National Weather Service
Professional Development Series
Professional Competency Unit

Marine Weather Services

PCU 2: Understand Marine Customer Requirements for, and the Use of, Marine Products

Producers: Bob Dukesherer, WFO GRR, and Richard May, OCWWS Marine Services Branch

Description of Job Duty Competency to be Achieved

Apply an understanding of marine customer requirements and the use of marine products to provide effective marine weather services.

Description of Need

The marine environment poses unique hazards to mariners and coastal communities. Marine customers are generally more exposed to weather elements and take longer to carry out preventative measures. Marine weather support is enhanced through an understanding of marine customer requirements for weather services addressed in this PCU.

Specific Job Task Skills and Knowledge

1. Know required marine product formats and content

  1. Local/regional thresholds for warnings and advisories
  2. Receipt and dissemination of marine information
  3. Timeliness
  4. Frequency
  5. User familiarization

2. Understand how customers use marine products

  1. Forecast terminology
  2. Extreme cold issues
  3. Platform status information

3. Recognize and apply appropriate customer outreach interactions

  1. Coast Guard
  2. Port Authorities
  3. Local thresholds

4. Apply appropriate incident response procedures

  1. Reporting procedures
  2. Forecast support
  3. Identify causes of marine accidents

5. Identify vessel characteristics and vulnerabilities

Instructional Components

Instructional Component 1.1: To be defined.

Return to Marine Weather Services PDS page

Last updated on 2/22/01