Hazard Simplification Project: Marine Consolidation and Reformatting

Introduction and Consent

As part of the ongoing Hazard Simplification Project, the National Weather Service (NWS) is proposing to reduce the number of (consolidate) and reformat its Marine hazard messages (products).  In support of this project, NWS solicited public comment on a series of consolidation and reformatting proposals pertaining to our Marine products earlier this year. 

One of the specific proposals was to consolidate all existing surf zone-related, Statements, Warnings and Advisories into “Beach” headline products (e.g., Beach Warning).   The response we received from the survey was positive overall, but many users expressed concern about the use of the term “Beach”.  We are now proposing using a “Surf Zone” headline instead (e.g., Surf Zone Warning). 

Also, based on the positive survey results, we are proposing a consolidation of the four existing Small Craft Advisory products into a single Small Craft Advisory.

Finally, the survey indicated overwhelming support to reformat the proposed products into a “What”, “Where”, “When”, “Additional Details”, and “Precautionary/ Preparedness” format.  In this second survey, we are proposing to extend this reformatting approach to include Lake Shore Flood and Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories. This would promote consistency of all Marine products across coastal waters.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to: HazSimp@noaa.gov

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number

To participate in this survey and have your voice heard, click here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P9B25ZY