Module 13 - Meteorology
Shipping Forecast Terminology
The BBC Shipping Forecast covers 31 sea areas around the British Isles. It reports wind direction (the direction it blows FROM), wind speed (in Beaufort scale), weather (rain, fog, etc.), and visibility. Key terms include:
Wind: 'Veering' means shifting clockwise (e.g., SW to W). 'Backing' means shifting anticlockwise (e.g., W to SW). 'Imminent' = within 6 hours. 'Soon' = 6–12 hours. 'Later' = 12–24 hours.
Visibility: 'Good' = more than 5 nautical miles. 'Moderate' = 2–5nm. 'Poor' = 1,000m–2nm. 'Fog' = less than 1,000m. Sea state: 'Smooth' = wave height 0–0.5m. 'Moderate' = 1.25–2.5m. 'Rough' = 2.5–4m.
- Veering = wind shifting clockwise
- Backing = wind shifting anticlockwise
- Imminent = within 6 hours
- Soon = 6–12 hours
- Later = 12–24 hours
- Good visibility = > 5nm
- Fog = < 1,000 metres
Watch for this: The wind direction in forecasts is where the wind blows FROM, not where it blows TO. A 'westerly' wind blows FROM the west.
Continue studying Meteorology
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