MAINTENANCE OF CHARTS AND FORMS

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. 3-11