Spotlight

Surface currents for sailors

Current predictions for sailors as GRIB files

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) provides surface current forecasts as data packages that can be used in navigation and regatta programs.

Due to the increasing demand from water sports enthusiasts for current forecasts, the BSH offers 16 regional data packages daily in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Elbe area, containing up to three-day forecasts in GRIB format.

Data generation methodology

The BSH generates the data using a numerical prediction model developed for the current water level and storm surge forecasts of the BSH as well as for drift and dispersion forecasts, e.g. for oil pollution. The model calculates daily two- or three-day forecasts for tidal, wind and density-related currents. The calculated surface currents represent mean values of the currents over the first 5 m of the water column.

Legal note on the current predictions

The BSH does not guarantee the functionality, completeness, accuracy and up-to-dateness of the forecast data. In addition, no liability is accepted for interruptions or other technical faults caused by incorrectly created files or incorrectly structured formats.

The BSH wishes all sailors always a hand's breadth of water under the keel!