Module 13 - Meteorology
Shipping Forecast Terminology
The BBC Shipping Forecast covers 31 sea areas around the British Isles. It reports wind direction (the direction it blows FROM), wind speed (in Beaufort scale), weather (rain, fog, etc.), and visibility. Key terms include:
Wind: 'Veering' means shifting clockwise (e.g., SW to W). 'Backing' means shifting anticlockwise (e.g., W to SW). 'Imminent' means expected within 6 hours of issue, 'soon' means 6–12 hours, and 'later' means more than 12 hours from issue within the forecast period.
Visibility: 'Good' is more than 5 nautical miles, 'moderate' is 2–5nm, 'poor' is 1,000m–2nm, and 'very poor' is less than 1,000m. Fog may be described as weather, but the Met Office visibility category below 1,000m is 'very poor'. Sea state: 'Smooth' is wave height below 0.5m, 'moderate' is 1.25–2.5m, and 'rough' is 2.5–4m.
- Veering = wind shifting clockwise
- Backing = wind shifting anticlockwise
- Imminent = within 6 hours
- Soon = 6–12 hours
- Later = more than 12 hours from issue within the forecast period
- Good visibility = > 5nm
- Very poor visibility = < 1,000 metres
Watch for this: The wind direction in forecasts is where the wind blows FROM, not where it blows TO. A 'westerly' wind blows FROM the west.
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 12 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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