Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Staffing
The traffic was higher than usual. Supervisors where not prepared for the traffic. We didn't have enough people to work and keep a normal rotation and was not an effective flow on effect. My coworkers and I went through high volume traffic without any coordination or plan to execute our duties. We received aircraft with no coordination from non-radar airspace that we didn't know who they were. TNCM shut down the airport with no notice. NY center shut down the airspace with no notice. Supervisors didn't hold people on the ground as we requested more than once. We had aircraft holding over different parts of the airspace plus we had more aircraft coming. No overtime was scheduled for that day. My coworkers and I lost the picture more than once during one session. Only 15 minute break between 2+ hours on position with high volume traffic. [We need] more planning and more staffing.
ZSU Controller reported a busier day than normal. Reporter said they were too busy to do coordination and the correct staffing was lacking. Controller reported that they were receiving aircraft with no coordination from non-radar airspace.