AsiaPacific Regional SIGMET Guide ICAO Part 1: Introduction 11 General 11 Part 2: Responsibilities and coordination 21 General 21 22 Meteorological Watch Office 21 23 Responsibilities of ATS Units 23 24 Responsibilities of Pilots 23 25 Coordination between MWOs and the TCACs and VAACs 24 Part 3: Procedures for preparation of SIGMET information 31 General 31 32 Types of SIGMET 32 33 Structure of the SIGMET message 32 34 Format of SIGMET 32 341 WMO Header 32 342 First line of SIGMET 33 343 Format of the meteorological part of SIGMET messages for weather phenomena other than TC and VA 34 344 Structure of the meteorological part of VA SIGMET 37 345 Structure of the meteorological part of TC SIGMET 310 346 Cancellation of SIGMET 312 35 Dissemination 313 Appendices Appendix A — ASIAPAC FASID Table MET 1B – Meteorological Watch Offices A1 Appendix B — ASIAPAC FASID Table MET 3A – Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centres B1 Appendix C — ASIAPAC FASID Table MET 3B – Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres C1 Appendix D — List of the Abbreviations and code words used in SIGMET D1 Appendix E — Meteorological phenomena to be reported by SIGMET E1 Appendix F — Standard for reporting geographical coordinates in SIGMET F1 Appendix G — Examples G1 Appendix H — WMO Headings for SIGMET bulletins used by ASIAPAC MWOs H1 Appendix I — WMO Headings for Tropical Cyclone and Volcanic Ash advisory bulletins I1 Appendix J — ASIAPAC SIGMET test procedures J1 Appendix K — DRAFT ASIAPAC VAAC backup procedures K1 Appendix L — DRAFT TokyoDarwin VAAC backup TEST procedures L1
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION ASIA/PACIFIC REGIONAL SIGMET GUIDE FOURTH EDITION ― SEPTEMBER 2007 Amendment No (16 October 2012) Record of amendments i RECORD OF AMENDMENTS AND CORRIGENDA Amendments Corrigenda Date of issue Date entered 19.12.08 19.12.08 RO MET 12.06.09 12.06.09 RO MET 30.09.09 30.09.09 RO MET 07.06.10 07.06.10 RO MET 09.09.10 09.09.10 RO MET 26.04.11 26.04.11 RO MET 31.7.11 31.7.11 RO MET 28.09.12 28.09.12 RO MET 16.10.12 16.10.12 RO MET No Fourth Edition Entered by No Date of issue Date entered Entered by September 2007 10/12 – Am ii Table of contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Part 1: 1.1 Part 2: 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Part 3: 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Introduction General Responsibilities and coordination General Meteorological Watch Office Responsibilities of ATS Units Responsibilities of Pilots Coordination between MWOs and the TCACs and VAACs 2-1 2-1 2-3 2-3 2-4 Procedures for preparation of SIGMET information General Types of SIGMET Structure of the SIGMET message Format of SIGMET 3-1 3-2 3-2 3-2 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3-2 3-3 WMO Header First line of SIGMET Format of the meteorological part of SIGMET messages for weather phenomena other than TC and VA Structure of the meteorological part of VA SIGMET Structure of the meteorological part of TC SIGMET Cancellation of SIGMET 3-4 3-7 3-10 3-12 Dissemination 3-13 3.4.4 3.4.5 3.4.6 3.5 1-1 Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L — — — — — — — — — — — — ASIA/PAC FASID Table MET 1B – Meteorological Watch Offices ASIA/PAC FASID Table MET 3A – Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centres ASIA/PAC FASID Table MET 3B – Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres List of the Abbreviations and code words used in SIGMET Meteorological phenomena to be reported by SIGMET Standard for reporting geographical coordinates in SIGMET Examples WMO Headings for SIGMET bulletins used by ASIA/PAC MWOs WMO Headings for Tropical Cyclone and Volcanic Ash advisory bulletins ASIA/PAC SIGMET test procedures …………………………………… DRAFT ASIA/PAC VAAC back-up procedures ………… DRAFT Tokyo/Darwin VAAC back-up TEST procedures ………… A-1 B-1 C-1 D-1 E-1 F-1 G-1 H-1 I-1 J-1 K-1 L-1 —————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am 1-1 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide PART INTRODUCTION 1.1 General 1.1.1 The main purpose of this document is to provide guidance for standardization and harmonization of the procedures and formats related to the aeronautical meteorological warnings for hazardous en-route meteorological phenomena, known as SIGMET information The guidance is complementary to the Annex standards and recommended practices regarding SIGMET and to the SIGMET related provisions of the ASIA/PAC Basic ANP and FASID, ICAO Doc 9673 1.1.2 contained in: ICAO provisions concerning the issuance and dissemination of SIGMET information are - Annex - Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, Part I, Chapter 3, 3.4 – 3.7, Chapter 7, 7.1, and Part II, Appendix 6; ASIA/PAC Basic ANP, Part VI, and ASIA/PAC FASID Table MET 1B, MET 3A and MET 3B; Annex 11 - Air Traffic Services, Chapter 4, 4.2.1 and Chapter 7, 7.1; PANS – Air Traffic Management, Doc 4444, Chapter 9, 9.1.3.2; Regional Supplementary Procedures, Doc 7030, Part 1, 11.2 Additional guidance on the SIGMET procedures is contained in the Manual of Aeronautical Meteorological Practice (Doc 8896), and the Manual on Coordination between Air Traffic Services, Aeronautical Information Services and Aeronautical Meteorological Services (Doc 9377) 1.1.3 The SIGMET Guide is intended mainly to assist the MWOs in the Asia/Pacific Region in preparing and disseminating SIGMET information It provides detailed information on the format of SIGMET messages as specified by Annex The explanations of the format are accompanied by examples based on region-specific meteorological phenomena The guide also provides information regarding the necessary coordination between the MWOs, the ATS units and the pilots, and their respective responsibilities 1.1.4 This document is prepared by the ICAO ASIA/PAC Regional Office It is reviewed and updated regularly in order to be kept in line with the relevant ICAO SARPs and regional procedures This current version incorporates the changes to SIGMET-related provisions included in Amendment 74 to Annex which was approved by ICAO Council on 21 February 2007 1.1.5 An amendment in December 2008 includes adding more complex SIGMET examples on Severe Turbulence, Tropical Cyclone and Volcanic Ash (APANPIRG/19 Conclusion 19/52) to Appendix G Other changes include removing the outlook section from TC SIGMET examples (App G), changing the period of validity of a WS SIGMET example from to hours (App G), adding radioactive cloud to the list of SIGMET phenomenon (main document and App E), providing the latest FASID MET tables (App A, B and C), updating abbreviations in Appendix D in accordance to Doc 8400, removing note on limitations to New Zealand MWO coverage in Appendix H, adding Réunion WMO Tropical Cyclone Header to Appendix I, adding Réunion as participating TCAC unit in Appendix J, adding a clause that SIGMET tests should be terminated within hours of the test start time to Appendix J, and updating Regional Office contact email address in Appendix J ————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide PART RESPONSIBILITIES AND COORDINATION 2.1 General 2-1 2.1.1 SIGMET is warning information; hence it is of highest priority among other types of meteorological information provided to the aviation users The primary purpose of SIGMET is for inflight service, which requires timely transmission of the SIGMET messages to pilots by the ATS units and/or through VOLMET and D-VOLMET 2.1.2 Airlines are the main users of the SIGMET information They contribute to the effectiveness of the SIGMET service through issuance of special air-reports reported by pilots to the ATS units Special air-reports are among the most valuable sources of information for the Meteorological Watch Offices (MWO) in the preparation of SIGMET The ATS units receiving special air-reports should forward them to the associated MWOs without delay 2.1.3 In view of the foregoing, it should be well understood that the effectiveness of the SIGMET service depends strongly on the level of collaboration between the MWOs, ATS units and pilots That is why, close coordination between these parties, as well as mutual understanding of their needs and responsibilities are essential for the successful implementation of the SIGMET service 2.1.4 For the special cases of SIGMET for volcanic ash and tropical cyclones, the MWOs are provided with advisories from the volcanic ash advisory centres (VAAC), and tropical cyclone advisory centres (TCAC) designated in the Regional ANP 2.1.5 Another use of SIGMET is for the flight planning This requires global dissemination of SIGMET through the international OPMET data banks and the satellite broadcasts: ISCS and SADIS SIGMET should also be distributed to the World Area Forecast Centres (WAFC) London and Washington for use in the preparation of the significant weather (SIGWX) forecasts 2.1.6 In the next paragraphs, the main responsibilities and coordination links, related to the provision of SIGMET information, are described 2.2 Meteorological Watch Office - responsibilities and procedures related to SIGMET 2.2.1 SIGMET information should be issued by the meteorological watch offices (MWO) in order to provide timely warning for occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en-route weather phenomena, affecting the safety of the flight operations in the MWO’s area of responsibility (AOR) SIGMET provides information concerning the location, extent, intensity and expected evolution of the specified phenomena 2.2.2 Information about the provision of SIGMET service, including details on the designated MWO(s), should be included in the State’s Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) as specified in Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Service, Appendix 1, GEN 3.5.8 2.2.3 All designated MWOs in ASIA/PAC Region are listed in the FASID Table MET 1B of the ASIA/PAC FASID, which is reproduced as Appendix A to this Guide 2.2.4 If, for some reason, a State is not able to meet its obligations for establishing MWO(s) and for provision of SIGMET for the FIR(s) or control area(s) the State is providing air traffic services, arrangements should be made between the meteorological authorities of the States concerned, that another Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am 2-2 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide MWO takes over these responsibilities for certain period of time Such delegation of responsibilities should be notified by a NOTAM and a letter to the ICAO Regional Office 2.2.5 Since the MWO is normally not a separate administrative unit, but part of the functions of an aerodrome meteorological office or other meteorological office, the meteorological authority concerned should ensure that the MWO obligations and responsibilities are clearly defined and assigned to the unit designated to serve as MWO Corresponding operational procedures should be established and the meteorological staff should be trained accordingly 2.2.6 In preparing SIGMET information MWOs should follow strictly the format determined in Annex (detailed format description is provided in Appendix 6, Table A6-1 of Annex 3) SIGMET should be issued only for those weather phenomena listed in Annex and only when specified criteria for their intensity and spatial extent are met Note: MWOs should not issue SIGMET for weather phenomena of lower intensity or such of transient nature or smaller scale, which does not affect significantly the flight safety and their transmission to users may lead to unnecessary precautionary measures 2.2.7 The MWOs should be adequately equipped in order to be able to identify, analyze and forecast (to the extent required) those phenomena for which SIGMET is required The MWO should make use of all available sources of information, such as special air-reports, information from meteorological satellites and weather radars 2.2.8 On receipt of a special air-report from the associated ACC or FIC, the MWO should: a) issue SIGMET information based on the special-air report; or b) send the special air-report for on-ward transmission in case that the issuance of SIGMET information is not warranted (e.g., the phenomenon concerned is of transient nature) 2.2.9 Appropriate telecommunication means should be available at the MWO in order to ensure timely dissemination of SIGMET according to a dissemination scheme, which should include transmission to: Fourth Edition - Local ATS users; - Aeronautical MET offices within its AOR, where SIGMET is required for briefing and/or flight documentation; - Other MWOs concerned (it should be ensured that SIGMET is sent to all MWOs whose AORs are, at least partly, within the 1800 km (1000 NM) range from the observed phenomenon); - Centres designated for transmission of VOLMET or D-VOLMET where SIGMET is required for those transmissions; - Responsible ROBEX centre and Regional OPMET Data Bank (it should be arranged that through the ROBEX scheme SIGMETs are sent to the designated OPMET data banks in the other ICAO regions, to the WAFCs and to the SADIS and ISCS providers); September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide - 2-3 Responsible TCAC or VAAC according to FASID Tables MET 3A and MET 3B 2.2.10 In issuing SIGMET for tropical cyclones or volcanic ash, the MWOs should include as appropriate the advisory information received from the responsible TCAC or VAAC In addition to the information received from the TCAC and VAAC the MWOs may use the available complementary information from other reliable sources In such a case the responsibility for this additional information would lie completely on the MWO concerned 2.3 Responsibilities of ATS units 2.3.1 Close coordination should be established between the MWO and the corresponding ATS unit (ACC or FIC) and arrangements should be in place to ensure: - receipt without delay and display at the relevant ATS units of SIGMET issued by the associated MWO; - receipt and display at the ATS unit of SIGMETs issued by MWOs responsible for the adjacent FIRs/ACCs if these SIGMETs are required according to p 2.3.4 below, (within 1800 km (1000 NM) range from the observed phenomenon); and - transmission without delay by the ATS unit of special air-reports received through voice communication to the associated MWO 2.3.2 SIGMET information should be transmitted to aircraft with the least possible delay on the initiative of the responsible ATS unit, by the preferred method of direct transmission followed by acknowledgement or by a general call when the number of aircraft would render the preferred method impracticable 2.3.3 SIGMET information transmitted to aircraft-in-flight should cover a portion of the route up to two hours flying time ahead of the aircraft SIGMET should be transmitted only during the time corresponding to their period of validity (p 3.4.2.4 refers) 2.3.4 Air traffic controllers should ascertain whether any of the currently valid SIGMETs may affect any of the aircraft they are controlling, either within or outside the FIR/CTA boundary, up to a distance of 1000 NM (1800 KM), which corresponds to two hours flying time ahead of the current position of the aircraft If this is the case, the controllers should at their own initiative transmit the SIGMET promptly to the aircraft-in-flight likely to be affected If necessary, the controller should pass to the aircraft available SIGMETs issued for the adjacent FIR/CTA, which the aircraft will be entering, if relevant to the expected flight route 2.3.5 The ATS units concerned should also transmit to aircraft-in-flight the special air reports received, for which SIGMET has not been issued Once a SIGMET for the weather phenomenon reported in the special air report is made available this obligation of the ATS unit expires 2.4 Responsibilities of pilots 2.4.1 Timely issuance of SIGMET information is largely dependent on the prompt receipt by MWOs of special air-reports That is why, it is essential that pilots prepare and transmit such reports to the ATS units whenever any of the specified en-route conditions are encountered or observed Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am 2-4 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 2.4.2 It should be emphasized that, even when automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) is being used for routine air-reports, pilots should continue to make special air-reports 2.5 Coordination between MWOs and the TCACs and VAACs 2.5.1 Amongst the phenomena for which SIGMET information is required, the volcanic ash clouds and tropical cyclones are of particular importance for the planning of long-haul flights 2.5.2 Since the identification, analysis and forecasting of volcanic ash and tropical cyclones requires considerable technical and human resource, normally not available at each MWO, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) and Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centres (TCAC) have been designated to provided VA and TC advisories to the users and assist the MWOs in the preparation of the forecast part of the SIGMETs for those phenomena Close coordination should be established between the MWO and its responsible TCAC and/or VAAC 2.5.3 Information regarding the VAACs and TCACs serving ASIA/PAC Region with their corresponding areas of responsibility and lists of MWOs and ACCs to which advisories are to be sent is provided in FASID Tables MET 3A and MET 3B of the ASIA/PAC FASID These tables are reproduced in Appendix B and Appendix C to this Guide 2.5.4 TC and VA advisories are required for global exchange through the satellite distribution systems, SADIS and ISCS They are used by the operators during the preflight planning Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that SIGMET information is still of higher operational status and is required especially for in-flight re-planning SIGMETs should be transmitted to aircraft-in-flight through voice communication or VOLMET or D-VOLMET thus providing vital information for making in-flight decisions regarding large-scale route deviations due to volcanic ash clouds or tropical cyclones ————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 3-1 PART PROCEDURES FOR PREPARATION OF SIGMET INFORMATION 3.1 General 3.1.1 SIGMET information is prepared in abbreviated plain language using approved ICAO abbreviations, a limited number of non-abbreviated words, geographical names and numerical values of self-explanatory nature All abbreviations and words to be used in SIGMET are given in Appendix D 3.1.2 The increasing use of automated systems for handling the MET information by the aviation users makes it essential that all types of OPMET information, including SIGMET, are prepared and transmitted in the prescribed standardized formats Therefore, the structure and format of the SIGMET message, as specified in Annex 3, Part II, Appendix 6, which provides detailed information regarding the content and order of elements in the SIGMET message, should be followed strictly by the MWOs 3.1.3 SIGMET is intended for transmission to aircraft in flight either by ATC or by VOLMET or D-VOLMET Therefore, SIGMET messages should be kept concise and clear without additional descriptive text other than the prescribed in Annex 3.1.4 After the issuance of a SIGMET the MWO should maintain watch over the evolution of the phenomenon for which the SIGMET has been issued and issue updated SIGMET when necessary The TC and VA SIGMET should be updated at least every hours 3.1.5 SIGMET should be promptly cancelled when the phenomenon is no longer occurring or no longer expected to occur in the MWO’s area of responsibility The SIGMET is understood to cancel itself automatically at the end of its validity period If the phenomenon persists a new SIGMET message for a further period of validity should be issued 3.1.6 Some SIGMET are generated from special air-reports of weather phenomenon listed in section 3.2.1 The reporting of turbulence and icing used in special air-reports includes both severe and moderate categories, which has raised questions with regard to non-compliant reporting of two categories for the same event, and in particular, the response of the MWO Though the categories for manual observations are defined in the ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM, Doc 4444, A1-4) for light, moderate, and severe turbulence, some pilots report turbulence as “moderate to severe” A MWO is then faced with determining which category to use in the special airreport and the possible issuance of SIGMET for severe 3.1.7 In response to the non-compliant reporting, the Meteorological Warnings Study Group (METWSG) is expected to address the issue in November 2010 likely by considering guidance for pilots (report severe if in doubt) In the meantime, a local instruction on how to treat “moderate to severe” reports may be made A State does not need to file a difference if the local instruction converts the noncompliant report in accordance to the defined categories 3.1.8 The CNS/MET SG/14 meeting noted that a ‘moderate to severe’ AIREP is converted to severe by MWOs in some States in the Region to err on the side of safety This practice was deemed acceptable by IATA representatives at the CNS/MET SG/14 meeting provided the occurrence of these non-compliant AIREPs does not occur frequently Statistics for Hong Kong China indicated that ‘moderate to severe’ AIREPs constitute only a small portion of all AIREPs received APANPIRG/21 discussed this issue further and determined that the ASIA/PAC Region should err on the side of safety and use severe for ‘moderate to severe’ AIREPs, which some States already practice Therefore, though it is the initiative of the State to determine how non-compliant AIREPs are treated, the APANPIRG/21 Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am 3-2 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide meeting encouraged States in the ASIA/PAC Region to use severe when ‘moderate to severe’ AIREPs are received 3.2 Types of SIGMET 3.2.1 Although Annex provides one general SIGMET format, which encompasses all weather phenomena, it is convenient when describing the structure and format of the messages to distinguish between three types of SIGMET, as follows: - - SIGMET for en-route weather phenomena other than VA and TC (this includes: TS, CB, TURB, ICE, MTW, DS, SS and RDOACT CLD); this SIGMET will be referred as WS SIGMET; SIGMET for volcanic ash, which will hereafter be denoted as VA SIGMET or WV SIGMET; and SIGMET for tropical cyclones, which will hereafter be denoted as TC SIGMET or WC SIGMET 3.2.2 The three types of SIGMET can be identified by the data type designator included in the WMO abbreviated heading of the SIGMET message, as explained below 3.3 Structure of the SIGMET message 3.3.1 A SIGMET message consists of: - WMO heading – all SIGMETs are preceded by an appropriate WMO heading; First line, containing location indicators of the respective ATS unit and MWO, sequential number and period of validity; SIGMET main body, containing information concerning the observed or forecast weather phenomenon for which the SIGMET is issued together with its expected evolution within the period of validity; 3.3.2 The first two parts of the SIGMET message are common for all types of SIGMET The format and content of the third part is different; that is why, in the following paragraphs the meteorological part of the SIGMET message is described separately for the three types of SIGMET 3.4 Format of SIGMET Note: In the following text, square brackets - [ ] - are used to indicate an optional or conditional element, and angled brackets - < > - for symbolic representation of a variable element, which in a real SIGMET accepts concrete numerical value 3.4.1 WMO Header T1T2A1A2ii CCCC YYGGgg [CCx] 3.4.1.1 The group T1T2A1A2ii is the bulletin identification for the SIGMET message It is constructed in the following way: Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am J-6 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide Meteorological Service Singapore P.O Box 8, Singapore Changi Airport Post Office SINGAPORE 918141 Tel: +65 (3) 6542 2861 Fax: +65 (3) 6542 2915 e-mail: chua_guat_mui@nea.gov.sg WV/WC SIGMET summary table sent to: Junichi Ishida (Mr) Senior Scientific Officer / Administration Division Forecast Department, Japan Meteorological Agency 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8122 JAPAN Tel: +81 (3) 3212 8341 Fax: +81 (3) 3284 0180 e-mail: j-ishida@met.kishou.go.jp ALL Summary Tables and any enquiries about SIGMET tests sent to: ICAO Regional Office, Bangkok e-mail: icao_apac@bangkok.icao.int Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide Format of TEST Advisories and SIGMETs 4.1 Format of TEST Volcanic Ash Advisory J -7 VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/0200Z VAAC: (name of VAAC) VOLCANO: TEST PSN: UNKNOWN AREA: (name of VAAC) VAAC AREA SUMMIT ELEV: UNKNOWN ADVISORY NR: YYYY/nn INFO SOURCE: NIL AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: NIL OBS VA DTG: DD/0150Z OBS VA CLD: ASH NOT IDENTIFIABLE FROM SATELLITE DATA FCST VA CLD +6 HR: DD/0800Z SFC/FL600 NO ASH EXP FCST VA CLD +12 HR: DD/1400Z SFC/FL600 NO ASH EXP FCST VA CLD +18 HR: DD/2000Z SFC/FL600 NO ASH EXP RMK: THIS IS A TEST VA ADVISORY MWO SHOULD NOW ISSUE A TEST SIGMET FOR VA PLEASE REFER TO THE LETTER FROM ICAO APAC OFFICE DATED xxxxxxxxxx NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES= 4.2 Format of TEST Tropical Cyclone Advisory TC ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/0200Z TCAC: (name of TCAC) TC: TEST NR: nn (actual number) PSN: NIL MOV: NIL C: NIL MAX WIND: NIL FCST PSN +06HR: NIL FCST MAX WIND +06HR: NIL FCST PSN +12HR: NIL FCST MAX WIND +12HR: NIL FCST PSN +18HR: NIL FCST MAX WIND +18HR: NIL FCST PSN +24HR: NIL FCST MAX WIND +24HR: NIL RMK: THIS IS A TEST TC ADVISORY MWO SHOULD NOW ISSUE A TEST SIGMET FOR TC PLEASE REFER TO THE LETTER FROM ICAO APAC OFFICE DATED xxxxxxxxxx NXT MSG: NIL= Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am J-8 4.3 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide Format of TEST SIGMET for Volcanic Ash WVXXii CCCC YYGGgg CCCC SIGMET n(nn) VALID YYGGgg/YYGGgg CCCC− THIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD TEST VA ADVISORY NUMBER xx RECEIVED AT YYGGggZ= Example: WVJP31 RJTD 170205 RJJJ SIGMET Z99 VALID 170205/170215 RJTDTHIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD TEST VA ADVISORY NUMBER RECEIVED AT 170200Z= 4.4 Format of TEST SIGMET for Tropical Cyclone WCXXii CCCC YYGGgg CCCC SIGMET n(nn) VALID YYGGgg/YYGGgg CCCC− THIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD TEST TC ADVISORY NUMBER xx RECEIVED AT YYGGggZ= Example: WCJP31 RJTD 100205 RJJJ SIGMET Z99 VALID 100205/100215 RJTDTHIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD TEST TCADVISORY NUMBER RECEIVER AT 180200Z= 4.5 Format of TEST SIGMET for other weather phenomena WSXXii CCCC YYGGgg CCCC SIGMET n(nn) VALID YYGGgg/YYGGgg CCCC− THIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD= Example: WSJP31 RJTD 240205 RJJJ SIGMET Z99 VALID 240205/240215 RJTDTHIS IS A TEST SIGMET, PLEASE DISREGARD= Notes: 1) “xx” in the WMO heading to be used replaced by the respective WMO geographical designator; and 2) Z99 SIGMET number to be used in all TEST SIGMETs Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide J -9 Sample Table to be used by RODBs Name of RODB Date of Test Target (VA or TC) Tokyo 2011/11/17 VA VA Advisories (FV) TTAAii CCCC FVAK23 PAWU FVAU01 ADRM FVFE01 RJTD FVPS01 NZKL FVXX02 LFPW FVXX25 KNES YYGGgg 170159 170201 170200 170207 170202 170200 Received Time(UTC) 01:59:29 02:01:53 02:00:09 02:08:27 02:02:41 02:02:01 VA SIGMET (WV) TTAAii CCCC WVAK01 PAWU WVAU01 ADRM WVCI31 RCTP WVCI33 ZBAA WVCI34 ZSSS WVCI35 ZJHK WVCI36 ZUUU WVCI37 ZLXY WVCI38 ZYTX WVCI39 ZWWW WVCI45 ZHHH WVFJ01 NFFN WVIN31 VOMM WVJP31 RJTD WVKP31 ZUUU WVLA31 VLVT WVMS31 WMKK WVPA01 PHFO WVPH31 RPLL WVPN01 KKCI WVRA31 RUCH WVRA31 RUHB WVRA31 RUMG WVRA31 RUPV WVRA31 RUSH WVRA31 RUVV WVRA32 RUPV WVRA32 RUYK WVRA33 RUHB WVSR20 WSSS WVSS20 VHHH WVTH31 VTBS WVVS31 VVGL WVVS31 VVGL YYGGgg 170200 170201 170205 170205 170205 170201 170205 170205 170205 170202 170204 170000 170201 170205 170206 170200 170205 170201 170210 170200 170205 170206 170205 170200 170205 170202 170200 170207 170202 170205 170202 170211 170200 170208 MWO PAWU YDRM RCTP ZBAA ZSSS ZJHK ZUUU ZLXY ZYTX ZWWW ZHHH NFFN VOMM RJTD ZUUU VLVT WMKK PHFO RPLL KKCI RUCH RUHB RUMG RUPV RUSH RUVV RUPV RUYK RUHB WSSS VHHH VTBS VVGL VVGL FIR PAZA YBBB RCAA ZBPE ZSHA ZJSA ZPKM ZLHW ZYSH ZWUQ ZHWH NFFF VOMF RJJJ VDPP VLVT WBFC KZAK RPHI KZAK UIAA UHHH UHMM UHMP UHSS UHWW UHMA UELL UHBB WSJC VHHK VTBB VVNB VVTS Comments/Remarks Received Time(UTC) 02:00:11 02:02:04 02:04:58 02:05:26 02:02:34 02:03:34 02:11:04 02:07:44 02:01:50 02:02:40 02:08:52 02:15:46 02:09:57 02:06:24 02:12:23 02:01:03 02:04:28 02:02:09 02:08:43 02:00:11 02:08:01 02:07:57 02:08:59 02:09:13 02:04:22 02:03:13 02:06:01 02:07:28 02:02:49 02:05:38 02:03:05 02:13:53 02:05:06 02:14:38 Comments/Remarks —————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide K-1 APPENDIX K DRAFT ASIA/PAC VAAC BACK-UP PROCEDURES Situations in which Back-up Procedures should be considered 1.1 Situations that may require VAAC responsibilities to be handed over to the back-up partner include: - Insufficient VAAC staff resources are available to adequately perform VAAC duties; - VAAC forecasters are unable to access the information required to adequately monitor any volcanic activity; - The VAAC is unable to generate VAAs; - The VAAC is unable to disseminate VAAs; - The VAAC is under threat from an event that may limit its ability to properly perform its functions in the near future; and - During any other situation where the VAAC Shift Supervisor considers the VAAC is unable to properly perform its functions Actions to be taken by Routine VAAC to initiate handover to Back-up VAAC 2.1 The VAAC Shift Supervisor will request back-up from Back-up VAAC using the VAAC contact details contained within IAVW Handbook (ICAO Doc 9766) Table 4-2 Requests are to be made using the following media in this order: a Fax; b Telephone; and c Email 2.2 Using the appropriate communications forms included in Section of these procedures, provide detailed information regarding the following: a Expected duration and nature of outage; b Current Volcanic Ash Advisories including: - Volcano names - Next routine issue times - Sequence number - What has been observed on satellite imagery - What other reports have been received e.g Volcanological Agency Reports, AIREPs, ASHTAMs, SIGMETs, phone calls or emails - Forecast strategy and expected developments; and c Other volcanoes of interest including: - Any volcanoes for which an imminent eruption has been forecast - Any volcanoes exhibiting elevated levels of activity - Any recent volcanic activity reports received 2.3 If possible, provide via email or fax, any information other than listed above that is not currently available to the Back-up VAAC 2.4 Fourth Edition Maintain a written logbook of actions taken for the duration of the back-up service September 2007 10/12 – Am K-2 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide Actions to be taken by the Back-up VAAC upon receipt of a back-up request 3.1 Commence satellite monitoring for the Routine VAAC 3.2 Send a confirmation message using the appropriate communications forms in Section of these procedures, indicating whether operational back-up for the Routine VAAC is able to be commenced 3.3 Continue routine satellite monitoring and issue VAA as required to AFTN addresses as per Section of these procedures 3.4 Send VAA to external users advising of the outage and advising Back-up VAAC contact details as per appropriate VAA example in Section of these procedures 3.5 up VAAC Advise volcanological agencies that new information should be sent directly to the Back- 3.6 Maintain a written logbook of actions taken for the duration of the back-up service Actions to be taken by Routine VAAC to resume normal operations 4.1 Commence satellite monitoring for the Routine VAAC 4.2 Send a notification of intent to resume normal operations to the Back-up VAAC, using the appropriate communications forms in Section of these procedures 4.3 Upon receipt of confirmation from the Back-up VAAC, continue routine satellite monitoring and issue VAA as required to AFTN addresses as per Section of these procedures 4.4 Issue VAA to external users advising of the resumption of normal operations by the Routine VAAC as per appropriate VAA example in Section of these procedures 4.5 Advise volcanological agencies that information should now be sent directly to the Routine VAAC 4.6 Prepare an event report summarizing the significant actions and any other relevant information contained within the logbooks of the Back-up VAAC and Routine VAAC Actions to be taken by Back-up VAAC upon receipt of intent to resume normal operations notification from the Routine VAAC 5.1 Send a confirmation receipt for the intent to resume normal operations notification, using the appropriate communications forms in Section of these procedures 5.2 Using the appropriate communications forms in Section of these procedures, provide detailed information regarding: a Details of current Volcanic Ash Advisories including: - Volcano names - Next routine issue times Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide K-3 - Sequence number - What has been observed on satellite imagery - What other reports have been received e.g Volcanological Agency Reports, AIREPs, ASHTAMs, SIGMETs, phone calls or emails - Current forecast strategy and expected developments; and b Other volcanoes of interest including: - Any volcanoes for which an imminent eruption has been forecast - Any volcanoes exhibiting elevated levels of activity - Any recent volcanic activity reports received 5.3 Provide the Routine VAAC with copies of logbooks created by the Back-up VAAC during the back-up event 5.4 Cease routine satellite monitoring for the Routine VAAC Sample VAA Messages Note: The use of ******** in the sample messages below indicates that appropriate AFTN addresses are to be inserted as given in Section of these procedures 6.1 VAA Back-up Commencement AFTN message to external clients: 6.1.1 VAAC Darwin to VAAC Tokyo Area GG ******** DDHHMM YPDMYMYX FVFE01 RJTD DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: TOKYO VOLCANO: UNKNOWN PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: NIL AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: NIL OBS VA DTG: NIL OBS VA CLD: NIL FCST VA CLD +6HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18HR: NO VA EXP RMK: VAAC DARWIN HAS ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING VAA TO THE VAAC TOKYO AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY PLEASE CONTACT VAAC DARWIN AS PER IAVW HANDBOOK TABLE 4-2 FOR VOLCANIC ASH ADVICE TO THE VAAC TOKYO AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am K-4 6.1.2 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide VAAC Tokyo to VAAC Darwin Area GG ******** DDHHMM RJTDYMYX FVAU01 ADRM DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: DARWIN VOLCANO: UNKNOWN PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: NIL AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: NIL OBS VA DTG: NIL OBS VA CLD: NIL FCST VA CLD +6HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18HR: NO VA EXP RMK: VAAC TOKYO HAS ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING VAA TO THE VAAC DARWIN AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY NORTH OF 20S PLEASE CONTACT VAAC DARWIN AS PER IAVW HANDBOOK TABLE 4-2 FOR VOLCANIC ASH ADVICE TO THE VAAC DARWIN AREA NORTH OF 20S NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES 6.2 VAA Back-up Cessation AFTN message to external clients: 6.2.1 VAAC Tokyo to VAAC Tokyo Area GG ******** DDHHMM RJTDYMYX FVFE01 RJTD DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: TOKYO VOLCANO: UNKNOWN PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: NIL AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: NIL OBS VA DTG: NIL OBS VA CLD: NIL FCST VA CLD +6HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18HR: NO VA EXP Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide K-5 RMK: VAAC TOKYO HAS RESUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING VAA TO THE VAAC TOKYO AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY PLEASE CONTACT VAAC TOKYO AS PER IAVW HANDBOOK TABLE 4-2 FOR VOLCANIC ASH ADVICE TO THE VAAC TOKYO AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES 6.2.2 VAAC Darwin to VAAC Darwin Area GG ******** DDHHMM YPDMYMYX FVAU01 ADRM DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: DARWIN VOLCANO: UNKNOWN PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: NIL AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: NIL OBS VA DTG: NIL OBS VA CLD: NIL FCST VA CLD +6HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18HR: NO VA EXP RMK: VAAC DARWIN HAS RESUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUING VAA TO THE VAAC DARWIN AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY PLEASE CONTACT VAAC DARWIN AS PER IAVW HANDBOOK TABLE 4-2 FOR VOLCANIC ASH ADVICE TO THE VAAC DARWIN AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES Dissemination of VAA messages 7.1 All VAA messages should be sent by the VAACs to the MWOs listed in FASID Tables MET 3A and 3B respectively, and also to the five ASIA/PAC RODBs and the two WAFCs The AFTN addresses for the RODBs and WAFCs are listed below: Fourth Edition RODBs Bangkok Brisbane Nadi Singapore Tokyo VTBBYPYX YBBBYPYX NFZZRFXX WSZZYPYM RJTDYPYX WAFCs London Washington EGZZMASI KWBCYMYX September 2007 10/12 – Am K-6 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide VAAC Communications Forms 8.1 Form for messages from VAAC Darwin to VAAC Tokyo Fax form from VAAC Darwin for back-up operation VAAC Darwin からバックアップ運用を依頼・終了する際の FAX 書式 Date/Time _/ / UTC TO: VAAC TOKYO FAX: +81-3-3212-6446 FROM: VAAC DARWIN FAX: +61-8-8920-3829 VAAC BACK-UP Attachments: （添付資料） VAA VAG VAR Back-up of VAAC Darwin（ダーウィンのバックアップ開始・終了を依頼する場合） Request for Back-up of VAAC Darwin （バックアップの開始を依頼） Situation in VAAC Darwin（ダーウィン VAAC の状況） VAAC Darwin is unable to: Monitor volcanoes（監視不能 ); Issue VAA（情報発表不能） Expected duration: _ hours（○時間後復旧予定）; Unknown（復旧見通し不明） Necessity of issuance（VAA 発表の必要性） No VAA are currently being issued Please monitor VAAC Darwin’s area of responsibility for volcanic activity and issue VAA if required.（現在情報発表中の火山なし） Please issue VAA for _ (volcano name) See attached VAR（○○火山の情報発表 を依頼する。添付 VAR 参照） Advice of Return to Normal Operations（バックアップの終了を依頼） We are able to take back responsibility of VAAC Darwin area Please advise us of any action you have taken on our behalf Back-up of VAAC Tokyo（東京のバックアップ開始・終了を了承する場合） Approval of Handover to Darwin（バックアップの開始を了承） We agree to take over responsibility for: Monitoring volcanoes via satellite（衛星監視代行）; Issuing VAA（情報発表代行） Both of Above（上記の両方）for VAAC Tokyo area Approval of Handover from Darwin to Tokyo（バックアップの終了を了承） We agree to return responsibility of VAAC Tokyo area to you Actions taken on your behalf: Nil（代行中の情報発表なし） VAA No _- _ issued for _(volcano name) （代行中○○火山について、何番から何番までの情報を発表） Comments: Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 8.2 K-7 Form for messages from VAAC Tokyo to VAAC Darwin Fax form from Tokyo VAAC for back-up operation Tokyo VAAC からバックアップ運用を依頼・終了する際の FAX 書式 Date/Time _/ / UTC TO: VAAC DARWIN FAX: +61-8-8920-3829 FROM: VAAC TOKYO FAX: +81-3-3212-6446 VAAC BACK-UP Attachments: （添付資料） VAA VAG VAR Back-up of VAAC Tokyo（東京のバックアップ開始・終了を依頼する場合） Request for Back-up of VAAC Tokyo （バックアップの開始を依頼） Situation in VAAC Tokyo（東京 VAAC の状況） VAAC Tokyo is unable to: Monitor volcanoes（監視不能 ); Issue VAA（情報発表不能） Expected duration: _ hours（○時間後復旧予定）; Unknown（復旧見通し不明） Necessity of issuance（VAA 発表の必要性） No VAA are currently being issued Please monitor VAAC Tokyo’s area of responsibility for volcanic activity and issue VAA if required （現在情報発表中の火山なし） Please issue VAA for _ (volcano name) See attached VAR（○○火山の情報発表 を依頼する。添付 VAR 参照） Advice of Return to Normal Operations（バックアップの終了を依頼） We are able to take back responsibility of VAAC Tokyo area Please advise us of any action you have taken on our behalf Back-up of VAAC Darwin（ダーウィンのバックアップ開始・終了を了承する場合） Approval of Handover to Tokyo（バックアップの開始を了承） We agree to take over responsibility for: Monitoring volcanoes via satellite（衛星監視代行）; Issuing VAA（情報発表代行） Both of Above（上記の両方）for VAAC Darwin area Approval of Handover from Tokyo to Darwin（バックアップの終了を了承） We agree to return responsibility of VAAC Darwin area to you Actions taken on your behalf: Nil（代行中の情報発表なし） VAA No _- _ issued for _(volcano name) （代行中○○火山について、何番から何番までの情報を発表） Comments: Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am K-8 8.3 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide Form for attaching Volcano Activity Report (VAR) Volcano Activity Report (VAR) Volcano Name（火山名）: General Location（地域名）: Latitude/Longitude（緯度／経度）: _/ Next VAA No.（次回情報番号） due at（発表予定日時） d _UTC Volcano Information（火山に関する情報: Received (PIREP, VAR, SIGMET, _) from _ at _d _UTC (Eruption, Ash Cloud Observed) Time: d UTC (Plume, Ash Cloud) Height: feet ASL (FL ) MOV _(kt) _ Satellite Image Analysis（衛星画像解析） No Ash Cloud Detected （火山灰検知なし） Ash Cloud Detected（火山灰検知あり） on (VIS, SP, IR1, other ch.( ) ) image of (MTSAT, other Satellite( at d _UTC )) Extent of ash cloud （火山灰雲の範囲）: Height of ash cloud（火山灰雲の高さ）: (feet) Movement of ash cloud（火山灰雲の移動方向）: Action Taken（既に行った作業） Issued VAA No (kt) at d _UTC (latest) Other Comments（その他） —————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide L-1 APPENDIX L DRAFT TOKYO/DARWIN VAAC BACK-UP TEST PROCEDURES Introduction 1.1 The International Airways Volcano Watch Operations Group (IAVWOPSG) recognised the need for the regular testing of VAAC back-up procedures that would ensure the continuing availability of Volcanic Ash Advices and identify deficiencies in the dissemination procedures of back-up products Therefore, the second meeting of IAVWOPSG held in Bangkok, 15 to 19 March 2004, adopted Conclusion 2/19, as follows: Conclusion 2/19 – Inclusion of VAAC back-up procedures in Doc 9766 That the Secretariat include in Doc 9766, Handbook on the International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW) – Operational Procedures and Contact List, the VAAC back-up procedures agreed by the group 1.2 Appendix D, paragraph f) of ICAO Doc.9766 - Handbook on International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW) states that: The back-up arrangements should be tested at least annually 1.3 The Tokyo and Darwin VAACs have developed a mutual back-up arrangement that includes procedures for undertaking a back-up test as described in this document Purpose and Scope of VAAC Back-up tests 2.1 The purpose of the VAAC back-up test is to ensure that internal procedures for the handover of responsibility and the issue of products for the other VAAC’s area of responsibility are robust and functional 2.2 The scope of the test also includes checking the dissemination pathways of the Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) messages 2.3 The test is not designed to check the issuance of Volcanic Ash SIGMET and so there is no requirement to issue test SIGMETs Back-up test procedures 3.1 Procedures for Tokyo – Darwin VAAC Back-up tests 3.1.1 Internal procedures related to handover of responsibility and issuance of VAAs for the other VAAC’s area of responsibility will be tested and the results included in a final report 3.2 Procedures for testing the dissemination of back-up VAAs 3.2.1 On the specified date at 0100 UTC the Tokyo VAAC will issue a test Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) for the Darwin VAAC The message will indicate that it is a TEST and will follow the format given in Section of these procedures Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am L-2 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 3.2.2 Recipients of the message should send a confirmation email to the address given in the message, including the message text and the time received 3.2.3 MWOs should NOT issue a test SIGMET 3.2.4 At 0200 UTC the Darwin VAAC will issue test VAA for the Tokyo VAAC area of responsibility The message will indicate that it is a TEST and will follow the format given in Section of these procedures 3.2.5 Recipients of the message should send a confirmation email to the address given in the message, including the message text and the time received 3.2.6 MWOs should NOT issue a test SIGMET 3.2.7 In the event of a major eruption in either area the test may be cancelled 3.3 Processing of the test results 3.3.1 The Tokyo and Darwin VAACs, in conjunction with the Asia/Pacific Regional OPMET Databanks (RODBs), will analyse the received responses to the test messages and present the results to IAVWOPSG/7 in March 2013 Format of test VAA for the external test 4.1 From VAAC Tokyo to VAAC Darwin FVAU01 ADRM DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: DARWIN VOLCANO: TEST 9999-999 PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: TEST TEST TEST AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: TEST TEST TEST OBS VA DTG: 99/9999Z OBS VA CLD: WIND SFC/FL999 999/99KT FCST VA CLD +6 HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12 HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18 HR: NO VA EXP RMK: THIS IS A TEST ADVISORY ISSUED BY TOKYO VAAC FOR THE DARWIN VAAC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS ADVISORY BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO DARWIN.VAAC AT BOM.GOV.AU DARWIN VAAC NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES= Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 4.2 L-3 From VAAC Darwin to VAAC Tokyo FVFE01 RJTD DDHHMM VA ADVISORY DTG: YYYYMMDD/HHMMZ VAAC: TOKYO VOLCANO: TEST 9999-999 PSN: N1000 E10000 AREA: UNKNOWN SUMMIT ELEV: 9999M ADVISORY NR: YYYY/N INFO SOURCE: TEST TEST TEST AVIATION COLOUR CODE: NIL ERUPTION DETAILS: TEST TEST TEST OBS VA DTG: 99/9999Z OBS VA CLD: WIND SFC/FL999 999/99KT FCST VA CLD +6 HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +12 HR: NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD +18 HR: NO VA EXP RMK: THIS IS A TEST ADVISORY ISSUED BY DARWIN VAAC FOR THE TOKYO VAAC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS ADVISORY BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO VAAC AT EQVOL2.KISHOU.GO.JP TOKYO VAAC NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES= —————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ... ————————— Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide 3-1 PART PROCEDURES FOR PREPARATION OF SIGMET INFORMATION 3.1 General 3.1.1 SIGMET information is prepared in... hereafter be denoted as VA SIGMET or WV SIGMET; and SIGMET for tropical cyclones, which will hereafter be denoted as TC SIGMET or WC SIGMET 3.2.2 The three types of SIGMET can be identified by... … A01, A02, … Examples: Fourth Edition September 2007 10/12 – Am 3-4 ASIA/PAC Regional SIGMET Guide RPMM SIGMET VALID 121100/121700 RPLLWSJC SIGMET A04 VALID 202230/210430 WSSSNote 1: No other