Operational Oceanography: a Naval Perspective

Abstract: 

As technology continues to evolve the modern defence force, the environment remains the one factor that cannot be controlled, merely understood. Nowhere is this truer in the ocean. Beneath the surface, submarines exploit the spatial and temporal variation in the surface layer to remain undetected. Inshore, wave and current conditions must be carefully quantified to ensure the best conditions for amphibious operations, be they in support of humanitarian operations or an opposed landing on a hostile shore. In all of these scenarios, the Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Officers are critical in ensuring that the ocean environment is used to best advantage. This talk will introduce the roles of a METOC Officer, provide an overview of how the dynamics of the ocean affect maritime operations, and describe the modelling tools utilised to provide operational forecasts to the Australian Defence Force.