New sea condition standards commence April 1

  • Published
  • By Shawn Curtis
  • MCBJ Deputy Safety Director
CAMP FOSTER, Japan --  New sea condition standards, scheduled to begin April 1, are expected to better assist water enthusiasts in making informed decisions when planning ocean water activities.

The new standards were necessary as the current information and categories are too complex and confusing for beachgoers - especially the abbreviations displayed on Armed Forces Network Okinawa television. Representatives from all four services on Okinawa worked collectively to develop new criteria utilizing existing standards, the Beaufort Wind Scale and knowledge from a variety of experts working in the fields of weather, safety and recreation.

The most significant changes military personnel will notice are modifications to the sea condition categories and their definitions. The new definitions are intended to be short and easier to understand.

Currently, the three conditions comprising of "Caution," "Warning" and "Red" have lengthy explanations with similarities in the definitions for sea conditions Caution and Warning. Both warn to be cautious when entering the water.

The three new conditions, however, will all have separate meanings that even the most novice swimmers can comprehend.

New sea conditions will be "ALL CLEAR," "CAUTION," and "DANGER."

ALL CLEAR conditions are ideal for water-related activities. This is the most suitable time for less-skilled swimmers and children to participate in aquatic activities.

When condition CAUTION is in effect, hazardous conditions may exist so personnel should exercise caution when entering the water. It is highly recommended that only individuals with extensive experience, both for the planned water activity and entry point location, enter the water.

If sea condition DANGER is announced, life-threatening conditions are occurring, and water entry is prohibited for all activities.

Sea conditions will continue to be identified by two geographical sectors: East and West.
The East represents Okinawa's shoreline facing the Pacific Ocean from the northern tip of Hedo Point to Cape Kiyan on the southern-most part of the island.

The West sector includes the entire coastline exposed to the East China Sea from Hedo Point in the north to Cape Kiyan in the south.

When displayed on AFN, the new sea conditions will be abbreviated as "C" for CAUTION and "D" for DANGER and along with "E" for East and "W" for West. For example, sea condition East CAUTION and West DANGER will be displayed on your television screen as "EC/WD." When condition ALL CLEAR is in effect, no sea condition abbreviations will be displayed on television.

It is important to note that sea conditions are a good reference point when planning water activities; however, personnel should also monitor local weather and ocean conditions as they can change with little warning.

Sea conditions and the criteria are based on a generalized evaluation and may not always accurately reflect the weather and sea state throughout the entire coastline of Okinawa as both can change in a moment's notice. Therefore, personnel must have the common sense to make individual assessments of the hazards for their intended activity during sea conditions ALL CLEAR and CAUTION.

Indicators that the area may not be ideal for water entry include the presence of currents, large surf and difficult entry and exit routes. If there are any doubts, it's best to stay on shore.

There are many other opportunities to participate in water activities throughout the year. Pushing one's luck by entering the water during potentially dangerous sea conditions is a decision with far-reaching consequences.

To review the new sea condition information visit the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Web page at http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbbutler/Pages/SeaConditions.aspx.

To check sea conditions from Kadena go to www.kadenaforcesupport.com/weather.html, or call the Kadena Weather Flight at 634-3140.