Menu
Interested in weather? We’ve put together a group of course modules that will help you grasp and understand all the important aspects of weather. Starting from the very basics and ending with all the weather knowledge that you need to know in order to plan your voyages — or weekend outings. This is intended to be a practical course that will affect your decision making when trip planning and underway. We will use live weather data and monitor coastal or ocean passages to see how weather evolves in the real world and how to make weather based decisions.
These modules can be taken independently and in no particular order. Once you complete all the course modules found below you will be ready to take the final exam for your Modern Marine Weather (ASA 119) Endorsement.
For more info on getting your Modern Marine Weather (ASA 119) Endorsement click here.
Required course material for all modules: Modern Marine Weather, 3rd edition by David Burch
Prerequisites: None
In this module you will learn: The role of marine weather in boating plans, particularly wind forecasting. The relationship of temperature, precipitation, visibility, wind, and waves and their impact on forecasting. Wind terminology and units used in speed, distances, temperatures and pressures. How to utilize data from the Ocean Prediction Center, National Data Buoy Center, and Marine National Weather Service (NWS) Charts. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
In this module you will learn: The relationship between pressure and wind, including the flow of wind around highs, lows, ridges and troughs. How to convert apparent wind to true wind. How to calibrate and take readings from aneroid and digital barometers. How to describe pressure distributions and related labeling practices on weather maps. How to predict wind speed and direction from isobars on a weather map. The class will be held over Zoom and split into 2 sessions spanning 1 1/2 hours each.
In this module you will learn: The basic properties of the atmosphere and its influence on wind and weather. Basic air mass classifications and vertical stability. The role of equatorial heating in establishing the doldrums, horse latitudes, trade winds and prevailing westerlies. The role of the poles in generating low fronts, and how these subsequently cross the mid-latitudes of the globe. The origins and behavior of winds aloft and how they contribute to the development and transport of surface systems around the globe. The distribution of ocean currents around the globe and how to predict their values for the purpose of voyage planning. The class will be held over Zoom and split into 2 sessions spanning 1 1/2 hours each.
In this module you will learn: Forecasting conventions and warnings available for strong wind systems. What the differences are between lows and fronts, and between tropical and extra-tropical storms. How to predict squall behavior. How to find and use satellite wind measurements. What are the typical behaviors of tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes. The class will be held over Zoom and split into 2 sessions spanning 1 1/2 hours each.
In this module you will learn: How to identify 10 basic cloud types and what they might indicate. The sequence of clouds expected during a frontal passage. How fog forms and how it is forecasted. The practical distinctions between sea fog and radiation fog and between swells, wind waves and ripple. How to predict wave height and speed based on wind speed, duration, and fetch. What the Beaufort Wind Force scale is and how it relates wind speed to sea state. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
In this module you will learn: What types of weather maps are available and how to access them at home and underway. About the process of weather routing, including sequencing of analyses and forecasts to confirm forecasts. How to access and use GRIB forecasts, taking into account their pros and cons compared to analyzed products prepared by meteorologists. How to use the 500-mb maps and weather discussions to help evaluate surface forecasts. How to use shipboard observations of wind and pressure to evaluate analyses and the subsequent forecasts. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
In this module you will learn: How to compare the use of both traditional and modern sources of climatic data for planning the time and route of voyages – for inland and coastal voyaging, as well as ocean crossings. About sources for weather data while underway and wireless options for obtaining it. About the differences between commercial weather services compared to free public services from the NWS. About the role of professional weather routing services and how they might fit into voyaging plans. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
In this module you will learn: About the proper use of a barometer, wind speed, wind direction, clouds, and sea state for shipboard forecasting. How to gauge the direction of winds aloft from cirrus cloud patterns. About maritime weather proverbs and which ones have value in forecasting. About the role of weather routing in improving sailing tactics. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
In this module you will learn: About the unique aspects of Southern Hemisphere weather. About sources for weather information specific to the Southern Hemisphere. The class will be held over Zoom and will span 1 1/2 hours.
Duration
Estimated to be about 40 to 60 hours of your time, depending on how much optional material you wish to cover.
If you would like to get the Modern Marine Weather (ASA 119) Endorsement, you will need to:
1. Complete all of the course modules.
2. Save your work. When doing the courses, save your work, and do not erase the charts or plotting sheets for all lessons. This will be your best source for review for the certification test.
3. Take and pass the weather endorsement test. This test will take approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete and has an additional certification fee associated with it.
Required: Modern Marine Weather, 3rd edition by David Burch
Optional (but recommended for endorsement work): The Barometer Handbook by David Burch & Starpath Weather Trainer Live