Predicting the Mighty Ocean
Published 2024-12-13
The Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch of the National Hurricane Center plays an important role in marine forecasting and warning within the NWS's marine services program.
What Exactly are METAREAs and METAREA Coordinators?
Published 2024-12-11
Introduction to METAREAs and METAREA Coordinators
The Coastal Waters Forecast Product from the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Guam Will Include Additional Wave Information on or about November 4, 2024
Published 2024-10-18
Soliciting Comments on the Experimental Graphical Week Two Marine Wind Speed and Wave Height Probabilities through September 30, 2025
Published 2024-10-16
National Hurricane Center Proposing to Replace the Tropical Weather Summary Product
Published 2024-10-16
Major Hurricane Milton Will Affect the Southern Gulf Of Mexico and Florida This Week
Published 2024-10-07
NWS and the USCG Agree to a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for Impact-based Decision Support Services
Published 2024-10-04
Stay informed About Tropical Storm Ernesto and Other Tropical Systems
Published 2024-08-13
Limiting Tropical Information in High Seas Forecasts from 120 Hours to Only the First 48 Hours: Effective June 26, 2024
Published 2024-06-25
Soliciting Comments through July 29, 2024 on a Proposal to Replace the Imperial Unit “Feet” with the Metric Unit “Meter” in National Marine Center Text and Graphical Products
Published 2024-06-25
Rip current safety ahead of the Memorial Day weekend
Published 2024-05-22
Updated: Migrate NWS weather.gov Website to New Infrastructure and Decommission Websites/URLs, Effective June 4, 2024
Published 2024-05-22
National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, 2024
Published 2024-05-21
National Tsunami Hazards Mitigation Program Website Has Moved to a New Web Address
Published 2024-05-21
Changes and Known Problems related to NWS Forecast & Marine Web Page Migration
Published 2024-04-30
Changes to the 24-Hour Surface and Wind and Wave Forecast Charts Issued by the Ocean Prediction Center, Effective on or around June 3, 2024
Published 2024-04-23
Soliciting Comments through October 31, 2024 on Expansion of Experimental Surf Forecast Matrix to 7 WFOs
Published 2024-04-23
Hurricane Preparedness Week May 5-11, 2024
Published 2024-04-09
April 8 Total Solar Eclipse Information
Published 2024-04-01
New Forecast Product “Offshore Waters Forecast for SW N Atlantic Ocean Including the Bahamas†Began March 26, 2024
Published 2024-03-14
New Coastal Waters Forecast With Wave Detail
Published 2024-02-14
NWS Now Using Inmarsat’s SafetyNET II for Broadcasts of METAREA IV and XII High Seas Forecasts and Warnings
Published 2024-01-24
Discontinuing Dial-a-Buoy Interactive Voice Response System, Effective March 17, 2024
Published 2024-01-24
Refinements to Marine Weather Forecast Zones for WFO Juneau, AK: Effective March 5, 2024
Published 2023-12-21
Changes to Pacific Offshore Marine Forecast Zone Boundaries: Effective March 5, 2024
Published 2023-12-21
NWS Marine Zone Changes for 2023
Published 2023-11-15
Voluntary Observations from Ships - New Form to Send in Weather Observations
Published 2023-10-27
Want to Learn More about Maritime Safety Information (MSI)?
Published 2023-10-25
Hurricane Lee Likely to Bring Hurricane and Tropical Storm Conditions to the Coastal and Offshore Zones of New England Later this Week
Published 2023-09-12
The Tropics in the Atlantic are active. Here is the latest on Idalia and Franklin
Published 2023-08-28
Looking for a one stop shop for NOAA marine and land products? Try NowCoast
Published 2023-08-03
NHC Publishes Mariner's Tropical Cyclone Guide
Published 2023-07-19
NWS Now Using Safetycast from Iridium to Broadcast High Seas Forecasts and Warnings
Published 2023-06-14
Soliciting Comments on the Display of Future Plain Language Headlines to Replace “Advisory†through June 16, 2023
Published 2023-05-16
National Hurricane Preparedness Week April 30-May 6, 2023
Published 2023-04-28
Soliciting Comments on Proposed Changes to the Format and Delivery of NWS High Seas Forecast Information through May 4, 2023
Published 2023-04-04
National Hurricane Preparedness Week April 30-May 6 , 2023
Published 2023-03-27
Soliciting Comments on Proposed Changes to NWS Coastal/Lakeshore Flood and Storm Surge Products and Services through June 8, 2023
Published 2023-03-24
Soliciting Comments on Proposed Changes to NWS Tropical Cyclone Watch/Warning Text Products Issued By Local Weather Forecast Offices through June 8, 2023
Published 2023-03-24
Check out the SCOOP from the National Data Buoy Center
Published 2023-02-24
Gulf Coast Rip Current Awareness Week Feb. 27-March 3
Published 2023-02-10
Interested in Learning About Marine Meteorology and NWS Marine Forecast Products? Check out the Blue Water Mariner Series.
Published 2022-12-16
Marine Forecast and Warning Zone Changes implemented in Spring 2023...Find out more
Published 2022-12-15
Links to notices describing marine forecast and warning zone changes being implemented in March 2023.
Recently updated...Mariner's Tropical Cyclone Guide
Published 2022-12-07
New experimental webpage showing peak water levels at NOS stations during past tropical cyclone events
Published 2022-11-28
Nicole Expected to Affect the Southern U.S.
Published 2022-11-07
Soliciting Comments on Experimental Coastal Waters Forecast Wave Component Update through July 31, 2023
Published 2022-10-11
Change in NWS Dissemination of Harmful Algal Bloom Information from NWS Beach Hazard Statement for Florida and Texas NWS Offices Effective October 3, 2022
Published 2022-10-11
Changes to Marine Forecast Zones for WFO Portland, OR, Effective September 13, 2022
Published 2022-08-22
Check out the NWS Experimental Coastal Waters Forecast Wave Component Update
Published 2022-08-04
Seeking Public Comment on the Prototype NHC YouTube Live Streaming through November 30, 2022
Published 2022-07-27
Changes to Marine Forecast Zones for WFO Portland, OR Effective September 7, 2022
Published 2022-06-24
Tropical Season has begun. Stay informed on the latest tropical systems affecting the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Published 2022-06-03
Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Published 2022-05-24
National Safe Boating Week May 21-27, 2022
Published 2022-04-27
National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 1-7, 2022
Published 2022-04-27
Significant changes to the offshore marine forecast zones in the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
Published 2022-03-28
Marine Zone Changes for AK, Corpus Christi, TX, Guam and TAFB completed by 4pm EDT April 5, 2022
Published 2022-03-21
Upcoming Offshore Marine Zone Changes for TAFB on March 29, 2022
Published 2022-03-18
Upcoming Marine Zone Changes for WFO Guam on March 30, 2022
Published 2022-03-18
Upcoming Marine Zone Changes for WFO Corpus Christi, TX on March 29, 2022
Published 2022-03-18
Upcoming changes to Alaska Marine Zones on March 29, 2022
Published 2022-03-18
Weather Ready Nation Marine Ambassador Webpage
Published 2022-02-14
Mobile Bay Marine Channels Forecast Implementation Effective December 6, 2021
Published 2021-12-06
Weather across the tropical Atlantic and Pacific is active outside of hurricane season as well. Stay up to date using the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch's website.
Published 2021-12-01
Weather Across the Atlantic and Pacific is active, Stay up to date using the Ocean Prediction Center's website
Published 2021-12-01
Tropical Weather Discussion (TWD) to Replace Discontinued NWS Guam Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Satellite Interpretation Message (SIM) Effective March 1, 2022
Published 2021-12-01
New Beach Hazards Website
Published 2021-11-08
Gridded forecasts for the Pacific Basin will become operational October 28, 2021
Published 2021-10-06
NOAA's Precision Marine Navigation website is live. Click here for the latest in marine navigational data.
Published 2021-09-22
Soliciting Comments until September 17, 2021 on the Proposed Expansion of the Marine Channels Forecast to Mobile Bay
Published 2021-09-17
Probabilistic Extra-Tropical Storm Surge (P-ETSS) Model and Extra-Tropical Storm Surge (ETSS) Model Updates for Initial Water Level for Palm Beach FL, Effective July 27, 2021
Published 2021-09-17
Changes to the High Surf Advisory Thresholds for South and East-facing Shores of the Hawaiian Islands Effective on or around August 2, 2021.
Published 2021-09-17
Tropical Storm Ida Likely to cause flooding across the South and mid-Atlantic
Published 2021-08-26
Tropical Storm Henri expected to become a hurricane and make landfall along the Northeast coast Sunday afternoon
Published 2021-08-20
The tropical Atlantic is getting active, check the 5-day Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
Published 2021-08-09
Blue Water Mariner Webinars
Published 2021-07-26
The National Hurricane Center will be hosting their 2nd annual live webinar on weather forecasting geared toward blue water mariners. These are available for up to 250 mariners with no cost to participants through GoToMeeting video conferencing. To sign up, register on-line at the links shown below the date/time of each.
Rip Current Safety Toolkit
Published 2021-07-15
Beach Safety Video
Published 2021-07-02
Soliciting Comments on Proposal to Discontinue Small Craft Exercise Caution Headline through August 13, 2021
Published 2021-06-23
Soliciting Comments through July 31, 2021 on Proposed New Headline Language to Replace Current "Advisories" and "Special Weather Statements"
Published 2021-06-23
WFO Honolulu, HI, to issue Coastal Flood Statements effective May 21, 2021
Published 2021-06-07
Soliciting Public Comments through November 30, 2021 on an Experimental Graphic that Depicts the Peak Storm Surge Forecast
Published 2021-06-07
National Safe Boating Week May 22-28, 2021
Published 2021-05-24
NOAA Predicts Another Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
Published 2021-05-21
Stay Safe at the Beach This Season - Links to Surf Zone Forecasts for Popular Beaches
Published 2021-05-17
Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 9-15 2021
Published 2021-05-10
Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies.
The National Hurricane Center is again partnering with NOAA’s Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team to offer a series of hurricane-related webinars prior to the start of the 2021 hurricane season.
Published 2021-04-22
The series will begin on May 3rd with a presentation by NHC Director Ken Graham on the record setting 2020 hurricane season. He will be joined by USAID’s Tim Callaghan who will discuss the USAID response in Central America to Hurricanes Eta and Iota, and Roger Erikson of WFO Lake Charles who will talk about the impacts of the 2020 season in southwestern Louisiana.
Termination of the Marine Weather Discussion Text Product from NHC Effective May 17 2021
Published 2021-04-19
Effective May 17, 2021, the NWS will discontinue the Marine Weather Discussion text product issued by the National Hurricane Center. This product provided the scientific rationale behind NHC's Offshore Waters Forecast for the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and western North Atlantic to summarize the warnings in effect.
Soliciting comments through April 1, 2022 on experimental Track and Error Cone Graphics from Central Pacific Hurricane Center for tropical cyclones in the South and western North Pacific basins based on Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts
Published 2021-04-13
The NWS is soliciting public comments through April 1, 2022, on experimental Track and Error Cone Graphics provided by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) for tropical cyclones (TC) in the South Pacific and western North Pacific basins. These forecasts are issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
Soliciting comments through April 1, 2022, on experimental Wind Speed Probability Graphics from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for tropical cyclones in the South and western North Pacific basins based on forecasts issued by the JTWC
Published 2021-04-13
The NWS is seeking feedback through April 1, 2022, on experimental Tropical Cyclone Wind Speed Probability Graphics based on forecasts from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) for tropical cyclones in the South Pacific and western North Pacific basins. These graphics will be issued by the NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC).
Soliciting comments through April 1, 2022 on experimental Arrival of Tropical- Storm-Force Winds Graphics for the South Pacific and western North Pacific provided by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) based on forecasts from the JTWC
Published 2021-04-13
The NWS is soliciting public comments through April 1, 2022, on experimental graphics provided by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) that project the arrival time of tropical-storm-force winds for tropical cyclones in the South Pacific and western North Pacific basins based on Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) forecasts.
Addition of the Extreme Wind Warning to the Suite of Tropical Products Issued by WFO Honolulu Effective on or around June 1, 2021
Published 2021-04-13
Effective on or around June 1, 2021, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Honolulu will add the ability to issue an Extreme Wind Warning (EWW) based upon the same criteria as WFOs in the Atlantic basin.
Discontinuing the OPC Marine Weather Discussion (MIM) Effective 2200 UTC April 29, 2021
Published 2021-04-13
The NWS National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s (NCEP) Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) will be discontinuing the Marine Weather Discussion (MIM) text product with the last issuance of the product on Thursday, April 29, 2021 around 2200 UTC.
Soliciting Comments through April 21, 2021, on Proposal to Discontinue Small Craft Exercise Caution Headline
Published 2021-04-13
Through April 21, 2021, the NWS Southern Region is soliciting feedback on a proposal to discontinue the Small Craft Exercise Caution (SCEC) headline in the Coastal Waters Forecast text product.
Station pages on the NDBC website (https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/) are not updating and there is no expected time of return at this time.
Published 2021-03-11
On 03/09/2021 the NDBC primary processing servers were shut off due to a facilities issue. Station pages on the NDBC website (https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/) are not updating and there is no expected time of return at this time. We will update this banner as we learn more.
Planned Major Change to NWS' Hazard Messaging Headlines no earlier than calendar year 2024
Published 2021-03-04
Soliciting Comments through April 21, 2021, on Proposal to Discontinue Small Craft Exercise Caution Headline
Published 2021-02-23
Soliciting Comments on Discontinuing the OPC Marine Weather Discussion (MIM) Effective March 12, 2021
Published 2021-02-23
Soliciting Comments through February 28, 2021, on Discontinuing the Marine Weather Discussion Text Product
Published 2021-02-23
Changes to Marine Zones for WFO Duluth, MN (DLH) and WFO Marquette, MI (MQT) effective March 30, 2021
Published 2021-01-19
Changes to Marine Zones for WFO New York, NY (OKX) Effective March 30, 2021
Published 2021-01-19
USCG Broadcasts Back To Normal
Published 2021-01-08
Soliciting comments through January 7, 2021, on the discontinuance of certain short-fused NWS warning update statements
Published 2020-12-11
Extending the status of the Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage and the Experimental Rip Current Risk Graphic until a new NWS GIS viewer is implemented at a date to be determined
Published 2020-12-11
NWS Soliciting comments through October 30, 2020 for potential changes to Tsunami Advisory text product formats.
Published 2020-10-13
The NWS is collecting comments through October 30, 2020, on proposed changes to its Tsunami Advisory products. This proposal is part of the broader Hazard Simplification effort within NWS.
NWS is Soliciting Comments through October 30, 2020 on a Proposal to Change High Surf Advisory to a Plain Language Statement
Published 2020-09-16
NWS will Enforce Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 or Higher on Several NWS Websites Effective January 12, 2021
Published 2020-09-14
The Tropical Atlantic is Very Active. Keep Up With the Latest.
Published 2020-09-14
The tropics are active. Keep up with the latest.
Published 2020-08-21
Recent News Headlines
Published 2020-08-07
Latest on Hurricane Isaias and its potential impacts along the east coast
Published 2020-07-31
Change to Name of Sea Ice Advisory Product effective On September 1, 2020
Published 2020-07-15
On September 1, 2020, the NWS Alaska Sea Ice Program (ASIP) will formally rename its Sea Ice Advisory product as the Sea Ice Forecast product.
Soliciting Comments on Proposal to Change Small Craft Advisory to Small Craft Warning through August 31, 2020
Published 2020-07-15
NWS proposes to rename the Small Craft advisory to Small Craft Warning instead of converting it to a plain-language statement as is planned for other NWS Advisories. The NWS regional criteria for issuing Small Craft Warnings would remain the same as it is for Small Craft Advisories.
NWS Proposing Major Changes to Its Watch, Warning and Advisory System
Published 2020-06-11
As the core outcome of the Hazard Simplification (Haz Simp) project, the NWS is collecting comments through August 21, 2020, on the proposed discontinuation of "Advisory," "Special Weather Statement," and "Short Term Forecast" headlines.
Tropical Depression Cristobal Expected to Strengthen into a Tropical Storm and Make Landfall Along Louisiana Coast
Published 2020-06-05
NWS seeking comments on an experimental graphic depicting peak storm surge
Published 2020-05-21
NWS seeking comments on experimental impact graphics for Special Marine Warnings
Published 2020-05-21
Please take this survey to help the NWS understand how its partners use the National Hurricane Center’s Track Forecast Cone
Published 2020-05-18
National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22, 2020
Published 2020-05-14
The NWS and the National Safe Boating Council will partner again this year for National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2020.
Soliciting Comments on Proposal to Change Small Craft Advisory to Small Craft Warning through May 24, 2020
Published 2020-03-26
Through May 24, 2020, the NWS is soliciting specific feedback on the proposal to change a Small Craft Advisory product to a Small Craft Warning product, including the headlines.
Format Change to the Surf Zone Forecast Effective April 22, 2020
Published 2020-02-18
Effective April 22, 2020, the Surf Zone Forecast (SRF) issued by coastal and Great Lake Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) will be provided in a consistent format. The SRF provides valuable and life-saving information about hazards in the surf zone to all populations along the beach. These populations includes the public as well as providers of beach safety services such as lifeguards.
National Hurricane Center providing first-ever experimental polygon-based marine warnings
Published 2020-02-03
New service to help keep mariners safe in hurricane-prone areas
NWS Radiofax webpages using https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/fax/ have moved to a new location
Published 2020-01-30
NWS Radiofax webpages using the address https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/fax/ have moved to a new location. Here is a listing of URLs for those webpages that will not work in the near future and a new link to view NWS radiofax charts on the NWS Marine Weather Services website (homepage is: https://www.weather.gov/marine)
NWS Soliciting Comments until February 20, 2020, on Discontinuing the NHC Spanish Translation of the Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Discussion
Published 2020-01-21
The NWS is soliciting comments until February 20, 2020, on discontinuing the National Hurricane Center Spanish translation of the Tropical Cyclone Discussion for the Atlantic Basin.
Soliciting comments through January 17, 2020, on the addition of 60-hour tropical cyclone forecasts when applicable
Published 2020-01-07
The NWS is soliciting comments through January 17, 2020, on a proposal for the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC), and the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) to begin issuing 60-hour forecasts for tropical cyclones when applicable.
New Marine Forecast Zones for WFO Caribou, ME begin March 3, 2020
Published 2020-01-07
WFO Caribou, ME will implement new marine forecast zones on March 3, 2020.
Coast Guard suspends search for 5 people after fishing boat sinks off Alaska Peninsula
Published 2020-01-02
The NWS will redirect users of the current NWS Marine Forecasts website to the new NWS Marine Weather Services website.
Published 2019-12-02
Effective on or around December 31, 2019, the NWS will redirect users of the current NWS Marine Forecasts website (https://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/home.htm) to the new NWS Marine Weather Services website (https://www.weather.gov/marine/). The NWS Marine Forecasts website server will be shut down on January 28 2020.
Soliciting Comments on Experimental Beach Forecast Website and Rip Current Risk Graphic Through April 1, 2020
Published 2019-11-13
The NWS is accepting public comments until April 1, 2020, on the Experimental Beach Forecast Webpages and Experimental Rip Current Risk Graphics from participating Weather ForecastOffices (WFO).
NWS Hazard Simplification Project: Implementation of Consolidation and Re-formatting of NWS Marine Products On December 3, 2019
Published 2019-09-20
Effective on or about December 3, 2019, the NWS will consolidate the four Small Craft Advisory products into a single "Small Craft Advisory. The NWS will also reformat marine watch, warning, advisory and statement products into a "What,""Where," "When," "Impacts" format, except for High Seas forecasts and Special Marine Warnings.
Notifying users of the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed termination of U.S. Coast Guard medium frequency broadcast of NAVTEX and shift to satellite through November 12, 2019
Published 2019-09-17
The NWS is notifying users of the opportunity to submit comments through November 12, 2019, on the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) proposal to terminate medium frequency broadcasts of Navigation Telex (NAVTEX) and provide the same information over satellite. The Federal Register Notice, released by the USCG, can be found at the link below.
Proposed Termination of U.S. Coast Guard Medium Frequency (MF) Broadcast of Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) and Shift to Satellite
Published 2019-09-17
The U.S. Coast Guard may cease broadcasting Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) over Medium Frequency (MF) after first ensuring the information contained in NAVTEX broadcasts is available via International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized satellite services. This notice requests public comment on the possibility of terminating the MF NAVTEX broadcast.
Adjusting Issuance Times for Oceanic Gridded Marine Offshore and High Seas Forecasts in NDFD Effective on or about September 10, 2019
Published 2019-08-14
Effective on or about Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 1610 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) will increase the frequency of issuance times for gridded forecasts of marine elements over Atlantic and Pacific offshore waters and high seas forecast areas.
Converting Legacy Ocean Prediction Center (OPC).shtml Webpages to .php Format Effective July 9, 2019
Published 2019-07-23
Effective Tuesday, July 9, 2019, the NWS Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) in College Park, MD, will convert legacy .shtml webpages to .php format.
Help file for using FTPMail
Published 2019-07-09
This is a help file for using the NWS FTPMail System.
The United Nations Announces World Oceans Day June 8, 2019
Published 2019-07-01
The purpose of World Oceans Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.
Implementation of new Oceanographic Forecast Modeling Systems for the Cook Inlet and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron Effective: July 23, 2019
Published 2019-06-25
Effective July 23, 2019, beginning at 18z Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the new National Ocean Service(NOS) operational forecast systems (OFS) for the Cook Inlet (CIOFS) and for the two Great Lakes of Michigan and Huron (LMHOFS) will be implemented.
Updated: Soliciting comments on Experimental Modernized Open Lakes Forecast for the Great Lakes through November 30, 2019
Published 2019-06-25
The National Weather Service (NWS) is seeking comments on Experimental Modernized Open Lakes Forecast for the Great Lakes through November 30, 2019.
Soliciting Comments on the Experimental Nearshore Wave Prediction System (NWPS) Gulf Stream Forecast Guidance Webpage for WFO Miami, FL, through December 31, 2019
Published 2019-06-25
The NWS is seeking comments until December 31, 2019, on the Experimental NWPS Gulf Stream Forecast Guidance Webpage from Weather Forecast Office Miami, FL (MFL):
New Surf Zone Safety Videos
Published 2019-06-19
Lake Erie Harmful Algae Bloom Web Page to become Operational
Published 2019-04-18
Transition Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Web Page to Operational Status Effective May 1, 2019
Temporary NWS NDBC Outages for some C-Man Stations - April 6, 2019
Published 2019-04-04
Temporary NWS NDBC outages for some C-MAN stations projected to occur on or after April 6, 2019
NWS to stop sending High Seas and Storm Warnings over NIST Time Frequency Broadcasts January 31, 2019
Published 2018-11-16
Key news items for mariners
