NOAA tide predictions and observed water levels for coastal stations.
This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.
{
"id": 1,
"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "tools/call",
"params": {
"arguments": {},
"name": "tide_data"
}
}| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| date | No | YYYYMMDD | |
| station | No | NOAA station ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Description provides no behavioral details beyond the obvious read-only nature. With empty annotations, the description carries full burden, but it doesn't disclose rate limits, data latency, or response structure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The single-sentence description is concise but lacks structure. It is not verbose, but could be improved with minimal expansion.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite low complexity (2 parameters, no nested objects), the description omits output format or example data. Without output schema, an agent cannot infer what the tool returns (e.g., a list of tides, single value).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema covers both parameters with clear descriptions (YYYYMMDD for date, NOAA station ID for station). The description adds no additional meaning, so baseline 3 is appropriate given 100% schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description states it provides 'NOAA tide predictions and observed water levels for coastal stations,' clearly indicating data source and type. This distinguishes it from many sibling tools that focus on weather or environmental data, though not from 'water_levels' specifically.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'water_levels' or other coastal data tools. The context is implied but not explicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
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