Marine Glossary

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Operational Forecast System (OFS)

This is a set of a dozen or so numerical models providing most of US tidal waters with tide height and tidal current forecasts in digital format. The data can be converted to GRIB and displayed in many navigation programs. At present the GRIB data are available from LuckGrib, Expedition, and qtVlm.

These data are far more convenient and indeed more accurate in most places and times than the standard NOAA harmonic predictions that apply to specific locations at specific times.

With these data, more accurate optional routes can be computed in tidal waters; they are also more valuable in general for navigation of low-powdered craft or for use in fishing or oil spill analysis.

See https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/models.html

See also Modern Marine Weather, 4th ed for related discussion.