Roberto Vettor

Detection and Analysis of the Main Routes of Voluntary Observing Ships in the North Atlantic

The main routes of voluntary observing ships across the North Atlantic are detected by the intensity of the geographical distribution of the voluntary ship observations. The routes are then analysed in order to assess their relative intensity of traffic, the seasonal changes and the trend along the years. This paper will provide a better understanding of the North Atlantic trades and the relationship among the different routes, allowing the identification of the most critical areas. A discussion over the impact of routing on the weather that a transoceanic ship can experience during his life is also provided.

Assessment of the Storm Avoidance Effect on the Wave Climate along the Main North Atlantic Routes

The wave climate along the main transoceanic routes of the North Atlantic sub basin is determined using three different databases: two derived by numerical models in the HIPOCAS and ERA40 databases and one from Voluntary Observing Ships. For each route the distribution of the mean significant wave height along the path is computed as well as the specific scatter diagram. In addition an assessment of the relative wave heading probability is provided. The results highlight a bias in the visual observations especially in the summer and, more in general, for low sea states. The correction of this bias allows better understanding of rough weather avoidance by ships and to determine a storm avoidance correction.

Computational System for Planning Search and Rescue Operations at Sea

Abstract The paper describes the main tasks and features for emergency interventions in the marine environment and describes the computation and information system required to support and planning fast and efficient operations. The most common causalities that activate emergency procedures are identified and the main features of the Search And Rescue (SAR) intervention are described as well as the inputs and details that are required. A more detailed description is given of the existing components for an integrated information system in the Portuguese coasts, from the computation of the environmental conditions to the adoption of dedicated graphical interface that provides all the necessary information in a clear and complete way.