These publications may sometimes be located on
someone’s desk; but without a checkout system, larger
commands must reorder publications frequently.
As for the publications themselves, all books
should be kept in a dry, low-humidity environment.
High humidity and moisture promote mold growth,
which destroys the paper. Books should not be exposed
to strong or direct sunlight. Sunlight yellows the edges
of the pages and accelerates paper decomposition. It
also makes the binding brittle.
Aboard ship, it is common practice to box up and
store publications that are not expected to be especially
useful during an upcoming cruise, in an out-of-the-way
location. The computer listing or index cards of books
stored ‘in this manner should be annotated with the
storage location.
MAINTENANCE OF CHARTS AND
FORMS
The use of Department of Defense weather plotting
charts has been on a steady decline since the
introduction of computers into the weather field. Most
ships staffed with Aerographer’s Mates are still required
to maintain these charts. During predeployment, chart
inventories are taken aboard ship and a count of the type
and quantity of plotting charts is made. Based upon past
usage of each chart, the monthly usage of each type of
chart should be calculated. Shipboard personnel must
not only estimate the monthly usage of each type of
chart, but also consider the types of charts that may be
necessary for various contingencies.
Charts not
normally used in routine operations may suddenly
become important in different operational scenarios.
Check with your LPO or LCPO for guidance.
Keep in mind that all ships and stations should still
keep a 90-day supply of weather plotting charts.
Weather plotting charts (WPCs) are supplied by the
National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA).
Detailed instructions for completing one-time orders or
establishing automatic distribution are contained in the
Department of Defense, National Imagery and
Mapping Agency Catalog of Maps, Charts, and Related
Products, Part I-Aerospace Products. Information
concerning NIMA products can be obtained via the
Internet at: http://www.nima.mil.
Most METOC forms are now locally produced, and
you should make sure there is a ready supply. Some
forms, such as weather observation forms, must still be
ordered via normal supply channels using national
stock numbers. Details for ordering these forms are
contained in NAVMETOCCOMINST 3140.1. Certain
forms, such as the Station Information File (SIF), can be
downloaded from the FNMOD website.
Q16.
Q17.
Q18.
Q19.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Where can you find information regarding
publications that are required at your
command?
Where can you find information pertaining to
classified Naval Oceanographic Publications?
Where is the best place to find out what
climatological information is available for a
specific region?
Weather plotting charts are supplied by what
agency?
SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have discussed some of the basic
terminology associated with administration and
explained the basic organization of files, directives, and
records. We also discussed general record maintenance
and the maintenance of files and directives, including
how to obtain directives and how to process change
transmittals. We completed the chapter with a
discussion of the maintenance of meteorological and
oceanographic publications and forms.
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