the United States. Other federal agencies may develop their  own  observing  handbooks.  However,  they  must comply with the basic standards set forth in FMH-1. A   slightly   more   modified   version   of   the METAR/SPECI codes has been developed for use by Navy  and  Marine  Corps  activities.  The  primary reference  manuals  outlining  these  procedures  are NAVMETOCCOMINST 3141.2, Surface METAR Observations User's Manual, used by shore activities, and  NAVMETOCCOMINST  3144.1,  United  States Navy  Manual  for  Ship's  Surface  Weather  Observations, used by shipboard observers. These provide detailed instructions  on  recording  and  encoding  observed surface  aviation  weather  observations  using  the METAR/SPECI  format. Before we discuss the different codes, let’s take a closer look at the forms used to record observations and how  these  observation  records  are  handled  and archived. Q1. Q2. Q3. Q4. Q5. REVIEW QUESTIONS What does the acronym WMO mean? The United States is located in what WMO region? What are the four code forms used by Navy weather  observers? What instruction governs weather observation procedures at Navy and Marine Corps shore stations? What instruction governs weather observation procedures for U.S. Navy ships? OBSERVATION RECORDS LEARNING   OBJECTIVES:   Describe   the forms used to record weather observations. State  the  primary  purpose  of  collecting accurate weather data. Explain three methods used  to  correct  observation  forms.  Describe how observation records are maintained and archived. 3-2 Throughout  the  Navy  and  Marine  Corps, observations are recorded on weather observation forms, also known as weather logs. These observation forms are permanent official records. At shore stations, observations are recorded on CNMOC Form 3140/12. See figure 3-1. This is a modified version of the Federal Meteorological  Form  1-10  used  by  the  National Weather Service. Shipboard observations are recorded on CNMOC Form 314113 (fig. 3-2). The data columns on the forms are generally identified by a column number in parenthesis, and the columns are generally arranged  in  numerical  sequence.  There  are  also  sections for  recording  synoptic  data,  hourly  and  daily summaries,  and  runway  condition  summaries.  A complete   discussion   of   the   actual   recording   of observation elements and the precision required will not be  discussed  here.  Refer  to  either  NAV- METOCCOMINST   3141.2   or   NAVMETOC- COMINST 3144.1 FORM ENTRIES METAR/SPECI aviation weather observations are recorded  on  the  observation  forms  previously discussed. Entries should be neat and legible, and only a pencil with black, grade 2, medium lead or a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil with black lead should be used. Missing data is indicated by an "M" in the appropriate column. In the block labeled "STATION," enter the type   (NAVLANTMETOC   DET,   NAVPAC- METOCCEN, etc.), the official station name, and the state or country abbreviation. Also enter the latitude, longitude, station elevation, time conversion (LST to UTC), magnetic to true conversion, the date, and the ICAO call sign. Only  observers  certified  in  accordance  with NAVMETOCCOMINST  1500.2,  Naval  Meteorology and   Oceanography   Command   Training   and Certification Program, can make entries on the form. Noncertified observers may make entries on the form under the immediate supervision of a certified observer. The certified observer will then assume responsibility for the validity of the entries by initialing in Column 15. Noncertified observers may initial the observation, but the certified observer must initial first. CORRECTIONS TO OBSERVATION FORMS The primary purpose of collecting and transmitting weather  data  is  the  safety  of  aircraft,  ships,  and personnel. Therefore, you must make every effort to ensure that data is entered correctly. At times, even the best observer will make an error, but you should make every  effort  to  detect  errors  before  the  data  is distributed. When an error is discovered, a corrected observation should be transmitted as soon as possible.