OKINAWA, Japan --
New sea condition standards, scheduled to begin April 1, are expected to better assist water enthusiasts in making informed decisions when planning ocean water activities.
The new standards were necessary as the current information and categories have been deemed too complex and confusing for beachgoers. Representatives from all four services on Okinawa worked collectively to develop new criteria using existing standards, the Beaufort Wind Scale and knowledge from a variety of experts working in the fields of weather, safety and recreation.
The most significant changes are modifications to the sea condition categories and their definitions. The definitions are intended to be short and easy to understand.
The three new conditions will all have separate meanings that even the most novice swimmers can comprehend.
New sea conditions will be ALL CLEAR, CAUTION and DANGER.
ALL CLEAR conditions are ideal for water-related activities. This is the most suitable time for less-skilled swimmers and children to participate in aquatic activities.
When condition CAUTION is in effect, hazardous conditions may exist. Therefore, personnel should exercise caution when entering the water. It is highly recommended that only individuals with extensive experience - both for the planned water activity and entry point location - enter the water.
If sea condition DANGER is announced, life-threatening conditions are occurring, and water entry is prohibited for all activities.
Sea conditions will continue to be identified by two geographical sectors: East and West.
The East represents Okinawa’s shoreline facing the Pacific Ocean from the northern tip of Hedo Point to Cape Kiyan on the southern part of the island.
The West sector includes the entire coastline exposed to the East China Sea from Hedo Point in the north to Cape Kiyan in the south.
When displayed on AFN, the new sea conditions will be abbreviated as “C” for CAUTION and “D” for DANGER along with “E” for East and “W” for West. For example, sea condition East CAUTION and West DANGER will be displayed on the television as EC/WD. When condition ALL CLEAR is in effect, no sea condition abbreviations will be displayed on the television.
It is important to note that sea conditions are a good reference point when planning water activities; however, personnel should also monitor local weather and ocean conditions as they can change with little warning.
Sea conditions and criteria are based on a generalized evaluation. The evaluation may not always accurately reflect the weather and sea state along the entire coastline of Okinawa as weather and sea state can change at a moment’s notice. Therefore, personnel must use common sense to make individual assessments of the hazards of their intended activity during sea conditions ALL CLEAR and CAUTION.
Indicators that an area may not be ideal for water entry include the presence of currents, large surf and difficult entry and exit routes. If there are any doubts, it’s best to stay on shore.
There are many other opportunities to participate in water activities throughout the year. Pushing one’s luck by entering the water during potentially dangerous sea conditions is a decision with far-reaching consequences.
To review the new sea condition information visit the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Web page at www.marines.mil/unit/mcbbutler/Pages/SeaConditions.aspx.