Volume 56, Number 3 December 2012 Photo by Denice Drass

pMO Corner
December 2012 ~ Mariners Weather Log
10
PMO Tim Kenefick with Chief Baker, Cristina Zvoristaneau
or I started asking the students about the different items of
the weather observation, it became apparent that the average
student was just punching buttons on the computer to “get the
job done” without much understanding or thought behind the
task. Three years ago Captain Smith recommended that we
reverse the course on how the students observe record and
transmit the OBS, because it would cause the cadets to have
to “open the book and read”. In doing so, they search from
front to back in the handbook for the single item in question,
consequently learning observing practices that they didn’t
know before. (Note I said BOOK and not Code Card. Code
Cards are only suitable as a reminder for an experienced
mate, but not for someone to learn with.).
For the past three summer sea terms with SUNY Maritime
that is how I have instructed the midshipmen. I have provided
training and teaching, starting with the bare basics; using the
long form (B-81). Has it been successful? I do so vouch for
the positive aspects of it. They are basically forced to looking
things up in the handbook and relearning things that they
may have been taught in a prior class a year or two earlier.
Reading and browsing the book makes retention and recall
more probable. With practice, the cadets who take around
an hour to initially produce a weather observation is reduced
to a respectful 20 to 30 minutes.
The rules were laid out early. The observation has to be
checked over by the Mate of the Watch, Captain Smith, or I
before the observation could be transmitted. There is always
one cadet, who thinks they can do it all by themselves. One
particular cadet sent an observation which indicated it was
the 94th day in July, and the 52 nd hour of the day, among the
grossest errors. For those special observations, I created the
“Wall of Shame”. That particular observation made center
stage indicated by the greatest amount of PINK highlighter.
I also took the time to do a refresher for the Mates on Watch
to ensure they understand what each part of the message
means. Many haven’t done an observation in a couple of
years, and although they understand weather and can identify
everything, the coding is one thing that they hadn’t kept up
with.
Yes, it seems like it is a step back into the mid 90’s or even
before. Often the older ways are a better way for the students
to learn. I know it is akin to rote learning of multiplication
tables as opposed to using a hand held calculator; but it is a
proven method of success in learning. It causes the student to
look things up and in doing so; he/she will course over other
items which will subsequently be retained. When a cadet
least expects it, they will recall an item from their browsing
of the handbook and what a great boost of confidence and
motivation! I observed this personally with some of the cadets
on EMPIRE STATE, and with time they were better able
to identify clouds, “read” the winds and waves, plus many
other of the little things that go into a proper and complete
weather observation. One thing I like to emphasize to all
the students and mates taking weather observations, it is not
like riding a bike. It is a learned practice, which requires
repetition to do and do well. It is akin to shooting stars
or sun lines. Even in these days with GPS systems, many
Mates still perform celestial reductions to keep their abilities
sharp. It is no different with weather observations. You
have to practice observing daily. Taking time to look at the
clouds and identify the types and height should be practiced
daily. Mentally going over your present and past weather
is helpful to keep sharp. While just sitting back on a beach
and gazing over the surf, these practices keep you mindful.
Remembering Buys Ballots Law as well as looking at the
sky to determine where the low pressure is located in regards
to your location, and the weather you are expecting in the
scheme of things.
For the mate at sea, weather reporting is part of the situational
awareness while on watch. Today, with the reduced
number of personnel on ships, the mate frequently has to
multitask. This includes but not limited to; taking the weather
observation, transmitting it on the INMARSAT “C” or via
email, answering the radio, checking the radars, and plotting
his position on the chart. This is usually done with no one
else on the bridge, in the middle of the night. I know it takes
time, but each weather observation is a valuable part in the
big picture. Often it is one or two “at sea” observations which