Commander SEVENTH Fleet

ANNEX H TO COMSEVENTHFLT OPORD 201
METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC (METOC) SERVICES

REFERENCES:
(a) ANNEX H to CINCPACFLT OPORD 201/CINCLANTFLT OPORD2000 2000
(b) NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1K
(c) OPNAVINST 3120.32
(e) NAVOCEANCOMINST C3140.22

1. General. The purpose of this annex is to supplement reference (a) in providing direction and guidance concerning meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) services and support throughout SEVENTHFLT. All SEVENTHFLT units must be familiar with reference (a).

2. Execution

a. Concept of Operations. SEVENTHFLT ships will receive and provide support as specified in reference (a) and this annex. Routine services include warnings of severe weather conditions, weather and oceanographic analyses and forecasts as described in this ANNEX. Ensure COMSEVENTHFLT is information addressee on requests for special METOC services.

b. Tasks and Responsibilities

(1) Commander, SEVENTH Fleet will:

(a) Coordinate the METOC support requirements of assigned units with those of other commands, subordinates, and friendly forces as required.

(b) Monitor METOC services provided in the SEVENTHFLT AOR.

(2) Officers in Tactical Command (OTC) will:

(a) Use sound judgement and prudent seamanship in making decisions to avoid potentially damaging weather.

(b) Report hazardous weather conditions and storm evasion actions in accordance with Appendix 1 of reference (a).

(c) Request Optimum Track Ship Routing (OTSR) for all open-ocean transits of units or individual ships. OTSR is provided through the movement reporting system. OTSR procedures and services are described in Appendix 3 and reference (b).

(d) Provide weather observations in accordance with Appendix 2 and reference (c).

(1) Very few surface weather observation stations are available in oceanic areas. The quality and quantity of METOC forecasts provided to fleet units are directly proportional to the accuracy and timeliness of meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) observations provided by the units themselves. METOC observational and reporting responsibilities of SEVENTHFLT units are set forth in this annex.

(2) In order to improve METOC support, comments are solicited from all levels of command regarding the effectiveness of the support received. Such comments, both favorable and unfavorable, will be forwarded to NAVPACMETOCCEN Pearl Harbor, HI/NAVPACMETOCCEN West Guam/NAVPACMETOCFAC Yokosuka, JA, with an information copy provided to COMSEVENTHFLT.

3. Command and Signal. Individual units are encouraged to obtain and utilize METOC products available over the SIPRNET/NIPRNET and facsimile broadcasts from nnaval meteorology and oceanography centers and facilities. Information on web-based METOC products and both fleet broadcasts and the internet is available from the nearest naval meteorology and oceanography activity.

1 - Heavy Weather Doctrine

2 - Meteorological Observations Required of Fleet Units

3 - Meteorological and Oceanographic Products and Services

4 - General - Coordination - Organization