Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®)

Pilots’ Perspective

Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®)

Pilots’ Perspective

American Pilots’ AssociationAmerican Pilots’ Association

NO

AA

• Larger vessels in small channels

• Zero tolerance for error

“The greatest safety concern…is the availability of timely, accurate, and reliable navigation information.”

1999 MTS Report to Congress

• Shared responsibility between NOAA and the local maritime community - a partnership.

•NOAA - Program Management, Data Dissemination (Web, Voice), Quality Control - NOAA StandsBehind the Accuracy of the Data

•Partner – Funds, Equipment, Installation, Annual O&M

• Provides real-time 24x7 quality controlled data on water levels, currents, meteorological conditions.

• Real-time data provided from sites selected by users.

PORTS® is a NOAA program that provides mariners with accurate information to improve navigation safety and efficiency of maritime commerce.

PORTS®

Narragansett Bay

Delaware River& Bay

New York/ New Jersey

ChesapeakeBay

Tampa Bay

Houston/Galveston Bay

Anchorage

San FranciscoBay

PORTSPORTS®® SITES SITESPORTSPORTS®® SITES SITES

Los Angeles/Long Beach

Soo Locks

Tacoma

New Haven

Lower Columbia River

TYPICAL PORTS SITE PROVIDES:TYPICAL PORTS SITE PROVIDES:

Predicted and observed water levels

Meteorological information including wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air temperature

Currents

Water density, salinity/temperature

Access to the data in graphic and text format via internet, and voice

All data updated at 6-minute intervals

All quality controlled

1-866-SB-PORTS 1-866-SB-PORTS

Gerald Desmond BridgeLong Beach, CA

Public

Benefits of PORTSBenefits of PORTS

• Improved Safety of Navigation

• Improved Efficiency of Marine Transportation

• More efficient emergency response– minimize impacts of spills

– more efficient search and rescue

• Improved recreational opportunities and boater safety

• Improved efficiency and safety for commercial fishing industry

• Improved environmental information

COMPELLING SAFETY BENEFITCOMPELLING SAFETY BENEFIT

• Groundings at Bolivar Roads decreased by 54.6% after installation of Houston/Galveston PORTS®

• Groundings in Tampa Bay declined by over 50% during the first 4 years of PORTS® operation.

Tampa Bay PORTS® - Annual Benefits

Commercial ShippingGrounding avoidance $1.1m – 2.8 mIncreased cargo $1.1mReduced delays $0.01m

Emergency ResponseImproved spill response $0.2m – 0.9mImproved weather forecasts $1.5mImproved storm surge forecasts $0.5m

RecreationEnhanced beach recreation $0.2mEnhanced recreational boating $1.2m Enhanced recreational fishing $0.1m

TOTAL $6.81m – $9.21m

Where Do We Go From Here?

-- A National PORTS® program

• Real-time oceanographic and meteorological information in all ports and waterways.

• Data that we can rely upon to be accurate and consistent throughout the nation.

• A system that the Federal Government stands behind and provides with sufficient and reliable funding.

National RequirementsNational RequirementsNational RequirementsNational Requirements98% of Tonnage98% of Tonnage