Vision & Mission Statement
The OPC strives to be recognized as the mariner’s weather
lifeline through exceptional products and customer service.
The Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) is an integral component of the National Centers for
Environmental Prediction (NCEP) located at the NOAA Science Center in Camp Springs, MD.
The primary responsibility is the issuance of marine warnings, forecasts, and guidance in
text and graphical format for maritime users. Also, the OPC quality controls marine
observations globally from ship, buoy, and automated marine observations for gross errors
prior to being assimilated into computer model guidance. The Ocean Prediction Center also
provides forecast points in coordination with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for
Tropical Cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean E of 65W.
OPC originates and issues marine warnings and forecasts, continually monitors and
analyzes maritime data, and provides guidance of marine atmospheric variables for purposes
of protection of life and property, safety at sea, and enhancement of economic
opportunity. These products fulfill U.S. responsibilities with the World Meteorological
Organization and Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) [International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1960 and 1974].
In emergency situations OPC acts as a backup to the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC)
and the Honolulu National Weather Service Office taking over the marine functions.
The Offices also act as backups to the OPC marine functions.
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Areal extent: Region of coverage is the over marine areas of
the Northern Hemisphere S of 67N to 15 degrees S (except Indian Ocean).
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Temporal
extent: Guidance and forecasts are issued for time periods where useful skill exists
out to 96 hours for seas and 120 hours for weather systems.
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Application
activities: Conducted to support the civilian maritime community and other government
agencies in support of safety of life at sea , ie. U.S. Coast Guard.
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Product
suite: Support for transoceanic, fishing, and recreational marine users, coastal
communities, marine navigation, and other marine interests.
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Product
distribution: Direct support for all national and international marine users. MPC
produces principal guidance for National Weather Forecast Offices with offshore and
coastal responsibilities, and other marine related programs.
Both graphical and text products are disseminated covering these geographical regions:
synoptic scale coverage over the entire North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, and
mesoscale coverage for the coastal and offshore portions of the eastern and western United
States.
Radiofacsimile Schedule
In addition to being available online through the Ocean Prediction Center homepage,
the graphical products described below are transmitted directly to vessels at sea and the
public along coastal areas via High Frequency (HF) short-wave radiofacsimile through
transmitters of the U.S. Coast Guard at Marshfield, MA, and Point Reyes, CA. The Coast
Guard transmits these products at scheduled times throughout the day.
Short wave Radio Broadcast
Also, a brief version of the High Seas Forecast (HSF), which covers the North Pacific
Ocean E of 140W and North Atlantic W of 35W is broadcast via High Frequency (HF)
short-wave radio station, WWV in Fort
Collins, Colorado. The Atlantic forecast is broadcast in two parts at HH+08 and HH+09
minutes. The Pacific forecast is broadcast at HH+10 minutes. These warnings and forecasts
are updated every six hours at 0500 UTC, 1100 UTC, 1700 UTC, and 2300 UTC. WWV transmits
on 2.5 MHz, 5.0 MHz, 10.0 MHz, 15.0 MHz, and 20.0 MHz continuously 24 hours a day. In
addition WWV marine broadcasts can be heard at these times at (303) 499-7111.
A typical warning text format is as follows:
North Pacific Weather east of 140W at 1800 UTC October 11 1995
...Warning forecasts....
By 24 hours Gale 56N 138W moving NE 25 knots with winds to 40 knots seas to 24 feet within
900 nautical miles south and southeast quadrants.
...Other forecasts....
Low 39N 127W moving ENE 25 knots. Winds to 30 knots seas to 14 feet within 480 nautical
miles south semicircle.
End Of Message.
Graphical Products
Two types of graphical products are disseminated. The analysis and forecasts of upper
level large synoptic scale flow are based on a computer objective scheme. The surface
analysis and forecast charts are produced from a blend of objective and subjective means
as determined by a marine forecaster. Times indicated on the charts are in Coordinated
Universal Time (UTC). There are two major categories of charts broadcast.
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Surface
These manually produced charts depict surface features and forecast
positions, and define present and future wind and wave conditions.
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Upper Air
These are depictions of the computer model analyses and forecasts of ridges
and troughs for the 500 mb constant pressure surfaces.
Text Products
The High Seas Forecast (HSF), which covers the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific
Oceans is issued four times per day. The text describes initial synoptic scale conditions.
The forecast describes conditions of winds/seas associated with significant weather
features of concern to Mariners out to 36 hours. It can include areas of dense fog and
structural icing.
Also, two Offshore forecast products are issued which describe current and forecast
features for the offshore waters of the Western and Eastern US coasts. The Marine
Interpretation Message (MIM) based on the latest forecast model runs are issued four times
a day, and describe forecast reasoning for the 24 hr graphics products and the offshore
forecast for the next 48 hours.
Last modified on
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
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