Course Syllabus and Outline Marine Weather Level 1:
Day 1
(8-8:30 AM -4-4:30 PM)
1. The surface marine weather map discussion
2. The atmosphere, its composition, properties, and behavior
4. The importance of moisture and the principles of how clouds form.
5. Observing cloud types and what they mean to a mariner.
6. Basic concepts of atmospheric pressure and wind.
7. Global pressure and wind patterns
8. Air masses
9. The surface marine weather map discussion
10. Homework assignment
Day 2
(8-8:30 to 4-4:30 PM)
1. The surface marine weather map discussion
2 Review of key points from day 1, review homework assignment.
3. The surface weather map: An overview of surface weather systems (lows, fronts, and troughs; highs and ridges). Warning labels and wind barbs and other marine surface weather map chart symbols as depicted on Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) and the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) of the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC).
4. The surface marine weather map discussion
5. Navigating for your weather information; where to access weather information while at sea from the public domain.
Reinforcement review questions and application exercises will be administered throughout the course to ensure that the objectives of understanding how weather works so as to reinforce proper interpretation and reading marine surface weather charts. Supplemental reading material and articles will be provided to compliment the student notes taking as well as complementary reinforcement exercises.
