WEAX/AVWX service is available for both in port and underway periods. In port WEAX/AVWX will only be issued if requested and if the unit is not in a port supported by one of the NAVMETOCCOM activities listed in NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1. In port WEAX/AVWX are issued once daily.

As a ship passes from one NAVMETOCCOM centers area of responsibility to another, the forecast responsibility is automatically passed between the centers. Ships will be advised when this occurs in the Remarks section of the WEAX/AVWX message.

When WEAX/AVWX service is requested, forecasts will be provided at least once per 24-hour period and updated whenever a significant change in the forecast occurs, whether caused by atmospheric changes or changes in the ships operating area or route. WEAX/AVWX will be issued to a unit twice daily when located within areas bounded by wind and high sea warnings, and when conditions exceed those specified by a unit involved in towing, salvage, or other unique operations that require tailored support. 

During minimize, only units experiencing conditions listed in the previous paragraph will receive routine WEAX/AVWX. All other units will receive an initial WEAX/AVWX when minimize is imposed. Updates will be provided only when conditions are forecast to exceed those listed in the previous paragraph during the 48-hour outlook period.

Wind, sea, and tropical cyclone warnings, and so forth will be referenced in the WEAX/AVWX message when applicable. For more information in this area, see NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1.

WEAX/AVWX STANDARD FORMAT

Table 10-3 shows the standard format used by NAVMETOCCOM activities responsible for providing WEAX/AVWX services.

The WEAX/AVWX meteorological situation will include the locations of pertinent high-and low-pressure centers. The bearing and range from a geographical reference point or from the unit receiving the forecast will be specified.

Appropriate items in subparagraph 2G of table 10-3 will be included when the MOVREP indicates an aviation unit is embarked, or if otherwise requested. Significant convective activity within 100 nmi of the ship will be included. AVWX forecasts will be issued twice daily when visibility and/or ceiling is at, or decreases below 3 nmi or 1,000 ft. If the difference between sea and swell direction and/or height is significant, it will be indicated.

An Alfa index forecast will be included in subparagraph 2H of table 10-3 for light airborne multipurpose system (LAMPS) capable ships, When refractivity data based on upper air soundings are available, information regarding radar/radio performance predictions and/or refractive index structure data tailored to the ships radar configuration may be included in this paragraph. Requests for refractivity data should, when possible, include a current upper air sounding. For more information on WEAX and AVWX support, see the U.S. Navy Oceanographic and Meteorological Support System Manual, NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1. Refer to NWPs 65-0-1 and 65-0-2, Characteristics and Capabilities of U.S. Navy Combatant Ships, which list the types and characteristics of radar on USN ships.

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