Extensible physical oceanographic realtime system (PORTS)

Abstract

PORTS information ensures that an adequate margin of safety is available to larger and larger ships in channels which are being deepened but not significantly widened. PORTS provides information permitting shippers to load their vessels to take full advantage of real-time water levels and channel improvements. PORTS information guides hazardous materials spill prevention and response as well as effective ecosystem health management. The San Francisco Bay PORTS is the model for a future National PORTS. That model is an extensible PORTS based on an Information Hub Concept (InfoHub) which will permit PORTS to adapt to evolving user needs. The extensible PORTS provides standard sensor interfaces to encourage the addition of non-NOAA sensors to the system. A data base provides a broad user community with access through downloadable applications and applets on Intemet. PORTS provides information broadcast to shipboard vector and raster Electronic Chart and Information Display Systems and a Lockheed MartidRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Navigation and Piloting Expert Systems (NPES). An open architecture design will encourage commercial and academic partners to participate in National PORTS development.