26: Base San Juan Security Zone Revisions
The COTP San Juan has revised the Security Zone for Coast Guard Base San Juan per 33 CFR 165.776. The new zone covers all waters within 200 feet of Base San Juan's water's edge. This update removes previous channel infringements. Entry prohibited without COTP authorization. Contact: LCDR Rachel Thomas · ssjwwm@uscg.mil
Establishment of the Safe Navigation Subcommittee
The Safe Navigation Subcommittee was officially established on June 6, 2025, with the designation of Enrique Figueroa & Natalia López as Co-Chairs.
Meet Some of Our Members
ParticipantsIndustry & Port Community Government / Regulatory (Non-Voting)
Stakeholders of
Puerto Rico's Waterways
From Castillo San Felipe del Morro to the modern container terminals of the Port of San Juan, and extending to the ports of Yabucoa and Arecibo — Puerto Rico's waterways have been a lifeline for centuries. The NCHSSC carries forward that legacy of maritime stewardship across the island's north coast.
Contact & Connect
Get InvolvedCommittee Contact
📢 Next Meeting:
NCHSSC Quarterly Full Committee
Aug 21, 2026 · Hosted by Allied Universal