Marine Prediction Center

2002 Accomplishments

1. Introduction

In 2002 the Center had several accomplishments including significant modifications to its product line. Chief among them were a spatial expansion of our regional suite of products to include the offshore waters of Alaska and a temporal expansion of our high seas text period from 36 to 48-h. This latter change, which affects both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, brings our high seas text in line with our 48-h graphical forecasts for these oceans. The number of outreach activities continue to grow. This year there were 22 such activities compared with 16 in 2001. And finally, the Center takes great pride in the achievement of its Director, Dr. James Hoke, as a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Rank Award.

2. Major Accomplishments

The Marine Forecast Branch implements major new procedures. On May 20 the Atlantic offshore forecast area was reconfigured to provide more detailed and consistent forecasts to mariners and other customers and both the Atlantic and Pacific offshore forecasts were expanded from three to five days into the future. In addition, the high-seas forecasts for both the Atlantic and Pacific were expanded from 36 to 48 hours. Lastly, the production of all MPC text forecasts was switched from personal computers to the same Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) in use at NWS field offices.

MPC product suite is enhanced. On June 25 the Center enhanced its product suite by expanding the Pacific 24-hour surface forecast chart to include the offshore waters of Alaska. This chart is issued twice per day and permits the retirement of the surface forecast chart issued once per day by the NWS Alaska Region. These 24-hour forecast charts were requested by mariners in Alaskan waters and are available via the Kodiak Coast Guard radiofacsimile broadcast and the internet.

3. Conference Participation

MPC Science and Operations Officer , Joe Sienkiewicz, attended the Mid-Atlantic Bight Physical Oceanography and Meteorology Conference at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, October 24 and 25. He gave a talk on surface winds derived from the Seawinds scatterometer aboard the NASA QuikSCAT satellite. His presentation showed examples of significant wind differences across the sharp sea surface temperature gradients north of the Gulf Stream.

4. Training at Government Facilities

Twice during the year training was provided to external U.S. government facilities. Mr. Joe Sienkiewicz, Science and Operations Officer visited the USMMA in Kings Point, NY, on April 26, 2002. He gave several lectures to freshman cadets about ocean weather safety and the use of MPC products at sea. On May 14, Mr. Joe Sienkiewicz, and Jim Clark, Marine Meteorologist of the NWS’ Marine Prediction Center (MPC) participated in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine and Coastal Meteorology Seminar in Morehead City, NC, . The seminar was hosted by Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Newport and was held at the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) facility of North Carolina State University. Mr. Sienkiewicz talked about QuikSCAT satellite wind observations in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream and implications to marine warnings. Mr. Clark discussed the MPC Outlook Desk and marine medium-range forecasting techniques using ensemble forecast products.

Mr. David Feit, Chief of the Marine Forecast Branch, participated in the NWS Western Region Marine Forecaster Training Workshop held at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, May 21-24. The workshop familiarized marine forecasters with the various tools, techniques, and methods available to them in preparing their forecast products. Dave's presentation covered an overview of MPC's areas of responsibility, MPC forecaster products and duties, coordination with NWS field offices, quality control of ship observations, and the use of satellite-derived scatterometer winds in the forecast process.

Mr. Joe Sienkiewicz and Mr. David Feit of MPC participated in the Northern New England Marine Weather Workshop in Portland, ME, October 30 and 31. The Workshop was sponsored by the NWS Eastern Region and hosted by the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Gray, ME. Forecasters from NWS WFOs Caribou, Gray, Taunton, and Upton, the NWS Tropical Prediction Center, and Canada's Maritimes Weather Centre, as well as scientists from the University of Maine and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, were in attendance. Mr. Feit gave an overview of the MPC and discussed the variety of products generated each day. Mr. Sienkiewicz discussed the MPC use of QuikSCAT winds with a focus on wind in the vicinity of sea surface temperature gradients. In a second presentation he described the decision-making process of a tugboat captain transporting petroleum from New York Harbor to Boston Harbor. Actual NWS forecasts were used in the discussion.

5. Outreach

The Center helped staff display booths at four boat shows during 2002. On January 12-13, Kevin McCarthy, Deputy Director of MPC, participated in the annual New York Boat Show. The show booth was organized by the local NWS Weather Forecast Office (WFO) at Brookhaven, NY. Mariners of all types attended the show and asked questions on topics ranging from the voice of the NOAA Weather Radio, to hurricanes and tornadoes, search and rescue equipment, and the availability of navigation charts. NWS information and safety brochures were provided at the booth.

Hugh McRandal, Marine Forecaster, participated in the Seattle, WA, boat show on January 18-20. The NWS booth set up and attended by staff from the local Seattle WFO. The display was visited by many of the show’s attendees. As a result of the high level of interest, the Director of the Boat Show, invited MPC to give a presentation on MPC products and services next year in the seminar series held at the show.

MPC Marine Forecaster Jeff Bowman took part in the Atlantic City Boat Show on February 6-7. He helped staff the display set up by the Mt. Holly, NJ,WFO. Also in February MPC Senior Marine Forecaster Scott Prosise participated in the Washington, D.C., Boat Show on the 15th. The Sterling, VA, WFO was the primary office for this show. In both cases the displays attracted a lot of attention from the show attendees and Jeff and Scott were able to talk with many mariners about NWS products.

Staff from MPC participated in seven focus group meetings with marine users. The meetings were conducted by NWS Headquarters with representatives of various segments of the marine community, including fishermen, Coast Guard, ferry operators, tug boats, shipping lines, and boat delivery services. The purpose of the focus groups is to obtain input from mariners on the kinds of future products and services the NWS should provide. As a start to each meeting, presentations were made on current products along with some first-cut ideas of future products. The mariners then provided feedback and described their needs and wants. On February 7, the focus group met in Astoria, OR, with the MPC presentation by James Partain, Science and Operations Officer. On February 13, the focus group convened in Linthicum, Maryland, with the MPC presentation by Deputy Director Kevin McCarthy. Mr. Partain also participated in focus groups held on March 8, Galveston, TX, March 29, Belfast, ME, and April 11, Homer, AK. Mr. McCarthy participated in the last two meetings held April 25, in Jacksonville, FL and April 26, Delray Beach, FL.

Safety Training For Mariners was conducted at a wide variety of locations during 2002. The purpose of this training was to present MPC warning and forecast products and services. MPC routinely provides safety information, several time a year, to the masters and mates attending the heavy weather avoidance class at the Maritime Institute for Technology and Graduate Studies. In addition during February, Mr. Lee Chesneau, marine forecaster, lectured at a marine weather and forecasting seminar February 2-3, on the campus of the University of San Diego, CA.. He also spoke at a marine weather safety seminar in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, on February 24-25. Both seminars were sponsored by Ocean Navigator magazine.

During April, three seminars were presented. Mr. Chesneau represented the MPC at the Safety at Sea Seminar, in Stamford, CT,. April 6 and 7. On April 19th. He delivered a presentation at the Pacific Sail Expo seminar series, Oakland, CA.

Mr. Chesneau also participated in the 21st Annual Sabre World Cup Regatta and Rendezvous held in Annapolis, MD, on June 29-30, 2002. He was the guest speaker for the event. There were over 200 mariners in attendance to hear his discussion on MPC services and safety products. In the fall, Mr. Chesneau conducted several safety seminars in the Newport, RI boat show September 12-15.

Mr. Chesneau and Mr. Joseph Czarniecki, MPC Marine Forecaster participated in Fish Expo October 2-5 in Providence, Rhode Island. Both staffed an NWS booth with the MPC display. Mr. Chesneau gave two formal presentations on MPC products and services as part of the Expo's seminar program.

Mr. Joe Sienkiewicz spoke on Weather Safety at the annual Safety at Sea Seminar at the United States Naval Academy on April 6 and 7. Along with Joe, MPC Marine Forecasters Mr. George Bancroft and Mr. Hugh McRandal staffed a booth during the event. Handouts and examples of MPC analyses and forecasts were distributed.. On June 6, he also spoke to participants of the Annapolis-to-Bermuda Sailing Race on weather safety. Approximately 100 sailors attended the briefing. Mr. Sienkiewicz gave handouts listing Coast Guard radio frequencies for both text and graphical MPC products, instructions on how to receive products via email, and examples of graphical and text products and how to use them to enhance their safety when at sea.

On June 13, Joe participated in a similar briefing for the Newport-to-Bermuda Sailing Race. The briefing was attended by approximately 400 skippers, navigators, and crews. He distributed handouts describing how to receive MPC graphical and text products and displayed examples of analysis and forecast charts. He discussed how to use MPC to enhance their safety when at sea.

Marine Prediction Center Provides Education On Marine Charts At Volvo Round The World Race/Sandy Point Water Festival -As part of the festivities surrounding the restart of the Atlantic leg of the Volvo Race, MPC staff set up a booth and provided educational talks on how to use MPC charts and other basic marine safety information during the festival weekend, April 27-28. Unfortunately, most of the activities for Sunday were canceled due to heavy rains and possible severe weather in the afternoon. Nevertheless the race got off to a successful restart after the weather cleared.

6. Notable Visitors

Volvo Round The World Race Sailors Visit The Marine Prediction Center - Thirteen crew members from six of the eight Volvo Round The World Race sailboats visited the Marine Prediction Center (MPC) on April 22. The crew members were meteorologists, navigators, and tacticians from seven different countries. They were briefed on forecast operations and the various tools available at the MPC. There was a valuable exchange of information between the MPC forecasters and these very knowledgeable Volvo race participants.

The race began September 23, 2001 in Southampton, England and has stops in ten ports. The stopover prior to the Baltimore - Annapolis area was in Miami and the next stop was La Rochelle, France. This next leg started April 28 from Annapolis.

Lead Forecaster Mr. PaulVukits (sitting) demonstrates forecasting tools available at MPC to members of Volvo Race crews.

Volvo Race crew members attend scheduled morning weather situation briefing given by Lead Forecaster Mr. Joseph Sienkiewicz and Paul Vukits.

MPC Meets With Private Sector Meteorologist. Mr. Jim Etro, President of Itri Corporation, a private weather provider, visited the Marine Prediction Center on November 7. He met with Branch Chief David Feit and MPC outreach focal point and Marine Forecaster Mr. Lee Chesneau. They familiarized Mr. Etro with the mission and function of the MPC and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Maritime School Staff Visits MPC Captain John Page of the Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research (STAR) Center in Dania, Florida, visited the MPC on August 8. Captain Page received a tour of MPC operations and was shown the operational procedures on each of the five MPC forecast desks. The STAR Center provides professional training, including weather, for masters and mates working on commercial vessels.

Captain Phil Shullo of STAR Center, visited the MPC on September 24. Capt Shullo heads the Curriculum Development Department there. The STAR Center will soon begin presenting a course entitled “Advanced Meteorology” to meet the new Coast Guard licensing requirement for more weather training for commercial ship crews. Capt. Shullo was given a tour of the operations area of the MPC and was presented an overview of the forecast procedures. He also met with Director Jim Hoke and with the forecasters on duty.

7. Special Activities

Support to National Marine Fisheries Service

On May 20, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Special Agent Jeff Ray from the New Jersey NMFS office was briefed by David Feit, Chief, NWS Marine Prediction Center (MPC) Marine Forecast Branch, about the marine weather off New Jersey on April 29. The request involved an enforcement case concerning illegal access to a sea scallop area. Of particular interest was the wind speed and direction for that period.

8. Press Interviews

MPC Visited By Magazine Author. Cruising World magazine technical editor Mr. Ralph Naranjo visited MPC on December 10. Purpose of the visit was to gain a first-hand understanding of the center in preparation of a feature article for Cruising World about marine weather forecasting. Mr. Naranjo spent several hours observing MPC operations, taking pictures, and interviewing the forecasters and management on duty. Mr. Lee Chesneau and NCEP Public Affairs Officer Carmeyia Gillis hosted the visit.

9. Awards

In October, MPC Director, Dr. James Hoke, received the Presidential Rank Award. This is the most prestigious award bestowed on career Senior Executives. Dr. Hoke was officially recognized as a strong leaders who achieves results and consistently demonstrates strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service . His selection was evaluated by a board of private citizens before receiving final approval from the President himself. Dr.Hoke was honored personally by both Secretary of Commerce Evans and Deputy Secretary Bodman.

In July, Mr. James Partain, Science and Operations Officer was recognized with the MPC Cline Award. The award was given for exceptional leadership by introducing significant and innovative new methods and tools for marine forecasters in their daily work. His contributions have resulted in substantial efficiencies to the MPC's work flow as well as improved products to the marine user.

10. MPC Staff as of December 31, 2002

Administration

James Hoke, Director

Kevin McCarthy, Deputy Director

Crystal Rickett, Administrative Officer

Jeanette Rolen, Secretary

Marine Forecast Branch

David Feit, Branch Chief

Senior Marine Forecasters: Donald Prosise, Edward Schoenberg, Douglas

Scovil, Paul Vukits, Robert Oszajca

Forecasters: Kevin Achorn, Fran Achorn, George Bancroft, Lee Chesneau,

David Chorney, James Clark, Joe Cope, Joseph Czarniecki, Pedro Fritz,

Hugh McRandal, David Mills, James Nolt, Michael Rowland, Todd Shaw

Forecaster George Bancroft on a coordination call.

Branch Chief David Feit conferring with forecaster Todd Shaw about the latest model runs.

Marine Applications Branch

 Joseph Sienkiewicz, Acting Branch Chief/Science and Operations Officer

Curt Janota, Meteorologist Developer

Personnel Changes

Gerald Delaney - Administrative Officer - Retired after over 40 years of federal service

Jeffrey Bowman - Forecaster - Retired after over 37 years of service

Robert Oszajca - Promoted to Senior Marine Forecaster

David Chorney - Returned to MPC after one-year activation as USAF Reservist

Frances Achorn - Joined the MPC from the private sector

Crystal Rickett - Joined the MPC from the Environmental Modeling Center

Joseph Sienkiewicz - Transferred to Science and Operations Officer position

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