Historical Background ? Definition of the Problem
nThe use of most access channels to harbours and other navigation channels is subject to restrictions imposed by hydro/meteo conditions. Consequently, regulations and recommen-dations that are issued by the local waterways authorities are often based on quantitative values characterising these conditions, such as water level, wind speed and direction, wave height, current velocity and visibility. The methods of providing reliable and accurate hydro/meteo information on the actual and predicted conditions have improved. This information can now be more easily made available to all parties involved (harbour authorities, masters, pilots, and other shore-based and ship-based users) in order to optimise levels of safety and efficiency.nHydro/meteo information is defined in this report as information on the state of the sea and weather conditions that may have a direct impact on the operations of commercial seagoing vessels, either during sailing/manoeuvring or during cargo handling operations.
nnStudy ObjectivenThe objective of the WG 117 was to formulate general recommendations on the use of hydro/meteo information for navigational channel and port basin operations, including the determination of operational limits. It was requested that special attention be paid to access windows for channels subject to tidal restrictions.
nnMatters InvestigatednThe Terms of Reference required the WG to consider the following issues:
n? Acquisition of hydro/meteo information:
n o Methods and techniques for measurement and monitoring of hydro/meteo parameters
n o Attainable and required accuracy and reliability
n? Prediction of hydro/meteo information:
n o Methods and techniques
n? Presentation of case studies highlighting the successful implementation of hydro/meteo data gathering/prediction/dissimulation systemsn
nAt an early meeting of the WG, it was agreed that the Final Report should provide guidelines as to how hydro/meteo data should be acquired (for use by others to define, set limits, or optimise port access and/or operations). It was agreed that ultimately, other WGs, such as WG 49 and WG 115 may cross-reference the hydro/meteo data collection/ prediction methods recommended by WG 116 in their respective reports. In consultation with MarCom, it was agreed that WG 116 would focus on developing guidelines in collection and prediction of hydro/meteo data and would not attempt to translate the impact of the hydro/meteo forcing into vessel response or propose operational-type limits.n
