The Leeway of Persons-In-Water and Three Small Craft
Abstract
Leeway behavior, the effect of wind on floating objects, of a variety of small survivor objects and situations is required to provide reliable inputs into Coast Guard search planning models. This series of leeway experiments extends a series of leeway experiments employing GPS navigation, miniature electromagnetic or acoustic current meters, and on-board weather stations. The experiments directly measured the leeway of small objects that may be involved in Search and Rescue activities by attaching current meters to the leeway objects. Collecting meteorological data continuously at or near the drift object improved the relationship of these data to the particular leeway object. Internal recording of measurements of wind and current, along with satellite positioning and telemetry, permitted greater data recovery and the ability to gather data during severe weather. A method to measure leeway of extremely small objects was developed making use, for the first time, of new current meter designs. Leeway values as a function of wind velocity were developed for a Person-In-Water (PIW) (wearing a personal flotation device or survival suit), wharf Box, Sea Kayak, and Windsurfer. The leeway values are presented in three forms for search planners using the manual method, CASP (Computer Assisted Search Planning) program, and an advanced version of a leeway model that will replace the current CASP. This report concludes that the methods and instrumentation developed to measure the leeway of small survivor objects such as PIWs are accurate. Leeway values developed for the PIWs and the three small craft furnish the search planner, for the first time, with verifiable leeway planning guidance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA376479
Entities
People
- A. A. Allen
- E. T. Morton
- R. Q. Robe