NaviPlanner BonVoyage

System
(NaviPlanner BVS)
Voyage Optimization Software

User Manual

StormGeo AWT

140 Kifer Court

Sunnyvale CA 94086

www.stormgeo.com

October 2018

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 StormGeo Applied Weather Technology Inc. NaviPlanner BVS Version
8.3.0.3 User Manual.
© 2018 StormGeo AWT Inc. All rights reserved. StormGeo, NaviPlanner
BVS, the NaviPlanner BVS Logo, and the StormGeo logo are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Applied Weather Technology. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
October 2018

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Adobe Acrobat is a registered trademark of Adobe Corporation.

Printed in the United States of America.

2 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l

StormGeo
 Contents

PREFACE 11

Resources for NaviPlanner BVS Instruction ..................................... 11

Purpose of Document ......................................................................... 11
What’s in This Manual ......................................................................... 11
Suggested Reading Plan ..................................................................... 12
Related Documents ............................................................................. 13
Help Tools ............................................................................................ 13
If You Need Assistance ....................................................................... 13
Send Us Your Comments .................................................................... 14
1 Introduction to BVS 8.3 Features................................................. 15
1.1 General Features and Functions ............................................ 15
1.2 Voyage Planning and Track Management ............................. 16
1.3 Data Support for Planning and Operations ........................... 17
1.3.1 Weather Data .......................................................................... 18
1.3.2 Hazard Data............................................................................. 20
1.4 User Interface ........................................................................... 20
1.5 Supported Vessel Types ......................................................... 21
2 Preparing to Use NaviPlanner BVS ............................................. 22
2.1 Initial Steps ............................................................................... 22
2.2 System Requirements for NaviPlanner BVS Use .................. 22
2.2.1 Hardware Requirements ........................................................ 22
2.2.2 Software Requirements.......................................................... 23
2.2.3 Data Communications Requirements ................................... 23

3 General Program Functionality .................................................... 24

3.1 User Controls ........................................................................... 24
3.2 Starting BVS for the First Time ............................................... 24
3.3 Normal BVS Startup................................................................. 24
3.3.1 Updating Weather Data .......................................................... 24
3.4 Shutting Down NaviPlanner BVS............................................ 26
4 Overview of Chart Window ........................................................... 27

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 4.1 Master Diagram of Chart Window Main Elements................. 27
4.2 The Chart .................................................................................. 30
4.3 Menu Bar .................................................................................. 30
4.3.1 Menu Items.............................................................................. 31
4.3.2 Key Parameters Display Area ................................................ 31
4.3.3 Broadband Status Icon and Control ...................................... 32
4.3.4 Broadband Troubleshooting.................................................. 33
4.4 Weather Bar .............................................................................. 34
4.4.1 Weather Bar ............................................................................ 34
4.4.2 Time Step Controls/Animation Control Button..................... 34
4.5 Chart Display Controls ............................................................ 35
4.6 Left Panel Overview ................................................................. 35
4.7 Bottom Panel Overview ........................................................... 36
5 Chart Window Menus (Menu Bar) ................................................ 37
5.1 The File Menu ........................................................................... 37
5.2 The Edit Menu .......................................................................... 37
5.3 The View Menu ......................................................................... 38
5.4 The Data Menu ......................................................................... 39
5.4.1 Weather Data Delivery Configuration.................................... 40
5.4.2 Stop Scheduled Data Delivery ............................................... 40
5.4.3 One-Time Port Vicinity Forecast ........................................... 42
5.4.4 One-Time Email Delivery of Weather Data ............................ 42
5.4.5 Select Previously Downloaded Weather Data ...................... 43
5.4.6 Manually Import Weather Data .............................................. 43
5.5 The Setup Menu ....................................................................... 44
5.5.1 Chart Projection...................................................................... 44
5.5.2 Data/Communications ............................................................ 44
5.5.3 Vessel Setup ........................................................................... 44
5.5.4 Network Installation ............................................................... 44
5.5.5 Speed Curves ......................................................................... 45
5.6 The Help Menu ......................................................................... 45
6 General Chart Functions .............................................................. 46
6.1 Chart Scaling and Positioning ................................................ 46
6.2 Chart Projection Types ............................................................ 47
6.3 Copying the Chart Image ........................................................ 49
6.4 Printing the Chart..................................................................... 49
6.5 Weather Data On the Chart ..................................................... 49

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 6.6 Geographical Data on the Chart ............................................. 49
6.7 NoGo Areas/ Restricted Sailing Zones .................................. 50
6.7.1 Types of NoGo Areas ............................................................. 50
6.7.2 NoGo Area Display ................................................................. 51
6.7.3 Creating and Editing NoGo Areas on the Chart ................... 51
6.8 Warnings and Alarms on the Chart ........................................ 54
6.9 Time Step and Animation Controls ........................................ 55
7 Chart and Track Right-Click Menus............................................. 57
7.1 Chart ......................................................................................... 57
7.2 Waypoint on the Voyage Track ............................................... 59
7.3 Track Alarms ............................................................................ 64
7.4 Computed Point on the Voyage Track ................................... 64
8 Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................ 65
9 Reference Information .................................................................. 67
9.1 Chart Symbols.......................................................................... 67
9.2 General Keyboard Shortcuts .................................................. 68
9.3 Piracy Symbols on the Chart .................................................. 69
10 Introduction to the Left Panel ...................................................... 70
11 Snapshot Tab (Resonance Settings and Graph) ........................ 71
12 Tools Tab (Thresholds, Constraints, Optimization) ................... 73
12.1 Thresholds/Constraints Tab ................................................... 74
12.2 Fuel Cost Thresholds Tab ....................................................... 75
13 Data Display Tab (Data Display Controls)................................... 76
14 Route Input Tab (Track Table)...................................................... 78
14.1 Track Table and Table Editing ................................................ 79
14.1.1 Table Columns ........................................................................ 79

15 Introduction to the Bottom Panel ................................................ 82

16 Track List Tab ................................................................................ 83
16.1 Buttons ..................................................................................... 83
16.2 Track List Table........................................................................ 84
17 Voyage Details Tab ....................................................................... 85
18 Graph Tab ...................................................................................... 86

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 18.1 Graph Tab Left Panel Display Settings .................................. 86
18.1.1 Presets .................................................................................... 86
18.1.2 View Waves ............................................................................. 87
18.1.3 View Wind/Current.................................................................. 87
18.1.4 View Performance/Engine ...................................................... 87
18.1.5 View Propeller/Hull ................................................................. 88
18.2 Line Graph Display Area ......................................................... 89
18.3 Track Comparison Controls .................................................... 89
19 Introduction to Voyage Tracks in NaviPlanner BVS .................. 90
19.1 Track Displays.......................................................................... 91
19.1.1 Waypoints and Computed Points .......................................... 91
19.1.2 Track Point Symbols .............................................................. 91
19.1.3 Track Weather and Alarms..................................................... 92
19.2 Controlling the Track Display Characteristics ...................... 93
20 Track Creation and Editing ........................................................... 94
20.1 Basic Track Operations ........................................................... 94
20.1.1 Creating a Track ..................................................................... 94
20.1.2 Deleting a Track ...................................................................... 95
20.1.3 Cloning (Copying) a Track ..................................................... 95
20.1.4 Comparing Multiple Tracks .................................................... 95
20.1.5 Setting the Active Track ......................................................... 96
20.1.6 Setting Thresholds for Track Alarms .................................... 96
20.1.7 Loading and Saving Track Files ............................................ 96
20.1.8 Printing the Track Table ......................................................... 97
20.2 Templates ................................................................................. 98
20.2.1 Using Templates ..................................................................... 98
20.2.2 Loading and Saving Template Files ...................................... 98
20.3 Track Editing ............................................................................ 99
20.3.1 Track Editing on the Chart ..................................................... 99
20.3.1.1 Adding VIA Points ......................................................................... 99
20.3.1.2 Adding Waypoints ....................................................................... 100
20.3.1.3 Deleting Waypoints ..................................................................... 100
20.3.1.4 Editing Waypoints ....................................................................... 100
20.3.2 Editing with the Track Input Table....................................... 101
20.3.3 Printing and Exporting Main Track Details ......................... 101
20.3.4 Track Optimization ............................................................... 101
20.4 Sending Tracks ...................................................................... 101
20.5 AWT Data Reporting System for Track Reporting .............. 102

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 20.5.1 NaviPlanner BVS Position Updates from DRS ................... 102
20.6 Receiving Sailing Recommendations from StormGeo ....... 102
21 Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 103
22 Introduction to Weather Data in NaviPlanner BVS .................. 104
22.1 Frequently Asked Questions: Weather Data ....................... 104
23 Weather Data Display and Controls .......................................... 106
23.1 Weather Display and Controls .............................................. 106
23.1.1 Weather Bar Description ...................................................... 106
23.1.2 Weather Data Display Controls ........................................... 110
23.2 Other Weather Data Displays ................................................ 112
23.2.1 Pack Ice, Icebergs and Ice Bulletins ................................... 112
23.2.2 Weather Graphs .................................................................... 112
23.2.3 Tropical Storm Display......................................................... 113
23.2.4 Tropical Cyclone Track Probability (TC Prob). ................... 114
23.2.5 Port Vicinity Forecast ........................................................... 115
23.2.5.1 One-Time Port Vicinity Forecasts ............................................. 116
23.2.6 Generate Spot Forecast ....................................................... 117
23.2.7 Satellite Image Display ......................................................... 118
23.2.8 Marine Bulletins .................................................................... 119

24 Managing Weather Data in Broadband-Enabled Systems ...... 120

24.1 Scheduled Weather Data via Email ...................................... 121
25 Managing Weather Data in Email-Enabled Systems ................ 122
25.1 One-Time Data Report Requests .......................................... 122
25.1.1 How to Create a Weather Data One-Time Request ............. 122
25.1.2 Estimating File Sizes in Your One-Time Data Requests .... 124
25.2 Scheduled Weather Data via Email ...................................... 125
25.2.1 Creating a Scheduled Data Request ................................... 125
25.2.2 Estimating File Sizes in Your in Your Scheduled Data
Requests ............................................................................... 126
25.2.3 How to Stop Receiving Scheduled EMAIL Data ................. 127
25.2.4 How to Manually Send a Weather Data Request by Email . 128
25.2.5 Processing an Emailed Weather Forecast File ................... 129
25.2.6 Checking the Date/Time of the Forecast ............................. 129

26 Reference Information ................................................................ 130

26.1 Weather Data Symbols .......................................................... 130

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 26.2 Data Sources for StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS Forecast
Data 131
26.3 Weather Data Resolution Description .................................. 132
27 Voyage Planning and Setup ....................................................... 135
27.1 Introduction to NaviPlanner BVS Enroute Activities .......... 135
27.2 BonVoyage Pre-Voyage Actions .......................................... 135
27.3 During the Voyage: Entering Reported Position ................. 136
27.4 Setting Speed From a Waypoint ........................................... 137
27.5 Weather Display for Dead-Reckoned (DR) Position............ 137
27.6 Stationary Point Weather Display......................................... 137
28 Voyage Optimization ................................................................... 139
28.1 Creating an Optimized Track ................................................ 140
28.2 Optimizing with VIA Points ................................................... 142
28.3 Optimizing for Time ............................................................... 142
28.4 Optimizing for Least Fuel ...................................................... 143
28.5 Optimizing for Least Fuel (Fixed ETA) ................................. 143
28.6 Dual Speed Optimization ....................................................... 145
28.6.1 Dual Speed, Least Cost with a Fixed Arrival Time ............ 145
28.6.2 Dual Speed (Least Time or Least Cost) With An Open
Arrival Time........................................................................... 146
28.6.3 Optimization Mid-Voyage ..................................................... 147
28.6.4 Track Alarms and Thresholds in NaviPlanner BVS ............ 147

29 Resonance ................................................................................... 149

29.1 Introduction – NaviPlanner BVS Resonance Features Basics149
29.1.1 Resonance Warnings Along the Voyage Track .................. 149
29.2 Snapshot Tab: Resonance Graph and Controls ................. 150
29.3 Snapshot Tab Upper Area Elements .................................... 151
29.4 Resonance: Voyage-Specific Settings ................................. 153
29.4.1 Resonance Tool Tips............................................................ 153
29.5 Resonance Graph Details ..................................................... 154
29.5.1 Resonance Risk Types and Graph Interpretation .............. 156
29.5.2 Parametric Rolling ................................................................ 158
29.5.3 Synchronous Rolling............................................................ 159
29.5.4 High Wave Groups ............................................................... 159
29.5.5 Surf-Riding / Broaching ....................................................... 160
29.5.6 Risk Factors Control Resonance Display ........................... 160

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 29.5.7 Resonance Table: Calculator Functions ............................. 161
29.5.8 Printing the Resonance Graph ............................................ 161
29.6 Resonance FAQs ................................................................... 162
30 Additional Hazards ...................................................................... 164
30.1 Pack Ice and Iceberg Display ................................................ 164
30.2 Pirate Activity ......................................................................... 165
31 Program Installation .................................................................... 166
31.1 Installing on Main Computer ................................................. 166
31.2 Installing on Additional Computers ..................................... 171
32 NaviPlanner BVS Initial Setup .................................................... 172
32.1 Vessel Setup .......................................................................... 174
32.1.1 Vessel Speed Curve Setup .................................................. 175
32.2 Initial Data/Communications Setup ...................................... 176
32.2.1 Broadband Users: Configuration Instructions ................... 176
32.2.2 Email Users: Configuration Instructions ............................ 177
32.3 Forecast Configuration Instructions .................................... 179
32.3.1 Weather Data Delivery Configuration.................................. 180
32.4 Network Setup ........................................................................ 188
32.5 NaviPlanner BVS 8 Display Options ..................................... 189
32.5.1 Weather Data and Chart Data Display Options................... 189
32.5.2 Track Display Options .......................................................... 190
32.6 Hardware Key Setup .............................................................. 190
32.7 Hardware & (BVS) Software Upgrades ................................. 192

APPENDICES 193

Appendix A Glossary ................................................................. 194

Appendix B Communications ................................................... 196
B.1 AWT Communications ........................................................... 196
Appendix C BVS Directories and Files ..................................... 197
C.1 NaviPlanner BVS Directories ................................................ 197
C.2 NaviPlanner BVS File Types ................................................. 197
Appendix D Special Instructions .............................................. 199
D.1 Magnuss VOSS™ Configuration Instructions ..................... 199

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 D.2 E-Navigator: Track file import/export ................................... 199
D.3 TRANSAS: .RT3 file import/export ....................................... 202
D.4 KVH Global Forecast Delivery .............................................. 206
D.5 NaviPlanner BVS Broadband & An Explanation Of The Email
Backup Service .................................................................................. 207
Appendix E Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability.................. 210

INDEX 212

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Preface
Resources for NaviPlanner BVS Instruction
To assist you in quickly learning the basis of NaviPlanner BVS, please read this
preface, then read Chapter 1 which includes system requirements and Chapter 2
which guides you on physical installation and setup strategy. Then you’ll be ready
to start using BVS.
The resources to assist you in becoming familiar with NaviPlanner BVS are as
follows:
 Tutorial videos on CD which provide a guided tour of NaviPlanner BVS
features and functions.
 This manual, which is designed to instruct you with the following:
o Short overview chapters
o Chapters with detailed explanations of NaviPlanner BVS
functions
o Reference sections for lookup.
A suggested ‘quick-reading plan’ is given later in this section.

Purpose of Document
The NaviPlanner BVS User Manual for NaviPlanner Bon Voyage System
provides orientation, use instructions, and reference information for the software
application.

What’s in This Manual

This manual is designed to allow for selective reading to match your needs. It is
divided into main modules, each covering a major NaviPlanner BVS topic. Each
module may contain any of these types of chapters to cover different aspects of
the specific feature or function:
 An introduction on the topic
 Task instructions for working with the subject
 Reference information—to look up specific items—for instance: chart symbols
 Frequently asked questions - advice

The main sections are listed below; each part is shown by a bullet, and chapters
are shown in parentheses.
Section 1 Introduction
 Preface important introductory material
 Introduction NaviPlanner BVS Key Features; Key Steps for Preparing to
Use NaviPlanner BVS; Startup and Shutdown Procedures

Section 2 NaviPlanner BVS Elements and Controls

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  Chart Window Overview of Chart Window and User Interface; General
Chart Operations; Chart Window Menus; Frequently Asked Questions;
Reference Information
 Left Panel The four tabs: Snapshot; Tools; Data Display; Route Input
 Bottom Panel The three tabs: Track List; Voyage Details; Graph;

Section 3 NaviPlanner BVS Activities and Operations

 Tracks: Route Planning How to Work With Tracks; Frequently Asked
Questions; Reference Information
 Weather Data and NaviPlanner BVS Weather Data Display and
Controls; Data Management in Broadband systems; Data Management using
EMail; Reference Information
 Voyage Operations with NaviPlanner BVS Overview; Setup for Each
Voyage
 Optimizing Voyage Tracks How to Create Optimized Routes
 Hazard Reduction Resonance; Other Hazard Types; Track Alarms and
Resonance; Reference Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Section 4 Installation and Initial Setup

NaviPlanner BVS Installation and Initial Setup Program Installation;
NaviPlanner BVS Initial Setup

Suggested Reading Plan

Getting started with NaviPlanner BVS does not require reading the entire
manual.

You might first consider reviewing the following chapters, which will assist you in
in understanding the key functions within in the program.
The set of introductory chapters as follows:
Chapter 1, Introduction to BVS 8.3 Features
Chapter 2, Preparing to Use NaviPlanner BVS
Chapter 4, Overview of Chart Window
Chapter 10, Introduction to the Left Panel
Chapter 15, Introduction to the Bottom Panel
Chapter 19, Introduction to Voyage Tracks in NaviPlanner BVS
Chapter 22, Introduction to Weather Data in NaviPlanner BVS
Chapter 27,Voyage Planning and Setup
Chapter 28, Voyage Optimization
Optionally also read Section 29.1 of Chapter 29, Resonance, which introduces
hazards avoidance.
Once you have a general understanding of the main NaviPlanner BVS features,
you can begin reading specific topic chapters for usage details.
Finally, these are additional ways to find information:
 Search the index to look up a specific topic or feature by name

12 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

  click hyperlinks in the online/PDF version of the manual to go to a discussion
of the item.
 Use your mouse on the NaviPlanner BVS Chart Window—‘tool tip’ dialogs
provide pop-up descriptions when you hover the cursor over a screen item.

Related Documents
AWT provides these additional documents for the BVS product:

Document Description
NaviPlanner BVS Installation Short-form step-by-step instructions for the
Guide installation of NaviPlanner BVS.

NaviPlanner BVS Quick A concise document containing a brief explanation of

Reference Guide the most common functions.

NaviPlanner BVS Resonance Contains a precise explanation of the resonance

Quick Reference display feature found within the NaviPlanner BVS
program.

Help Tools
The BVS Menu bar has a Help menu that you can use to view a digital copy of this
manual as well as the QRGs mentioned above. From the Menu bar select Help |
Manual. The help manual is in PDF format and Adobe© Acrobat Reader® is
required to view the manual.
For help with Windows features, such as how to use menus and dialog boxes,
activate the Microsoft Windows Program Manager and select the appropriate
topic. The Windows Tutorial provides a useful introduction to using Microsoft
Windows.

If You Need Assistance

If you cannot resolve a problem by using the BVS manual or the (video) tutorial,
contact Applied Weather Technology Customer Service 24/7/365 at the
following:
[email protected]
Office: 408-731-8600
Fax: 408-731-8601
Please include a detailed summary of problem you are experiencing so we may
assist you as efficiently as possible.
If you would like to contact the sales department:
www.awtworldwide.com
StormGeo AWT Headquarters
140 Kifer Court
Sunnyvale CA 94086, U.S.A.
T: 408 731 8600
F: 408 731 8601
E: [email protected]

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Send Us Your Comments
We value your feedback about our products and their documentation. If you
would like to make comments or suggestions about NaviPlanner BVS or other
Applied Weather Technology Inc. software or documentation, please send email
to:
[email protected]
So that we can make the best use of your comments, please include the following:
 Name of the software and revision number of the software, which is shown on
the screen reached by menu path Help | About.
 For a document, give the exact title of the document from the cover page. For
example, NaviPlanner BVS8 User Manual.
 Also for a document, give the chapter or section number for which you want to
make a comment. Please identify places by giving the section number and/or
page number.
 To identify any item on the NaviPlanner BonVoyage screen, please use the
name given for it in the NaviPlanner BVS user manual.

We appreciate your input.

Thank you.

14 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

1 Introduction to BVS 8.3 Features
Product Purpose
NaviPlanner BVS 8 is an Applied Weather Technology Inc. computer application
running on Windows PCs, for planning, organizing, and optimizing ocean voyages for
safety and performance. It allows you to monitor weather and hazards along routes.
Product Operation
The BonVoyage System provides you with voyage planning, management, and
monitoring capabilities integrated with weather forecast data. It can help you
optimize routes for least time / fuel, while minimizing voyage hazards.
Under normal operation, NaviPlanner BVS would initially be set up to receive
periodic weather updates and other data from AWT. NaviPlanner BVS displays that
information graphically in the chart and table areas. The updated information is also
used to calculate optimum routes and vessel performance along a selected track.
In addition, NaviPlanner BVS monitors for potential hazards and user-defined sailing
restrictions. Its hazard displays assist you in making both strategic and tactical
decisions to minimize risk and improve fuel efficiency.
Once NaviPlanner BVS is installed and configured in the initial setup process, your
normal operating procedure will be to set up a voyage plan before start of each
voyage, and to use NaviPlanner BVS to monitor conditions throughout the voyage.
Sections of this manual will assist you in these efforts.

1.1 General Features and Functions

Track Management and Planning
Voyage management is a key function of NaviPlanner BVS. Within the program,
voyages are referred to as ‘tracks’. A track is defined as a collection of route points
which pertain to a specific voyage. Tracks and their associated route points can be
entered and displayed both graphically (on the chart) and numerically (in the Track
Input Table). Tracks are saved as a file (in the Windows system) and can be retrieved,
as well as sent as an email attachment to another party. Tracks saved as templates
can be re-used for similar voyages that are made in the future to help you minimize
route input efforts.
NaviPlanner BVS will help you plan voyages according to your specific requirements.
It can optimize your voyage using the current forecast and operational specifications,
such as fixed ETA (optimized for fuel savings) or for minimum en route time, using
weather avoidance constraints and other user-defined factors.
Simulation and Optimization
When NaviPlanner BVS simulates a voyage, it takes into account your vessel’s
characteristics. It uses a speed-down table to calculate the vessel’s handling and
performance under the specified wind and sea conditions of the selected track.
NaviPlanner BVS predicts ground speed and arrival time, and displays the computed
course and the distance of the route.
NaviPlanner BVS optimizes tracks while taking weather data into account. It can
optimize a track for time, speed, or fuel efficiency.

15
 Weather and Voyage Display
NaviPlanner BVS employs graphic displays that show voyage tracks and can display
weather data and ocean climatology for the world region through which you are
sailing.
NaviPlanner BVS obtains new forecast data from Applied Weather Technology Inc.,
using either Broadband Internet or email. Weather data for NaviPlanner BVS is
updated four times per day at Applied Weather Technology Inc.
Operating Environment: Platform
NaviPlanner BVS runs on IBM-compatible personal computers equipped with
Microsoft Windows®. For computers on a Network, Weather and Route Data storage
can either be on the local NaviPlanner BVS computer or shared through the Vessel
Network from an accessible Server or Computer.
Communications
Broadband Support for Data
NaviPlanner BVS supports broadband data updates. When connected to a
Broadband service, NaviPlanner BVS has immediate access to StormGeo’s frequently
updated data and handles larger data files than email generally supports. Using
Broadband, NaviPlanner BVS systems automatically download data and thereafter
provide it for instant display on the chart.
With NaviPlanner BVS and Broadband, there is no manual intervention required in
normal operation. Once data are received, NaviPlanner BVS automatically updates
its files and makes the data available. If your Broadband connection becomes
unavailable, the NaviPlanner BVS Server is capable of initiating Email Backup
updates.
Email Support for Data
NaviPlanner BVS continues to support email data deliveries as with previous
versions. It also uses email means as fallback when broadband is not available aboard
your vessel.
Email data requests are performed similarly to previous NaviPlanner BVS versions.
As in the past, weather data reports are requested either as a scheduled (automated)
delivery, or by a 'one-time email delivery' (formerly referred to as an “Immediate
Request”).
Users thereafter monitor their email for file receipt and manually load the email
attachment into NaviPlanner BVS, updating the forecast data on the chart display. If
the file is placed in the \weather\import folder, it will be automatically processed.

1.2 Voyage Planning and Track Management

NaviPlanner BVS has a rich set of voyage planning and track management features:
 Route input (by graphical or numeric entry)
 Graphical display of AWT recommended track (for vessels receiving Full Weather
Routing)
 Ability to optimize route with weather induced constraints and roll resonance
avoidance with the following options: least time , least fuel (consumption), or
least fuel (cost).

16 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 UTC Time Display in NaviPlanner BVS
 Use of UTC Time - NaviPlanner BVS displays times for weather data and ship’s
position in Coordinated Universal Time (also known as UTC, GMT, or Z time).
The format of date and time is: ‘yyyy/mm/dd-hh:mm’, for year, month, day, hour,
minute.

Voyage Planning and Track Management Feature Improvements

 Improved voyage planning functions
 Enhanced track management improves fleet management ability
 Enhanced route comparison and track details displays
 New capability to insert via ports with layover times (bunker ports or multiple
load/discharge ports)
 Vessels using AWT’s Full Weather Routing service can receive their recommended
route in the form of an XML route track with a “.BVS” file extension, which can be
easily imported into NaviPlanner BVS for immediate display on the chart.

Voyage Optimization
 Optimization (Least time/Best ETA): ability to define constraints to avoid severe
weather areas and achieve best arrival time
 Optimization for Fuel (Least cost/Fixed ETA): ability to set an arrival time and
define constraints to plan the most economical voyage

 Dual Speed Optimization includes an economical speed down in ECA areas

Simulation Feature Improvements from Previous Versions

 Additional vessel types have been added
 Improved speed down calculations ensure more accurate vessel display and
calculated ETAs
 Ship-specific speed down and consumption curves which are user-editable.
 Improved model for climatological ship resistance.
AWT proprietary model used to determine the speed loss beyond the short range
forecast. This model provides a significant improvement over climatological data
which was previously provided.
 Saving/Exporting Data: NaviPlanner BVS route data format has improved
compatibility with certain charting programs.

1.3 Data Support for Planning and Operations

The NaviPlanner BVS long range forecasts provide comprehensive data support for
strategic voyage planning. Furthermore, throughout the voyage, NaviPlanner BVS
details along with vessel position information can provide sufficient information for
important tactical decisions in regards to current operating conditions.

17
1.3.1 Weather Data
StormGeo AWT maintains a comprehensive world-wide weather database for use in
NaviPlanner BVS, including meteorological and oceanographic data.
For broadband-equipped systems, weather data is automatically downloaded,
updating the NaviPlanner BVS chart immediately upon receipt.
For systems relying on Email, NaviPlanner BVS supports either ‘one-time’ or ongoing
forecast update deliveries. New weather data is processed manually by users from
email file attachments. See Section 23.1, Weather Display and Controls, for a
description of available weather items.
Forecast Update Times
 Main Forecast Model Data, up to 16-days in length, are available from StormGeo
four times per day (03:00, 09:00, 15:00 and 21:00 UTC). Additional products,
including Piracy Information, Weather Bulletins, Port Vicinity Forecasts, etc., are
available immediately to Broadband users, as this information is updated on the
StormGeo Server, to ensure you receive the most up-to-date weather data.

Displayable Standard Meteorological Data

 Displays of tropical storms, hurricanes, and other types of severe weather
 Wind (normal and high resolution)
o Speed (in Knots and Beaufort Force)
o Direction
 High/Low Surface pressure system movements
 Frontal displays (cold, warm, occluded, and stationary fronts)
 500mb contours
 Cloud Forecast
 Visibility (fog, snow & rain)
 Air Temperature
 Weather Type (thunderstorms, freezing, rain, etc.)
 Port Vicinity Forecast (for user-selected ports)
 Marine Bulletins for your specified forecast area
 Color Satellite Images
Displayable Standard Oceanographic Data
 Currents
o Climatological ocean current data
o HYCOM Surface Current Data
 Significant Waves (normal and high resolution data)
o Height and direction
o Period (in seconds)
 Swells: normal and high resolution

18 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 o Height and direction
o Period (in seconds)
 Wind Seas (normal and high resolution data)
o Height and direction
o Period (in seconds)
 Rogue Wave Forecast
 Surface Pressure Contours
 Sea surface temperatures
 High seas bulletins
 Ice
o Pack ice and icebergs
o Ice boundaries
o Vessel (Structural) Icing
Hazard Data
 Resonance Conditions Display
 Piracy Reports (location and attack details)
 War Risk Regions
Almost any combination of available weather data can be displayed on the chart.
Using the “Next” and “Previous” Time Step buttons, you can move through the
forecast series (TAUs) and observe the changes in weather patterns. NaviPlanner
BVS's voyage animation shows the animated progress of the route track with the
associated weather displayed simultaneously on the chart.
NaviPlanner BVS's data color scheme has been designed to help interpret several
types of graphically displayed weather parameters simultaneously. (Users may need
to optimize their Computer Monitor’s color settings for best appearance of data.)

Weather Data Feature Improvements from Previous Versions

Weather Data Requests and Data Delivery
 NaviPlanner BVS has significant improvements over previous versions in the
request and delivery of NaviPlanner BVS forecast files. Broadband users receive
weather data forecasts almost immediately after they are generated by StormGeo
AWT, and the NaviPlanner BVS chart is instantly updated with the newly
downloaded data. (For email based systems BVS continues to support one-time
and scheduled requests, and either manual or automatic processing of the
NaviPlanner BVS email attachments.

Weather Data Product Additions and Improvements

 New weather products include wind seas, humidity, air temperature and rogue
waves
 Significantly higher resolution data through broadband data collection
 Improved simulation and optimization processes
 Better chart display accuracy through higher resolution surface currents, wind,
wave and swell data

19
  Detailed port vicinity forecasts. Users have access to a 3 day forecast at 6 hourly
time steps. Includes precipitation, temperature, humidity, visibility, & winds,
along with wind and sea conditions at the pilot.
 Rogue wave forecast - 72 hour forecast of areas where a freak wave is more likely
to occur due to waves opposing a strong current.

1.3.2 Hazard Data

Resonance Conditions Display (Improved Feature)

 Displays potential resonance conditions both as an alarm along the voyage track
and in the Resonance Graph, located in the left side “Snapshot” panel. The
resonance graph now includes track snapshot data—sea, swell, significant wave &
current details along with the shaded areas which alert the user to potential roll
resonance conditions.

Piracy Activity (New Feature)

 Data includes all attack information reported to the IMB and supplemented with
NATO reports.
 War Risk track alarms can be enabled by users and will be based on received data
reports.

1.4 User Interface

The NaviPlanner BVS chart menu and display options have changed to provide a
simpler, more user friendly display.
Feature Improvements in NaviPlanner BVS
 Weather selection buttons have replaced the earlier icons with text descriptions of
each weather parameter
 Time step controls, as well as date, time, position and broadband status
information have all been strategically placed at the top right section of the
NaviPlanner BVS chart.
 NaviPlanner BVS’ right-click menus will intelligently display additional control
options for newly added features.

20 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

1.5 Supported Vessel Types
What vessel types are supported in NaviPlanner BVS, and how is vessel
performance determined?
NaviPlanner BVS supports a wide variety of vessels as listed below, each having its
own corresponding ‘speed down’ file. Using its decades of weather routing
experience, Applied Weather Technology has created a calculated speed curve with
realistic vessel configurations to simulate vessel performance, but also taking into
account forecast and climatological weather factors that would affect vessel’s calm sea
speed.
This calculated speed down is a combination of involuntary and voluntary speed
down factors: involuntary speed down due to added resistance, and voluntary speed
down from intentional speed reduction due to heavier weather conditions.

Vessel types:
Bulk Carrier, Cape Vessel types (continued):
Bulk Carrier, Handymax ITB
Bulk Carrier, Handysize MultiPurpose
Bulk Carrier, Panamax OBO
Bulk Carrier, ULOC Passenger
Bulk Carrier, VLOC Reefer and Ro Ro
Car Carrier (PCC) Tanker, Aframax
Container, Feeder Tanker, Chemical
Container, FeederMax Tanker, Handysize
Container, New Panamax Tanker, LNG Carrier
Container, Panamax Tanker, LPG Carrier
Container, Post Panamax Tanker, Panamax
Container, Small Feeder Tanker, Suexmax
Container, ULCV Tanker, ULCC
Fishing, Commercial Tanker, VLCC
General Cargo Yacht, Motor
Yacht, Sailing

21
2 Preparing to Use NaviPlanner BVS

2.1 Initial Steps

There are two main steps in setting up NaviPlanner BVS for use: installation, and
vessel/user configuration.
1. Installation
Instructions for the installation of NaviPlanner BVS are found in Chapter 31,
“Program Installation”. A one-page installation guide is also included with the
NaviPlanner BVS installer.
2. Initial Setup and Configuration
When NaviPlanner BVS is run for the first time, you will be prompted to enter
specific information to ensure proper setup. As each of the setup dialogs appear, you
will enter: (1) vessel parameters, (2) data update controls, including an option to
enable broadband data collection, and (3) your specific NaviPlanner BVS data display
request requirements.
Instructions for initial setup have been placed towards the end of this manual
(Chapter 32, NaviPlanner NaviPlanner BVS Initial Setup).
Note that the user-defined weather data request selections can be changed at any
time. For email based systems, a scheduled-request file will be sent to the
NaviPlanner BVS Server by email. Broadband users will set up the desired request
parameters and NaviPlanner BVS will automatically download new data as it
becomes available. These procedures are also covered in Chapter 32.

After NaviPlanner BVS installation & initial configuration, the next steps
would be:
1. Create a weather data delivery configuration that covers your upcoming sailing
region. Ensure that new data is displayed on the chart.
2. Create a voyage track and ‘optimize’ the track, where appropriate.
3. Ensure that daily updates are being processed in NaviPlanner BVS and the voyage
track is appropriately modified to user requirements and/or sailing restrictions.
Procedures for enroute activities are covered in Chapter 27.

2.2 System Requirements for NaviPlanner BVS Use

2.2.1 Hardware Requirements

Computer with:
CPU 1.2 GHz or higher
2GB of RAM minimum
2GB Hard Disk Space for Installation and archival of weather data

22 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 keyboard and two-button mouse
Display with:
1024 x 768 minimum resolution screen (32 bit color recommended)
Color Laser or inkjet printer (Optional)

2.2.2 Software Requirements

Windows Operating System
Win10, Win8.x, Win8, Win7 (SP2)
Windows .NET Framework 4.6 or higher
Adobe© Acrobat Reader®

2.2.3 Data Communications Requirements

The recommended email communications configuration for BVS are:
 Email with a MAPI email client (application) that runs under Microsoft Windows.
Examples of MAPI client programs are Microsoft Outlook Office, Outlook
Express, Mozilla Thunderbird, etc.
MAPI client email programs have the capability of generating outgoing messages
from a secondary program (such as NaviPlanner BVS) to simplify the data request
process.

Preferred Data Collection Method:

 Broadband Data Connection
Broadband provides enhanced operation with fast data transfer, higher resolution
weather data, and improved automation of forecast request submissions and file
downloads.

Although Broadband might be configured for NaviPlanner BVS data collection, a user
will have the ability to use email as a backup in the event the Broadband connectivity
becomes unavailable.

23
3 General Program Functionality

3.1 User Controls

Users control NaviPlanner BVS through menu item selections in the chart window or
through use of the right mouse menu. The main menu bar at the top of the chart
window gives the user access to key NaviPlanner BVS functions. Many program
operations can be accessed from the main menu. Right-click mouse menus on the
chart provide access to specific items related to the corresponding object. Example:
Right-clicking a track will provide track editing functions; right-clicking a pirate
symbol provides the option to view pirate activity information for that specific pirate
event. Additionally, there are keyboard shortcuts for several of the NaviPlanner BVS
functions. These are listed in the Reference section of the manual.

3.2 Starting BVS for the First Time

To start the application for the first time, either click on the BVS 8 icon on the
Windows desktop or select NaviPlanner BVS from the Windows Program Menu.
When starting NaviPlanner BVS for the first time, you will be required to complete
the initial setup and you’ll be guided through of a series of setup dialogs. Full setup
instructions are given in Chapter 32, NaviPlanner BVS Initial Setup.

3.3 Normal BVS Startup

To start NaviPlanner BVS, either select NaviPlanner BVS from the Windows Program
Menu, or click on the NaviPlanner BVS icon on the Windows desktop.
BVS Behavior on Startup
When opened, NaviPlanner BVS will be restored to the previous user state—
Displayed track and weather data, including chart focus should all revert to the state
of the program when it was previously closed. The weather data displayed on the
chart will be based on your last data update, whether by Broadband or Email data
processing.
The first priority after opening the program should be to ensure that your forecast
data is up to date. See the below Section 3.3.1 for information on updating your
weather information.

3.3.1 Updating Weather Data

For a description of available weather, See Section 23.1. After you’ve started
NaviPlanner BVS, it is important to update your weather data. There are two update
methods: broadband or email.
Case 1. Broadband system
Upon startup, NaviPlanner BVS systems with broadband automatically request,
receive, and process data files. After the initial setup, there is no user-required

24 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 action as NaviPlanner BVS automatically checks for new data and downloads is
almost immediately upon availability.
Once your Weather Data Delivery Configuration has been defined, the program
will be able to request the desired data. This selection process is accessed in the
Data Request dialog by selecting the menu option Data | Weather Data Delivery
Configuration.
Also, since the sailing region can change for each voyage, you should define the
appropriate data coverage region prior to departure.
Weather Data and Broadband Icon Behavior After Startup
Upon startup, if Broadband is enabled, NaviPlanner BVS will immediately begin
checking for new weather and chart data automatically. The Broadband status is
displayed in the top right section of the chart. There are three status icons:
Red: Indicates that although Broadband option is enabled, NaviPlanner BVS is
currently unable to access StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS Data Server.
Yellow: Once NaviPlanner BVS has achieved a connection to StormGeo’s
NaviPlanner BVS Data Server, the icon turns yellow. During this time, the user
account is verified, your data request file is submitted and your compressed data
(RKW) file is downloaded. You’ll notice that at the end of the download process,
the “Weather Forecast Base Time” field in the upper right area of the Menu Bar
shows a light blue progress indicator as the chart is updated with the newly
downloaded data.
Green: The status icon is green when StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS Data Server
is accessible and data is up to date. Note also that the “Weather Forecast Base
Time” field displays the “Forecast Model” time of the most recently processed
forecast file.
What if broadband is down at NaviPlanner BVS startup or goes down later?
In the event that NaviPlanner BVS is unable to connect through broadband, the
Broadband icon becomes RED until NaviPlanner BVS can access the StormGeo
Server through your broadband connection. If broadband fails, you must fall
back to email, and use the procedure for Case 2 below to receive weather email
updates.
Case 2. Email Data Requests
As with earlier versions of NaviPlanner BVS, you are able to receive forecast
updates by email. To receive updated weather data, you will need to:
1. Set up request. Either perform a ‘one time email delivery request’ or set up a
scheduled request. The procedure for one-time requests is given in Section 25.1
Instructions for scheduled request setup are given in Sections 5.4.1 and 25.2.1.
2. Select the forecast region and user-defined weather parameters, etc.
3. Update NaviPlanner BVS with the incoming email file. The data update arrives
as an “.RKW” file in an email message from [email protected]. The RKW
file can either be opened directly from the email message or it can be stored in
the \weather\import folder for automatic processing. NaviPlanner BVS will
thereafter display the data corresponding to this RKW file and the forecast base
time associated with this file will be displayed in the upper right menu bar area of
the NaviPlanner BVS window.

25
3.4 Shutting Down NaviPlanner BVS
To shut BVS down, select from the menu, File | Exit.
If you have any unsaved tracks, NaviPlanner BVS will prompt to save them before
the program shuts down.
NaviPlanner BVS will retain your user-configured program state for the next
session.
Note that if the program is closed for any length of time, the forecast information
will need to be updated as soon as possible to ensure accurate depiction of
forecast information.

26 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

4 Overview of Chart Window
The chart window is the main NaviPlanner BVS graphical display and user interface
area. It shows a world map with voyage routes and overlaid weather and other data
for the regions you selected in your report requests. Waypoint information is also
given in the Left Panel and the Bottom Panel.
This chapter introduces the chart window's key items. The first two sections
introduce and summarize the key items belonging to the chart window. There are
separate Parts in this manual for the Left Panel and Bottom Panel, with their own
chapters for each major item of the panel.

4.1 Master Diagram of Chart Window Main Elements

Figure 1 below shows the Chart Window and its main elements.

Below, Figure 1 shows the Left Panel open (with Resonance Snapshot tab selected)
and
Figure 2 shows the Bottom Panel open with Track List tab selected. Each Panel
contains various tabs for program configuration and for the display of vessel details.

27
 Figure 1. Left Panel

Figure 2. Bottom Panel Opened

28 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

List of Chart Window Key Elements

Chart window – displays world map, voyage tracks and all program tools.
Menu bar– Provides access to several program functions. At the far right,
NaviPlanner BVS displays position information, broadband status, and weather
forecast date/time information.
Weather Data bar –Controls the display of weather parameters on the chart. Each
item is activated by clicking the title or corresponding lower cell. The lower cells
display weather data values which correspond to the mouse cursor location. When
the mouse is used to advance or reverse forecast time steps, the weather display
values turn RED and indicate data which corresponds to the vessel position. To the
far right, the weather data bar also displays Forecast Time Step controls & Setting
option as well as the Animation Controls.
Left Panel Display Controls –Arrows expand or collapse the left panel (also
known as Vertical Panel) according to the user’s need to access the Left Panel
features or to hide this area so that additional space is available for the chart view.
The left panel provides access to display potential risk of roll resonance, alarm
thresholds, optimization parameters, chart display characteristics, and track table
editing, etc.
Bottom Panel Display Controls –Arrows expand or collapse the bottom panel
(also known as Horizontal Panel), displaying vessel performance and track
information and controls.
Track – A track shows a series of waypoints on the chart. Waypoints appear as small
pentagons; computed points (between waypoints) appear as small circles; current
vessel position appears as a ship icon.
When a specific track is selected, the ship symbol for that track is RED.
For additional tracks that appear on the chart, ship symbols are YELLOW.
At times, the computed points along the track may display an alert symbol (also
known as alarms) when the vessel position encounters conditions which exceed the
user-defined settings: Examples are severe weather or roll resonance conditions, etc.
Time Step and Animation Controls – The time step control buttons move the
vessel along the active track, displaying the corresponding weather data for the
corresponding time period.
To the right is the circular “Animation” control button. This opens the animation
dialog, allowing the user to view an animated display of vessel movement and
weather information throughout the length of the voyage (or the length of the current
forecast). Click this button a second time to close the animation dialog.
Forecast Time-Step Setting - This sets the time-step interval used for weather
and ship position display on the NaviPlanner BVS chart. The animation feature and
the time step control buttons are affected by this user-defined setting.
Chart and Track Controls – The upper right area of the chart displays various
zoom options, as well as a ‘center ship’ button and an optimization button. The
optimization button is configured from a user-defined setting in the View | Tools
menu. The three optimization options are:
 Least Time
 Lease Cost/Fuel
 Least Cost/Fuel with a Fixed Arrival

29
 NaviPlanner BVS has a variety of keyboard shortcuts to help simplify some of the
most common program functions. For more information, see Keyboard Shortcuts
Reference, Section 9.2.

The following sections in this chapter provide additional detail regarding each main
element. A more comprehensive discussion of these elements will be given in
upcoming chapters. Several keywords throughout the manual are ‘linked’ to locations
in the manual which provide additional references related to that specific topic.

4.2 The Chart

The Chart Window contains all NaviPlanner BVS user interface items. It provides a
world map allowing the user to edit and view tracks and to view weather data.

4.3 Menu Bar

Below the program title bar, the menu is separated into two sections: at the left are
the program menu options; to the right are details regarding position, broadband
status and forecast times .

30 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

4.3.1 Menu Items
The Menu items allow mouse-selecting NaviPlanner BVS functions:

All main menus are described in detail in Chapter 5.

4.3.2 Key Parameters Display Area

The menu bar row shows the key parameters display area on the right half:

A description of these display items, from left to right:

Estimated Distance: the estimated distance from the current ship position on the
selected track, to the mouse cursor position on the chart, in nautical miles.
Lat/Long Position: the latitude and longitude of the mouse cursor position. When
clicking on the time step control buttons (to advance forward or backward in time)
the Lat/Long Position will correspond with the ship position on the selected track.
Broadband Status Icon and Control: shows connectivity status of the
broadband data link. Clicking the icon will open a Broadband Status Dialog. See
Section 4.3.3, Broadband Status Icon and Control.
Base Time: data display showing the Weather Forecast Base Time, which is the
date/time upon which the forecast model is based. This value will be updated when a
new data set has been processed either by broadband or from opening a NaviPlanner
BVS forecast email attachment. When NaviPlanner BVS is processing a new weather
file, Base Time is replaced temporarily with a light blue status bar. After the update
process has finished, this field returns to the ‘Base Time’ display.
Forecast Valid Date: shows the ‘valid time’ for the currently displayed forecast
TAU (or timestep). This value (and the displayed weather) changes as the vessel
moves along the track, to indicate each forecast TAU and the associated weather
conditions and vessel position.
Calendar Icon: small rectangle control used to bring up a calendar. Select the
desired date to view a specific time period.
Forecast Valid Time: depicts the forecast hour and is associated with the Forecast
Valid Date mentioned above.
Hours Since the Forecast Base Time: data display showing the letter T
followed by the number of hours since the base time. T signifies “TAU” or “Now
Time”. “T 00” or “T + 00” is TAU + zero (the exact time of the model). For TAU zero,
analysis data is displayed on the chart.
T 24 would be 24 hours into the forecast period.
Note that when data is continuously updated, although the forecast files are replaced,
the analysis TAU is preserved in the NaviPlanner BVS weather folders.

31
4.3.3 Broadband Status Icon and Control
This icon has dual purposes as discussed below.
1. Shows the operational status of the broadband data link.
Icon colors have these meanings:
Red: indicates that the StormGeo Broadband Server is not accessible. If the
status remains inaccessible, you will need to change over to email method to
request and receive data. This is done by either setting up a one-time email
delivery or by creating a new Weather Data Delivery Configuration and sending
this in to [email protected].
Yellow: NaviPlanner BVS is establishing communications and proceeding to
download forecast update files
Green: the StormGeo Broadband Server is accessible and data is up to date

No icon visible: If the Broadband Connection checkbox is not enabled, the icon
will not appear and NaviPlanner BVS assumes that you are updating the chart by
email or that you have configured access to forecast information through your
ship’s computer Network. Example: the main NaviPlanner BVS computer
downloads data and shares it on a Network Drive. Other onboard NaviPlanner
BVS computers have access to those weather and data folders.
2. The Broadband Status Icon area can be clicked to open the Broadband Status
dialog:

Request Data Now – If Broadband Connection is enabled in the

DATA|COMMUNICATIONS dialog (found in the SETUP menu), the Request Data
Now button initiates a broadband data request.

32 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 Setup Email Request – If Internet Broadband access was not available, this button
could be used to open the configuration dialog for a One-Time Data Request.
Thereafter, an “…ImmedReq.txt” file would be sent to the NaviPlanner BVS Server
([email protected]) to obtain a one time delivery of data.It causes
NaviPlanner BVS to generate an email based data report request. Once this file is
sent, an updated forecast file will be delivered to your email inbox.

4.3.4 Broadband Troubleshooting

It’s possible that you will encounter connectivity issues with regards to NaviPlanner
BVS’ Broadband data update process.
If the Broadband connection is not available, as mentioned above, you will see the red
status icon at the top right of the NaviPlanner BVS chart. You will also see an error
dialog appear on the chart:

This error occurs when the network connection cannot be established or when it has
been interrupted. It’s possible that your Internet connection to the NaviPlanner BVS
computer is e temporarily or permanently down.
There are three troubleshooting options:
• Retry Wx download if the Broadband connection is indeed established.
• Setup a one-time immediate email request, to receive a forecast update while
Broadband is down.
• Activate scheduled email delivery of data by emailing to
[email protected] your Scheduled Request file (found in the \bvs8\data\
folder). This is done by selection the menu option, DATA | Weather Data Delivery
Configuration.
When the internet connection is up and broadband updates resume successfully, the
email delivery schedule on StormGeo’s Data Server will automatically stop deliveries.

33
4.4 Weather Bar
This row has two main objects: the Weather Bar and the Display Step / Animation
Controls.

4.4.1 Weather Bar

The Weather Bar displays each weather parameter with an associated data cell below
each. The cell displays values in units (speed, height, degrees, period, etc.):

Each individual weather bar ‘title’ or ‘cell’ can be clicked to turn on or off that specific
weather item. Toggling on a specific item will change the background color of the title
area to green while that specific display item is activated. The data cells give numeric
values for the update items you have requested. These values are displayed
dynamically and correspond to the position of the mouse cursor. Alternatively, when
you are using the time step controls, the values shown are for the current ship icon
position along the selected track.
Please review Chapter 23 for additional details regarding the Weather Bar and its
functions.

4.4.2 Time Step Controls/Animation Control Button

To the right of the Weather Bar are the Time Step Controls. These adjust the
computed position of the ship along the selected track. Data in the weather bar cells
are shown in RED text and correspond to the vessel position when the time step
controls are being used.
The circular icon (with two curved arrows) opens the Animation Controls for full
animation of the voyage time step process.
For use, see Section 6.9, Time Step and Animation Controls.
Forecast Display Time-Step Setting
This item defaults to AUTO and allows the user to set a specific interval for use with
the animation and manual Time Step Control tools.
Settings are:
Auto - automatically adjusts between 3-hour, 6-hour and 12-hour timesteps.
12 Hours - visible TAUS are at 12 hour intervals. Example: “Day 1, 00z”, Day 1,
12z”, “Day 2, 00z”, “Day 2, 12z”, etc.
06 Hours - visible TAUS are at 06 hour intervals. Example: “Day 1, 00z”, Day 1,
06z”, “Day 1, 12z”, “Day 1, 18z”, “Day 2, 00z”, etc.

34 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

4.5 Chart Display Controls
The chart display controls allow you to alter your general view of the chart. (Controls
for display of individual data categories are separate and are on the Left Panel, Data
Display tab, and also on the Weather Bar.)
The following chart display control icons are located at the upper right area of the
chart & perform these functions:

Zoom Last: Returns the chart to the previous zoom state

Center Ship: Redraws the chart with the current vessel position
centered on the chart

Zoom out chart view incrementally

Zoom in chart view incrementally

Adjusts chart zoom to display full voyage track

Zoom to Weather Data modifies the chart view to cover your currently
configured weather region.
Optimize track: Optimizes the user-selected track, using a pre-
configured setting found in the left side panel (select menu item
VIEW|TOOLS).
Optimization options in the TOOLS panel are:
 Least Time
 Least Fuel Cost or Fuel Consumption
 Least Cost/Consumption with a Fixed Arrival time

4.6 Left Panel Overview

The Left Panel has four tabs:

Snapshot - resonance controls and display
Tools – contains controls for alarm thresholds and for optimization
Data Display - control of data items on the chart
Route Input - track table editing features
For a more detailed description of the Left Side Panel, refer to Section, 10,
Introduction to the Left Panel

35
4.7 Bottom Panel Overview

The Bottom Panel has three tabs:

 Track List – a list of open tracks with performance and arrival information for
track comparison
 Voyage Details - shows extensive details of the selected track regarding
performance, average weather and current factors, interval distances, associated
forecast weather conditions, etc. for each computed point.
 Graph - shows weather and performance details of conditions at each waypoint of
the active track in a ‘line graph’ format
For additional information regarding the Bottom Panel and its associated tabs, See
Section 15, Introduction to the Bottom Panel.

36 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

5 Chart Window Menus (Menu Bar)
The NaviPlanner BVS main menu provides access to the program’s principal
functions. This area above the chart is called the Menu Bar. This chapter describes
each menu item in the Menu Bar.

5.1 The File Menu

Menu Item Function
New Creates a new voyage track. A popup appears requesting that a filename
be chosen. Type desired filename and click OK. The default track name
is YYYY-MM-DD and the file extension is .BVS.
Open Track: Opens a previously created voyage track or an ECDIS file
Template: Opens a previously created track template. Templates can be
created for frequently used routes.
Save Saves the currently selected route file in the (default location) folder:
C:\BVS8\data\track
Save As Track: Saves a file as a voyage track with a user-defined name. The file
extension is .BVS.
Template: Saves a file as a voyage template with a user –defined name.
The file extension is .XML.
Transas File: Saves file as a Transas.RT3 file for import into the Transas
ECDIS System.
Clone This is a copy-track option that opens a dialog box, allowing the
selection of various route characteristics. Type in a new name for the
cloned track and click OK.
Print Opens the print dialog box to print the current NaviPlanner BVS screen,
including the chart and horizontal/vertical display panels.
Exit Closes NaviPlanner BVS after allowing you to save any unsaved changes
to voyage track(s).

5.2 The Edit Menu

Menu Item Function

Undo reverses previous action during track editing, etc.

Redo restores to previous track state (before ‘undo’ action was selected)

Copy Image Copies the NaviPlanner BVS chart to the Windows clipboard.

37
5.3 The View Menu
The View Menu provides access to Left Panel tabs and Bottom Panel tabs.

Menu Item (keyboard shortcut) Function

Snapshot (CTRL- S) Opens track snapshot diagram &
The upper four items displays weather conditions and
appear in the left potential roll resonance risk along
panel. voyage track
Tools The Tools tab contains user-
configurable options for weather
constraints, fuel costs and track
optimization.
Data Display Controls geographical display
information as well as chart and
track features. Also contains dialog
buttons for additional weather
display items, such as port vicinity
forecasts and weather bulletins, etc.
Route Input (CTRL- I) Opens the track input table for
editing position, speed, draft &
arrival fields.
Track List (CTRL- K) Opens the track comparison table to
view performance and arrival
summary information, etc.
Voyage Details (CTRL-D) Opens Voyage Details tab for access
to detailed vessel performance and
The lower three are weather information along the
located in the Bottom various computed points along the
Panel track
Graph (CTRL-G) A line graph displays vessel and
weather details for the selected
voyage(s)

38 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

5.4 The Data Menu
The Data menu is for forecast deliveries request management, manual import of
weather data, and to access the AWT Data Reporting System.

Menu Item Function

Weather Data Sets up a configuration for ongoing
Delivery weather data deliveries.
Configuration Used by both broadband and email
(scheduled request) options.
Once this configuration is set up, an active
broadband connection will use this text
configuration file to automatically retrieve
the user-defined weather parameters.
NOTE: ACTIVE BROADBAND DATA
COLLECTION will halt scheduled email
deliveries on the StormGeo NaviPlanner
BVS Server, as the scheduled email option
is designed to be a backup option when
Broadband connection fails.
Stop Scheduled Data The email message that is generated from
Delivery this option informs the StormGeo
NaviPlanner BVS Server you wish to stop
your previously scheduled email
deliveries.
One-Time Port This special option allows you to request
Vicinity Forecast immediate delivery of port vicinity
forecast information for a user-defined list
of ports.
One-Time Email This is also known as a 'one-time data
Delivery of Weather request’ and is submitted by email to
Data receive a forecast update within 15
minutes after emailing the request file.
This has no effect on your regularly
scheduled EMAIL deliveries, and occurs
apart from them.
Select previously When there is a need to process and
downloaded review a previously downloaded weather
Weather Data file, this dialog allows you to select &
process an earlier file.
Please note that the forecast data from
older archive files may overwrite existing
analysis data from recently processed
weather files.
Manually Import Used to process a previously received
Weather Data .RKW data delivery file—one which is
stored on the computer hard drive or from
a Network location.
AWT Data Reporting For vessels receiving Full Weather Routing
System or Monitoring Services, this option

39
 Menu Item Function
initiates the DRS program interface for
sending departure reports, daily positions,
arrival reports, and other required
information.
(StormGeo) Onboard This menu option opens the SGOS
Data Server configuration & status dialog.
Configuration SGOS can be used to record and submit
seagoing data, such as GPS position
reports, etc.

5.4.1 Weather Data Delivery Configuration

This configuration dialog is for setting up your delivery configuration for either
Scheduled Emails or for Broadband data requests. The dialog consists of a series of
tabs for configuring your specific data needs. User instructions for Broadband
Systems are in Section 24, Managing Weather Data in Broadband-Enabled Systems,
and user instructions for email based systems are in Section 25.2, Scheduled
Weather Data via Email.

5.4.2 Stop Scheduled Data Delivery

This menu selection stops scheduled data report delivery for email users. It does not
affect Broadband data collection.
After submitting a stop request, you may eventually want to resume data reception by
email. To do this, you’ll need to submit a new Scheduled Request by creating a
“Weather Data Delivery Configuration” and by sending the resulting file. to
[email protected].
The name of the request file is: “{callsign}-StopSchedReq.txt”.

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As seen below, a “Stop Delivery” confirmation dialog appears to ask for confirmation
of this step. Thereafter, you’d need to send in the resulting file,

41
5.4.3 One-Time Port Vicinity Forecast
With a broadband connection, this request dialog generates an immediate forecast
update for your list of selected port locations. If you are collecting weather data by
email, this option will generate a one-time request, returning the selected port
forecsat information within 10-15 minuttes.
A simple dialog appears with the option to select up to 10 port locations.

If you are set up for email delivery, when you click “Finish”, you will generate a
request email to [email protected]. The name of the request file is:
“{callsign}-PortFcstReq.txt”.
You can access the port forecast information by selecting the NaviPlanner BVS menu
option, VIEW | DATA DISPLAY. Then, in the Weather section, click the PORT
VICINITY FCSTS button.
To view a sample forecast, please refer to section 23.2.5, Port Vicinity Forecast.

5.4.4 One-Time Email Delivery of Weather Data

This menu item is for setup of a single 'immediate' (also known as one-time) data
report request done by email. All tabs are the same as those discussed in Section
5.4.1, however there is no Delivery Schedule tab since this is a one-time request.

Full instructions for using this feature are in Chapter 25, Managing Weather Data in
Email-Enabled Systems.

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5.4.5 Select Previously Downloaded Weather Data
This menu item is for when you need to load previously downloaded and retained
weather data. Note that if you desire to process much older weather files, you may
need to modify your PURGE OLD WEATHER data setting in the Setup | Data
Communications menu. Example: if your intentions were to process a weather file
from 30 days ago, you’d want to modify the PURGE OLD WEATHER setting to a
number higher than 30 during your data review process. Thereafter the purge setting
can be returned to lower number , if desired.
Below is an example of the Data File Selector window which displays the previous
Broadband data files that have been processed & archived:

5.4.6 Manually Import Weather Data

This menu option allows you to import a newly received RKW data file that has been
saved to your hard drive.

As an alternative, you may also double-click an RKW file directly from an email
message or from a location on your computer.

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5.5 The Setup Menu
The Setup menu allows access to various setup dialogs that were used in initial setup,
and to set the chart projection format.

Menu Item Function

Chart Projection Sets chart projection to one of three types. See
Section 6.2. Chart Projection Types.
Data/Communications Opens the Data/Communications dialog for
defining data collection settings.
Vessel Setup This dialog contains all vessel characteristics
required by NaviPlanner BVS for simulation &
optimization functionality, account
authorization, etc.
Network Installation The Network Installation dialog displays to
configuration options for configuring shared
WEATHER and DATA folders on your computer
Network. You may need assistance from your IT
department if you do not have
ADMINISTRATOR privileges on your
NETWORK.
Wx Thresholds/Costs Opens the Wx Thresholds/Costs dialog.
Speed Curves (optional) When enabled, this option opens the Speed
Curves dialog allowing additional adjustment of
wind and swell speed down curves.

5.5.1 Chart Projection

You may select any of the following projection types:
 Mercator
 Orthographic
 Gnomonic

5.5.2 Data/Communications
See Section 32.2 for detailed instructions.

5.5.3 Vessel Setup

See Section 32.1, Vessel Setup for detailed instructions.

5.5.4 Network Installation

See Section 32.4, Network Setup for detailed instructions.

44 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

5.5.5 Speed Curves
See Section 32.1.1, Vessel Speed Curve Setup for detailed instructions.

5.6 The Help Menu

Help menu items and their functions are described in the table below:

Menu Item Function

Manual Opens this User’s Manual.
Adobe Acrobat® reader is
required.

Quick Reference Guide Opens this Quick Reference

Guide. Adobe Acrobat®
reader is required.

Resonance Quick Opens the Resonance Feature

Reference Guide. Adobe Acrobat®
reader is required.

Customer Support Opens a dialog box that

assists you in sending
program log information to
help in troubleshooting
program errors.

Data Sources This support document

explains the origins of
NaviPlanner BVS Forecast
data.

Send Route to StormGeo Displays a dialog to assist

users in sending of
NaviPlanner BVS Track file.
This is only required if you
are receiving Weather
Routing Services in addition
to NaviPlanner BVS weather
updates.

About Displays the NaviPlanner

BVS version as well as the
Installation ID (or
hardware KEY) which needs
to be sent to
[email protected] to
help ensure access to all
program functions.

View EULA Displays a copy of the End

User License Agreement,
which was shown during the
program installation.

Note: Versions of the User Manual and Quick Reference Guide are also available in
Microsoft Word® and Adobe® PDF formats, and can be opened manually. They are
found in this default location on your computer: C:\BVS8\docs

45
6 General Chart Functions

6.1 Chart Scaling and Positioning

You either use the mouse or chart control buttons for this.
To use the mouse:
 Roll the mouse wheel forward to zoom the view in.
 Roll the mouse wheel backward to zoom out.
 Left-click the chart and drag the mouse to pan the chart in the desired direction.
 Left-double-click the mouse to center the chart on the current position of the
mouse cursor.
 Right-click the chart and drag the mouse to create a zoom-in field. The chart view
will adjust to the new user-defined area:
1. Select area with Right-Mouse: 2: Chart will zoom into selected area.

For additional information on chart controls, See Section 4.5, Chart Display Controls.

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6.2 Chart Projection Types
Users can customize projection type used on the chart. These types can be set from
the Menu Bar using Setup | Chart Projection.
NaviPlanner BVS provides three projection types:
 Mercator
 Orthographic
 Gnomonic

Mercator

A cylindrical map projection, which has become a standard for nautical purposes
because of its ability to represent rhumb lines as straight segments.

47
 Orthographic

A perspective (or azimuthal) projection, in which the sphere is projected onto a

tangent plane.

The Orthographic projection depicts a hemisphere of the globe where the horizon is a
great circle. The shapes and areas are distorted, particularly near the edges, but
distances are preserved along parallels.
A forecast for the extreme latitudes can be easily viewed using either the
Orthographic or Gnomonic display.

48 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

 Gnomonic
Displays all great circles as straight lines:

6.3 Copying the Chart Image

You can copy the chart image to the Windows Clipboard for pasting into a document,
email, or image editing program. Select from the menu bar Edit | Copy Image.
The keyboard shortcut CTRL-C will also copy the chart image. The image may then
be pasted into the desired location.

6.4 Printing the Chart

To print the chart, select File | Print which opens the print dialog, or alternatively,
press keyboard combination CTRL - P to print the Chart Window contents.

6.5 Weather Data On the Chart

Weather data is presented several ways on the chart. It is shown graphically and with
symbols and text. Graphic display are shown as contours, colored areas, or icon
arrays in regions. Text display can be numeric on the Weather Bar or descriptive
when you right-click on a point. Weather data display is controlled on the Weather
Bar.

6.6 Geographical Data on the Chart

The NaviPlanner BVS chart supports a large variety of geographical data. The
configuration controls for these options are found in the Left Panel DATA DISPLAY
tab. Additional instructions for these display options can be found in Chapter 13.

49
6.7 NoGo Areas/ Restricted Sailing Zones
NoGo Areas are restricted sailing zones. They include user-defined areas used by
NaviPlanner BVS’ Optimization program to ensure avoidance of restricted areas.

6.7.1 Types of NoGo Areas

NaviPlanner BVS supports several types of restricted sailing zones.
1. Universal NoGo areas.
Universal NoGo areas have been provided in NaviPlanner BVS to display known
areas of avoidance. These areas appear on the chart as semi-transparent red
polygons.
NoGo areas can be toggled on or off in the Data Display tab, in the Left Panel.
2. User-defined NoGo areas.
These areas appear as purple polygons.
Both the user-defined and the Universal NoGo areas are avoided when a track is
optimized. Track alarms (or ‘alerts’) will also display when the user creates a track
that traverses a NoGo area.
Editable NoGo Properties include the ability to define a name and to designate start
and end times to control the appearance of these areas. When optimizing,
NaviPlanner BVS will take into account the configured start and end time restrictions
of each NoGo area.
NoGo area creation and editing are accessed from the right-click menu. Details follow
below.
3. ECA Zones.
ECA Zones are “established Emission Control Areas” and appear as green polygons
on the chart when the “ECA” option is selected in the Data Display tab.
Because ECA zones are not considered NoGo areas, NaviPlanner BVS route
optimization will pass through these areas.
If you wish to convert an ECA zone into a NoGo area, right-click on a portion of the
ECA area (the border, a polygon point or a portion of the shaded area) and select the
menu option, “Convert to NoGo-Area”.

4. Load Lines.
An option to enable Load Line display is found in the Data Display tab.
Winter, Summer and Tropical load zones appear in their appropriate seasonal
periods.
Similar to the characteristics of the ECA areas, Load zones are not considered NoGo
areas. If you wish to convert a seasonal Load Zone into a NoGo area, right-click on a
portion of the area (the border, a polygon point or a portion of the shaded area) and
select the menu option, “Convert to NoGo-Area”.

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6.7.2 NoGo Area Display
Although the creation and editing of NoGo areas are discussed here, a description of
the Data Display controls (including toggling on/off NoGo areas) is further discussed
in the Data Display section: Chapter 13.

6.7.3 Creating and Editing NoGo Areas on the Chart

Creating a NoGo area on the chart
1. Right-click on the chart location where you wish to place the NoGo area.
2. This option appears towards the bottom of the pop up menu:

3. Select New NoGo Area. A triangular polygon will appear at the original cursor
right-click location. You can edit it, adjusting size, shape, and position.

Editing a NoGo area

Left-click a NoGo area to select it and make it active for editing. (Clicking outside the
NoGo area exits editing mode.)
Each vertex (point) of the triangle will now have a small circle on it. You can left-
click on a vertex, hold the left button down, and drag the mouse to move the point.
If you right-click on a vertex, this top portion of the popup menu appears to assist you
in the editing of the NoGo area:

 The New NoGo Point menu selection adds another vertex to the polygon area.
 When the cursor is on a vertex, right-clicking and selecting “Delete NoGo Point”
removes that vertex.
 Select NoGo-Area Properties to enter a label for the area and to input start and
end dates in the ‘Active Time’ section. The default start date is 01 January, and
the default end date is 31 December, making the NoGo area available throughout
the year.

51
52 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo
Deleting a NoGo area on the chart
1. Left-click on a NoGo border to make it active for editing.
2. With the cursor over the area, right-click to open the pop-up menu.
3. Select the option, Delete NoGo-Area and the area will be removed.

User-defined NoGo areas will be retained in a NaviPlanner BVS NoGo file until you
delete them from the chart display. Even when NaviPlanner BVS is shut down, these
NoGo areas will be available for display when NaviPlanner BVS is restarted.

Right-clicking on an ECA Zone

When the ECA Zone display is enabled (using Left Panel Data Display tab), you can
convert a specific ECA Zone into a NoGo area by right-clicking the area and selecting
the option: ‘Convert to NoGo Area’. An example is shown below:

53
6.8 Warnings and Alarms on the Chart
NaviPlanner BVS provides certain special messages on the chart. Some are general
advisory messages and some are alarms indicating that user-defined hazard
restrictions have been exceeded.
1. Undefined resonance settings warning –

This message (or one with similar wording) appears in red text in the upper left of
the chart if you have not defined resonance settings. The track name also appears. If
this alert is displayed, you need to enter those settings using the Left Panel Snapshot
tab which handles resonance. For information, see Chapter 27.2, BonVoyage Pre-
Voyage Actions, and Chapter 29, Resonance.
2. If you see colored disks along a voyage track, they are advising that potential roll
risk hazards or that weather restrictions have been exceeded. Right-click on an alarm
and then hover over the alarm symbol in the pop up menu to view a description of
that alarm. For more information, see Section 19.1.3, Track Weather and Alarms.

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6.9 Time Step and Animation Controls
The Time Step Controls are found on the far right side of the Weather Bar. These
control the movement of weather information and vessel position on the chart. The
Animation Control Bar Toggle button opens the animation control button.

The Time Step controls are, from left to right:

Go to beginning of Set route position to the departure point.

route If no route exists, beginning of weather
time series is used.
Previous time-step Set route position to the previous
NaviPlanner BVS-calculated point using
the ‘Forecast Time Step Setting’ interval
(see last section in this table)
Go to current time Go to the position for the current time

Next time-step Set route position to the next NaviPlanner

BVS-calculated point.

Go to end of route Set route position to the end. If no route is

selected, end of weather time series is
used.
Animation Control Clicking this toggles on or off the display
button of the Animation Control dialog to enable
animated viewing of voyage and weather
details
Forecast Time Step This pull down menu allows user to
Setting configure the time-step increments for
both Animation and Time Step controls:
Auto (a combination of 3, 6, and 12 hrs.)
6-hour
12-hour

55
 Animation Control Bar
These controls provide options to play, pause, loop the animation and control its
frame display speed.

The controls are:

Play Backward
Pause (Stops vessel at the currently displayed position)
Play Forward
Speed Control (This slider speeds up/ slows down the ‘pause time’ between time
steps.
Loop on/off (The looping feature will replay the animation from departure point
to voyage destination. If no track is selected, the current forecast will be repeated
from TAU zero to the last forecast time step (or TAU).
To close this control panel, click the Animation Control button a second time.

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7 Chart and Track Right-Click Menus
The mouse button actions follow the standard conventions of window applications:
Left-clicking the mouse will select items or drag the specified item (examples:
waypoint, chart image, etc.)
A right mouse click displays menus that are customized to display
commands/options relevant for that item or region. Simply stated, NaviPlanner BVS
provides context-sensitive popup menus.
This section identifies right-click menus for specific items:
 Chart
 Waypoints on Tracks
 Alarms at waypoints
NoGo area right-click behavior is described in Section 6.7, NoGo Areas/ Restricted
Sailing Zones.

7.1 Chart
Right-click menu items are shown below:

Options may be added to or suppressed from the menu depending on the item
selected. For example, if you click on a tropical storm track, NaviPlanner BVS adds
the menu item View Tropical Storm Report at the bottom of the menu dialog. The
View Ice Report appears in a similar manner when right-clicking the pack ice or
iceberg areas of the chart.
Insert Waypoint
A waypoint is added at the location of the mouse cursor.
Note: This option will not appear unless a voyage track has first been created and has
been selected using a left mouse click.

57
 Insert Reported point
A noon position or reported point is placed at the mouse location.
Note: This option will not appear unless a voyage track has been created, has first
been selected on the chart (using a left mouse click).
Insert Via
Inserts a via at the cursor location.
New Track
Creates a new track file. The initial dialog requires that a track name be entered and
saved.
Clone Track
Generates a track similar to the one you have selected, with options to maintain or
exclude various waypoints and to generate a ‘reverse waypoints’ track for a return
voyage.
Optimize
The Optimize submenu contains the following items:
Least Time
Generates an optimized route with best ETA option.
Least Cost / Fuel
Considers fuel cost (or fuel consumption when cost is not defined) to create
an optimized route.
Least Cost / Fuel Fixed Arrival
A required arrival time is considered as NaviPlanner BVS considers fuel cost
(or fuel consumption when cost is not defined) to create an optimized route.
Zoom Last
Reverts the chart to previous zoom state.
Center Ship
Maintains current zoom state and centers the ship icon on the chart.
Zoom to Weather Data
Adjusts chart to display full weather display region.
Set Stationary Point
Creates a stationary point of focus on the chart. When using the Time Step Controls,
the data in the Weather Bar corresponds to the stationary point’s chart position,
similar to the display of data for the ship’s position along a voyage track.
Generate Spot Forecast
Creates a stationary forecast point on the chart. When using the Time Step Controls,
the data in the Weather Bar corresponds to the stationary point’s chart position.
New NoGo-Area
Creates a new NoGo polygon on the chart. User may thereafter add vertices and
adjust the polygon to create specific optimization avoidance area.
View Port Vicinity Forecast
If you have downloaded a port forecast, you can right-click the mouse on the chart
and the nearest port vicinity forecast will be displayed when this is selected.

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7.2 Waypoint on the Voyage Track
Some menu items shown below have descriptions written in the previous section (7.1,
Chart).
Items described in this section are identified using (4) gray brackets below:

Delete Point
Removes the selected waypoint from the track.
Navigate
The ‘Navigate (from)’ option toggles between Great Circle and Rhumb Line with a
single mouse click. Navigation type for each waypoint is set ‘from the selected
waypoint to the next waypoint’.

59
 Position
This menu item has two unique options, depending on whether you are at a
Departure/Arrival point, or at a waypoint along the track. At DEP/ARR points, you
can select a specific port or pilot location. For waypoints, there is an option to select a
common navigation point, such as a cape, strait or passage:
Functionality of the Position Field at a Departure or Arrival Point
Note: Click on the FIRST character of the Lat/Long field. You may either enter
the numerical position or the port name into this field.
Click on the first character in the LAT/LONG field and the Position dialog
appears.

If you wish to enter a specific port name, select the checkbox, “Enter Port Name”. As
you begin to type the name, the port list below will be filtered to show a list of
corresponding possibilities. If you see the desired port name in the list, double-click
it. This will actually select the pilot drop point (shown in the right half of the dialog).
If you wish your departure point to reflect the actual port, single click the port name
on the left, then click the button in the lower right, “Use Actual Port Point”.

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 Functionality of the Position Field at a Waypoint
When left-clicking the waypoint “Position” field, the Navpoint dialog appears.
You can either enter the specific lat/long details or a Navpoint name into the
position field.
If entering the numerical coordinates, you have the option of entering either:
Decimal Degrees or
Degrees/Minutes

Please see section 14.1.1, Table Columns, for more details.

The usage of the Navpoint option allows the selection of a specific cape, strait or
passage point:

Click the checkbox, “Enter NavPoint Name”. As you begin typing the navigation
point name, the dialog below filters the list of options to allow you to select the
appropriate name of your passage point:

Clicking the desired item from the list and the position field is populated with that
Nav Point. Click OK to accept the location and close the dialog. Alternatively, you
can double-click the Nav Point to choose the location and close the dialog:

61
 Time Field
Type in desired details to set a fixed arrival time for the corresponding waypoint.
If you left-click a specific character in the Time field, you can change the value of that
character.
NOTE: Although NaviPlanner BVS allows for fixed time entry in a waypoint TIME
field, it is recommended that waypoints are maintained with NaviPlanner BVS-
computed times. If you require to enter a fixed time for a specific point (apart from a
TRACK or VIA ARRIVAL point), you should use the “REPORTED POINT” entry
option.
Clear Time Menu Option
When right clicking a waypoint that has a fixed time, this option will clear the date
and time that was previously entered, and use the NaviPlanner BVS-calculated time
for that point.
Speed Field
Enter a user-defined speed setting. NaviPlanner BVS persists speed settings from
reported points and from points where a specific speed has been entered by the user.
This means that future DR points will reflect your latest speed entered on the track,
or the latest calculated speed based on a FIXED time that has been entered.
If you left-click a specific character in the Speed field, you can change the value of
that character.
Also, upon left-clicking the Speed field, a pop-up dialog for speed adjustment
appears:

Choose the desired speed or power display option by selecting the appropriate
checkbox. “SC”, or calm sea speed is the default.

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Clear Speed/Stop Menu Option
When right clicking a waypoint that has a previously entered speed, selecting this
option will clear previous user-defined speed setting and use a NaviPlanner BVS-
calculated speed.
Note: User-defined speed and time details are shown in BOLD text. NaviPlanner
BVS-calculated data appears in standard (non-bold) text.
Delete Track
Removes the selected track from the NaviPlanner BVS chart and from the computer
hard drive (c:\bvs8\data\track is the default location).
Save Track
Saves the selected track to the NaviPlanner BVS data\track folder.
Close Track
Removes the selected track from view, but maintains it in the data\track folder.
You will be prompted to save the track if changes have been made and you have not
previously saved the updated track file.
EMail Track
If your “NaviPlanner BVS email setting” is set to MAPI (automatic) in the menu
option SETUP | DATA/COMMUNICATIONS, this right-click menu function will
generate an outgoing message to [email protected] with the selected track
file being added as an attachment. If your email setting is set to MANUAL, you’ll see
a helpful dialog which will provide steps in locating the appropriate file and sending it
to the above location.
Make Track Active
The active track is usually the Master’s intended sailing track. The active track is also
the file that should be sent to AWT (see previous paragraph).
Optimize
The Optimize submenu contains these additional items when right-clicking a
waypoint:
Set Begin Point
Optimization will use this location as the starting point
Set End Point
This point will become the optimization end point.
Zoom Track
After you’ve selected a specific track, this option adjusts the chart view to display the
full track.

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7.3 Track Alarms
Alarms appear at computed points along the voyage track when encountering one of
the following conditions: a NoGo area, User-Defined Weather Restriction, Potential
Roll Resonance Risk, etc. If you right-click on an alarm icon, the popup menu
appears with a disks or alarms at the top of the menu.
Hover the cursor over any alarm icon to see a tool-tip message. This message gives
the specific alarm details, as in the example below.

An ORANGE alarm disk indicates multiple alarms at a specific point. A description of

each of these ‘multiple alarms’ would be accessible from this same right-click popup
menu.
Resonance alarms should be of particular concern.
For more information on resonance, see Section 29.1.1, Resonance Warnings Along
the Voyage Track.

7.4 Computed Point on the Voyage Track

Computed points along the track show wind and swell information. The menu items
available are similar to those shown when right-clicking a waypoint. Items omitted
from the popup menu are those which are specific to waypoint
adding/editing/deleting.
Here is an example of data displayed at a computed point.

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8 Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find a description of controls, messages, alarms, or symbols
on the chart?
1. Tool Tips. Many screen objects have a tool tip/ description that appears when
you hover the cursor over them. This feature provide key words to describe a specific
item. Those key words might also be used to search for further details in the
NaviPlanner BVS User Manual.
2. Major screen elements are described in each associated chapter.
There are several major screen elements, for example, Chart area, Menus, Tracks.
and Weather Data. After identifying the element you wish to learn more about, you
may search for the chapter that describes the specific item.
You can find major chart elements here: Section 4.1, Master Diagram of Chart
Window.
3. Control options are found on:
 Menu Bar
 Weather Bar
 Time Step Controls
 Left Panel tabs
 Bottom Panel tabs
 Right-click menus
There is a section in the manual for each of these areas.
4. Messages, Symbols, Alarms
 For information about Chart Symbols, see Chapter 9.
 Weather symbols are identified in Section 26.1.
 For text alerts, also see Section 6.8, Warnings and Alarms on the Chart.
 Track symbols: symbols on a track are identified here: Section 19.1.2
 Alarms: alarms on tracks are identified by right-clicking on the colored disk and
then hovering the cursor over the alarm symbol to get a pop-up description.
Resonance alarms relate to the risk of Roll Resonance conditions reaching or
exceeding the thresholds you set in the upper area of the Left Panel’s Snapshot
tab.
5. Colors and legends
How do you identify the intensity of specific filled contours on the chart?
When a Weather Data product is enabled (along the Weather Bar), a small color
legend for that product appears in the lower right corner of the chart to assist you in
identifying speed, height, temperature, etc. measurements for each specific weather
parameter.
NoGo areas are color-coded by specific type as described in Chapter 9.

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 What if I right-click on the chart and don’t see an item I need in the
popup menu?
The popup menu is interactive and changes according to the item on which the mouse
cursor is focused. For example, a different menu appears when clicking a voyage
Track versus clicking on the Chart. Make sure you have selected the appropriate
chart element with the left mouse button, which sets the focus for activity, before
using the right-click menu function.

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9 Reference Information

9.1 Chart Symbols

There are several kinds of symbols on the chart:
 symbols directly related to the chart itself
 track symbols, which include position and alarms
 weather data symbols
 hazards
 NoGo areas

Chart-specific symbols include the gridlines for Latitude and Longitude and the
Lat/Long markers.
Track symbols are identified in the Track reference chapter; see Section 19.1.2,
Track Point Symbols.
For weather data symbols, see Section 26.1.
Resonance Warning circles are colored circles shown along the voyage track on the
chart when the wave height is in excess of the threshold.

NoGo areas are color-coded:

Universal NoGo areas appear in red on the chart.

User-defined NoGo areas appear in blue on the chart.

ECA Zones appear in green on the chart.

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9.2 General Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts to give quick access to some of the program functions:

Key Description
combination
B key Optimization use: Sets the BEGIN point to the currently
selected waypoint when hovering the cursor over the
desired waypoint, then clicking the B key.
Ctrl + S Opens Left Panel Snapshot tab Resonance control and
display panel
Ctrl + C Copy NaviPlanner BVS Chart to Windows Clipboard
Ctrl + D Opens Voyage Details tab on Bottom Panel
Ctrl + G Opens Graph tab on Bottom Panel with Active track
Ctrl + H Opens Bottom Panel, displaying the last-viewed tab.
Ctrl + I Opens Left Panel Route Input Table.
Ctrl + K Opens Bottom Panel Track List. Used to compare details
of all open tracks.
Ctrl + P Print NaviPlanner BVS Chart
Ctrl + Z Undo last item. Continued use of this function removes
each previous action (example: waypoint edit, etc.)
Delete key Deletes the currently selected waypoint. Does not delete
start or end points. You must first click on the track to
select, then hover the mouse over the specific point. Tap
the delete key to remove from the track.
E key Optimization use: Sets the END point to the currently
selected waypoint when hovering the cursor over the
desired waypoint, then clicking the E key.
Insert key If a track is currently selected, inserts a new waypoint at
the current mouse cursor position
Up Arrow Zooms In (if the chart is active, that is, if you have left-
clicked on the chart)
Down Arrow Zooms Out (if the chart is active, that is, if you have left-
clicked on the chart)
Left Arrow Moves back in forecast time-step. This is the same
function as that of the Time Step Controls’ left triangle
icon.
Right Arrow Moves forward in forecast time-step. This is the same
function as that of the Time Step Controls’ right triangle
icon.
Ctrl + T Optimize for Least Time
Ctrl + F Optimize for Least Fuel Cost or Consumption
Ctrl + L Optimize for Least Fuel Cost/Consumption with a Fixed
Arrival Time

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9.3 Piracy Symbols on the Chart
The following chart symbols indicate piracy conditions. Display of piracy symbols is
toggled on and off by a control on the Left Panel Data Display tab.

Symbol Meaning

Pirate attack

Pirate boarded

Pirate attempt

Pirate suspicious

Pirate mother ship

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10 Introduction to the Left Panel
The Left Panel provides quick access to these tabs, which cover the indicated
functions:
Snapshot tab:
 Resonance hazard analysis and management. Provides a means for seeing
data for positions on the track
Tools tab:
 Used to set thresholds (for alarms) and constraints for parameters along a
path to guide optimization
 Set voyage start and end points, and optimization type
Data Display tab:
 Set Data Display controls for the chart
Route Input tab:
 Track details are provided in a table format for viewing and editing

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11 Snapshot Tab (Resonance Settings and Graph)
The Track Snapshot provides a graphic display of the ship’s heading, as well as
Wind, Significant Waves, Swell and Surface Currents at the selected route point.
This tab also includes a display of Roll Resonance likelihood. Extensive
instructions regarding this feature are in Chapter 29, Resonance.
To access this feature, from the Menu bar select View | Snapshot; or open the
vertical panel and click the leftmost tab, “Snapshot” to view snapshot details.
Each weather parameter is displayed “inward” from the outer area of the graph,
with the exception of Wind. The wind barb, although pointing ‘inward’ is
connected to the center of the graph. The various graph features are explained
below:

Vessel Heading—(yellow vector) changes in length according to vessel’s

speed/power which user has specified in the selected voyage track. This speed
setting can be modified using the Route Input table.
Wind— (black barb) northerly wind shows towards center
Wind Sea— (pink arrow) from North, showing 20°
Swell Wave— (green arrow) from Southeast & showing 148°
Current—(brown arrow) heading to 280°. Note that the arrow placement is
consistent with other arrows, but the numerical values are for the surface
current’s heading from ship center, as opposed to direction towards ship center.
Significant Wave—(red numerical value) always shown in the upper right corner
for your reference.

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 The two main column groups are for seas and swell, respectively. Data provided
in the table depicts Height (meters), Direction (degrees), Period (seconds), Wave
Length (meters) and Encounter Period (seconds).
The blue background column displays the NaviPlanner BVS-generated values for
the vessel’s position. The white cells allow for user input/modification which in
turn affects Roll Resonance display on both the graph and along the voyage track.
Data for Surface Currents are shown in the row below (identified with the brown
box in the previous image).
Additional instructions regarding Roll Resonance alerts are in Chapter 29,
Resonance.

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12 Tools Tab (Thresholds, Constraints,
Optimization)
This tab provides controls for setting:
 Thresholds and constraints for weather parameters along a voyage track
when optimizing
 Buttons for track optimization start and end point selection, and radio
buttons for defining optimization type

Thresholds/Constraints Button
The “Wx Thresholds” button opens a dialog with two display tabs:

 Thresholds/Constraints
 Fuel Cost Thresholds—it is important to input fuel costs because optimization
uses this cost information to help determine the most favorable sailing option.

Set Begin Pt Button

The “Set Begin Pt” button sets the currently selected waypoint as the
“Optimization starting point”. As an alternative, you can right-click a specific
waypoint, then select Optimize, Set Begin Point.

Set End Pt Button

The “Set End Pt” button sets the currently selected waypoint as the
“Optimization end point”. As an alternative, you can right-click a specific
waypoint, then select Optimize, Set End Point.

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 Least Time - Fuel Variable Speed Options
To help you define the differences in Least Time and Least Fuel optimizations,
please note this description: If selecting Least Fuel, NaviPlanner BVS will
minimize passage through an ECA zone to lower cost/usage of Low Sulphur fuels.
On the other hand, a Least Time Optimized route will generate the shortest track
and may increase sailing time within the ECA zone as a result.
These three buttons are radio buttons; one selection of the three can be made.
This setting defines the type of optimization used by NaviPlanner BVS to
generate an optimized track.
Least Time—Generates an optimized route with best ETA option.
Least Cost / Fuel—Considers least fuel cost or fuel consumption to create an
optimized route.
Least Cost / Fuel Fixed Arrival—A required arrival time is considered as
NaviPlanner BVS minimizes fuel cost or fuel consumption to create an optimized
route.,

12.1 Thresholds/Constraints Tab

The Threshold/Constraints button opens the dialog below:

The Thresholds/Constraints tab is displayed by default and provides two columns

for ‘alert’ symbol display along the voyage track and for NaviPlanner BVS
‘optimization’ control options, respectively:

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 The Alert Thresholds section on the left allow you to enter user-defined limits
which apply to both port and starboard sides of the vessel. If those limits are
exceeded, you will find alarms, or alert disks along computed point on the voyage
track indicating that weather encountered at that specific point has surpassed
your previously defined restriction.
You can set thresholds for Head, Forward Quartering, Beam, Rear Quartering,
and Following conditions.
The Wx Optimization area on the right defines the maximum allowed
conditions to be used by the NaviPlanner BVS Optimization process in the
creation of an optimized voyage track.
You can set thresholds for Head, Forward Quartering, Beam, Rear Quartering,
and Following conditions. These user-defined limits will apply to both starboard
and port sides of the vessel.
You can copy values from one section to the other using the Copy buttons. The
Clear buttons clear all entries for the corresponding section above that specific
“clear …” button.

12.2 Fuel Cost Thresholds Tab

Enter the price per metric ton for each fuel type:
FO (HFO/IFO): Fuel Oils (High or Intermediate)
MDO: Marine Diesel Oil
LSFO: Low Sulphur Fuel Oil
LSMDO: Low Sulphur Marine Diesel Oil
Optimizing for FUEL will take into consideration the fuel costs as defined in
these various fields. As mentioned earlier, it is important to input fuel costs
because optimization uses this cost information to help determine the most
favorable sailing option.
Note: The negative impact (ie: cost) of low sulfur fuel use in ECA zones is taken
into account in the creation of “Least Cost/Fuel” optimized routes. When the
Least Cost/Fuel optimization types are used, NaviPlanner BVS will minimize
passage into or through ECA zones.
Here is an example of fuel prices entered into the Costs fields:

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13 Data Display Tab (Data Display Controls)
This Left Panel tab allows you to control whether items in major categories are
shown on the chart display, and also allows adjusting display sizes for data.

The three main control sections are:

 Geographical selections
 Weather display features and controls (to access items not found on the
main chart’s weather toolbar)
 Track and chart display items

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Geographical
Place a check in the corresponding item to view it on the chart. If you wish to
view updated piracy reports, you need to ensure that you have configured
PIRACY REPORTS as a data delivery option in the ITEM SELECT option of the
DATA REQUEST dialog.
Universal NoGo areas appear on the chart as semi-transparent red polygons
User-defined NoGo areas appear as purple polygons.
ECA Zones are green.
See Section 9.1, Chart Symbols for examples of the polygons mentioned above.
Weather
Each of the three buttons in this section opens a corresponding dialog to display
the associated weather item and various display controls for each.

Port Vicinity Forecasts: For more information, see Section 23.2.5, Port Forecasts
Bulletins: Section 23.2.8, Bulletins
Imagery: For a description of the satellite image, see Section 23.2.6, Satellite
Image Display
The Low Track checkbox toggles on and off the display of low-pressure system
storm track ‘movement arrows’. The accompanying slider adjusts the display
length in 6-hour increments.

The Zoom to Weather checkbox, when checked, will revert the NaviPlanner BVS
chart back to full weather area display after each weather file is processed. If
unchecked, NaviPlanner BVS will maintain the zoom state which is currently set
by the user:

Track
Use each of these sliders to adjust ship symbol, track points & symbols as well as
ship distance radii and chart grid lines.

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14 Route Input Tab (Track Table)
This tab allows editing of the Track Table. It complements the graphic editing of
the track on the NaviPlanner BVS chart. An alternative to using the mouse click,
drag and edit functions as the primary track creation function, the track table
allows you to input details into the table using the keyboard for principal data
entry.

The icons found at the top of the input table are:

Insert VIA: an intermediate port or stopping point.

Insert Waypoint

Insert Reported Point: a daily position report should be

entered using this icon

Delete Point: Delete a currently selected waypoint or

reported point

Navigate Great Circle: Navigate great circle from a

currently selected point to the next point

Navigate Rhumb Line: Navigate rhumb line from a

currently selected point to the next point

Optimize Track: optimizes the voyage track using

predefined optimization type. Optimization Type can be
configured in the TOOLS tab.
Import CSV File: Import track position information from
a .CSV (comma separated values) spreadsheet file

Print track information, including column headers, to

local printer. This opens the Windows print dialog and

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 the appropriate printer can be selected.

14.1 Track Table and Table Editing

To select a point without entering EDIT MODE, click on the ‘route point icon’ in
the left most column of the route input table .
Waypoint data can be edited numerically in this table. There are five columns as
described below. Each individual field (or cell) in the columns of the track input
table can be modified.

14.1.1 Table Columns

The columns provide the following types of information:
Waypoint type
burgundy sunburst is the departure/starting point
blue star – reported point
pentagon – waypoint
red square – nav point (strait/passage)
rounded burgundy square – via arrival point
green sunburst – via departure point
blue rounded square – arrival/ end point
Position
Navigational position in either Lat/Long form or named location (NavPoint).
Click on the first character in the position field and begin typing:

Example: The “4” is highlighted an available for editing. The cursor will
move along to the next character as you type. Use the Space Bar to pass over
the degrees and minutes symbols.
Although numerical positions are always translated into degrees/minutes,
they can also be input degrees/decimal degrees:
Example:
48 49 N 002 22 W = 48°49’ N 002°22’W
48.82 N 002.36 W = 48°49’ N 002°22’W
Spaces were used in the first example: 48(space) 49(space) N, etc. when
entered into the position field.
To enter NavPoint, left-click once in the field. The NavPoint dialog will
appear. Its use is the same as described in Section 7.2, Waypoint on the
Voyage Track.
Nav

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 Rhumb line (RL) or great circle (GC).
To set the value, click on this field and choose GC or RL from the popup
window. To close the pop-up, click on tab outside the table.

Speed

Calm sea speed, entered in knots, with an option to enter alternative speed
and power settings.
To set the value, click on the first digit and enter the desired Calm Sea Speed,
or use the pop-up dialog to select corresponding performance option. Its use
is the same as described in Section 7.2, Waypoint on the Voyage Track.

Time

The order of input is: year, month, day, hour.

To set the date, click one of the characters in the date field, then select
the specific date from the calendar and click OK.
To set time. click on the portion of the Time field you wish to change and
modify the text. Hit the enter key when you are finished.

Example: The “1” is highlighted an available for editing, or you can select
the date in the calendar and edit time. The cursor will move along to the
next character as you type. The slash and colon are ignored/bypassed.

NOTE: If a fixed time is entered at any of the waypoints, BonVoyage will

generate an appropriate performance value from the previous waypoint
to ensure the required arrival time can be appropriately met. The time
field becomes BOLD. Future waypoints will also be set with the same
speed as the previous point. They can be easily edited, as required.

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81
15 Introduction to the Bottom Panel

The Bottom Panel (also known as the Horizontal Panel) contains tables and
graphic displays, providing several tools for review of sailing options and overall
route performance.
The Bottom Panel has these three main tabs:
 Track List – displays all open tracks. The selected track is highlighted in
purple in the table. The selected voyage track is also identified on the chart
with a bolder line and a red vessel icon.
 Voyage Details - shows vessel speed down effects of weather and current, as
well as various performance and encountering weather details for computed
points along the voyage track.
 Graph – shows similar details in line graph format.

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16 Track List Tab
This tab is accessed to review and compare multiple sailing options, along with
ETA, total distance and time, calculated fuel consumption and weather speed
down information, etc.
It also provides several track control and editing features, which are explained in
section 16.1 below.

16.1 Buttons
Actions Button
The Actions pull down menu has a list of track options as shown here:
New Track Creates a new voyage track in the center of the
NaviPlanner BVS chart
Open Track Opens Windows browser with the option to select
and open a previously saved voyage track from the
NaviPlanner BVS track folder. Default location
is: C:\BVS8\data\track.
Open Template Opens Windows browser with the option to select
and open a previously saved track template from the
template folder. Default location is:
C:\BVS8\data\template.
Save Track As Opens Windows browser with the option to save the
selected voyage track with a new name to the track
folder. Default location: C:\BVS8\data\track.
Rename Track Opens a pop-up box, allowing you to rename the
currently selected track. Modify the name and click
OK. Otherwise, click cancel to keep the original
track name.
Email Track This feature allows you to email the currently
selected voyage track to
[email protected] or to the email
recipient of your choice.
Set active track Set the selected (or highlighted) track as Active
Print the track list Print the track list, including column headers, to
local printer. This opens the Windows print dialog
and the appropriate printer can be selected.

Clone Button
This button is used to clone a selected track. NaviPlanner NaviPlanner BVS
performs the operations you check.

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 Save Button
Saves to a file the track that is currently selected in the track table.

Close Button
Closes the track that was currently selected on the chart (and is selected in the
track table) and removes it from the table. You can load a track using the File
menu Open sub item.

Delete Button
Deletes the currently selected track.

16.2 Track List Table

The track list is shown below.

The track list columns contain a header row which displays the title of each
column. Hover your mouse over the title to view additional column details. The
appearance of a track on the chart can be suppressed by clicking the Show/Hide
icon in the leftmost column.

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17 Voyage Details Tab
This tab provides detailed information about vessel operating conditions at
various intervals along the selected track. The function of each icon is described
in the tooltip that appears when you hover the cursor over the specific icon. These
controls are used to display or suppress additional information in the table and to
export or print the table data.

The display control items found on the Voyage Details icon bar are:
Show/Hide the 12Z Computed Points
Show/Hide the 00Z Computed Points
Show/Hide the 06Z and 18Z Computed Points
Show/Hide Waypoints
Show/Hide Reported Positions
Less Vessel Details
More Vessel Details
Less Weather Details
More Weather Details
Less Propeller/Engine Details
More Propeller/Engine Details
Copy as CSV
Save as CSV
Print

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18 Graph Tab
This tab provides a graphical representation of data at computed points along the
specified track(s). The three areas in the tab, from left to right, are:
 Item selection
 graphical data display area
 track selection controls, for data comparison

18.1 Graph Tab Left Panel Display Settings

The five tabs at the left provide access to specific data groups to assist the user in
defining each display item. The icon symbols and the tool tips that appear when
hovering over each icon provide helpful descriptions.

18.1.1 Presets
The first tab contains preset groups of data for display on the graph. The
additional tabs contain items which are more specific to their categories:
Wave, Wind/Current, Engine Performance & Propeller/Hull:

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18.1.2 View Waves
The second tab allows you to select waves, swell, or sea height or period. When an
item is toggled ON, it will appear as a graph line.

18.1.3 View Wind/Current

The third tab allows you to select current and/or wind speed.

18.1.4 View Performance/Engine

The fourth tab allows you to control display of performance and engine data
along the graph.

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18.1.5 View Propeller/Hull
The final tab controls the propeller data display.

In addition to the graph lines, further information is given in the upper panel
area. The ship icon depicts vessel heading. Directional wind, wave, swell and
surface current vectors are shown at each computed point as well. See above
section 11, Snapshot Tab (Resonance Settings and Graph), as well as section 29.2
below for additional information.

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18.2 Line Graph Display Area
This illustration shows a typical sample display.

The line graph shows corresponding data for the selected track(s).
The Graph snapshot area above the table provides a graphic display of the Wind,
Waves, Surface Currents and Swell at computed points along the track—the
default is 00Z and 12Z. With the exception of Wind, the direction of each
weather parameter is displayed “outward” from the center of the ship symbol.
The following table lists the symbols shown in the graph:

18.3 Track Comparison Controls

To the far right is the track comparison control section, which shows the names
of all loaded tracks. Selected tracks will appear ‘stacked’ in the graph panel for
track comparison purposes. Vessel icons above the graph appear only when one
track is selected—they are suppressed when more than one track is viewed.

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19 Introduction to Voyage Tracks in NaviPlanner BVS
Track Terminology
A route is the pathway from a geographical starting point to an end point.
A track is a collection of waypoints for a route, along with a time reference (ie: a
specific date and time of departure assigned to the starting point). Between the start
point and end point, there can be various intermediate points. You set the departure
and arrival point, along with desired intermediate waypoints. Alternatively, after
setting the departure and arrival points, you can have NaviPlanner BVS optimize the
track and it will choose intermediate waypoints based on the most favorable weather
conditions and best ETA, or least fuel cost or fuel consumption, based on user defined
sailing requirements. NaviPlanner BVS will also display 6-hourly computed points
along your track with corresponding weather conditions which are forecast.
Weather conditions at each waypoint are displayed along the track, in the voyage
details panel, and at the top of the chart in the weather bar when the user clicks on
the TIME STEP buttons (in the upper right of the chart).
NaviPlanner BVS users can manipulate tracks either using the mouse, or by entering
precise numeric data into the Track Table. Track images can be printed, and track
data also can be printed out in table form.
NaviPlanner BVS has specific names for each track type. The following key terms are
used throughout this manual:
 Active Track
 Alternate Track
 Optimized Track
 Template, or Track Template
An Active Track is the track that is currently assigned with the “active track” status
in the NaviPlanner BVS program. You make a track the Active Track by right-clicking
on it and selecting "Make Track Active" from the pop-up menu. (See: Setting the
Active Track.) NaviPlanner BVS assumes that the ‘active track’ is the master’s
intended sailing track.
Default Location: C:\BVS8\data\track\
File Suffix Name: *.bvs
An alternate track is any track that is not the Active track. You can have any
number of alternative tracks.
Default Location: C:\BVS8\data\track
File Suffix Name: *.bvs
An optimized track is an alternative sailing option, created by NaviPlanner BVS.
This occurs when the user selects a specific track, then clicks the “Optimize Track”
option. A new track is created, with the original begin and end points, but with new
navigation points between the ‘optimization begin and end point’ to assist in earliest
arrival or with least fuel cost or least fuel consumption, depending on the user’s
arrival requirements.
Default Location: C:\BVS8\data\track

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 File Names:
When optimized for time: *opt.bvs
When optimized for fuel: *opf.bvs
When optimized for fuel with a fixed arrival time: *opa.bvs
A track template contains departure, arrival and other saved waypoints along the
voyage track but does not yet contain details regarding ETD, Sailing Speed or
required Arrival Time.
Default Location: C:\BVS8\data\ template
Templates are saved as *.XML files
The track template simplifies the creation of a track for voyages along a trade route
or for similar runs which have common sailing points. After you have created a track
template, it can be easily accessed to assist in the creation of a similar track.
To generate a track file from a template, open the appropriate template, enter the
departure time and speed, and then save the track, It will now be stored in the
following (default) folder: C:\BVS8\data\track\. Thereafter, you may optimize and
adjust the track points as needed, after reviewing up-to-date forecast information.

19.1 Track Displays

19.1.1 Waypoints and Computed Points

In NaviPlanner BVS, a route is displayed as a series of user-defined waypoints. The
route also includes computed points which are displayed at 6-hour intervals. This
information can be viewed as either:
1) A track line plotted on the NaviPlanner BVS chart, or
2) As numeric position data / text format in a table within the Route Input tab (Left
Panel, for track editing) or in the Voyage Details tab (Bottom Panel, for display of
vessel performance).
Each position type has its own corresponding symbol. Along with the position icons,
additional information is shown at the computed track points using various symbols.

19.1.2 Track Point Symbols

The following symbols indicate the various position types on a NaviPlanner BVS
track:
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Nav Point (designated straits
Departure Point
and passages)

Arrival Point Reported Point

Waypoint (Rhumbline) 00Z Computed Point

Waypoint (Great Circle) 06Z Computed Point

Via Arrival Point 12Z Computed Point

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 Via Departure Point 18Z Computed Point

19.1.3 Track Weather and Alarms

Certain weather symbols and alarms appear on the track. Alarms appear when a
condition exceeds a predefined threshold for each specific computed point.
Here are examples of a tracks with weather and alarm symbols being displayed:

You can set alarm condition parameters at any time using the Left Panel’s Tools tab,
by clicking the Thresholds/Constraints button there and using the dialog that
appears. See: Chapter 12, Tools Tab (Thresholds, Constraints, Optimization).
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Resonance Alarm:
Standard wind barb
Synchronous Roll Risk

Wind Barb Alert: Wind speed Resonance Alarm:

has surpassed user-defined limit Parametric Roll Risk
Resonance Alarm:
Standard swell arrow
Risk of High Wave Groups
Resonance Alarm:
Swell Alert: Swell height has
surpassed user-defined limit Surf Riding/ Broaching
Risk
Multiple Alarms at specific
Wave Alert: Wave height has
point—right-click to view
surpassed user-defined limit
details

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19.2 Controlling the Track Display Characteristics
Display characteristics, such as symbol sizes, can be modified using the track controls
in the Left Panel’s Data Display tab. Each slider controls the size or visibility of the
track or chart characteristic:

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20 Track Creation and Editing
This section explains common track functions.

20.1 Basic Track Operations

20.1.1 Creating a Track

There are several ways to create a track.
1) Using the NaviPlanner BVS menu
a. First, set the chart display to the required ocean region.
b. From the Menu bar, select File | New.
c. This dialog appears:

The default track name is today’s date. Type desired name for the track and click OK.
Be sure to enter SC (calm sea speed), ETD and Draft details in the departure point
that has been created on the chart. NaviPlanner BVS also creates an arrival waypoint.
The departure point is identified with an orange starburst. The arrival point is a blue
square.
The departure and arrival points can be edited in one of two ways:
i.On-Chart: Drag each point to the desired position or right-click on the route
point and manually edit the LAT/LONG or port name and other details in the
popup menu as necessary.
ii.Track Input Table: Open the Left Panel’s Route Input tab. Edit the
departure and arrival position details. Click the Insert Waypoint icon to
add additional waypoints as necessary. Waypoints can be easily transferred
to NaviPlanner BVS while reviewing a sailing plan or spreadsheet, etc. using
the route input table. See Chapter 14, Route Input Tab (Track Table).
2) Create on chart
a. Set the chart display to the required region.
b. Right-click the chart and select New Track. The Enter Track Name dialog appears.
Type in the desired name and click OK.
c. To add new waypoints, right-click on chart and select the option Insert
Waypoint.

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20.1.2 Deleting a Track
There are several ways to delete a track
1) From the chart.
Right-click one of the track waypoints or on the vessel icon, and select Delete Track.
This removes the track from the program view and deletes it from the hard drive.
2) From the Bottom Panel.
To do this, open the Bottom Panel and select the Track List Tab. Click on the track
in the table then click the Delete button, or right-click on the track’s specific row in
the Track List table and then select “Delete” from the pop-up menu.

20.1.3 Cloning (Copying) a Track

Creating a cloned track generates a second track with similar characteristics to the
original.
1) From the chart. Right-click a track waypoint or on the vessel icon, and select
Clone Track. This open the Clone Track Dialog:

2) Enter data as required and select checkboxes as needed, then click Ok. This creates
a copy of the track from the chart and adds a new row in the track table with the
associated information for the cloned track.

Save the new cloned track by selecting from the NaviPlanner BVS menu File | Save
As | Track, then by selecting a name for the track file. Note that if you close
NaviPlanner BVS before saving this or any other modified or newly created track, you
will be prompted by the program to save the file before program shutdown is
complete. There are two “save” options: Save as “track”; or save as “track template”.
Note: If you desire to convert your previous track into a ‘return voyage’, click the
Reverse Waypoints box, then click OK and a copy of the route will be created with
waypoints in the opposite sequence of the original route.

20.1.4 Comparing Multiple Tracks

NaviPlanner BVS provides a tool, the Track List in the Bottom Panel, that allows you
to view and compare each of the tracks that are displayed on the chart. Among other
things, this feature allows you to evaluate and compare:
 Estimated Arrival Time
 Total Distance and Voyage Time
 Total Fuel Consumption, and HS / LSFO (High Sulphur & Low Sulphur
Fuel Oils)
 Average Speed
 Average weather and current factors
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20.1.5 Setting the Active Track
The "Active Track" is a track designation which you can assign that allows you to
specify your intended voyage. Assigning an active track is helpful when creating
several alternative sailing options, as it assists the user in identifying the
intended or planned sailing route.
To assign a track as ‘Active’: on the chart, right-click one of the waypoints of
the desired track then select “Make Track Active” from the pop-up menu.

20.1.6 Setting Thresholds for Track Alarms

See Section 19.1.3, Track Weather and Alarms as well as Chapter 12, Tools Tab
(Thresholds, Constraints, Optimization). for instructions.

20.1.7 Loading and Saving Track Files

File name and location: The name extension of each NaviPlanner BVS track file
is “.BVS” . The default location of the saved file is:
C:\BVS8\data\track\
File formats: The file contents are written in XML format and can be read with a
web browser or notepad.
Note: for NaviPlanner BVS versions 5.6 and earlier, the Track File name extension is
(*.xml).
Open Track: If you have closed a route file which has been saved previously
and you wish to display it once again on the NaviPlanner BVS chart, you can
simply click the NaviPlanner BVS menu option File | Open | Track, and select
the desired file.
In this same menu, NaviPlanner BVS also displays a list of recently opened tracks for
you to select from.
“Save Track”: The “Save” or “Save Track” option immediately saves the
selected track to the hard drive as a “voyage track”.
To save a voyage track, click the NaviPlanner BVS menu option: File | Save, or
right click the corresponding track and click Save Track.
This stores the track file with details which include “departure & arrival” date/time,
“reported point” date/time/position/speed , etc. The default location of a saved file:
C:\BVS8\data\track\
“Save As” Options: The “Save As” function provides two options for saving
the selected track file. This feature is accessed by selecting File | Save As from
the NaviPlanner BVS File menu. Two options appear:
Save As Track: see previous “Save Track” paragraph, above, for a description.
Save As Template: A Track template is useful for ships that frequently sail
similar voyages. This process creates a file in which the template maintains the
departure and arrival point as well as track waypoints for future use. When a
track template is opened, the current date and time is displayed as the ETD in
the departure point. Any previous reported points will have been removed.
Save As TRANSAS .RT3 File: This option allows you to save your track file as a
Transas-compatible .RT3 ECDIS file. Thereafter, the file can be moved to/imported
into the Transas system.

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20.1.8 Printing the Track Table
You can print a copy of the track table using the Left Panel, Route Input tab. Clicking
the rightmost icon (a printer symbol) prints the table on your default Windows
printer.

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20.2 Templates

20.2.1 Using Templates

As stated earlier, a track template simplifies the creation of your voyage track when
the vessel frequently sails along a trade route or for similar runs which have common
sailing points. After you have created a track template, it can be easily accessed to
assist in the creation of a ‘standard’ sailing track.

20.2.2 Loading and Saving Template Files

A Track template is useful for ships that frequently sail the same routes. This process
creates a file in which the template maintains the departure and arrival point as well
as track waypoints for future use. When a track template is opened, the current date
and time is displayed as the ETD in the departure point. Any previous reported points
will have been removed.
File names and locations: The name extension of a NaviPlanner BVS track
template file is .XML and the default location of the saved file is:
C:\BVS8\data\template\
File formats: The file contents for “.XML” template files are written in standard
XML format and can be viewed by opening the file in a web browser or in Windows
Notepad or any other text editor.
Open Template: To open a track template, you can simply click the
NaviPlanner BVS menu option File | Open | Template, and select the desired
file.
If you have closed a route file which has been saved previously and you wish to
display it once again on the NaviPlanner BVS chart, you can simply click File | Open
Track, and select the desired file.
Save As Track: After making appropriate modifications to the template,
adjusting the departure time, modifying waypoints, etc., you’ll want to save this
working file as a Track. To save a voyage track, click the NaviPlanner BVS menu
option: File | Save, or right click the track and click Save Track.
Note that your original template will still be available in its original state, in the
template folder on your hard drive.
Save As Template: Again, this option will save only the basic track information:
Departure and Arrival locations & the intermediate waypoints.
Make sure you save the template to the correct directory. The default location is:
C:\BVS8\data\template\
This procedure helps you keep your templates organized separately from your
standard voyage tracks.

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20.3 Track Editing
There are various options for performing track editing options:
 on the Chart, using right mouse clicks and the corresponding menus.
 in the Track Input Table, adding/removing points and modifying details for each.

20.3.1 Track Editing on the Chart

Complete instructions are given in the right-click menu functions in Section 7.2,
Waypoint on the Voyage Track. This section 20 summarizes those functions.

20.3.1.1 Adding VIA Points

A via point is a mid-voyage stop at a user-defined position or at a port along your
route track. Example, you might be sailing from Tokyo to Long Beach with a mid-
voyage stop in Hawaii. Hawaii would be a VIA point in your voyage track.
To enter a VIA, please do the following:
From the Chart:
1. Right-click the chart and select, Insert Via. The following dialog appears:

2. The Port Selection dialog appears, but if you wish to input lat/long coordinates
instead, remove the checkbox from the “Enter Port Name” field:

3. Type in the position details in the Arrival fields.

4. Type the layover hours.
5. Type Departure Port information, ETD date and time and draft information.
6. Click OK to save the information and close the dialog.

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20.3.1.2 Adding Waypoints
Select a specific voyage track.
Add a waypoint by right-clicking on a specific area of the chart and selecting Insert
Waypoint. A waypoint is inserted at the mouse cursor position.
Keyboard Shortcut Option: After clicking on the chart, you can also press the Insert
key on the keyboard and a waypoint will be inserted at the current location of the
mouse cursor.

20.3.1.3 Deleting Waypoints

Delete a waypoint by right-clicking on that specific point and selecting Delete Point
from the pop-up menu.
Keyboard Shortcut Option: After clicking on the chart, you can also press the
Delete key while hovering over a specific waypoint and that waypoint will be
deleted from the selected voyage track.

20.3.1.4 Editing Waypoints

To edit directly on the chart, right-click the desired way point and:
1) Edit the LAT/LONG information in the Position field
2) If a fixed arrival time is required for a specific point, enter Date and
Time (a ‘fixed time’) in the Time field.
3) Enter the calm sea speed in the Speed field.
You can click on the first digit and enter the desired Calm Sea Speed or another
value with its corresponding performance option (RPM, KW, etc.).
EXAMPLE: Click on the checkbox of the desired ‘constant’ and that selected
speed or ‘constant’ regulation will be maintained throughout the remainder of the
voyage track.
If the initial entry speed is modified, future waypoints will maintain that same
constant. The popup box will close if one of the other four fields (Position, Nav,
Date, and Time) is selected. Otherwise, click OK to close.
4) The navigation type is a menu selection that is found above the position field,
and can be toggled between Great Circle or Rhumb line. The menu shows the
option to ‘change’ current navigation type. For example, if your current waypoint
is set to ‘Great Circle’, you will see the menu option to ‘Navigate Rhumb Line’.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Alternately, on the chart, while hovering the cursor over
the desired waypoint, hit the “G” key to change the waypoint to a Great Circle or
the “R” key to modify the waypoint to a Rhumb line.
Inserting a Waypoint: To add a New Waypoint, right click the chart and select
Insert Waypoint. As an alternative, after clicking on the chart, you may press
the Insert key and a waypoint will be placed at the current mouse cursor
location.
Inserting a Reported Point: To add a Reported Waypoint (noon position),
right-click the chart and select Insert Reported Point. In put position and
time information and click OK.
Inserting a VIA: Please refer to section 20.3.1.1, above

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20.3.2 Editing with the Track Input Table
You can edit waypoints using data entered in the Track Input Table.
For instructions, see Left Panel Route Input tab description in Section 14, Route
Input Tab (Track Table).

20.3.3 Printing and Exporting Main Track Details

See Bottom Panel description, Chapter 17, Voyage Details Tab

20.3.4 Track Optimization

See Chapter 28.1, Creating an Optimized Track.

20.4 Sending Tracks

AWT provides an additional vessel Routing and Monitoring Services. It may be
necessary therefore to send in your active voyage track to AWT.
NaviPlanner BVS provides an automated feature that reminds you to send tracks. To
access this:
1. Select Setup Menu | Data Communications.
2. NaviPlanner BVS opens a dialog showing a Track Send Reminder setting. You can
choose from values of: None, 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days. When this option is
activated, a reminder message pops up on-screen asking you to send your track.

You can easily email the currently selected voyage track on the chart to the
NaviPlanner BVS automated Server at: [email protected]
To do this:
1. Open the Bottom Panel Track List tab.
2. Make the track you wish to send, the active track. Also make sure the track has
been saved.
3. From the Actions dropdown list, select ‘Email Track’.
4a. If your Data/Communications email option is set to MAPI, you will see a new
email message appear, with the specified voyage track file attached.
4b. If your Data/Communications email option is set to MANUAL, you must
manually attach the .BVS track file to the email. The system will show you an email
dialogue. Follow its instructions to create an email and paste the required
attachment to the email message.
Note: If you are using a non-Microsoft 3rd party email program, you may have to
manually attach the track file to your email message. Usually this involves browsing
to the file location—the default directory for your track files: C:\BVS8\data\track .

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20.5 AWT Data Reporting System for Track Reporting
If you are receiving Routing or Monitoring services, additional ship information may
be required to be submitted. StormGeo’s AWT Data Reporting System (DRS2)
provides an interface to easily submit the required report details. DRS allows you to
submit to the following reports: COSP- Commencement of Sea Passage; DAILY-Daily
position reports; EOSP- End of Sea Passage, ROUTE REQUEST- a form to request
routing assistance, etc.
1. To use this feature, on the Menu bar select Data | AWT Data Reporting
System.
2. Enter the required details and click Submit/Send Report. DRS will send the
specially-formatted report to [email protected] , and to any other
addresses you have configured for delivery in the Data Reporting System.
3. Refer to the AWT Data Reporting System Quick Reference Guide for more
details. The QRG can be accessed by clicking the HELP menu and clicking on the
appropriate “View Help” button.

20.5.1 NaviPlanner BVS Position Updates from DRS

The new DRS2 program is being distributed in two forms:
1) The EXE version, available on the NaviPlanner BVS Install CD as an additional
installation.
2) As an HTML (Web Form) version, provided by email from AWT.
If the EXE version of DRS2 (item #1 above) is being used to send a Daily Position
Report, NaviPlanner BVS will automatically have the position details be inserted into
the active track as a ‘reported point’.

20.6 Receiving Sailing Recommendations from StormGeo

StormGeo’s Full Weather Routing Service includes the sending of an StormGeo route
recommendations to subscribers. A recommendation is delivered by email in the
form of a NaviPlanner BVS track file which can be imported and viewed directly in
NaviPlanner BVS, along with a text description of the recommendation and forecast
conditions along the recommended track.
When you receive an email with an attached track file, you can load it into
NaviPlanner BVS by double-clicking the .BVS file.

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21 Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symbols that appear along a track?
Standard NaviPlanner BVS track symbols appear at the 6-hour computed points
along the track. Weather symbols encountered at each DR point are described in
section 19.1.3. Additionally, weather alerts and resonance alarms are further
described in the same section.
If multiple alarms exist at a computed point, an orange disk will be displayed. To view
a description of the various alerts at one of these specific positions, right-click the
alert disk, and then hover over one of the corresponding alarms at the top of the
popup menu. A tool tip will appear describing the alarm.

How Can I Restore Track Data on a NaviPlanner BVS Computer if the

Primary Storage Folder Fails?
In some instances, you or your vessel IT personnel might decide to set up
NaviPlanner BVS in a Network environment. This gives all Network users access to
the weather and track data.
NaviPlanner BVS normally stores tracks and templates in these default directories:
Voyage Tracks: C:\BVS8\data\track
Track Templates: C:\BVS8\data\template
If you have a separate server computer on your vessel, you may set NaviPlanner BVS
to operate with data stored there.

For example, if your Server name is VESSELSERVER and you have mapped DRIVE
N: to access shared data, you might choose to set NaviPlanner BVS to store data on
the network at:
For Voyage Tracks:
\\VESSELSERVER\BVS8\data\track\ or
N:\BVS8\data\track\
For Track Templates
\\VESSELSERVER\BVS8\data\template\ or
N:\BVS8\data\template\
If there are concerns over accessibility to this data, it is recommended that you back
up the BVS8\data\ folder contents to an alternate location so that if problems arise
with accessing data in the original location, you will be able to retrieve a copy of these
files.

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22 Introduction to Weather Data in NaviPlanner BVS
A key benefit of NaviPlanner BVS is the ability to display various weather parameters
on the chart or along a voyage track in a manner that is easy to interpret. The user’s
ability to easily access this information makes it possible for crucial decisions to be
made regarding vessel safety and fuel efficiency.

22.1 Frequently Asked Questions: Weather Data

When are Weather Data forecasts available?
For the greatest benefit while underway, we recommend that you download weather
at least once per day. The NaviPlanner BVS general forecast includes all forecast
products, and is updated four times per day. For broadband users, the data is
automatically downloaded as soon as it is available. (You must still manually
command its use by NaviPlanner BVS.) For email users, the data is emailed as soon
as available, but you must detect that the email has arrived, and then you must
manually command NaviPlanner BVS to unpack it, load it, and apply it to the active
track.
The general forecast is available approximately as follows:
00:00Z forecast model at 09:00Z
06:00Z forecast model at 15:00Z
12:00Z forecast model at 21:00Z
18:00Z forecast model at 03:00Z (following day)
Note: The most up-to-date tropical data will be sent together with your main forecast
delivery. If additional tropical emails are requested, they will be sent to you
immediately after becoming available on our NaviPlanner BVS Server.
Tropical data is available as follows:
00:00Z forecast at 04:00Z
06:00Z forecast at 10:00Z
12:00Z forecast at 16:00Z
18:00Z forecast at 22:00Z

What is the weather data resolution provided?

See the Reference Information in section 26.3 for a detailed description.

How do I change weather parameters?

For Broadband and for scheduled (periodic) email data requests, in the Data menu,
select “Weather Data Delivery Configuration” (see section 24). Adjust the forecast
region and data parameters as needed, then click Finish.

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For one-time email request, select from the Data menu, “One-Time Email Delivery of
Weather Data” (see section 25.1.1). Adjust the forecast region and data parameters as
needed, then click Finish.

How often should I request weather data?

Applied Weather Technology recommends downloading weather data at least once
every 24 hours. Weather patterns can change rapidly so it is imperative to keep
abreast of conditions by downloading frequently. If you need more frequent updated,
please note that the main forecast model data is updated 4 times per day.

When should I download weather data?

The forecast model run and data preparation time is approximately 9 hours. Applied
Weather Technology makes the model data available at these times.
Data for 00:00 Z Model becomes available at 09:00 GMT
Data for 06: 00 Z Model becomes available at 15:00 GMT
Data for 12: 00 Z Model becomes available at 21:00 GMT
Data for 18: 00 Z Model becomes available at 03:00 GMT (following day).
To receive the most current data, request a delivery time shortly after one
of the four availability times above.

What is Applied Weather’s WAVEWATCH III model?

WAVEWATCH III™ improves forecast data. WAVEWATCH III™ is the most state-
of-the-art wave modeling framework available—developed at NOAA/NCEP and
adapted at AWT to provide the most accurate wind, wave and swell wave data
possible.
NaviPlanner BVS forecast improvements can be seen near tropical storms, along
coastlines, and all throughout your transoceanic passage.

What is understood by Significant Wave In a forecast?

Significant wave height is the average height of the highest 1/3 of the waves.
Individual waves may be up to twice that of the significant wave height.

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23 Weather Data Display and Controls
Weather and hazard information is provided in many formats within NaviPlanner
BVS: Graphically on the chart, in text format in the weather bar and route details
tables, as symbols along the voyage track, and in line graph format within the graph
panel.
The display of specific weather parameters is controlled in two areas:
 The Weather Bar, at the top of the chart
 Within the Left Panel’s Data Display tab.
Note: for a specific item to be available for display, you must ensure to include that
item in your weather data request configuration. Example: If you do not ‘request’
rogue wave’ data to be delivered, this item will not be available for display on the
NaviPlanner BVS chart.

23.1 Weather Display and Controls

23.1.1 Weather Bar Description

The Weather Data Bar is near the top of the chart window:

The bar shows all weather data products horizontally, and has two items for each
product.
The top item is the product name, and this area is clickable to turn the chart display
of that item on or off. In the picture above, Pressure display is turned on and is green
to show this state; pressure will be shown graphically on the chart. When the control
is turned off, the bar background is blue and the chart does not show this product.
The bottom item always displays the data value for the ocean position corresponding
to the current cursor location on the chart. This can be either the vessel position or
wherever the cursor is hovering. In the picture, Pressure data value of 1015mb is
shown for the ocean position at the current cursor location.
The values shown on the Weather Bar in each weather parameter change from black
to red:
Black: Data corresponds to mouse movement on the chart:
Red: Data corresponds to DR position along the selected voyage track by clicking
Display (Time) Step button.
The following AWT weather products are on the weather bar:

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Weather Description
Product
Pressure Atmospheric pressure at sea level, in units of millibars.
Surface Pressure Contour Display. Fronts are also shown. The
center of each Surface Pressure system is labeled as follows:
H- High
L- Low
S- Storm
G- Gale

500mb 500 mbar geopotential height contours

Useful in understanding the upper level steering flow of surface systems
Wind Wind speed in knots
Displays wind barbs
SigWv Significant wave height in meters
Displays graphically on chart and numerically in the weather bar
Seas Direction, height, and period of seas
Displays graphically on chart and numerically in the weather bar.
Swell Swell direction, height, and period
Displays graphically on chart and numerically in the weather bar.
Current HYCOM surface current direction; speed in knots
Shown as filled contours & directional arrows on chart; numerically in the
weather bar
SST Sea surface temperature, in degrees C
Shown as filled contours on chart and numerically in the weather bar

Vis Visibility
Displays visibility as filled contours at the distances of > 7 miles down to
½ mile or less.
See description below this table
Vsl Icing Vessel icing
Displays filled contours for light, moderate and heavy structural icing.
See description below this table
Precip Weather type, shown as a specific weather symbol for
corresponding area on the chart
Includes precipitation, freezing rain, t-storms, etc.
See description below this table
Clouds Cloud forecast—the measure of the mass of water, at higher
densities, in a cloud.
A five-day forecast displays forecast cloud movement within your
designated weather region.

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 Weather Description
Product
Air Temp Air temperature at sea level, in degrees C
Air temperature is shown as filled contours.
Humidity The percentage of relative humidity is shown as filled contours
Rogue W Rogue wave likelihood.
Rogue waves, or abnormal/freak waves are those whose height is
more than twice the significant wave height, usually caused by
high winds and opposing strong currents.
Shown as red polygons—darker polygons indicate high likelihood,
whereas lighter red polygons display areas of low likelihood

The interpretation of Visibility, Vessel (structural) Icing, and Weather

Type
Visibility, generated by the Marine Modeling and Analysis Branch at NCEP, is
displayed as follows:

Clear

7-Mile

3-Mile

½ Mile
Vessel Icing, generated by the Marine Modeling and Analysis Branch at NCEP, is
displayed as follows:

None

Light = less than 0.8 inches per 3 hours

Moderate = less than 2.4 inches per 3 hours

Heavy = greater than 2.4 inches per 3 hours

The major parameters used in the model are air temperature, sea temperature, and
wind speed. It should be noted that the vessel icing data should be considered as the
POTENTIAL existing for vessel icing in a given area rather than a forecast that vessel
icing WILL actually be encountered. Actual vessel icing is dependent on other factors
such as freeboard, ship speed, and heading relative to the weather, which results in
the potential spray that might be encountered on deck.

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Weather Type - Based on precipitation and stability parameters of the GFS model,
this option displays seven weather types on the NaviPlanner BVS chart:

ICON Weather Type

Clear

Showers

Rain

Thunderstorms

Sleet

Freezing Rain

Snow

Rogue Wave - To view rogue wave data:

Click the “Rogue W” header on the Weather Bar. The header will turn green to enable
the display of rogue wave data, and areas of rogue wave likelihood will then appear on
the chart as filled red polygons, shown below. The chart legend for rogue waves
appears in the lower right corner to assist in the interpretation of “Low” and “High”
likelihood of encountering rogue waves. Darker red indicates high likelihood whereas
lighter red filled contours indicate a lesser likelihood to encounter these dangerous
waves.

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23.1.2 Weather Data Display Controls
Each weather product has a column header, or title, on the Weather Bar. Clicking on
the title with the mouse will toggle on or off the display of that specific weather
parameter.
Notice in the example below, the heading for both Pressure and Current turns
green, indicating that these items are selected for display on the chart. In addition,
all weather items which have been requested will display their numeric data value in
each of the corresponding cells in the weather bar for the specific location of the
mouse cursor on the Chart. Weather data that is ‘toggled on’ will simultaneously be
displayed graphically on the Chart.
Weather Bar display:

Chart display:

In the example above, you would click on Current to suppress the chart display of the
surface currents:

Now, only Surface Pressure is displayed. All other data is toggled off. Note however
that the numerical values for each weather parameter are shown in the cells for each
corresponding weather item in relation to the mouse cursor position on the chart.
Weather Bar Numerical Values
The numerical values displayed in each weather parameter of the Weather Bar
correspond to three possible sources:
1. Mouse Cursor- While moving the mouse cursor, the values (in black text)
correspond to the position of the cursor.

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2. Stationary Point- If a stationary point is created, the values (in red text)
correspond to that specific position on the chart while clicking the forward or
backward time step control buttons.
3. Vessel Position- The numerical values along the weather bar indicate the
weather encountered at the vessel position along the voyage track while clicking the
forward or backward time step control buttons.

Weather Data Boundaries

NaviPlanner BVS will only show weather data parameters that you have chosen to
receive, and 0nly for the specific user-defined region. For this reason, you’ll need to
ensure that all required data has been previously requested for delivery. This request
configuration is set up in the menu option: Data | Weather Data Delivery
Configuration.
The Weather Data Delivery Configuration specifies, among other things, the specific
boundaries for weather data display on the NaviPlanner BVS chart.
EXAMPLE: The rectangular boundary on this global chart shows the ‘selected region’
for NaviPlanner BVS data. Most NaviPlanner BVS display items will be confined to
this region:

Left Panel Display Controls

Certain weather display options are found in the Left Panel’s Data Display tab:

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 Port Vicinity Forecasts:
Extensive three-day forecast for
conditions near the port and at
the pilot drop point
Imagery:
A still satellite image in color
for a user-defined region
Bulletins:
Coastal, High Seas, Tropical
Storm, etc. bulletins provided
by various local sources
Low Track:
Arrows corresponding to
forecast positions of each low
pressure system’s center to
assist in identifying movement

Weather Data Animation

When chart animation controls are opened, the user can animate vessel position and
weather movement on the chart display. This allows you to see a dynamic picture of
weather you may expect to encounter for your selected voyage.

23.2 Other Weather Data Displays

23.2.1 Pack Ice, Icebergs and Ice Bulletins

Pack ice and iceberg areas are shown as polygons on the NaviPlanner BVS chart. To
view the corresponding bulletin information, you can right-click the polygon and
select “View Ice Report”. Click the Open Notepad button to print this bulletin.

23.2.2 Weather Graphs

Weather forecast and vessel performance details can be displayed in line graph
format, in the Bottom Panel’s Graph Tab.
The following data is available in the Graph Tab:
 Wind
 Waves
 Swell
 Current
 (Engine) Performance
 Propeller (Performance)
There are two options for accessing the Graph Tab:

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 1. From the Menu bar, select: View | Track Graph.
2. Open the Bottom Panel and select the “Graph” tab.
For full discussion, see Bottom Panel Graph tab instructions. Chapter 18, Graph Tab.
Below is an example of the Weather Graph:

Daily data is displayed along the horizontal axis. In the above example, the legend for
Wave, Swell & Seas measurement in meters is displayed on the left side of the graph.
The graph line color legend for Wave, Swell and Seas is in the lower left corner of the
graph.
The waypoints and the six-hourly computed points will be displayed between the ship
icons and the graph details.

In the image below, two tracks have been created:

When more than one track is displayed on the chart, each will be available in the
Graph Display:

You can click on the check box near the track names (to the right of the graph) to
toggle the display details of the corresponding track.
The Clear All button in the bottom left area of the panel can be used to remove ALL
selected display parameters.

23.2.3 Tropical Storm Display

Tropical storms are displayed on the NaviPlanner BVS chart. There is also
information available for each tropical storm in text, or table format.
This is an example of tropical storm track displayed on the chart:

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 If you wish to see a tropical storm description in text-format, right-click along the
storm track and a popup menu will appear.
Click View Tropical Report and the detailed report appears.
Tropical storm details are placed in the following default folder:
C:\BVS8\weather\tropical\
The file, “latest.txt”, is overwritten each time a weather data set is processed.

Note: You can print the tropical storm forecast table by clicking the print button at
the bottom of the window.

23.2.4 Tropical Cyclone Track Probability (TC Prob).

Activating the ‘TC Prob’ layer will display a 7 day outlook, colour contours,
representing the % probability of the centre of a Tropical Storm passing within 125
miles of a given point.
For example, in Pic 1, we have a 5% probability of the storm tracking within 125miles
of any point located in the outer, purple, colour contour. We can also see a greater
probability of the storm tracking west of the current track forecast displayed as a red
line.
The probability is based on 94 ensemble members and operational runs, GFS (21),
CMC (21), ECMWF (52). Data is updated every 6 hours, if Tropical Cyclones are
active.

Pic 1 Pic 2

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 ‘TC Prob’ is activated and deactivated from the ‘Weather Bar’ (Pic 3); the track and
wind fields (Pic 2) are shown by default. The Analysis time is shown next to the ‘color
key’.

Pic 3

23.2.5 Port Vicinity Forecast

The Port Vicinity Forecast provides a 3-day forecast of 6-hourly data for the port &
pilot drop point.
Port Vicinity: Analysis and forecast data is obtained from the nearest established
weather station. In most cases, data is provided by a wx station from an airport near
your marine port.
Pilot Station: Forecast information at the pilot is generated from the most recent
NaviPlanner BVS weather data. The Port Vicinity Forecast option is accessed from
the Left Panel, in the Weather section of the Data Display tab-- click the menu option:
View | Data Display.
To configure your port locations for these forecast details, you’ll need to include the
port names in the Weather Data Delivery Configuration or the One-Time Email
Configuration dialog. The Port Forecast configuration section is a specific tab in each
of these setup dialogs.
To view a Port Vicinity forecast:
1, Open the Left Panel. Select the Data Display tab.
2. Click the “Port Vicinity Forecast” button to open the forecast window.
Available ports will appear in the pull down menu and all forecast details display
for a 72 hour period. The image below the available forecast information:

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23.2.5.1 One-Time Port Vicinity Forecasts
The previously mentioned Port Vicinity Forecast is usually setup by the user in the
“Weather Data Delivery Configuration” or the “One-Time Email Delivery of Data”—
each option providing the full model data along with your selected port forecast
information .
Users who wish to receive an immediate forecast for (up to ten) specific port(s) may
do so by selecting “One-Time Port Vicinity Forecasts” from the Data menu. This will
generate a one-time delivery of the user-specified ports
If you have a Broadband connection, you will receive an immediate port forecast
update .
If your data collection method is ‘by email’, an email message will be generated with
the required attachment (default location):
“C:\BVS8\data\{callsign} -PortFcstReq.txt”, where {callsign} should be replaced with
vessel’s actual Call Sign.
After this text request file is submitted, the NaviPlanner BVS Server will return a
one-time email port forecast update within a short period of time (usually about 10
minutes).
To view your updated port vicinity forecasts, please follow steps one and two in the
above section 23.2.4, Port Vicinity Forecasts.

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23.2.6 Generate Spot Forecast
On the chart, the right-click menu provides the option to generate a spot forecast.
The data provided in the spot forecast is taken from the most recent NaviPlanner BVS
forecast update.
A dialog, similar to the Port Vicinity Forecast dialog will appear:

You can select a location for the spot forecast by either right-clicking the chart or by
editing the Lat/Lon field in the upper area of the dialog:

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23.2.7 Satellite Image Display
When a satellite image request is included in your forecast requests, this image will
display your user-defined satellite region.
To display the satellite still image:
Open the Left Panel. Select the Data Display tab. Click on the Imagery button.
The image window can be enlarged and decreased by dragging the bottom right
corner. See example below:

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23.2.8 Marine Bulletins
Marine Bulletins show the text forecast bulletins for your currently selected region.
Examples are shown below.
Marine Bulletins must be ordered through a data request and received before you can
view them. Once a bulletin has been received, you can view it using the Left Panel
Data Display tab, Bulletin button.
Click the appropriate region on the chart and a list of available bulletins appears at
the bottom. The Northwest Atlantic is being selected in the image below:

When you select the desired bulletin, it will be highlighted in yellow. Details of the
bulletin will be displayed on the right side of the bulletin window:

Using the Open/ Notepad button at the bottom right, the currently selected bulletin
will be opened in the Windows Notepad program. From Notepad, you can copy /
paste the bulletin contents.

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24 Managing Weather Data in Broadband-Enabled
Systems
NaviPlanner BVS users who have enabled the Broadband option have the capability
of receiving near real time updates from StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS Update
Server. Your onboard NaviPlanner BVS system regularly checks for new data and
automatically downloads & processes that data.
A green status icon indicates that the NaviPlanner BVS Update Server is accessible
and data is up to date:

If you click on the Broadband status Icon, you can also see details of the most recent
‘download session’:

You will see three options in the lower section of this dialog in the form of 3 buttons:
Request Data Now: Initiates a Broadband data request ‘session’. This option
should be used when vessel procedures only allow your Broadband connection to be
made at specific times of the day (ie: it is NOT an ‘always on’ connection). While your
vessel’s Broadband connection is ‘active’, you would need to click the Request Data
Now button.
Setup Email Request: This button opens the “Weather Data Delivery
Configuration” dialog. You can manually open this dialog from the DATA menu.
Close: This option closes the Broadband Status dialog.

As a connection to the NaviPlanner BVS Server is made and data is downloaded, you
will see a yellow status icon.
Once data has been downloaded, the processing status bar appears:

IMPORTANT: When the Broadband Status icon displays in red, this signals that
NaviPlanner BVS is unsuccessful in its attempt to connect with the StormGeo Server.
Check your Broadband connection to ensure that you have access to the Internet.

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 BROADBAND: EMAIL BACKUP
If you are actively collecting data using the Broadband option, Email Backup is a
special option available to all users which delivers data by email when (it is assumed)
that Broadband service is down. Additional information regarding the EMAIL
BACKUP OPTION is found in the Appendix, Section D.5

Note that if you wish to change the forecast region or items being received, you may
submit a SCHEDULED REQUEST for data. The email option allows you to receive
either a one-time 'immediate data' request, or to set up scheduled requests for
ongoing data deliveries. A detailed explanation of the email schedule request
procedures is given in Section 25.2. A user-defined limit can be set in the
Data/Communications menu option. See Section 32.2.2, Email Users: Configuration
Instructions.

24.1 Scheduled Weather Data via Email

A scheduled data request is a single request message that generates an ongoing
delivery schedule in which the NaviPlanner BVS data server automatically generates
new forecast emails at the user-defined times.
Creating a Scheduled Data Request.
If you have been collecting scheduled email deliveries because of recent Broadband
connection troubles and thereafter your Broadband connection resumes,
NaviPlanner BVS will automatically halt the emails on the AWT Server, reverting
back to “Broadband only” data collection. If in the future you wish to reinitiate email
deliveries, you’d need to resend a scheduled request to [email protected].
For the email delivery schedule to remain active (and to eliminate the Broadband
option), please be sure to UNCHECK the Broadband data collection option in the
menu SETUP | DATA / COMMUNICATIONS. See section 32.2.1, Broadband Users:
Configuration Instructions, for more details.

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25 Managing Weather Data in Email-Enabled
Systems
This section describes weather data management for users who have email as the
primary communications method. It also applies to those who are required to switch
from broadband to email to receive NaviPlanner BVS forecast updates.
Email Data Requests
There are two types of email data delivery requests:
 A One-Time Request: Invoked from the menu Data| One Time Email
Delivery of Weather Data, or from the Broadband Status dialog’s Setup
Email Request button. This type of request generates a forecast delivery
within 10 minutes of being transmitted to the NaviPlanner BVS Data Server.
 A Scheduled Request: Invoked from the menu Data | Weather Data
Delivery Configuration, this request will generate a delivery schedule
with set dates and times which are defined by the user.
These two delivery methods are explained in 25.1 and 25.2 below.

25.1 One-Time Data Report Requests

A one-time email delivery request is a single email message which results in an
immediate & one-time email delivery from the NaviPlanner BVS Data Server with up-
to-date weather information. If an email schedule already exists, note that this one-
time request will not change the parameters of the existing schedule. You can,
however, submit a one-time request with a different region and with varying data
parameters and that data will be returned to you as requested, allowing you to
“temporarily” see alternate forecast region and data details when compared to your
ongoing scheduled deliveries.

25.1.1 How to Create a Weather Data One-Time Request

There are two ways to access the set up dialog for a one-time data request:
Method 1.
On the Data menu select item One-Time Email Delivery of Weather Data. The “Main
Area” tab of the dialog will appear.
Method 2.
Click the Broadband Status Icon on the Menu Bar. The Broadband Status dialog will
appear. Click the Setup Email Request button on the dialog and the “Main Area” tab
of the One-Time Data Request dialog will appear.

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1. Enter your required forecast region and data parameters as you step through each
of the forecast configuration tabs. The last tab is a summary which gives you an
overview of your request.
2. When done filling in setup information, click the Finish button.
3. An Email Message is automatically created if your settings under the menu option
Data/Communications are for MAPI (automatic email creation), an email
message will be generated and placed on your desktop. Click SEND and the message
will be placed in your Outbox to await your next email exchange.
If you are using Outlook/Outlook Express, you may see the following message:

Choose yes to send email data request. If you choose no, the email will not be
sent and you will see the following error report:

Click OK to close the above dialog.

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 If your Windows configuration will not allow for automatic message creation, you will
need to create an email message and attach the required file. Below is an example of
an email message to the NaviPlanner BVS Automated Server:

Note that the email attachment is a text file. The Subject line can contain whatever
you prefer but is not required when your data request is sent. The destination email
and the attachment that automatically appear ARE REQUIRED. Do not modify or
remove them from the message.
The file name is [call sign]-ImmedReq.txt. It can be found in the following
default folder: C:\BVS8\data
If you are manually creating an email message, attach the above file to
your message and send to [email protected].
After sending the One-Time Data Request attachment, the AWT server will
immediately process your request and data should be received within approx. 10-15
minutes. The timeliness of data delivery is also dependent on the efficiency of the
vessel’s email service provider in sending your outgoing message.

25.1.2 Estimating File Sizes in Your One-Time Data Requests

When you create an One-Time Data Request, NaviPlanner BVS shows a forecast data
size estimate, as shown below, at the top of the Data Request dialog.

This value is recalculated automatically as you adjust the desired region for the
forecast and select weather products.

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 The message may change color as follows:
Orange: The estimated forecast size is reaching the user-defined maximum allowed.
Red: The estimated forecast size exceeds your defined size limit.
A user-defined limit can be set in the Data/Communications menu option. See
Section 32.2.2, Email Users: Configuration Instructions.

25.2
Scheduled Weather Data via Email
A scheduled data request is a single request message that generates an ongoing
delivery schedule in which the NaviPlanner BVS data server automatically generates
new forecast emails at the user-defined times.

25.2.1 Creating a Scheduled Data Request

1. From the Menu bar, select Data | Weather Data Delivery
Configuration.
Set the desired parameters on each tab—all of which are similar to the Immediate
Request dialog, with an addition of the “Delivery Schedule” tab.

Select a START and END date. If you desire an ‘ongoing’ delivery, check the
“CONTINUOUS” box. Set your delivery times. To the right, choose “TROPICALS” if
you wish to receive additional emails with tropical storm updates.
When done, click Finish.
If you have previously configured NaviPlanner NaviPlanner BVS to use a MAPI
compliant email program, your forecast request will automatically be created and
sent to your email outbox.
If you have selected the manual send method, NaviPlanner BVS will display the Send
Data to AWT dialog. Follow the instructions on that dialog to send your message.

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 If you are using Outlook/Outlook Express, you may see the following message:

Choose yes to send email data request. If you choose no, the email will not be
sent and you will see the following error report:

Click OK to close the above message.

Important
Note that you can change a Schedule Data Request at any
time.
As mentioned at the beginning of this section, a new request
will overwrite your previously existing request.
We recommend you set up a conservative forecast area.
For example, use a forecast area which is just larger than
your present navigation area, or the current ocean region of
your first leg of the voyage.
By the time you are mid-voyage, you might submit a request
that removes the previously sailed area. This will help
minimize email file size.
You might also consider requesting mid-voyage a shorter
forecast length which only covers the remaining voyage time.

25.2.2 Estimating File Sizes in Your in Your Scheduled Data Requests

When you create a scheduled Data Request, NaviPlanner BVS shows a forecast data
size estimate, as shown below, at the top of the Data Request dialog.

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 This value is recalculated automatically as you adjust the desired region for the
forecast and select weather products.
The message may change color as follows:
Orange: The estimated forecast size is reaching the user-defined maximum allowed.
Red: The estimated forecast size exceeds your defined size limit.
A user-defined limit can be set in the Data/Communications menu. See Section
32.2.2, Email Users: Configuration Instructions.

25.2.3 How to Stop Receiving Scheduled EMAIL Data

This option should be used when you need to halt your delivery schedule for a
length of time. The email that is created from this process should be the only
NaviPlanner BVS request message sent during that particular email exchange. If
you wish to create a new schedule for a start date sometime in the future, you
may do this any time AFTER the stop request has been sent to the NaviPlanner
BVS Server.
Note that if you do not need to halt data deliveries for any period of time, but
only want to update your delivery area (region), you can send a scheduled
request instead. A scheduled request will overwrite your original parameters and
will update your forecast to the new parameters on the date/time that you
indicate in the request.
To stop receiving scheduled data. select Data menu item Stop Scheduled
Delivery. NaviPlanner BVS will display this dialog:

If you click Yes, NaviPlanner BVS will create a Stop Request file so it can be emailed
to StormGeo AWT.

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25.2.4 How to Manually Send a Weather Data Request by Email
If your Windows configuration will not allow for automatic message creation, you will
need to create an email message and attach the required file. Below is an example of
an email message:

Items for the email:

 The email recipient line is required. If you are manually creating an email
message, type in the “To:” line: [email protected]
 The attachment text file is required. NaviPlanner BVS will automatically create the
file when you use the Data menu to set-up report requests. Its file name is [call
sign]-SchedReq.txt. It can be found in the following default folder:
c:\BVS8\data
If you are manually creating an email message, attach the above file to your
message.
 The Subject line can optionally contain whatever you prefer but it is not required
to send your data request.
After sending the Scheduled Data Request attachment, the AWT server will
immediately process your request and a message will be sent to you confirming your
delivery schedule and data parameters.

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25.2.5 Processing an Emailed Weather Forecast File
AWT sends email with forecast files to your inbox with the forecast as a file
attachment. The .RKW file attachment will be named as follows:
ABCD_yyyymmdd_hh.RKW
where ABCD is the vessel call sign, and the forecast delivery time is included in the
filename.

You can process an RKW file in any one of these ways:

1. Save the file in a folder on your hard drive, such as C:\BVS8\Weather\Import.
When NaviPlanner BVS is opened or while it remains opened, it will instantly process
each weather file it finds in the IMPORT folder. Files are processed in chronological
order. If you have several files to process, close NaviPlanner BVS first,
then save the desired files in the IMPORT folder. Now, when
NaviPlanner BVS is opened, the forecast information will be processed in
the correct chronological order.
2. Double-Click (or Open) the RKW file in the email message. This will automatically
open NaviPlanner BVS and process the forecast file. The new data will now be
available on the NaviPlanner BVS chart.
3. Save the RKW file to any desired folder on your hard drive. Then to process that
file, click Data | Import on the NaviPlanner BVS Menu. Use the Windows Browser
to locate the file. Click Open.
If you are processing several RKW files, be sure to open the oldest first
and continue in order of age, with the most recent file being opened last.
This will ensure the proper storing of Analysis data, Historical data and
Forecast data in your NaviPlanner BVS weather folders.

25.2.6 Checking the Date/Time of the Forecast

The forecast base time can be verified in the top right corner of the NaviPlanner BVS
program window. This is the basis of the forecast model run and the analysis TAU
(time step) of your forecast data is displayed at (from the start of) this hour.

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26 Reference Information

26.1 Weather Data Symbols

When the “Precip” option is toggled on in the Weather Bar, these symbols appear
on the chart to show presence of their specific weather type at a location. For
them to show, their corresponding Weather Data product has to have been
selected by you in a data request, and then been received in a report, and the
product enabled for display using the Weather Bar.
For some types, if you hover the cursor over the symbol on the chart, NaviPlanner
BVS will display further details. For example, with cursor over the Rain symbol,
NaviPlanner BVS may show ‘Heavy’ or ‘Light’.

Symbol Definition/Description

Clear

Showers

Rain

Thunderstorms

Sleet

Freezing Rain

Snow

BVS Menu Referenc es 130

26.2 Data Sources for StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS
Forecast Data
From the most accurate sources available, data is gathered by StormGeo meteorologists,
who meticulously review and submit it into the NaviPlanner BVS system. We carefully draw
the fronts and input the most recent information on tropical storm development and
movement. The list below details some of our significant data sources.

Data Source

Surface Pressure
NOAA's National Centers for Environmental
Surface Wind
Prediction, GFS Model
500 Millibar Height
Significant Wave WAVEWATCH III
Seas WAVEWATCH III
Swell WAVEWATCH III
National Hurricane Center, JMA, JTWC & regional
Tropical
local sources.
Satellite Meteosat, MTSAT & GOES
HYCOM Data is displayed for first 4 days of forecast.
Current (Specific)
Thereafter, AWT Climatological data is displayed.
Iceberg and Pack Ice JMA, National Ice Center & Local Governments
Dynamic Current, Pilot chart & Admiralty Routing
General Current
Chart
NCEP/MMAB, using Real Time Global Sea Surface
Sea Surface Temperature
Temperature High Resolution (RTGSSTHR) analysis
Air Temperature GFS model.
Weather Type or ‘Precip’ AWT Model using GFS parameters as input.
Cloud Forecast GFS model.
Humidity GFS model.
Visibility NCEP/MMAB using GFS output as input
Vessel Icing NCEP/MMAB using GFS output as input
Piracy IMB supplemented with NATO reports
Rogue Waves Proprietary AWT model

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26.3 Weather Data Resolution Description
What data resolution is currently provided in the NaviPlanner BVS
data?
Data is provided at different levels of resolution throughout the forecast length.
In addition, Broadband users are provided with much higher resolution since
they do not have the same restrictions regarding the size of the forecast file,
whereas email users typically try to keep their email file attachments under
250 KB or 300KB.
BROADBAND USERS—Here is an explanation of the data resolution, shown
in degrees:

Climatological Data
Product Initial (Resolution) After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1x1 n/a n/a
Swell 1 x 1.25 n/a n/a
Seas 1 x 1.25 n/a n/a
Current 1/2 x 1/2 n/a n/a
High Resolution Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1/2 x 1/2 1/2 x 1/2 n/a
Sig. Wave 1/2 x 1/2 1/2 x 1/2 n/a
Seas 1/4 x 1/4 1/4 x 1/4 n/a
Swell 1/4 x 1/4 1/4 x 1/4 n/a
Current 1/4 x 1/4 1/4 x 1/4 n/a
Standard Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1x1 1x1 1x1
Sig. Wave 1x1 1x1 1 x 1.25
Seas 1x1 1x1 1 x 1.25
Swell 1x1 1x1 1 x 1.25
Rogue Wave (shown as filled contours) n/a n/a
Current 1/2 x 1/2 1/2 x 1/2 n/a
Pressure 1x1 1x1 1x1
500 mb 1x1 1x1 1x1
Sea Temp 1/2 x 1/2 n/a n/a
Sat Image (pixels)* 2400x 1200 n/a n/a
Additional Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Cloud Forecast 1x1 1x1 n/a
Visibility 1x1 1x1 n/a
Vessel Icing 1x1 1x1 n/a
WX Type 1/2 x 1/2 1/2 x 1/2 n/a

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 Humidity 1x1 1x1 n/a
Air Temperature 1x1 1x1 n/a
* Satellite Image— 6.66 pixels = 1 degree

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 EMAIL USERS— Here is an explanation of the data resolution, shown in
degrees:

Climatological Data
Product Initial (Resolution) After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1x1 n/a n/a
Swell 1 x 1.25 n/a n/a
Seas 1 x 1.25 n/a n/a
Current 1/2 x 1/2 n/a n/a
High Resolution Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1/2 x 1/2 1x1 n/a
Sig. Wave 1/4 x 1/4 1 x 1.25 n/a
Seas 1/4 x 1/4 1 x 1.25 n/a
Swell 1/4 x 1/4 1 x 1.25 n/a
Current 1/4 x 1/4 1/2 x 1/2 n/a
Standard Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Wind 1x1 2x2 2.5 x 2.5
Sig. Wave 1x1 2x2 2.5 x 2.5
Seas 1x1 2x2 2.5 x 2.5
Swell 1x1 2x2 2.5 x 2.5
Rogue Wave (shown as filled contours) n/a n/a
Current 1x1 1x1 n/a
Pressure 1x1 2x2 3x3
500 mb 2x2 3x3 3x3
Sea Temp 1x1 n/a n/a
Sat Image (pixels)* 2400x 1200 n/a n/a
Additional Forecast Data
Product Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Cloud Forecast 1x1 1x1 n/a
Visibility 2x2 3x3 n/a
Vessel Icing 1x1 2x2 n/a
WX Type 1/2 x 1/2 1/2 x 1/2 n/a
Humidity 2x2 2x2 n/a
Air Temperature 2x2 3x3 n/a
* Satellite Image— 6.66 pixels = 1 degree

Here is an explanation of the data time steps:

Time Steps
Before 48 hr After 48 hr After 192 hr
Broadband 3 hr 6 hr 12 hr
Email (Default) 6 hr 6 hr 12 hr

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27 Voyage Planning and Setup

27.1 Introduction to NaviPlanner BVS Enroute Activities

This section provides instructions for the use of NaviPlanner BVS for your voyage
planning.
NaviPlanner BVS supports strategic planning for your voyage by providing
automated route-planning tools that incorporate advanced weather data covering
your sailing region. NaviPlanner BVS can automatically optimize a route based
on lowest fuel consumption or on quickest arrival time along with other user-
defined factors.
At installation, you customize NaviPlanner BVS for your ship. Then, prior to
departure, you define voyage-specific information (departure and arrival points,
key waypoints, etc., and required arrival time, for example).
You will need to create a weather data request configuration which covers your
current ocean region & includes desired weather parameters.
You may also enter voyage-related parameters corresponding to the voyage:
Sailing restrictions (NoGo areas)
Weather restrictions (example: maximum allowed wave height & wind speed,
etc.)
Roll Resonance constraints (such as wave thresholds in meters, Roll Period,
draft, etc.)
Fuel costs
You can review the planned route. checking the 6-hourly calculated positions and
the corresponding weather for each position. You can turn on the voyage
animation feature to help visualize expected conditions along your future DR
points.

27.2 BonVoyage Pre-Voyage Actions

The following steps are needed in preparation for departure
 Route Entry: This would include master’s intended voyage and any
alternatives. Alternate routes can be manually created or generated by using
the Track Optimization feature. You may also open a track template that you
have previously saved as one of your common sailing tracks.
 Resonance/hazard specification : This is done by entering resonance
parameters for the voyage using the Left Panel Snapshot tab.
Critical Note: Each time a new voyage is created, you MUST enter resonance
limits for each of the four resonance threshold fields in the Left Panel
Snapshot tab, and several other parameters, such as ROLL PERIOD and

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 DRAFT (draft is input in the Route Input panel).
 Weather Data Configuration: Before departure, you will need to configure
your weather display region so that it corresponds with your sailing region.
You’ll also need to select the specific data parameters which you wish to
receive.
o Broadband: Once you have defined your weather data configuration,
data transmissions will automatically occur if you have a constant
Broadband connection. If you have pre-determined connection
times, you will need to initiate the NaviPlanner BVS update by
clicking the “Request Data Now” button in the Broadband Status
dialog.
o Email: Define your weather and data parameters, and email the
resulting “{CallSign}SchedReq.txt” file to
[email protected]. This will initiate daily email updates.
When the weather update file arrives in your email inbox, double-
click the RKW file attachment and the NaviPlanner BVS chart should
update with the latest weather information.
During the voyage weather data should be configured for regular
delivery and the chart should be updated to ensure that a valid
forecast is displayed.
Additional Program Configuration Options
Additional options include:
 Set alarm thresholds/constraints as needed to ensure that alarms will display
when undesirable conditions are predicted by NaviPlanner BVS.
 Optimize route for least time or to minimize fuel cost/ fuel consumption.
During the voyage, re-optimize if conditions change significantly.

27.3 During the Voyage: Entering Reported Position

While underway, it is recommended that you enter your actual position once a
day.
Move the mouse curser approximately to the present position. Right-click the
mouse and select Insert Reported Point from the popup menu.

Enter required details in the Position, and Time fields. Click OK, or press the
keyboard’s ENTER key to accept the report details.
A new reported point appears on the voyage track.
Note: The default speed is the iterated calm sea speed between the two recent
actual positions. This figure will be used for the onward voyage simulation but
can be edited. To edit, right-click on the reported point and edit the speed as
desired. Hit the keyboard’s ENTER key to save the updated information.

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27.4 Setting Speed From a Waypoint
Similar to entering a reported point, the speed can be set at a given waypoint as
well.
To edit, right-click on the waypoint and edit the speed as desired, hitting the
ENTER key to save the updated information.

27.5 Weather Display for Dead-Reckoned (DR) Position

When a voyage track is selected in NaviPlanner BVS, you can view weather
details that are specific to each DR position along the track as you click on the
time step control buttons at the top right of the NaviPlanner BVS Chart:

The values shown on the Weather Bar in each weather parameter change from
black to red:
Black: Data corresponds to mouse movement on the chart:

Red: Data corresponds to DR position along the selected voyage track by clicking
Display (Time) Step button.

27.6 Stationary Point Weather Display

Weather details can be displayed in both the Route Snapshot panel and in the top
horizontal tool bar using the Stationary Point display option.
1. Right-Click on the NaviPlanner BVS chart and select: Set Stationary Point.
2. The stationary point will be placed at the location of the mouse cursor when
the chart was right-clicked. You can move the stationary point by:
a. Click and hold the mouse on the center of the stationary point.
b. Drag the mouse to the desired location.
c. Release the left mouse button to set the location.
3. Click through the forecast time steps using the desired button.
4. Note that the position of the stationary point will be displayed in the Lat/Long
Position readout in the upper right Menu Bar once you begin clicking the buttons
in the Forecast Display Time-Step controls

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 5. As you click on the Time Step buttons, data in the Weather Bar and the Left
Panel route snapshot will reflect the corresponding date/time shown in the
Forecast Valid Date readout.
6. To turn off the Stationary Point feature, right-click the chart and select “Clear
Stationary Point”.

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28 Voyage Optimization
An optimized track is a route created by NaviPlanner BVS to optimize the voyage
in regard to your current sailing intentions. It takes into account weather
conditions, user-defined goals and constraints, and calculated vessel performance
within the program.
Additionally, optimization will take into consideration hazard avoidance (Defined
NoGo areas & Weather Constraints).
Please note that when optimizing for fuel, NaviPlanner BVS generates a route
which takes into account:
Minimum Fuel Cost—when that cost is defined in the left panel’s TOOLS tab, and
after clicking the “COSTS” button. There are four entries available:
ME/outside ECA: FO (HFO/IFO) —Fuel Oils (High or Intermediate)
AE/outside ECA: MDO—Marine Diesel Oil
ME/inside ECA: LSFO—Low Sulphur Fuel Oil
AE/inside ECA: LSMDO—Low Sulphur Marine Diesel Oil

BVS optimization uses the following logic for creating a track:

1) Start Point: By default, NaviPlanner BVS uses the voyage departure point. If
a reported point exists along the track (for example, during mid-voyage),
NaviPlanner BVS will use the most recent reported point.
Please note that if you have a VIA point, the first leg of the voyage (or the
section before the VIA) will be optimized UNLESS you have placed a reported
point AFTER the VIA or you have assigned the Optimization Start Point to a
waypoint that is found at a position in the future past the VIA point location.
2) End Point: The default end point is the voyage arrival point. If a VIA exists, it
would be the arrival point of that VIA.
3) Optimizing with Via Points: Please see section 28.2 below.
Note: Specific costs and/or constraints which you define may greatly affect
the optimization output. These constraints are found by clicking the
“Thresholds/Constraints” button in the Left Panel’s ‘TOOLS’ tab. There are
two sections (tabs) in this dialog:
Wx Thresholds: Significant Wave, Seas, Swells, and Wind ‘maximum
allowed’ thresholds can be entered & NaviPlanner BVS optimization will try
to avoid conditions greater than those which are defined herein.
Costs: When values are entered in these fields, the overall (daily) cost of fuel
is considered by NaviPlanner BVS when creating an optimized track. If no
values are found in these fields, NaviPlanner BVS will create a track with
minimal fuel consumption.

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28.1 Creating an Optimized Track
NaviPlanner BVS can generate a voyage track having a route optimized for:
A) TIME: Least time: the most efficient arrival time along a track with
acceptable weather conditions;
B) FUEL: Least fuel /cost; or
C) FUEL/ETA: Least fuel /cost with fixed ETA
There are five ways to access optimization-related activities:
1. Through the Left Panel’s Tools tab
2. By right-clicking the chart or the voyage track
3. Using the Least Time button on the Chart controls
4. Through the Left Panel’s Route Input tab
5. Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Method 1: the Tools tab, allows you to:

 Set begin point for a route
 Set end point for a route
 Select one of the three optimization types.

Method 2: right-clicking the track, brings up a pop-up menu with the

Optimization menu option, which displays the same options as Method 1, above:

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Method 3: use of the Optimize icon, the lowest button in the Chart’s vertical
button row in the upper right area of the chart:

TOOLS Tab

Note that this button’s function is dynamically set to the user-defined setting
found in the Left Panel Tools tab under the Optimization section.

Method 4: the Left Panel Route Input tab, has one icon, which is also
dynamically set according to the setting in the Left Panel’s Tools tab.
Method 5, KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS:
Ctrl + T : Optimize for Least Time
Ctrl + F : Optimize for Least Fuel Cost or Consumption
Ctrl + L : Optimize for Least Fuel Cost/Consumption
with a Fixed Arrival Time

When optimizing a voyage track before your actual departure, the default
starting point is the departure waypoint. If you are mid-voyage, it would be
the most recent reported point along the selected voyage track. A user-
defined starting point can be created by right-clicking on the desired
waypoint and by clicking Optimize | Set Begin Point.
The default end point is the arrival port of the selected voyage track, unless
you have created a track with multiple VIA’s. In this case, the end point
would be the arrival of the currently selected VIA. A user-defined end point
can be created by right-clicking the desired way point, and choosing
Optimize | Set End Point.

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28.2 Optimizing with VIA Points
When a via point exists, as previously explained, NaviPlanner BVS will only
optimize the first leg of the voyage—the voyage departure to the (first) VIA arrival
point.
An example is found below of a voyage: Tokyo to Long Beach via Barber’s Point:
1. First Leg—Set your start time: Right-click the starting point and select
OPTIMIZE | Set Begin Point. Set an end point at either the VIA arrival point,
or at a waypoint before the VIA arrival point. Start NaviPlanner BVS
Optimization. The first leg of the voyage will be optimized:

2. Second (additional) Leg(s): Using the left mouse button, click on the newly
optimized track to ensure that it is selected. Set the Begin Point at the VIA
Departure point and set the end point at the arrival point of the next VIA.
 Barber’s Point- Optimization Begin Point

Long Beach- Optimization End Point 

If there are no other VIA’s, set the end point at the final arrival point of the
voyage. Note that if you do not set an end point, NaviPlanner BVS (by
default) will use the Voyage Arrival point as the optimization end point. Start
optimization. The final leg of the voyage will now be optimized as well.

28.3 Optimizing for Time

If optimizing for “TIME” will be your primary option, be sure to configure
the NaviPlanner BVS default optimization option in the TOOLS tab of the
LEFT PANEL, described in section 28.1 above. This will ensure that the
shortcut buttons on the chart are set to ‘optimize for time’.
Alternatively, you may optimize for time using the shortcut keys CTRL-T.
The following status bar appears at the top right of the chart:

The file name will be shown in the title bar. If applying various weather
constraints and therefore creating several time optimization files, the
naming process would be as follows:

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 [OriginalTrackName]_opt (1st file)
[OriginalTrackName]_opt1 (2nd file), etc.
The .BVS extension is not displayed on the chart but will be added to the file
name in the Windows directory. Each track file can be renamed as desired:
click File| Save As| Track (or Template), type the desired filename and
click Save.

28.4 Optimizing for Least Fuel

If your primary optimization option will be for “Least Cost/Fuel”, be sure to
configure NaviPlanner BVS in the Left Panel’s ‘TOOLS’ tab. This will ensure
that the shortcut buttons on the chart are set to ‘optimize for Least
Cost/Fuel’.
Alternatively, you may optimize for time using the shortcut keys CTRL-F.
The following status bar appears at the top right of the chart:

The file name will be shown in the title bar. If several time optimization files
are created—for example, if you are applying various weather constraints—
the naming process would be as follows:
[OriginalTrackName]_opf (1st file)
[OriginalTrackName]_opf1 (2nd file), and so on.
The .BVS extension is not displayed on the chart, but will be added to the file
name in the Windows directory. Each track file can be renamed as desired:
click File| Save As| Track (or Template), type the desired filename and
click Save.

28.5 Optimizing for Least Fuel (Fixed ETA)

If your primary optimization option will be for “Least Cost/Fuel with a Fixed
Arrival”, be sure to configure NaviPlanner BVS in the TOOLS panel of the
LEFT PANEL. This will sure that the shortcut buttons on the chart are set to
‘optimize for Least Cost/Fuel with a Fixed Arrival’.
Alternatively, you may optimize for time using the shortcut keys CTRL-L.

The file name will be shown in the title bar. If several time optimization files
are created, the naming process would be as follows:
[OriginalTrackName]_opa (1st file)

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 [OriginalTrackName]_opa1 (2nd file), and so on.

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 The .BVS extension is not displayed on the chart, but will be added to the file
name in the Windows directory. Each track file can be renamed as desired:
click File| Save As| Track (or Template), type the desired filename and
click Save.
As explained above, the name extension of each NaviPlanner BVS track file is
.BVS and the default location of the saved file is:
Voyage Tracks: C:\BVS8\data\track\
Track Templates: C:\BVS8\data\template\
After optimization, waypoints can be adjusted to suit particular navigational
needs.

28.6 Dual Speed Optimization

Optimization generally is done before voyage departure. NaviPlanner BVS will
use your departure point as the begin point for optimization and the arrival point
as the end point.

28.6.1 Dual Speed, Least Cost with a Fixed Arrival Time

This option is made available once you enter Main Engine Fuel costs in the
COSTS dialog:
1) Enter fuel costs:

2) The example to the left shows the minimum required entries:

 Main Engine Fuel cost per Metric Ton in US Dollars (outside of ECA).
Example: IFO cost
 Main Engine Fuel cost $USD/MT (within the ECA area): Example: LSFO cost
3) Next, Enter a fixed arrival for your NaviPlanner BVS track arrival point:

In this example (in the Route Input Panel), the user-defined date/time is
bold and should show your required arrival time.
4) From the Wx Thresholds/Costs dialog, the following option should be
highlighted:

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 The optimization process will use the appropriate calm sea speed to achieve
the required arrival time. You should notice an economical speed adjustment
will be shown in ECA areas.

28.6.2 Dual Speed (Least Time or Least Cost) With An Open Arrival
Time
When using this option, NaviPlanner BVS will control all speed entries at every
waypoint. A user-attempt to modify the speed value at any given waypoint,
NaviPlanner BVS will revert the speed to the calculated value.:
5) Enter daily costs in addition to fuel costs:

6) The example shows Daily Hire Rate of $10000 / day.

The minimum entries should be:
Daily Hire Rate: $1
Misc. Daily Costs: $1

Enter data in at least one of these fields then click one of the other entry
fields for the program to accept the updated information.
This will give you access to the checkbox “Enable Dual Speed Optimization of
Open Arrivals”.

Note that more realistic daily costs will provide NaviPlanner BVS with
required information to compare daily costs vs. ECA fuel costs (and thus
generate a least-cost voyage) when creating a track that passes through an
ECA zone.
7) Next, from the Route Input tab (left panel), ensure that no fixed arrival has
been entered for the Arrival Point. This will allow NaviPlanner BVS to
calculate the arrival time.:

In this example (in the Route Input Panel), the user-de

fined date/time is NOT bold and should show a NaviPlanner BVS-calculated
arrival time.
8) From the Wx Thresholds/Costs dialog, the following option should be
highlighted:

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 The optimization process will use the appropriate calm sea speed to achieve
the required arrival time. You should notice an economical speed adjustment
will be shown in ECA areas.

28.6.3 Optimization Mid-Voyage

Optimization generally is done before voyage departure. NaviPlanner BVS will
use your departure point as the begin point for optimization and the arrival point
as the end point.
After departure, however, certain factors may occur that will warrant the need for
a new optimized route.
 A change in the forecast may bring to light potential adverse conditions which
you now expect to encounter along your current voyage track.
 A change to your port rotation requires new arrival location
 An unplanned stoppage may occur
How do create an optimized route when sailing mid-voyage?
You’ll first need to input a reported position by right-clicking the chart and
selecting Insert Reported Point.

In the example above of a westbound voyage, the 18th shows a noon position that
has been entered just east of vessel’s current position. NaviPlanner BVS will use
this most recent position report as the START point for optimization by default.
If you wish to designate a starting point manually, Right-click either on the last
reported point or somewhere in the future from this point along the track line.
Now click Optimize|Set Begin Point.
If an end point is required, Right-click on the desired position along the track and
click Optimize|Set End Point. The default End Point is the arrival position – if
this is acceptable then no End Point needs to be set.
Right-click anywhere along the track and click Optimize. Select one of the three
optimization options. Note that the option “Least Cost/Fuel Fixed Arrival”
requires that you enter a specific arrival time for the “optimization end point”.
Name the track as desired and click Save.

28.6.4 Track Alarms and Thresholds in NaviPlanner BVS

NaviPlanner BVS track alarms are designed to alert you to situations that might
require your thoughtful consideration, possibly warranting tactical maneuvering
of the vessel to avoid those unfavorable conditions. The Left Panel Snapshot tab
allows you to set resonance-related thresholds.
The Left Panel’s TOOLS tab contains a “Thresholds/Constraints” button which
opens a dialog to:

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 1) Display weather alarms along the voyage track. This is done in the “Alert
Thresholds” section, on the left side of the dialog.
2) Apply sailing constraints to the Optimization feature, by entering the
‘maximum allowed’ values in each of the fields to the right, in the “Wx
Optimization Thresholds” section.
Track Alarms
Regarding item 1 above, if track alarm settings have been entered and weather
conditions along the track exceed those entered thresholds, a warning circle will
be displayed at that specific point on the corresponding voyage track.
A track alarm will also display if the NaviPlanner BVS track traverses a NoGo
area or restricted sailing area. Alarms are displayed at 6-hour intervals along the
track.

Once you have defined specific alarm constraints, any voyage track that is
displayed on the chart will automatically be updated to display conditions that
exceed the maximum allowed.
Optimization Constraints
Regarding item 2 above, values which are entered into the ““Wx Optimization
Thresholds” section will define optimization restrictions such as Significant Wave
Height, Seas, Swell and Wind Speed.
Each field can be input for the corresponding conditions: Head, Forward
Quartering, Beam, Rear Quartering, and Following. The fields in the two sections
apply to both PORT and STARBOARD sides of the vessel. The values entered are
immediately saved.
Weather and optimization constraints are disabled when they are set to ZERO or
left BLANK.
All future optimized routes will utilize these user-defined constraints.

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29 Resonance

29.1 Introduction – NaviPlanner BVS Resonance Features

Basics
NOTE: Explanations of roll resonance conditions in this manual reference IMO
Documents 016, 707, and 1228.

NaviPlanner BVS’s resonance feature analyzes each point of the active track for
potential heavy rolling of your vessel. It uses your vessel’s key parameters and
calculates resonance values using current weather data for each calculated 6-hour
position.
Resonance information is displayed in two areas on the NaviPlanner BVS chart:
1) In the Left Panel Snapshot tab
2) Along the voyage track, as warning circles or ‘alarms’
The displays and alarms provide information allowing you to adjust your route to
reduce hazards.

29.1.1 Resonance Warnings Along the Voyage Track

NaviPlanner BVS shows areas of higher probability for potential rolling as
colored circles (ie: alarms) along the voyage track as shown in the image below:

Each color indicates a resonance type:

RED—Parametric Rolling
PINK—Synchronous Rolling
GREEN—High Wave Groups
BLUE—Surf-Riding/Broaching
An orange disk along a track means that multiple alarms exist for that position:

To see all related alarms for a specific position and time, right-click on one of the
orange colored disks:

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 A menu will appear, with the alarm at the top. You can hover the cursor over an
alarm icon to see a popup message describing that alarm.

NaviPlanner BVS refreshes the displayed resonance information each time a new
DR (Dead-Reckoned) Position is clicked on the Chart.
For example, when you select one of the other warning circles along the selected
voyage track.
You can also move along the voyage track by using the Chart’s Display Step
Controls buttons “Previous Time Step” and “Next Time Step”).
See also Section 19.1.3, Track Weather and Alarms.

29.2 Snapshot Tab: Resonance Graph and Controls

This section discusses the aspects of the Left Panel Snapshot tab.
The resonance display graph and resonance configuration items are on the Left
Panel’s Snapshot tab.
You can access the Left Panel Snapshot tab in either of two ways:
1. select menu option, View | Snapshot, or
2. on the chart, expand the Left Panel and select the Snapshot Tab.

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29.3 Snapshot Tab Upper Area Elements
This section reviews the elements on the Snapshot tab. Their use is covered in
other sections in this chapter.

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 Resonance Threshold Entries – Four user-defined fields identify the
wave height threshold in meters for each potential roll resonance condition.
Roll Period – Used to calculate potential roll resonance. To the left is the
GM entry field. This should only be used if the roll period is NOT KNOWN.
Synchronous Roll area – The pink colored band indicates an area of
synchronous roll likelihood, IF the ship vector’s point is encountered within the
shaded area. Corresponding colors appear for each resonance type when the
likelihood exists for that condition.
Yellow Ship Vector – Indicates vessel speed and heading at the current
DR position.
Directional Arrows for Seas and Swell – The seas arrow appears in
pink and the swell arrow is shown as green, indicating the direction of each.
Mean Draft – After the user defines the fore and aft draft for the Departure
Point of the currently selected voyage, NaviPlanner BVS will calculate the mean
draft in the Snapshot tab.
Date/Time – Date/Time of current DR position is shown above the graph.
Position/Heading/Speed – Below the graph you’ll find lat/long position along
with navigation type (GC/RL) from last waypoint as well as heading and speed.

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29.4 Resonance: Voyage-Specific Settings
Prior to each voyage, details regarding DRAFT, ROLL PERIOD and ROLL
RESONANCE THRESHOLDS should be entered.
1. In the SHIP section, enter the Roll Period of the ship to calculate potential
roll resonance. The display of the GM field will remain blank. The Mean
Draft is automatically displayed by NaviPlanner BVS & this data is taken
from the ROUTE INPUT TABLE, from the Fore and Aft Draft entries.

If the Roll Period is UNKNOWN, you may enter the GM. When the GM is
entered, a calculated Roll will be displayed in Gray. As mentioned in the
prior paragraph, please be sure to enter the Fore and Aft Draft in
the Route Input Table.

The Roll Period should be updated as required to accurately predict potential

roll resonance conditions. Ultimately, the user-defined Roll Period, or the
NaviPlanner BVS-generated Roll Period (derived from the GM) is used to
predict potential roll resonance conditions.
2. Enter the appropriate details in the four Alerts/Thresholds fields:
Parametric Roll
Synchronous Roll
High Wave Groups
Surf-Riding/Broaching
3. If you have not entered any Resonance thresholds, NaviPlanner BVS will
display a red warning message at the upper left of the chart until they are
supplied. The warning marquee is similar to the image below:

In the above example, the resonance parameters for the track “GIB-
ROT.BVS” are missing various values.

29.4.1 Resonance Tool Tips

Resonance tool tips (informational balloons) will appear when you hover over a
specific entry field in the Resonance Thresholds area at the top of the Snapshot
tab.
The tool tip will give a recommended value or range of values for that
corresponding field, as in the parametric roll example below:

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 For the High Wave Groups and Surf Riding/Broaching fields, the IMO
recommended maximum entry value is shown in the tooltip, as well as the
suggested range of values and the ‘recommended default value’:

29.5 Resonance Graph Details

This section discusses the interpretation of data found within the Resonance
Graph.

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1. The yellow arrow in the center of the display represents your own ship
vector. The direction of the arrow indicates the vessel’s heading and the
tip of the arrow shows the vessel’s speed. In the example above, the
vessel’s heading is 041 degrees and speed is 26.0 kts. These values also
displayed numerically, just below the graph, in white text. The example
above shows the tip of the yellow vector in one potential area of concern,
indicated by the dark pink risk area on the graph. This indicates that
there is a high likelihood for synchronous rolling, due to the combined
factors of the vessel’s heading, speed and stability corresponding to one
of the encountered wave trains.
2. The graph also shows Wind, Significant Waves, Swell and Surface
Currents at the displayed vessel position.
Wave arrows are also displayed on the chart to indicate the direction of
Wind/Wave and Swell.
The wind-wave (seas) arrow is pink:

The swell arrow is green:

These are shown in this example:

The following table also lists the symbols and measurements shown in the graph:

Data Symbol
Significant Wave Upper right, red text
Wind Seas Pink Arrow & text
Swell Green Arrow & text
Current Brown Arrow & text
Wind barb Black prong
Ship Vector Yellow arrow

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 The value for each weather parameter is represented in the graph by the position
of the arrow's tip. Swell and Wind/Wave information are displayed in the legend
on the upper right side of the resonance graph.
Additional information regarding vessel performance at the current position are
found in the table below the Snapshot graph.

29.5.1 Resonance Risk Types and Graph Interpretation

The colored resonance bars correspond with each type of risk. The width of the
resonance fields indicate the course and speed restrictions. For example, this
resonance graph shows a higher likelihood for Parametric and Synchronous
rolling:

The resonance fields are color shaded with a darker color in the center of each
area and a slightly lighter color towards the area’s borders.
Parametric Rolling: The darker area indicates TE ≈ 0.5 x TR. The rolling
amplitude will be higher when the tip of the vessel’s vector is found in a darker
area of the resonance bar as opposed to a lighter area near the border.
Synchronous Rolling: The darker area indicates TE ≈ TR. The rolling amplitude
will be higher when the tip of the vessel’s vector is found in a darker area of the
resonance bar as opposed to a lighter area near the border.
The resonance risks are displayed on the graph as follows:
Lighter Colored Bars appear when the wave height is between 50% and 100%
of the threshold for parametric and synchronous rolling and when the wave
height is between 80% and 100% for High Wave Groups and Surf
Riding/Broaching conditions. This indicates a MARGINAL RISK.
Darker Colored Bars appear when the wave height is in excess of the
threshold. This indicates a FULL RISK.
Warning circles will also appear along the voyage track on the NaviPlanner
BVS chart when the wave height is in excess of the threshold.

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A marginal risk will display a smaller, lighter colored circle:

A full risk display will show a darker colored circle:

The graph on the left below shows from 229-289 degrees (lighter shading)
indicates less likelihood of parametric rolling.
As shown in the waypoint image at the left below, when there is a
potential for more than one roll resonance condition or weather alarm at
the same track point, the alert will display as an orange disk. Upon right-
clicking the orange alert, all corresponding items will display at the top of
the popup menu as shown in the below right image.

The situation below indicates a marginal risk for that specific forecast period and
for the displayed vessel speed & heading.
The example on the right (darker shading) indicates high likelihood of severe
motions from High Wave Groups if vessel were traveling 14-25kts. There is full
risk of synchronous rolling if vessel were sailing 5-13 kts.

In the example on the left, speed would need to decrease to less than 16kts or
heading would have to be adjusted to less than 229 or greater than 289 degrees to
avoid moderate parametric roll risk.
In the example on the right both course and speed would most likely need to be
adjusted to avoid full risk of severe vessel motions.
NOTE: If there is a higher likelihood of rolling, the colors on the chart will appear
with darker shading. You will also see 'colored warning circles’ along the voyage
track on the NaviPlanner BVS Chart.

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29.5.2 Parametric Rolling
This occurs when the encounter period (TE) is half of the vessel’s natural roll
period (TR), or (TE ≈ 0.5 x TR). Furthermore, the vessel would be traveling
with a small heading angle to the predominant wave direction (head or stern
seas), wavelength would be comparable to ship length, wave height would be
large and the roll damping characteristics of the vessel would be low.
The graphs below show a likelihood of parametric rolling conditions during that
period if the vessel maintains the displayed calculated speed and heading

The graph on the left shows a high risk and the graph on the right shows less
likelihood of parametric rolling conditions.

The graph’s display of either full risk or marginal risk conditions is directly
influenced by the defined values which are entered in the SHIP; PARAMETRIC,
SYNCHRONOUS, HIGH WAVE GROUPS AND SURF RIDING/BROACHING
THRESHOLDS; and WEATHER PARAMETER fields (see ‘Initial Settings’).
Therefore it is extremely important to ensure that all data fields have
been properly defined.

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29.5.3 Synchronous Rolling
This usually occurs when the ship’s natural roll period coincides with the
encounter wave period, increasing the effects of the roll (TE≈TR).

The graph on the left shows a high risk and the graph on the right shows less
likelihood of synchronous rolling conditions during the displayed period.

29.5.4 High Wave Groups

The ship will encounter successively high waves when the ship speed is nearly
equal to the wave group velocity, which is a half of the phase velocity of the
dominant wave components. The maximum wave height can reach almost
twice the observed wave height of the sea state concerned.

The graph on the left shows a high risk and the graph on the right shows less
likelihood of potential roll resonance from high wave groups during the displayed
period and for the corresponding vessel speed/heading.

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29.5.5 Surf-Riding / Broaching
When a ship is situated on a steep forefront of high wave in following and
quartering sea condition, the ship can be accelerated to ride on the wave; this is
known as surf-riding. When a ship is surf-ridden, the so-called broaching-to
phenomenon may occur, which puts the ship in danger of capsizing as the result
of sudden change of ship's heading and unexpected large heeling.

The graph on the left shows a high risk and the graph on the right shows less
likelihood of potential surf-riding / broaching conditions during the displayed
period.

29.5.6 Risk Factors Control Resonance Display

If the wave height is equal to or in excess of the individual wave threshold for a
certain risk then the risk will be considered as a full risk (high likelihood) by
NaviPlanner BVS and the color of the risk zone will be brighter and a
larger/darker warning circle along the track will appear.

For SYNCHRONOUS AND PARAMETRIC ROLLING: If the wave height is

between 50% and 100% of the threshold wave height then the risk will be
considered by NaviPlanner BVS as a marginal risk (less likelihood) whereas a
smaller and lighter colored warning circle along the track will appear and the
corresponding risk zone(s) will be filled by a lighter color. If the wave height is
less than 50% of the threshold, NaviPlanner BVS will not indicate any risk.
Hence, the need for proper thresholds settings.
For HIGH WAVE GROUPS and SURF-RIDING/BROACHING: If the wave
height is between 80% and 100% of the threshold wave height then the risk will
be considered by NaviPlanner BVS as a marginal risk (less likelihood) whereas a
smaller and lighter colored warning circle along the track will appear and the
corresponding risk zone(s) will be filled by a lighter color. If the wave height is
less than 80% of the threshold, NaviPlanner BVS will not indicate any risk.
Synchronous Rolling Example: If the threshold limit were set to 4 meters:
Full Risk = a wave height that is above 4 meters
Marginal Risk = a wave height that is 2 to 4 meters

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 No Risk Displayed = a wave of less than 2 meters
NaviPlanner BVS calculates the potential roll resonance display using the wind
wave and swell data that is processed in each new forecast update (RKW) file.
Wind data comes from the GFS model and is updated four times per day.
Windwave is generated by NaviPlanner BVS from the wind, swell and significant
wave height data.
Swell data is generated when our WaveWatch III model is run on the incoming
GFS model data. This is also updated four times per day.
For more information regarding the origin of StormGeo’s forecast data, see
Section 26.2, Data Sources for StormGeo’s NaviPlanner BVS Forecast Data.

29.5.7 Resonance Table: Calculator Functions

The Table below the Resonance Graph contains user-editable fields:

The ‘white’ fields above are automatically filled with the NaviPlanner BVS
calculations for the corresponding computed point along the voyage track, but
can be temporarily modified by the user. The seas column is on the left and the
swell column is on the right side of the table.
The information displayed on the graph and in the seas and swell tables will
return to NaviPlanner BVS-calculated data when you either click on Next
Timestep/Previous Timestep icon or when you click on a new position on the
voyage track.

29.5.8 Printing the Resonance Graph

The resonance graph can be printed by holding down the ALT button and hitting
the PRINT SCREEN key in the top row of the keyboard. This will copy the
resonance graph to the clipboard, and will allow you to paste it to another
program, such as Microsoft Paint, or a Word document.

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29.6 Resonance FAQs

How do I determine the values to be used in the resonance thresholds fields?

Below, we have included a set of suggested values for the user. Please evaluate
the suggested settings and ensure to choose an appropriate value for each of the
threshold limit fields.
Here is a set of approximate calculations for suggested threshold input:
Highwaves( in green) & Broaching (in turquoise)
Threshold = 0.04 * shiplength (M) for vessels less than 275M.
Threshold = 0.035 * shiplength (M) for vessels 275M and above.

The parametric threshold (in red) is from the following table, based on ship-
length in meters:

Vessel LOA Threshold Limit

0 – 124.99M 3.0M
125 – 149.99M 3.5M Example: a 220 Meter vessel would use a
150 – 229.99M 4.0M setting of 4.0.
230 + 4.5M

The synchronous threshold (in violet) is from the following table, based on ship-
length in meters:

Vessel LOA Threshold Limit

0 – 124.99M 3.0M
125 – 149.99M 3.5M Example: a 140 Meter vessel would use a
150 – 229.99M 4.0M setting of 3.5.
230 + 4.0M

When making modifications to the Resonance Threshold Limit, please ensure to

stay within the suggested range for each field.

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What is considered a “Marginal Risk”?

Parametric & Synchronous Rolling:

A marginal risk is 50% to 100% of the user-input wave threshold value.
High Waves and Surf Riding/Broaching:
A marginal risk is 80% to 100% of the user-input wave threshold value.

What is considered a “Full Risk”?

Parametric & Synchronous Rolling, High Waves and Surf

Riding/Broaching:
A full risk is when the wave or swell conditions meet or exceed the threshold
value (found in the Alert Limit (m) field).

What is the impact when the threshold is dramatically changed?

If the threshold values are adjusted outside of the recommended values for your
vessel, there is a potential for two possibilities:
Excessive false alarms if the threshold is set too low
The occurrence of severe motions without being detected by NaviPlanner BVS
when the threshold values are input too high.

How does BVS determine Marginal and Full Risk Roll Resonance likelihood?

When the wave length is significantly less than the vessel length, the wave train
will be ignored by NaviPlanner BVS to prevent false alarms from being displayed.

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30 Additional Hazards
Vessel Icing and Pirate activity can be displayed on the NaviPlanner BVS
chart if these items are designated by the user in the One Time Email Delivery
request configuration or in the Weather Data Delivery Configuration (for
Broadband data collection and alternatively for Scheduled/Ongoing Email
deliveries).

Pack Ice & Icebergs (similar to surface pressure, tropical storm tracks and fronts)
are automatically included in your weather updates and the option to change the
selection of this items appears ‘grayed out’ in the list of selections.

30.1 Pack Ice and Iceberg Display

Pack ice (image below, left) and iceberg regions (image below, right) can be
viewed as follows:
1. On the Chart, right-click either an iceberg area or a pack ice area:

2. In the popup menu, you will see the option to “VIEW ICE REPORT”:

Select this option and the ice bulletin will appear in text format. Click the
large “Open Notepad” button at the bottom of the text screen to view
and/or print this bulletin in Windows Notepad.

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30.2 Pirate Activity
NaviPlanner BVS supports display of up-to-date piracy information.
Piracy activity is shown on the chart as a skull and crossbones icon.
To enable the chart display of current locations for pirate activity, open the Data
Display tab in the Left Panel, clicking View | Data Display. In the upper
“Geographical” section, locate the “Pirate Attacks” option and place a check in the
corresponding checkbox.
To view the details of a specific pirate event, right-click the corresponding pirate
icon and select “View Pirate Attack”:

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31 Program Installation
NaviPlanner BVS can be installed on one or more computers on a vessel. Note
that in order for a NaviPlanner BVS computer to access weather data reports sent
by StormGeo, you must register the computer’s hardware key with StormGeo,
preferably at installation time or soon after.

31.1 Installing on Main Computer

(Program installation instructions are also given in the separate two-page
“NaviPlanner BVS Installation Guide”)
For installation, you must be logged in as Administrator or have Administrator
privileges. (If you do not have this status, Windows may present you with a
message as in Step 8: “This program may not have installed correctly”)
1. Insert NaviPlanner BVS installation CD in your CD drive. Windows Autoplay
should initialize the installation program.
2. The first screen to appear is:

Click ‘Next’.

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3. The second screen appears:

Check the checkbox for “I accept the Agreement’, then click “NEXT.
4. The third screen appears:

For a standard installation leave the default path unchanged, otherwise enter an
alternate location on your computer or your Network using the “Browse” button.
Then click ‘Next’
Note: NaviPlanner BVS Requires a local installation on each NaviPlanner BVS
computer. Unfortunately, it is not possible to run the executable from an
alternate computer, although weather and track data can be stored and shared on
a Network.

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 5. The fourth screen appears:

Default options are shown above. Modify if needed, then click ‘Next’.

6. The fifth screen appears:

Click ‘Next’ to proceed.

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7. The sixth screen appears:

Installation may take between several minutes.

8. Once installation is completed, the seventh screen appears, displaying the

Finish button:

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 Click ‘Finish’
At this point, if you were not logged on as an Administrator and this is Windows
7, the following message appears:

If this program didn’t install correcdtly, try reinstalling using settings that are
compatible with this version of Windows.
Program: StormGeo Installer Application
Publisher: StormGeo Inc
Location: C:\BVS8

If you installed as a User with limited permissions/privileges, click “This program

installed correctly’. (If you installed under Administrator status, this window
does not appear.) You may be required to do the following:
a) Assign ‘all users’ read/write privileges to the folder “C:\BVS8” and
it’s subfolders
b) Create a file association for the RKW file, so that it is opened in
NaviPlanner BVS.
If needed, send a request for support to [email protected] for assistance.
You will likely need assistance from your vessel management’s I.T. department as
well.

9. Installation is complete.
You may now run NaviPlanner BVS for the first time, using the Windows
program menu or by clicking on its desktop icon. Proceed to Chapter 32 for initial
setup instructions.

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31.2 Installing on Additional Computers
To install NaviPlanner BVS on a second computer, first follow the instructions in
Section 31.1. Thereafter, you’ll need to ensure that you have created a Network
Setup, using the instructions in Section 32.4 for additional NaviPlanner BVS
Computers.
Note that when you install NaviPlanner BVS on more than one computer, there
are several requirements for setup on the additional machines. These are:
1. Only the primary NaviPlanner BVS system should make
Broadband requests from StormGeo.
All Broadband data requests sent to StormGeo should come only from a single
computer. Therefore secondary machines should not be enabled in NaviPlanner
BVS for broadband requests. The instructions in the initial setup procedure for
Data Communications Options will guide you in implementing this.

2. Secondary NaviPlanner BVS computers must create a “Network

Setup” to access weather and track data from a designated location.
If you desire to have all computers access the same weather and track
information, you will need to use the NETWORK SETUP option on any
secondary NaviPlanner BVS computer(s). It is expected that the primary
computer will download and store incoming weather files and anyone who edits
the active track file will be able to modify it.
The instructions in the initial setup procedure for Network Installation Options,
Section 32.4, will guide you in implementing this.
3. Ensure that the Hardware keys for any secondary NaviPlanner
BVS machines are sent to StormGeo.
Because each computer that uses NaviPlanner BVS must be identified by the
NaviPlanner BVS Data Server, any PC that needs access to the incoming forecast
files must be registered with StormGeo. The hardware key can be accessed by
clicking HELP | ABOUT, from the NaviPlanner BVS menu.
An example of a hardware key is shown below:

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32 NaviPlanner BVS Initial Setup
This chapter provides instruction regarding the initial setup procedure, performed
when you first install NaviPlanner BVS.
After installation, a series of three dialogs appear to assist you in the proper ‘initial
configuration’ of NaviPlanner BVS.
These three configuration steps (in bold) are explained below, along with three
additional steps:

Item Purpose
Vessel Setup Provides NaviPlanner BVS with the key operating
characteristics of your vessel; used to calculate fuel
consumption, roll resonance factors, speed down
characteristics, etc.
Data/Communications Used to configure the Broadband data collection option
as well as email configuration options, data purging
(from the hard drive), data size limit warning (for email
option) and the track-send reminder.
Weather Data Provides an interface for requesting weather region (for
Delivery standard & high resolution data), specific weather
Configuration parameters & delivery options.
Send Hardware Key to The Hardware KEY (also known as the CERTIFICATE)
AWT is generated from the MAC ID of your computer’s
Ethernet card. The KEY for each computer is unique
and when multiple computers are running NaviPlanner
BVS, you need to send the KEY information for each
computer to StormGeo Support. This will ensure that
all computers can successfully access the incoming
forecast updates.
Network Setup (optional) The Network setup allows you to create support folders
for storing:
Weather data
Track Files
Administrator privileges are required and the “Weather”
and “Data” folders for the above must allow ‘all users’
access so that weather and route data can be
successfully accessed and written to these folders.
Speed Down Curves Click the menu, SETUP | SPEED CURVES to access and
(optional) modify the speed down configuration for your vessel
when this feature is enabled.

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All of the above configuration windows, with the exception of the Hardware Key
dialog, are accessible from the SETUP menu. The Hardware Key dialog can be
accessed from the menu option HELP | ABOUT. The settings can be modified, at
any time, where appropriate.

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32.1 Vessel Setup

1. Enter all vessel parameters below.

The Vessel Type is selected from a drop-down list. Every field requires a value to
be entered.
Note: If you place the cursor over an empty data field, NaviPlanner BVS will
display a tool tip (help message), describing the corresponding field, as shown
below.
All fields require input and as you input information, the field’s
background will change from red to white.
Once all fields have been filled out, you will click “NEXT” (in the case of initial
setup), or “OK” if accessing vessel setup after program is installed and
configured.

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32.1.1 Vessel Speed Curve Setup
After the initial vessel setup is performed, the user has the ability to further
adjust calculated performance in the Speed Curve configuration dialog when this
feature has been activated.
NaviPlanner BVS contains wind and swell speed down curves for each vessel type
which can be accessed from the menu option, Setup | Speed Curves. The
Vessel Type is selected from a drop-down list. In the example below, “Yacht,
Motor” is currently highlighted by the mouse cursor.

The program provides the user with editable tables, allowing detailed adjustment
of wind and swell speed down curves for increased accuracy in performance and
in ‘future DR position’ calculations.
Every field requires a value to be entered. Clicking twice on an individual cell
opens the edit option, as shown below:

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32.2 Initial Data/Communications Setup
The Data communications dialog allows you to configure NaviPlanner BVS for
Broadband or Email commumications.

32.2.1 Broadband Users: Configuration Instructions

BROADBAND USERS: The significant portion of the Data/Communications
dialog is found in the upper left:

1. Check the box for “I have a permanent internet connection.”

2. Set the update interval for requests to the desired value or leave the default
value of 60 minutes.
3. Configure the PURGE OLD WEATHER DATA option, if you wish to
remove accumulating historical weather data and free up space on your hard
drive. The default setting is to NEVER DELETE archived data.

If you were to set this option to 30 days, then only the past 30 days of data would
be maintained. Each time a new data set is processed by NaviPlanner BVS, this
setting is checked and old data (which is older than the user-defined setting) is
removed.

If you are actively collecting data using the Broadband option, Email Backup is a
special option available to all users which delivers data by email when (it is
assumed) that Broadband service is down. Additional information regarding the
EMAIL BACKUP OPTION is found in the APPENDIX, Section D4.

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32.2.2 Email Users: Configuration Instructions
EMAIL USERS: If you do not have broadband but will be using email to receive
forecast updates:

1. Broadband—REMOVE the check from the box: “I have a permanent Internet

connection.”
2. Type of Email Program—Select the type of email program your system is
using.
MAPI
If you are using Outlook/Outlook Express or other MAPI client email
software, click on the MAPI checkbox. With this selection, NaviPlanner
BVS makes data requests by automatically placing an outgoing message in
your email outbox; the message has the required file attachment for
requesting a forecast update from the BVS Server.
Manual
If you are using a third party email program or if you experience any
difficulties with the automatic method configuration, click on the Manual
checkbox.
Note: if you select Manual method, NaviPlanner BVS will open a special
dialog window for an email when you are in the final stage of the Forecast
Data Request setup process.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to receive the NaviPlanner BVS forecast emails

from StormGeo, you will need to ensure that your email service does not block
the following email address domains:
awtworldwide.com and appliedweather.com
These two domains should be placed on your vessel’s ‘Whitelist’.

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 3. Logon Details—Enter logon details for your “Windows Email Profile”. By
default, this is usually left blank. The logon details should only be used if
you have multiple email profiles and are required to switch from one to the other
for accessing various email accounts.

4. Data Size Warning Limit—Enter maximum allowed email size in Kilobytes

(KB).

This will allow NaviPlanner BVS to alert you when APPROXIMATE email file size
is over this limit in the SCHEDULED request and ONE-TIME EMAIL DELIVERY
request.
Note: because of the variations in weather patterns, seasons and ocean regions,
this is only an approximation and actual forecast size may vary.
5. Track Send Reminder—This option defaults to “NEVER”. Setting this
option to every “ONE”, “TWO” or “THREE” days will generate a kind reminder
on the NaviPlanner BVS chart to submit your active NaviPlanner BVS track to
[email protected]. This is only required if your vessel operator has
agreed to FULL WEATHER ROUTING, PERFORMANCE MONITORING, or
AWT’s other tracking services.

6. Purge Old Weather Data–Configure the PURGE OLD WEATHER DATA

option, if you wish to remove accumulating historical weather data and free up
space on your hard drive. The default setting is to NEVER DELETE archived
data.

If you were to set this option to 30 days, then only the past 30 days of data would
be maintained. Each time a new data set is processed by NaviPlanner BVS, this
setting is checked and old data (which is beyond the user-defined setting) is
removed.

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32.3 Forecast Configuration Instructions
There are three types of request configuration files:
1) Scheduled/Continuous Deliveries

This option is found in the NaviPlanner BVS menu: Data | Weather

Data Delivery Configuration. The dialog contains seven steps, or
tabs and is used to configure forecast region & length, data paremeters
and delivery schedule (for email scheduled deliveries).
The default file that is created is C:\BVS8\data\{callsign}-SchedReq.txt.
This file is used for either:
Broadband—when the Broadband check is enabled; or
The NaviPlanner BVS Server, for Scheduled Email Deliveries—
when the above text file is sent to [email protected] and
when the Broadband option is DISABLED.

2) One Time Email Requests

This option is found in the NaviPlanner BVS menu: Data | One-Time

Email Delivery of Weather Data—The dialog contains six steps, or
tabs and is used to configure forecast region & length, data paremeters.
Note that the “delivery schedule” step is omitted—this option is only a
request for one-time data delivery.

The default file that is created is C:\BVS8\data\{callsign}-ImmedReq.txt.

The sending of this file to [email protected] generates a

ONE-TIME immediate delivery by email.

Sending a One-Time request does not affect Broadband data collection

nor your Scheduled Email Deliveries. If you wish to update your ongoing
schedule, you need to create a new Weather Data Delivery Configuration
(see Description 1- Scheduled/Continuous Deliveries, above).

NOTE: Section 32.3.1 below should be referenced when creating either a

one-time email delivery, or when configuring your Weather Data
Delivery Configuration (for either Broadband or for Scheduled Emails).
For One-Time deliveries, you would disregard the tab titled “Delivery
Schedule” (page 170, below) since a one-time request does not offer a
‘scheduling’ option.
3) Stop Scheduled Email Deliveries

This option is found in the NaviPlanner BVS menu: Data | Stop

Scheduled Data Delivery—Selecting this from the menu will generate
a popup message asking for confirmation that you do indeed wish to stop
scheduled email deliveries. Click yes to generate an email message (if set
up for MAPI email configuration).
The default file that is created is
C:\BVS8\data\{callsign}-StopSchedReq.txt

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32.3.1 Weather Data Delivery Configuration
This is the next dialog to appear in the initial setup. It is called the Weather Data
Delivery Configuration dialog. Access to this option is also found in the
NaviPlanner BVS menu: Data | Weather Data Delivery Configuration:

This dialog has seven tabs and opens with the “Main Area” tab. As you step
through each tab, carefully consider the required region, forecast area size and
required weather parameters, keeping in mind that lengthier forecasts and
additional products will increase your forecast file size.
Below, you will find additional instructions for your guidance.

Main Area
The purpose of this tab is to select the “Main” forecast coverage area. This
bounded area is used when selecting your weather parameters. This tab also
contains a red slider which allows you to adjust the forecast length. When you
adjust the forecast length (from one to 16 days), each ‘main forecast file’ will
contain forecast information extending out to this specified length of time.

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1. To define the main area of your forecast:
a) Place the cursor at the upper left edge (northwest corner) of the desired region.
Click and hold the left mouse button, and drag the cursor down to the lower right.
Let go of the mouse button in the desired southeast coordinate to designate the
region. A selection grid, similar to the one above, will be displayed. With a left
mouse click-and-hold on the grid, you can reposition it on the chart. You may
also resize the grid as needed by dragging the edges of the grid.
The Coordinate values for the boundaries are displayed on the right side of the
chart. Notice that the Estimated Forecast Size value shown at the top of the
dialog will change to show the data size required for the region. This is useful
when file size restrictions have been imposed by your vessel operator or email
service, or to reduce monthly email costs.
2. Select a forecast duration, using the red selector bar at the bottom of the
dialog:

To do this, HOVER the mouse over the red or gray area of the Forecast Length
area WHILE holding down the LEFT MOUSE BUTTON. This will adjust the red
slider to the desired forecast length. Notice again at the top of the chart that the
Estimated Forecast Size varies as the forecast length changes.
3. Now, click the Next button to advance to the High Resolution grid selection
tab.

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 High Res
High Resolution nested grids are designed to provide you with a higher level of
detail than that which the main forecast area provides, while minimizing overall
file size, which would be greatly increased if High Resolution data were provided
for your entire forecast region
Note that the amount of nested grids and their associated sizes will affect the
overall size of your forecast files and keep in mind that a large amount of nested
data can increase your forecast file size approximately 3 to 4 times, compared to
the standard resolution data that is provided in your selected data region.
To select a high-res region:
1. Click and drag your cursor on the map; a small selection box will appear. The
nested grid that appears can be moved or resized using the mouse, or by
adjusting the lat/long coordinates to the right.
Below, the small ‘X’ in the upper right corner (identified in the red circle) can be
used to delete the grid. If you position your mouse along the edge or at the corner
of the grid, a resizing arrow will appear, as shown in the green circle below. Drag
the mouse to adjust the size of the grid.

Note that you can create more than one high resolution grid.
Each grid square is approximately 1600 square degrees (example: 40°x 40°;
50° x 32°, etc.).
2. When finished, click the Next button to advance to the Item Selection tab.

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Item Select
The Item Selection tab allows you to designate the specific forecast and data
items you wish to display on the NaviPlanner BVS chart.
In the example below, all ‘selected’ items would be included in the forecast
updates.

Note that the following items are ALWAYS included with your forecast updates,
and appear ‘grayed out’ and with an irremovable checkmark:
Surface Pressure
Fronts
Tropical Storm Tracks
Pack Ice Areas
Ice Berg Areas

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 Satellite Image
The purpose of this tab is to set the boundaries for a satellite image display
region.

To select a region:
1. Click and drag your cursor on the map; a small selection box will appear. The
nested grid that appears can be moved or resized using the mouse, or by
adjusting the lat/long coordinates to the right.

Note that you will receive a ‘still’ (non-animated) image.

2. To proceed to the Port Vicinity Forecast tab, click the Next button.

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Port Vicinity Forecast
The Port Vicinity Forecast tab allows you to select specific ports whereby an
extensive forecast is provided for the associated port location. In most cases, the
data is based on a nearby airport or it will be for the closest weather reporting
station to the port, so actual port conditions may vary.

To configure Port Vicinity Forecast locations:

1. Type in the Port Name. As you type, if the port is available, it will be displayed
on the “Select Port” list (see image above). Select the desired name from the list
and click OK.

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 2. Next you will need to select a START date, then a delivery END date if you
wish only to receive port forecast information during your port stay. The START
and END date calendars appear sequentially. Note that if you click on the
“Continuous” radio button to the left (as shown in the tooltip description, in the
above image) the port forecast information will be continuously delivered.

3. Up to 10 ports can be entered. When you have finished with this configuration,
click Next.

Delivery Schedule
The Delivery Schedule tab allows you to configure the email start and stop dates,
as well as the email delivery frequency. You may request that the Forecast data
be delivered up to four times per day.

Note: The delivery times in this dialog apply only to email deliveries. If you have
setup your system for Broadband data collection, you will automatically receive
forecast updates immediately after they become available on the NaviPlanner
BVS Forecast Server.
To configure your scheduled data deliveries:
1. Select a Start Date. Click the Start icon. A calendar appears. Select the desired
start date.
2. Place a check in the “Continuous” box if you wish to have ongoing deliveries
(with no end date). Otherwise,
3. Click the End button and select a termination date for forecast deliveries. This
will halt deliveries on the specified date (You will eventually need to resubmit a
schedule to reinitiate email data deliveries).
4. Set up Delivery Time(s). Recommended times, when data is most up-to-
date is shown above the drop-down delivery hour fields (03z, 09z, 15z & 21z).

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5. Special Updates / Tropicals
This option allows you to receive by email the most recent tropical storm
forecasts. The files sent to you would be quite small, about two to three Kilobytes
in size, but would ensure that you have the most recent information regarding
storm intensity and movement.
When finished, click the ‘Next’ button.

Summary Tab
The summary provides you with an overview of your forecast selections.

Click ‘Finish’.
If you have activated the Broadband data collection option and you are not
currently connected to the Internet, NaviPlanner BVS will display this dialog.

Click OK to continue, then ensure that your Broadband connection is established,

or if you are only receiving EMAIL UPDATES, disable the Broadband connection
checkbox in the Data / Communications dialog found in the Setup menu.
For the email users, you will need to send the Scheduled Request file to
[email protected].

The default file location is: C:\BVS8\data\{callsign}SchedReq.txt.

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32.4 Network Setup
NaviPlanner BVS can be configured to share route files and weather data across
your computer Network. Voyage Tracks are saved to and accessed from a
common location. Weather data is stored on both the local machine and on the
assigned Network location. Creating ‘dual location access’ to weather data
ensures that it is not only up-t0-date, but also it is more efficiently rendered on
the local user machine. The Network Setup dialog will appear when NaviPlanner
BVS is first opened. The Network configuration can be found in the Menu bar,
selecting Setup | Network Installation.
To customize the Network settings:
1. From the Menu bar, select Setup | Network Installation.
2. The following window appears:

3. Enter the folder location for each category: Data & Weather. You must use
the browse button to locate a Network folder—the ‘browse’ dialog does not
allow you to type in the path from the keyboard.
It is recommended that subfolders are created for each of the two categories
above. This will help organize storage of this NaviPlanner BVS data.
NOTE: THE TWO “DIRECTORIES” FIELDS SHOULD BE LEFT BLANK if
you want to maintain the default file storage locations:
C:\BVS8\data
C:\BVS8\weather
4. The Network folders should have been created in advance. Once you select
the two directories, you will need to click the following ‘long’ initialization
button, which is no longer grayed out:

5. The OK button will not be accessible until you have created the required
folders and clicked the initialization button. Click OK to save your settings.

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32.5 NaviPlanner BVS 8 Display Options

32.5.1 Weather Data and Chart Data Display Options

The Data Display tab in the Vertical, or Left Panel contains controls for viewing
and for modifying certain items and features. These include:
 NoGo Areas
 ECA zones, Time Zones, & Load Lines
 Port Name, Pilot Drop Points, Capes and Straits
 Hazards- War Risk and areas of recent Piracy incidents
 Dialogs for Port Vicinity Forecasts, Bulletins and Satellite Imagery
 Size and Visibility controls for track and chart symbols & display items.
To open the Data Display tab:
1. Click the NaviPlanner BVS menu option: View | Data Display.
2. The Geographical and Weather items mentioned in the bullet points above
are controlled with a checkbox, which enables the display on the chart of each
corresponding item.

3. Adjust Geographical or Weather settings as needed.

189
 4. The Low Track option controls the length of the directional arrows found in
the center of the low surface pressure systems. Sliding the controls to the right
will lengthen the track arrows & sliding to the left will shorten them. The arrows
are show in 6-hour increments. Example:

32.5.2 Track Display Options

These settings customize the display of track symbols and of the chart grid.
Adjust parameters as needed, using the slider for each corresponding item. The
Left Side Panel can be collapsed or you may open an alternate tab when you are
finished.

32.6 Hardware Key Setup

Background
AWT provides NaviPlanner BVS with a “site license”, allowing you to install the
program on any local computer. However, each computer must be identified so
that the forecast updates can be accessible by each.

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AWT is able to verify your NaviPlanner BVS account and maintain accessibility
for you, using two specific items:
1) Your Vessel (or account) email address.
2) Your Hardware Key(s)
The NaviPlanner BVS Hardware Key (or “Certificate”) is a special 7-digit code
that is created from the existing MAC ID of your Ethernet hardware and/or your
Wireless Network hardware on your NaviPlanner BVS computer. It allows AWT
to identify each computer.
Below is an example of the Hardware Key, which can be found in the B
NaviPlanner VS menu: Help | About.

After installation and initial setup of NaviPlanner BVS, you should submit your
Hardware Keys to AWT.
How to register a Hardware Key with AWT
For email based systems you must manually report the machine key to AWT,
using either of two methods, to obtain registration.
1. Click HELP | ABOUT. The following window appears:

191
 Option 1: Send the Key(s) automatically by email.
1. If you are configured for MAPI email (using Outlook or Windows Live Email),
click the button, “Send Keys By Email”.
2. This will generate an email message with the required text in the message body
(including the 7-digit key).
3. The email should be sent to the support team: [email protected]

Option 2. Manually send the key

1. Click the “Copy Keys to Clipboard” button.
2. Create a new email message, then put the cursor in the text body area and
paste your NaviPlanner BVS key information in from the clipboard, using CRTL-
V or the Edit | Paste menu item.
3. In the message header line put : Key registration

4. Send the email to: [email protected]

32.7 Hardware & (BVS) Software Upgrades

Hardware Changes: If you have upgraded your computer or the
motherboard, you will need to send in the new Hardware Key.
Upgrading software, from a previous version of BVS: If you are
upgrading from BVS 7/8 to NaviPlanner BVS, no special additional key
registration action is needed.
Running BVS 7 and NaviPlanner BVS 8 simultaneously: NaviPlanner
BVS installs in a separate folder and will not overwrite nor affect the BVS 7
installation, although at a certain point when you feel comfortable, you may want
to remove BVS 7 from your Windows computer.
Processing Weather Data: BVS 7 data will open in NaviPlanner BVS,
however you will need to submit a new NaviPlanner BVS data request (either
through Broadband or by email) to register your new version on our NaviPlanner
BVS Server.

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Appendices

Ap p end ix 193
Appendix A Glossary

Term Definition
Active Voyage Track An Active Voyage Track is the route that has been given the
“active track” assignment in the NaviPlanner BVS program.
Alert or Alarm An on-screen display signaling presence of a specific condition of
concern
Broadband High-speed and high capacity Internet-based data
communications means.
Email Electronic mail with file attachment capabilities
ETA (estimated) A computed estimated time of arrival
ETA (fixed) A defined time of arrival, usually identified by vessel operator as
your RTA (Required Time of Arrival)
Forecast length This is the length of the weather data forecast, that is, how far
ahead it stretches.
High wave groups A risk condition where the ship will encounter successively high
waves when the ship speed is nearly equal to the wave group
velocity.
Interpolated points Computed points found at 6-hour intervals along the voyage track
Optimized track A NaviPlanner BVS-generated track that has been optimized
according to the user-selected criterion (least cost/fuel
consumption, or least time enroute),
Parametric rolling Rolling that occurs when the encounter period (TE) is half of the
vessel’s natural roll period.
Piracy symbols Piracy symbols (colored skull and crossbones indicating various
types of pirate activity) are placed by NaviPlanner BVS on the
chart at specific locations where recent pirate activity has been
reported.
Port forecast Predicted weather conditions for the port vicinity.
Region A user-defined area of the NaviPlanner BVS chart submitted to
AWT. Used to generate corresponding weather & chart data
Resonance Severe motions, caused by sudden large roll amplitudes, which
have the potential of causing cargo loss or damage.
Restricted Areas Mandatory NoGo areas.
Route A route is the pathway from a geographical starting point to a
specified end point.
Slamming Predictions of slamming are not shown in the NaviPlanner BVS
resonance display. However, this explanation is provided for your
reference:
Slamming is a risk condition from wave impact in the bow section
of the ship, at flat bottom sections, and at the upper bow flare. For

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Term Definition
modern container ships, slamming may also occur at the stern
section due to flat bottom design. The impact loads are highly
concentrated in a very short time period and may result in
damage of local structure and accentuate structural vibration
throughout the hull, also known as whipping.
Surf-riding A risk condition where a ship is situated on a steep forefront of
high wave in following and quartering sea conditions—the ship
can be accelerated to ride on the wave.
Synchronous rolling A resonance condition where the ship’s natural roll period
coincides with the encounter wave period, increasing the effects of
the roll.
TAU The forecast time step, TAU zero being the “NOW TIME”. TAU 12
would be twelve hours into the future, etc.
Track A track is route data in the form of a set of waypoints. It is
displayed on the chart in graphical form, and the data appears in
table format in the Left and Bottom panels.
Track alarms A track alarm indicates a condition over a set limit and is
displayed on the track as a warning circle. Typical alarms are
displayed for roll resonance, weather conditions exceeding user-
defined limits and crossing through NoGo areas.
Track Input Table Table for editing and display of the currently selected voyage track
Track template A track template is created by the user for commonly sailed
routes. It contains departure & arrival points, and any additional
waypoints that have been input by the user. It is saved with an
XML extension.
Track symbols The symbols shown at each track point, including the ship symbol,
waypoints, computed points, weather symbols, etc.
Waypoint A key navigation point along a route.
Waypoint symbol A NaviPlanner BVS graphic (icon) identifying a waypoint on the
BVS track
Weather symbols Symbols on the chart which indicate specific weather conditions
at the corresponding location.

Ap p end ix 195
Appendix B Communications

B.1 AWT Communications

What address should I use for email communications?

AWT provides various services. To help expedite your messages, please ensure to
send your email to the appropriate address identified below:
NaviPlanner BVS Software Support: [email protected]
For program troubleshooting and BVS-software related issues
Automated Forecast Requests: [email protected]
For sending immediate and scheduled forecast data requests
NaviPlanner BVS Voyage Track Send: [email protected]
For sending your intended route from the BVS program interface
StormGeoAWT Data Reporting System (DRS):
[email protected]
Send noon positions using the DRS software interface.
StormGeo AWT Route Operations Staff: [email protected]
Used for route discussions, requesting route assistance, etc.
Please ensure that the following email domains are white listed:
appliedweather.com
awtworldwide.com
stormgeo.com

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Appendix C BVS Directories and Files

C.1 NaviPlanner BVS Directories

NaviPlanner BVS uses two main data directories to store updated information:
1 . Data directory
The main data directory’s default location is on the computer’s C: drive at
C:\BVS8\data
This directory contains various subdirectories, each for a specific data file type.
The subdirectory most relevant for the user is the Track Directory, where
NaviPlanner BVS stores all your tracks. It will contain .BVS track files.
2. Weather Data directory
The main weather data directory’s default location is on the computer’s C: drive
at C:\BVS8\weather
This directory contains various subdirectories, each for a specific weather data
file type. .RKW files are containers for the many sets of different weather data
that go here.

C.2 NaviPlanner BVS File Types

There are two key types users should recognize. They are:
File Suffix: .BVS
Type Name: Voyage track file
Purpose: Contains all track information, including waypoints, speed,
departure and arrival times, etc. NaviPlanner BVS stores these files in the
default folder:
C:\BVS8\Data\Track
In addition, if you are subscribed to StormGeo AWT’s Full Weather Routing
Service, StormGeo AWT will email a recommended sailing track to subscribers
with each message sent out to you. Simply open the track from your email
program to load the route recommendation into NaviPlanner BVS.

File Suffix: .RKW

Type Name: Weather forecast update file
Contents: An .RKW file is a ‘shipping container’ holding the selection of
weather data type files you have requested,
Purpose: The RKW file is compressed and contains all requested weather
parameters available at the specific delivery time.
Broadband users: If you have broadband, NaviPlanner BVS will automatically
receive the file and extract the weather data. A copy of the file is stored in the
default location:

Ap p end ix 197
 C:\BVS8\weather\import\backup\
Email users: When checking your email, be sure to process incoming RKW
files in chronological order, with the oldest file being processed first. You can
either double-click the RKW file (or select “Open” from the email attachment
‘options’), or you might alternatively store the RKW file in the import folder,
where it will be automatically opened and processed. The default location is:
C:\BVS8\weather\import\

If the file is located on your hard drive, you can click the NaviPlanner BVS menu
Data | Manually Import Weather Data, selecting the desired file so that it
can be processed by NaviPlanner BVS.

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Appendix D Special Instructions

D.1 Magnuss VOSS™ Configuration Instructions

NaviPlanner BVS can be configured to display calculated fuel savings achieved for a
voyage where your sails are activated.
NaviPlanner BVS-calculated figures are shown in two areas:
1) The lower TRACK LIST panel shows a comparison of fuel consumption and total
cost.
2) The lower panel’s Magnuss VOSS™ table provides extensive data, such as wind
direction & speed; adjusted RPM & power; fuel savings, etc.
Clicking the Wind Barb icon will display the Magnuss VOSS™ table:

Configuration Instructions:
1) Using Windows File Explorer, browse to and open the following file in Windows
Notepad (or some other text editor):
C:\BVS8\settings\preferences.ini
2) At the end of the various entries in this file, add a new line and type in the
following:

magnussvoss.sails = 4
3) Note that the numerical value represents the number of sails being used. The
example above would be used for four sails. If three sails were being used, then
the preferences line would be altered to show:
magnussvoss.sails = 3

NOTE: Whenever modifying the preferences.ini file, NaviPlanner BVS MUST BE

CLOSED at the time.

D.2 E-Navigator: Track file import/export

For specific BVS8 installation versions, it is possible to export NaviPlanner BVS

Track Files into UKHO’s e-Navigator. That specific version of NaviPlanner BVS is
also able to open an e-Navigator “.rtx” file.

Whenever a route is saved from within NaviPlanner BVS, it is simultaneously saved

in the ".rtx" (e-navigator) format to the above file folder preference (typically,
"C:\ProgramData\e-Navigator\ECDIS_UserData\Routes").
Thus, after saving a NaviPlanner BVS file, the e-Navigator has access to the "route"
using the “open|route” command.

199
 Note: you may have to select the "Application" tab in e-Navigator prior to opening a
track.

A special configuration line is required in the NaviPlanner BVS ‘preferences.ini’ file to

activate the e-Navigator functionality.
Configuration Instructions:
1) Using Windows File Explorer, browse to and open the following file in Windows
Notepad (or some other text editor):
C:\BVS8\settings\preferences.ini
2) At the end of the various entries in this file, add a new line and type in the
following:

ENavigator.FileFolder = C:\ProgramData\ e-Navigator\ECDIS_UserData\Routes

3) You can specify any location for the file folder, but this is the default location
used by e-navigator, and so it is the default location. If this preference line is not
added to the NaviPlanner BVS preferences.ini file, neither option (open ".rtx" or
auto-save ".rtx" will work correctly in BVS8.

RTX File Creation:

Here are the details:

1) Create route in NaviPlanner BVS and save it (a ".rtx" eNavigator file is also
created).
2) Open e-Navigator (provide user name/password, if asked)
3) Click on Applications
4) Select File>>Open>>Route (list of routes will appear along with the one just saved
in BVS)
5) Click on desired file and click on Open (track will appear in map)

Displaying e-Navigator Routes within NaviPlanner BVS:

1) First create an ".rtx" route using e-Navigator:
a) Open e-Navigator
b) Select "Applications" Tab
c) Select menu item: File>>New>>Route
d) Enter track name or take default and click OK
e) Click on map to set waypoints (double click to set last point)
f) Select menu item: File>>Save As>>Route
g) In dialog, Navigate to BVS route directory C:\BVS8\data\track
h) Click "Save"

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2) Display route in NaviPlanner BVS
a) Open or Go to NaviPlanner BVS application
b) Select menu: File>>Open>>Track
c) Enable viewing of .rtx by setting file type either:
i) Change to All Files (*.*)
ii) e-Navigator (*.RTX)
d) Select appropriate rtx file
e) Click on Open (track should display in NaviPlanner BVS map)
If the track file does not appear on the NaviPlanner BVS chart, ensure that the
above preference line exists in the preferences.ini file.
NOTE: Whenever modifying the preferences.ini file, NaviPlanner BVS MUST BE
CLOSED at the time.

201
D.3 TRANSAS: .RT3 file import/export

It is possible to export NaviPlanner BVS Track Files into Transas system (example:
the Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS system). NaviPlanner BVS is also able to open a Transas
“.rt3” file.
Using the “Save As” function in NaviPlanner BVS, the user has the opportunity to
select “.rt3” as one of the save options. This option allows the user to export the
NaviPlanner BVS track file to the corresponding format for use in the Transas ECDIS
system.

Importing .RT3 files from the ECDIS system into BonVoyage

The ability to share these two files between systems is possible using either a shared
Network location or by moving the files from one computer to another using a USB
thumb drive or a USB portable hard drive.
Portable USB Drive
1. From the Transas system, save the ".RT3"file
on a portable drive.
2. Plug the drive into the NaviPlanner BVS computer.
3. Click the menu option FILE|Open|Track.

4. Change the Route File Type drop down option to "Transas RT3 Files (*.rt3)".

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5. Locate and select the desired file.

6. Click the "Open"button.

7. The ".RT3"file is now opened and temporarily stored in the program

memory. Before optimizing or using the track editing functions in BVS, save
the Transas ".RT3"file as a ".BVS"track file.
a. Click FILE|Save As|Track

b. Using the Microsoft file browser that appears, select the NaviPlanner
BVS folder: C:\BVS8\data\track\ (this is the NaviPlanner BVS
Installation "Default Location")

203
 c. Ensure the "Save As" type shows "*.BVS"

d. Type the desired name in the "File Name" field.

e. Click "Save"
8. Now, after ensuring that your weather is updated on the BVS Chart, Optimize
the track by right-clicking the track and selecting OPTIMIZE' LEAST TIME
(or the desired optimization option):

Options are:
Least Time
Least Cost (or least fuel consump.)
Lease Cost/Fuel w/ Fixed Arrival

9. This will save a new track and allow you to compare performance (ETA &
Fuel Consumption, etc.) of both.

Exporting a Transas file from NaviPlanner BVS to the Transas ".RT3"

format
After creating the desired BVS track, first ensure that the file is saved in your
NaviPlanner BVS track folder as a "*.BVS" track file. Now:

1. Click the BVS menu option FILE|Clone.

2. Type the desired track name, then click OK.
This creates a duplicate file which will be
exported in the next steps 3 through 7.

3. Click the menu option FILE|Save As|Track.

4. Select the location where the file should be saved, and type in the file name.
5. Using the drop down menu option, change the "Save As Type" to "Transas
(*.rt3)

6. Click "Save" to export the file.

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 7. After saving the "*.rt3" file, close it by right-clicking the track on the
NaviPlanner BVS chart and by selecting "Close Track":

Network Configuration

The instructions below require Administrator privileges and are a one-time process.
If the desired location for transferring "*.rt3" files is not already mapped to your local
computer, you'll need to do the following:
1. Open the Windows File Explorer and under the Network section of the left-
hand pane, browse to the Network Computer where your ".*rt3" files are
being stored.
2. In the right side of the Windows File Explorer, right click the desired folder
(the folder or subfolder which contains your ".*rt3" files) and select "Map
Network Drive".
3. Select the Drive letter & check the box that says "Reconnect at logon".
4. Click the "Finish" button to save the configuration and make this location
accessible as a Network Drive.
Network File Sharing
With access to the Network Drive location, you can now search for and open the
"*.rt3" file directly from the Network.

1. Open the Windows File Explorer, locate and select the desired file.
2. Click the "Open"button.
3. The ".RT3" file is now opened and temporarily stored in the NaviPlanner BVS
program memory. B efore optimizing or using the track editing functions in
BVS, save the Transas ".RT3" file as a ".BVS" track file.
a. Click FILE|Save As|Track
b. Browse to the NaviPlanner BVS folder: C:\BVS8\data\track\ (this is
the BVS8 Installation "Default Location")
c. Ensure the "Save As" type shows "*.BVS"
d. Type the desired name in the "File Name" field.
e. Click "Save"
4. You may now begin editing and optimizing the NaviPlanner BVS track.

205
D.4 KVH Global Forecast Delivery

If you are subscribed to KVH broadcast service and have a KVH CommBox properly
installed, you may be able to receive our global forecast file, transmitted four times
per day through KVH. You’ll need to activate the KVH option in NaviPlanner BVS by
doing the following:
1) Click Setup|Data/Communications
2) Click “Enable KVH”
3) If necessary, adjust the KVH Directory to point to the correct ‘Incoming Data’
folder.
4) Click “OK” to save settings.

Additional information can be found in the NaviPlanner BVS Help menu AFTER
enabling this KVH option.

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D.5 NaviPlanner BVS Broadband & An Explanation
Of The Email Backup Service

A user who is collecting data by Broadband may wish to have an Email Backup option
in case the Broadband system fails. The NaviPlanner BVS Server is able to send daily
forecast updates by email during a situation where the Internet is inaccessible, or
where the NaviPlanner BVS Broadband option is turned off (ie: port stop, dry dock,
etc.).

A Broadband request (as well as scheduled request) is based on the file

“{callsign}SchedReq.txt” which is created after creating a forecast configuration using
the menu option: Data | Weather Data Delivery Configuration.

EXPLANATION OF NaviPlanner BVS DATA REQUEST FUNCTION:

Immediately after creating a Weather Data Delivery Configuration, note the
following:
A) In the menu option: Setup | Data/Communications, If Broadband is ENABLED,
NaviPlanner BVS will automatically try to submit the file to the Broadband Server to
collect up-to-date data for the user-defined region & desired data parameters.
B) If Broadband is UNCHECKED, NaviPlanner BVS will try to create an outgoing
email message & attach the "{CALLSIGN}-SchedReq.txt" file to initiate email
deliveries.

*****************************************
BROADBAND: EMAIL BACKUP
If the user is actively collecting data using the Broadband option, Email Backup is a
special option available to all users which delivers data by email when (it is assumed)
that Broadband service is down. Broadband data collection might not be available for
various reasons: Hardware issues, Satellite connectivity problems, and more likely
because a vessel closes the NaviPlanner BVS program while in port, etc.

NaviPlanner BVS should be configured as follows

1) Broadband Request rate is set to a certain time
[Click the menu option: SETUP | Data/Communications: "Update every: "XX"
Minutes" (60min is the default) ]
2) From the Data menu, the Weather Data Delivery Configuration, the user should set
(up to 4) email delivery times. When Broadband data collection is active, the data
update interval (as described in step #1) is used for Broadband collection. Once the
Broadband data collection is halted, the ‘configured delivery hours (in UTC time)’ are
thereafter used by the NaviPlanner BVS Server to send out each required email
delivery.
3) The Broadband data collection interval (explained in #1) is submitted along with
all other data request parameters.

207
 4) If data is not being collected at that interval (example, every 60 minutes) and one
of the specified email hours arrives, then data will be emailed to the user at the
specified hour(s).
5) Once broadband service is reestablished, (confirmed from a Broadband data
collection event on your NaviPlanner BVS computer), email deliveries will halt.
6) It should be noted that email deliveries will contain data at a lower resolution than
the Broadband data sets (see the User Manual for differences in Email vs. Broadband
data resolution.

HALTING EMAIL DELIVERIES:

If you wish to stop email backup deliveries, or standard “Scheduled Deliveries” for
that matter, send an email request by selecting the option from the DATA menu:
“Stop Scheduled Data Delivery”. This will generate the file “{CALLSIGN}-
StopSchedReq.txt”. Note that this option will only halt email deliveries. If you open
NaviPlanner BVS with the Broadband option still ‘enabled’, the program will continue
to update using the Broadband data collection option to provide you with the latest
NaviPlanner BVS forecast information.
The Stop Schedule Request file should be sent to
[email protected].
PLEASE BE SURE TO CLOSE NaviPlanner BVS (Thus halting Broadband data
collection as well) before emailing the STOP REQUEST. This will ensure that the
BROADBAND option does not reinitiate the EMAIL BACKUP feature for the time
being.
If you wish to halt Broadband data collection for any given amount of time, you can:
1) Select the menu option: SETUP | DATA/COMMUNICATIONS
2) Deselect the option at the upper left: Broadband Connection
3) Click OK to save the updated settings.

Be sure to restore the checkmark in the Broadband Update feature when you require
updates to be started once again.

PREVENTING EMAIL BACKUP DELIVERIES ALTOGETHER:

If you wish to completely disable the EMAIL BACKUP service, please send an email
request to BVS Support ([email protected]) and ask them to disable the
“Email Backup option” on the DATA SERVER because you wish to collect data
exclusively by Broadband.

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209
Appendix E

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
With regard and with relationship to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, StormGeo AWT shall provide the
Product and any support services, if needed, related to the Product, and hereunto disclaim all warranties and conditions,
either express, implied or statutory, which may include, but are not limited to, any implied warranties or conditions of
merchantability, of suitability for a specified purpose, that it contains absolute accuracy or completeness of responses, of
results, and of any lack of negligence or lack of workmanlike effort, all with respect to the Product, and the provision of or
failure to provide Support Services. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, QUIET
ENJOYMENT, QUIET POSSESSION, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT WITH REGARDS TO THE HEREIN CONTAINED
PRODUCT. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY OF OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT AND SUPPORT
SERVICES, IF ANY, REST WITH YOU.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
In no event shall StormGeo AWT be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages or damages for
loss of profits, revenue, data or use incurred by the customer or any third party, whether in an action in contract or tort,
even if StormGeo AWT or any other person has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The NaviPlanner BVS
Software and Services are provided "AS IS" and the customer, and its user, assumes the entire risk when using them.

POTENTIAL SOFTWARE & SERVICE CHANGES

AWT reserves the right to change the NaviPlanner BVS Software and Services formats without any obligation
by StormGeo AWT to notify any party of such revision or changes.

CONTACT INFORMATION
StormGeo AWT
140 Kifer Ct
Sunnyvale, California 94086
(408) 731-8600
[email protected]

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Ind ex 211
Index
500mb ....................................................................... 18, 108 DRS ......................................................................... 103, 197
Active Track ................................................................ 91, 97 ECA .............................................. 51, 54, 68, 75, 76, 78, 190
Air Temperature ............................... 18, 109, 132, 134, 135 Edit ........................................................ 37, 50, 95, 101, 193
Animation ............................................... 19, 34, 56, 57, 113 Email Backup Service for Broadband .............................. 208
Animation Controls ............................................... 29, 34, 56 E-Navigator..................................................... 200, 201, 202
Animation, Track & Weather .................. 29, 34, 56, 57, 113 FAQs ............................................................................... 163
AWT Data Reporting System (DRS) ................... 40, 103, 197 File Menu ......................................................................... 37
Bar Fixed Arrival............................... 29, 35, 59, 69, 75, 144, 148
Menu .................................... 25, 30, 37, 48, 66, 123, 138 Forecast Update Times ..................................................... 18
Bottom Panel ..................................................................196 Fuel Cost .................................................. 35, 69, 74, 76, 140
Broaching ........................................................................161 Gnomonic Chart Display ..................................44, 48, 49, 50
Broadband 12, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 33, 39, 40, Graph...12, 20, 36, 38, 69, 72, 83, 87, 89, 90, 113, 114, 151,
43, 105, 121, 122, 123, 133, 137, 165, 172, 173, 177, 155, 157, 162
178, 180, 187, 188, 193, 195, 197, 198 Graph tab ........................................................... 12, 69, 114
Broadband, Email Backup ...............................................208 Help Menu ........................................................................ 45
Bulletins Help Tools......................................................................... 13
Marine .................................................................. 18, 119 High Wave Groups.................................................. 160, 195
Capes and Straits ............................................................190 Humidity ...................................... 19, 20, 109, 132, 134, 135
Center Ship ................................................................. 35, 59 Iceberg............................................................................ 165
Chart Import CSV File ................................................................. 79
Controls ......................................................................141 Improvements ...................................................... 17, 19, 20
Display .................................................................... 35, 47 Insert Reported Point ................................79, 101, 137, 148
Projection ............................................................... 44, 48 Insert Waypoint .............................................58, 79, 95, 101
Chart Display ............................................................... 35, 47 Keyboard Shortcuts ............................................ 30, 69, 101
Chart Projection .......................................................... 44, 48 KVH, Configuration ......................................................... 207
Gnomonic ................................................... 44, 48, 49, 50 Least Cost .......................... 29, 35, 59, 75, 76, 142, 144, 148
Mercator................................................................. 44, 48 Least Time ................... 29, 35, 59, 69, 75, 79, 141, 142, 148
Orthographic .................................................... 44, 48, 49 Left Panel...12, 27, 28, 29, 35, 38, 44, 50, 51, 54, 55, 66, 69,
Clone Track ................................................................. 59, 96 70, 71, 77, 87, 92, 93, 95, 98, 102, 107, 112, 116, 118,
Cloud Forecast .......................................... 18, 132, 133, 135 119, 136, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 148, 150, 151, 166,
Clouds .............................................................................108 190
Constraints .................15, 16, 17, 71, 74, 137, 140, 143, 144 Load Lines ......................................................... 51, 149, 190
Optimization ............................................. 74, 93, 97, 149 Low Pressure Track Movement ...................................... 191
Controls Low Track ................................................................. 78, 191
Chart .............................................................................47 Magnuss VOSS ................................................................ 200
Copy as CSV.......................................................................86 Marine Bulletins ....................................................... 18, 119
Current ...... 18, 24, 72, 87, 88, 108, 111, 113, 132, 133, 135, Menu ... 13, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 37, 38, 39, 44, 45, 48, 63, 64,
156 66, 72, 95, 102, 103, 114, 123, 126, 130, 138, 189
Data Display Tab ..... 12, 35, 50, 51, 54, 70, 71, 93, 107, 112, Menu Bar ................................... 25, 30, 37, 48, 66, 123, 138
116, 117, 118, 119, 166, 190 Menu, Data....................................................................... 39
Data Menu ........................................................................39 Menu, Edit ........................................................................ 37
Data Reporting System ............................... 39, 40, 103, 197 Menu, File ........................................................................ 37
Data Resolution ..............................................................133 Menu, Help ....................................................................... 45
Data Sources ..................................................... 45, 132, 162 Menu, Setup ............................................................. 44, 102
Delete Point ........................................................ 60, 79, 101 Menu, View .............................................................. 38, 151
Disclaimer .......................................................................211 Mercator .................................................................... 44, 48
Display Mercator Chart Display .............................................. 44, 48
Stationary Point ..........................................................138 Navigate Great Circle........................................................ 79
Tropical Storm ............................................................114 Navigate Rhumb Line ............................................... 79, 101
Weather Network Setup ..........................................44, 172, 173, 189
Stationary Point .....................................................138 New Track............................................................. 59, 84, 95
Display Step Controls ......................................................151 Open Template........................................................... 84, 99

212 Na viPla nner BVS 8.3 User Ma nua l StormGeo

Open Track ............................................................ 84, 97, 99 Stationary Point Weather Display .............59, 112, 138, 139
Optimization 1, 12, 15, 17, 35, 51, 64, 69, 74, 76, 79, 93, 97, Swell ..... 72, 90, 93, 108, 113, 114, 132, 133, 135, 149, 153,
102, 140, 141, 142, 143, 148, 149 156, 157, 162
Optimization Constraints ................................................149 Synchronous Rolling ....................................................... 157
Optimization, Dual Speed ...............................................146 System Requirements ...................................................... 22
Optimization, Dual Speed & Fixed Arrival .......................146 TC Probability ................................................................. 115
Optimization, Dual Speed & Open Arrival .......................147 Thresholds ................................. 74, 75, 76, 93, 97, 148, 154
Orthographic ......................................................... 44, 48, 49 Time Zones ..................................................................... 190
Pack Ice ...........................................................................165 Tools tab ........................................ 12, 38, 93, 140, 141, 142
Pack Ice and Iceberg Display ...........................................165 Tools Tab .........................................................71, 74, 93, 97
Pirate Attacks ..................................................................166 Track
Planning ........................................................ 12, 16, 17, 136 Active ..................................................................... 91, 97
Port Vicinity Forecast ........................................................59 Alarms ................................. 12, 55, 93, 97, 148, 149, 151
Port Vicinity Forecasts ................................ 18, 78, 116, 190 Comparison .................................................................. 90
One-Time Requests .............................................. 42, 117 Modifying ................................................................... 140
Precipitation ..................................... 20, 108, 110, 131, 132 New ........................................................................ 84, 95
Pressure .................... 19, 107, 108, 111, 132, 133, 135, 184 Track List Table ............................................................ 85
Print BVS Chart .................................................................69 Track Alarms .......................................... 12, 65, 97, 148, 149
Rename Track ...................................................................84 Track Comparison............................................................. 90
Resolution Track Creation .................................................................. 95
Description .................................................................133 Track List ................... 12, 27, 36, 38, 69, 83, 84, 85, 96, 102
Resonance Track Optimization ................................................. 102, 136
High Wave Groups ......................................................160 Track Snapshot ................................................................. 72
Parametric Rolling ......................................................159 Transas .rt3 Files............................................................. 203
Synchronous Rolling ...................................................160 Transas File Import/Export ............................................. 203
Resonance................................................................. 45, 150 Tropical Storm Display.................................................... 114
Settings ................................................................... 72, 89 Upper Air (500mb) ................................................... 18, 108
Resonance UTC Time Display .............................................................. 17
Surf-Riding / Broaching...............................................161 Vessel Icing ............................................................. 108, 109
Resonance Feature ................................................... 45, 150 Vessel Setup ..................................................... 44, 173, 175
Resonance Settings ..................................................... 72, 89 Vessel Type ....................................................... 21, 175, 176
Restricted Sailing Zones .............................................. 51, 58 View Menu ............................................................... 38, 151
Right-Click Menus .............................................................58 Visibility ............................. 18, 108, 109, 132, 133, 135, 190
Rogue Wave .............................. 19, 109, 110, 132, 133, 135 Voyage Details ....................... 12, 36, 38, 69, 83, 86, 92, 102
Rolling Voyage Planning ............................................12, 16, 17, 136
High Wave Groups ......................................................160 War Risk ............................................................. 19, 20, 190
Parametric ..................................................................159 WARRANTY ..................................................................... 211
Surf-Riding / Broaching...............................................161 Wave Length .................................................................... 73
Synchronous ...............................................................160 Waypoints ................................... 29, 58, 86, 92, 95, 96, 101
Synchronous ...............................................................157 Deleting ...................................................................... 101
Route Data ........................................................................16 Weather Bar 34, 35, 50, 56, 59, 66, 107, 110, 111, 131, 138,
Route Input Tab ... 12, 69, 71, 79, 95, 98, 102, 141, 142, 154 139
Route Snapshot...............................................................138 Weather Data . 12, 18, 19, 24, 25, 29, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42,
RPM .......................................................................... 16, 101 43, 50, 59, 66, 105, 106, 107, 111, 112, 113, 116, 121,
Satellite Image .................... 18, 78, 118, 134, 135, 185, 190 123, 126, 129, 131, 133, 137, 165, 173, 179, 180, 181,
Save Track As ....................................................................84 190, 193, 198, 199
Saving Track File................................................................97 Weather Graphs ............................................................. 113
Saving/Exporting Data ......................................................17 Wind ..... 18, 19, 72, 87, 88, 90, 93, 108, 113, 114, 132, 133,
Schedule Data Request ...................................................127 135, 140, 149, 156, 157, 162
Seas ............ 19, 108, 114, 132, 133, 135, 140, 149, 153, 156 Wind Barb ........................................................................ 93
Simulation ................................................................... 15, 17 XML Formatted Route Files .............................................. 97
Snapshot Tab .. 12, 27, 55, 66, 69, 71, 72, 89, 148, 150, 151, Zoom
152 In 47
Spot Forecast, Generate .................................................118 Out ............................................................................... 47
SST ..................................................................................108 Zoom Track ....................................................................... 64

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