2014 Marine e-bulletin about upcoming changes to Marine Service
The Bureau of Meteorology would like to keep you informed about a number of changes to our MetEye, Marine and Tide services over the next few weeks.
Changes to MetEye displays on 25 November
A number of changes to MetEye will occur on 25 November making the web maps more useful for mariners.
• The map of 'Forecast wind in knots' will become the default display layer when you open MetEye each time.
• The MetEye Disclaimer automatic pop-up will be disabled.
• Wave forecasts will now be available for all grid squares along the coastline.
• Maps for Northern Territory became available on 20 November to complete the national coverage.
• Visit MetEye: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
Transition to the new Tide Prediction portal on 2 December
As of 2 December 2014, the old tide prediction pages will be discontinued. Users should now update their bookmarks to the new Tide Portal www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides.
The new Tide Portal offers a number of features that make looking up tidal information significantly easier.
• Mariners can bookmark their favourite tide location for easy reference.
• There are 7 day tide predictions for over 400 locations.
• The tide times are automatically adjusted for daylight savings in relevant States.
Navigational MSI to be broadcast 30 minutes earlier on HF radio from 1 December 2014
Weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology has become more detailed and comprehensive in recent years, placing pressure on the existing HF radio schedules. A change to the HF broadcast schedule is required from 1 December 2014 to ensure that all relevant weather information is broadcast during the allotted time schedule. The Bureau of Meteorology has requested that the broadcast time for Navigational Maritime Safety Information (MSI) be shifted thirty minutes earlier.
The key changes include:
1. Navigational MSI will be broadcast 30 minutes earlier from 1 December 2014.
2. The allocated time for Navigational MSI will be expanded from 3 minutes to 5 minutes.
3. View the updated schedule: http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/voice-services.shtml
MarineLite now available for internet users using satellite, or in marginal mobile coverage areas
The Bureau of Meteorology has developed a new web page designed for mariners, such as those on cruising yachts and commercial vessels, whose offshore access is limited to satellite internet communication channels only, or in areas of marginal mobile phone coverage. The new web page, called ‘MarineLite’, will present High Seas, Coastal and Local Waters forecasts and warnings in a simple text-only format, making them both faster and affordable. Each MarineLite product version is designed to be less than 4Kb in size - 95 per cent lighter than the same webpages on the Bureau’s main website.
Visit www.bom.gov.au/marine/lite
