S-41X: Marine Weather Overlays for Electronic Charting Systems

In May of 2012, the 4^th session of the Joint World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) established the need for developing a marine weather overlay for electronic charting systems, including Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The NOAA Ocean Prediction Center was designated by JCOMM to manage and develop a product specification, compliant with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model to meet this requirement. The development effort is being completed with guidance from the JCOMM Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS).

This product specification, originally designated S-412 by the IHO, and now approved S-41X standardizes the technical capacity to integrate marine weather information and ship board navigation systems together to enhance decision making. S-412 was originally scoped to include all weather related features and attributes required by the mariner to maintain the safety of life and property while at sea. S-412 has since been separated into three product specifications which include S-412 Marine Weather Hazards, S-413 Marine Weather Conditions, and S-414 Marine Weather Observations. These three product specifications will standardize the weather information display capabilities within marine navigation systems.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) established the e-Navigation initiative to enhance marine navigation and support safety of life at sea. Weather information is a logical step forward for display in electronic charting systems. The S-41X Marine Weather overlays will aid mariners in making informed decisions efficiently to ensure safe passage. This presentation will highlight the progress of S-41X’s development effort, the potential to modernize marine weather products and services into the digital age, and the need to harmonize through collaboration under the international S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model.