Observation Timing Exercise
Twenty minutes after you submitted your the latest observations, a fellow shipmate stops by to tell you that low stratus and fog have been developing at the ship's location and ceilings are lowering quickly. In your observations, you noted that the visibility was 3 miles. What would you do next? Choose the best answer.
The correct answer is b).
Because the visibility was 3 miles about 25 minutes ago, the new report that the clouds are gathering around the ship could indicate that the visibility has dropped even further. It is a good idea to head outside and determine whether the visibility has dropped below the 2 or 1 mile thresholds. If so, you will issue a very timely SPECI.
By familiarizing yourself with the weather expected for the day and taking regular observations, you will start building situational awareness. This awareness will enable you to anticipate when a SPECI needs to be taken.