Effective at 4 p.m., Sunday August 28, Coast Guard Captain of the Ports of New York and New Jersey, Capt. Linda Fagan, eased restrictions, imposed as a safety precaution in advance of the storm, on operations within the Port of New York and New Jersey.

The port is open to all commercial traffic and ocean-going vessels, which will begin entering the harbor this evening. However, restrictions remain for commercial usage of the Sandy Hook Channel.

The Staten Island Ferry resumed operations at 3 p.m. today.

“After having carefully surveyed the waterways in the harbor, we feel that it is appropriate to resume nearly all normal operations,” said Fagan.

Coast Guard stations and facilities suffered no appreciation damage from the storm. Coast Guard vessels, which had ridden out the storm on the Hudson River, are returning to their home stations and all Sector vessels are expected to be at their home ports by 7 p.m. tonight.

This will reconstitute the search and rescue capability of Sector New York.

Though commercial traffic has resumed and conditions are deemed safe for large vessels, the waters of the harbor are still rough and wind gusts are common. Swimmers, kayakers, fishermen and pleasure boaters are strongly advised to wait for further improvement in conditions before using the harbor for recreation.

The remnants of Hurricane Irene continue to pose a danger and waterborne leisure activities should be delayed for the next few days.