NLOM captures currents such as the Gulf of Mexico current, the Kuroshio current and the Agulhas current, while NCOM better depict current conditions in shallow sea territories. WNI uses the strong points of both products.
In the right graphics you can see that NLOM depicts the Mexico Gulf Stream precisely, while NCOM shows current conditions on the coastal area of the US Continent. WNI Hybrid Current successfully depicts both areas with high accuracy.

Features of NLOM, NCOM and WNI Hybrid Current

a) NCOM (NRL Coastal Ocean Model)
NCOM is calculated for global oceans every day, including shallow water areas on the continental shelves. It provides good short term forecasting guidance via a detailed calculation of the sea mixing layer. But its forecast period is limited to 72 hours.

b) NLOM (NRL Layered Ocean Model)
Naval Research Laboratory reports that proper model calculation of the Mexico Gulf Stream type current requires at least 1/32 degree resolution. Since NLOM has 1/32 degree resolution with forecast period extending up to 30 days, NLOM can be said to be the most appropriate operational model for Voyage Planning. But it does not calculate current conditions in the North Sea, the Arctic Ocean and the East China Sea, etc.

Both products have advantages and disadvantages. Thus Weathernews has created an aggregate of both model outputs producing a unique global current database - the WNI Hybrid Current, which can be utilized for all voyages: both transoceanic and those in shallow waters.