WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICALCOMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY

AND MARINE METEOROLOGY

FIRST SESSION

AKUREYRI, 19–29 JUNE 2001

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland

WMO-No. 931

REPORTS OF RECENT WMO SESSIONS

Congress and Executive Council

867 — Executive Council. Forty-ninth session, Geneva, 10–20 June 1997.

880 — Twelfth World Meteorological Congress. Proceedings, Geneva, 30 May–21 June 1995.

883 — Executive Council. Fiftieth session, Geneva, 16–26 June 1998.

902 — Thirteenth World Meteorological Congress. Geneva, 4–26 May 1999.

903 — Executive Council. Fifty-first session, Geneva, 27–29 May 1999.

915 — Executive Council. Fifty-second session, Geneva, 16–26 May 2000.

929 — Executive Council. Fifty-third session, Geneva, 5–15 June 2001.

Regional associations

874 — Regional Association III (South America). Twelfth session, Salvador, 17–26 September 1997.

882 — Regional Association VI (Europe). Twelfth session, Tel Aviv, 18–27 May 1998.

890 — Regional Association V (South–West Pacific). Twelfth session, Denpasar, 14–22 September 1998.

891 — Regional Association I (Africa). Twelfth session, Arusha, 14–23 October 1998.

924 — Regional Association II (Asia). Twelfth session, Seoul, 19–27 September 2000.

927 — Regional Association IV (North and Central America). Thirteenth session, Maracay, 28 March–6 April 2001.

Technical commissions

860 — Commission for Marine Meteorology. Twelfth session, Havana, 10–20 March 1997.

870 — Commission for Climatology. Twelfth session, Geneva, 4–14 August 1997.

879 — Commission for Atmospheric Sciences. Twelfth session, Skopje, 23 February–4 March 1998.

881 — Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation. Twelfth session, Casablanca, 4–12 May 1998.

893 — Commission for Basic Systems. Extraordinary session, Karlsruhe, 30 September–9 October 1998.

899 — Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology. Eleventh session, Geneva, 2–11 March 1999.

900 — Commission for Agricultural Meteorology. Twelfth session, Accra, 18–26 February 1999.

921 — Commission for Hydrology. Eleventh session, Abuja, 6–16 November 2000.

923 — Commission for Basic Systems. Twelfth session, Geneva, 29 November–8 December 2000.

WMO issues authoritative publications on scientific and technical aspects of meteorology, hydrology and related subjects.

These include manuals, guides, training materials, public information and the WMO Bulletin.

In accordance with the decision of Thirteenth Congress,

the reports are published in the following languages:

Congress — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

Executive Council — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

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Technical Commissions — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICALCOMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY

AND MARINE METEOROLOGY

FIRST SESSION

AKUREYRI, 19–29 JUNE 2001

ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland2001

WMO-No. 931

© 2001, World Meteorological Organization

ISBN 92-63-10931-1

NOTE

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply theexpression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariats of the IntergovernmentalOceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) and the World Meteorological Organization concerningthe legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning thedelimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

C O N T E N T S

Page

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION ........................................................................................................................... 1

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION.................................................................................................................. 32.1 Consideration of the report on credentials.............................................................................................. 32.2 Approval of the agenda ............................................................................................................................ 32.3 Establishment of committees ................................................................................................................... 32.4 Other organizational matters ................................................................................................................... 3

3. REPORT BY THE INTERIM CO-PRESIDENTS OF THE COMMISSION .................................................................. 3

4. REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE MAJOR SUBSIDIARY AND REPORTING BODIES................................ 5

5. SCIENTIFIC INPUT AND REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 55.1 Climate research and prediction .............................................................................................................. 55.2 Operational users...................................................................................................................................... 65.3 Other......................................................................................................................................................... 7

6. MARINE METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SERVICES ........................................................................ 76.1 Maritime safety services ........................................................................................................................... 76.2 Wind waves and storm surges.................................................................................................................. 96.3 Sea ice ....................................................................................................................................................... 126.4 Marine pollution related services ............................................................................................................. 146.5 JCOMM Products Bulletin ........................................................................................................................ 166.6 Other service issues .................................................................................................................................. 16

7. DATA MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................... 177.1 Marine climatology .................................................................................................................................. 177.2 Ocean data................................................................................................................................................ 217.3 Buoys and floats ....................................................................................................................................... 237.4 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................ 247.5 Integration issues...................................................................................................................................... 30

8. OBSERVING SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................................. 318.1 Ship-based observations ........................................................................................................................... 318.2 Buoys and floats ....................................................................................................................................... 368.3 Remote sensing......................................................................................................................................... 398.4 Sea level .................................................................................................................................................... 418.5 Integration issues...................................................................................................................................... 42

9. REVIEW OF TECHNICAL REGULATIONS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION.................................................... 44

10. GUIDES AND OTHER TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS ........................................................................................... 44

11. EDUCATION AND TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT................................. 4611.1 Specialized education and training .......................................................................................................... 4611.2 Technology transfer and implementation support .................................................................................. 4811.3 Regional development.............................................................................................................................. 4911.4 Resources .................................................................................................................................................. 50

12. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PROGRAMMES/BODIES OF WMO AND IOC .................................................... 5012.1 Global Ocean Observing System and Global Climate Observing System ............................................... 50

Page

12.2 Other WMO and joint WMO/IOC Programmes...................................................................................... 5312.3 Other IOC Programmes............................................................................................................................ 54

13. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND BODIES .............................................................................. 5613.1 United Nations system agencies (Inter-Secretariat Committee on Scientific Programmes Relating

to Oceanography, Advisory Committee on Coordination/Subcommittee on Oceans andCoastal Areas ............................................................................................................................................ 56

13.2 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development follow-up, Commission onSustainable Development and the Conventions ..................................................................................... 57

13.3 Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership .................................................................................. 5713.4 Non-United Nations system organizations and programmes.................................................................. 58

14. LONG-TERM PLANNING ............................................................................................................................... 58

15. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES ................................................................................................................................. 59

16. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING GROUPS AND NOMINATION OF RAPPORTEURS .................................................... 60

17. INTER-SESSIONAL WORK PROGRAMME ......................................................................................................... 60

18. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF CMM AND IGOSS AND OF RELEVANT

RESOLUTIONS OF THE GOVERNING BODIES OF WMO AND IOC ................................................................... 60

19. ELECTION OF OFFICERS ............................................................................................................................... 61

20. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SECOND SESSION.................................................................................................. 61

21. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION ........................................................................................................................... 61

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSIONFinal SessionNo. No.

1 16/1 Management Committee of the joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanographyand Marine Meteorology........................................................................................................... 63

2 16/2 Services Programme Area .......................................................................................................... 64

3 16/3 Observations Programme Area .................................................................................................. 66

4 16/4 Data Management Programme Area ......................................................................................... 69

5 16/5 Education, Training and Capacity Building Programme Area .................................................. 71

6 18/1 Revision of the resolutions and recommendations of the Commission for MarineMeteorology and of the joint WMO/IOC Committee for the Integrated Global OceanServices System.......................................................................................................................... 73

RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSIONFinal SessionNo. No.

1 7.4/1 Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) metadata format ....................................................... 89

2 8.1/1 Resources for ship-based observations ...................................................................................... 98

IV ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Page

Final SessionNo. No.

3 8.1/2 International SeaKeepers Society............................................................................................... 99

4 8.2/1 Vandalism of ocean data buoys................................................................................................. 100

5 8.4/1 The Global Sea-level Observing System (GLOSS)...................................................................... 100

6 8.5/1 Establishment of a JCOMM In Situ Observing Platform Support Centre (JCOMMOPS) .......... 101

7 9/1 Amendments to the WMO GMDSS marine broadcast system ................................................. 102

8 9/2 Modifications to the International Maritime Meteorological Tape (IMMT) format ................ 117

9 9/3 Further amendments to the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558)........... 118

10 10/1 Amendments to the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471)........................... 122

11 10/2 Dynamic part of the Guide to the Applications of Marine Climatology (WMO-No. 781) ............ 122

12 13/1 Working arrangements between WMO and the International Mobile SatelliteOrganization (IMSO) ................................................................................................................. 124

13 18/1 Revision of resolutions of the WMO and IOC governing bodies based on previousrecommendations of the Commission for Marine Meteorology and of the joint IOC/WMOCommittee for IGOSS................................................................................................................ 125

ANNEXES

I Summary analysis of the results of the MMS monitoring survey (paragraph 6.6.4 of thegeneral summary)..................................................................................................................................... 126

II Status of Inmarsat satellite coverage (paragraph 7.4.13 of the general summary)...................................... 128

III GLOSS Core Network (GCN) status from the viewpoint of the Permanent Service for MeanSea Level (PSMSL) (paragraph 8.4.3 of the general summary) ................................................................. 128

IV IGOSS-related technical publications (paragraph 10.4 of the general summary).................................... 129

V List of Web site addresses (paragraph 10.15 of the general summary).................................................... 130

VI JCOMM Capacity Building Strategy (paragraph 11.2.2 of the general summary) .................................. 131

VII Work plan for JCOMM for the period 2001–2005 (agenda item 17 of the general summary)............... 133

APPENDICES

A. List of persons attending the session ................................................................................................... 143B. Agenda .................................................................................................................................................. 151C. List of abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. 154

CONTENTS V

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION (agenda item 1)1.1 The first session of the Joint WMO/IOCTechnical Commission for Oceanography and MarineMeteorology (JCOMM) was opened by Mr DieterKohnke, co-president of the Commission, at 10 a.m. onTuesday, 19 June 2001, in the Akureyri ConferenceCentre in Akureyri, Iceland.1.2 On behalf of the World MeteorologicalOrganization (WMO), Professor G. O. P. Obasi,Secretary-General, welcomed the delegates to thehistoric first session of the new joint WMO/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)technical commission. In doing so, he expressed his sin-cere appreciation to the Government of Iceland, to theCity of Akureyri and to the Icelandic MeteorologicalOffice, for having offered to host the session and for theexcellent facilities and support services which had beenmade available.1.3 In noting the substantive achievements duringthe past inter-sessional period, which began under thepredecessor of JCOMM, the WMO CMM and the jointIGOSS, and had continued successfully through the com-plex transition to the new Commission, Professor Obasipaid a particular tribute to the Commission’s interim co-presidents, Messrs Johannes Guddal (Norway) and DieterKohnke (Germany), for their personal contributions tothat work. He noted further that Mr Kohnke would beretiring from the Commission at the end of the session,after 10 years of distinguished service to IGOSS and sub-sequently JCOMM, and wished him every success in hisfuture career.1.4 After reviewing the long partnership betweenWMO and IOC, which could be traced to the mid-1950swhen UNESCO and WMO collaborated in oceanactivities, Professor Obasi emphasized that the twoOrganizations were now entering a new era of enhancedcooperation and joint programme activities.Considering that enhanced mutual understanding notonly between WMO and IOC, but also between meteo-rologists and oceanographers, had greatly facilitated thesuccessful development and implementation of a num-ber of joint activities, he noted with pleasure that mostnational delegations to the session comprised equalnumbers of scientists from both disciplines.1.5 Professor Obasi emphasized that it was impor-tant to ensure that JCOMM was developed as anefficient mechanism for coordinating and integratingmarine observing systems, data management and serv-ices. JCOMM represented a new paradigm ininterdisciplinary and inter-agency cooperation andmight eventually be the model for similar cooperativedevelopments in other disciplines.1.6 Recognizing the lack of high quality and time-ly data from many ocean areas in support of weather

forecasting, climate analysis and research, he neverthe-less noted that there were major developments inmarine observing and communication systems whichwould assist greatly in overcoming that lack. At thesame time, he emphasized that WMO and IOC had amajor role to play in assisting the national meteorolog-ical and oceanographic agencies, especially those indeveloping countries, to contribute to, and benefitfrom, those new developments. He then noted that VOScontinued to provide a significant component of marinemeteorological observations. He also recognized thatthe VOSClim Project, which provided a high-quality ref-erence set of VOS data, was expected to contribute toGCOS, GOOS and WCRP.1.7 Referring to the requirement of a fully inte-grated and mutually-supportive approach to oceanobservations and ocean data management, which was amajor driving force for the creation of JCOMM,Professor Obasi noted the proposals for integration of allship-based observing systems and for the establishmentof a JCOMM In Situ Observing Platform Support(JCOMMOPS) Centre. Long-standing and successfulwork such as MCSS, GDSIDB and GTSPP should be fullyintegrated into the JCOMM new ocean data manage-ment system.1.8 The Secretary-General then turned to the serv-ices to support marine users and noted that theincreasing diversity of maritime users, the complexity oftheir operations and the considerable economic valuesof those operations resulted in substantially increasedrequirements for specialized marine meteorological andoceanographic services. He noted that the services insupport of the safety of life and property at sea remainedvitally important. The WMO marine broadcast systemfor GMDSS, in response to the revision of SOLAS, wasfully implemented by the end of 1998. That implemen-tation represented a significant achievement, and it wasimportant that the Commission continued to beresponsive to the requirements of marine users. Withregard to the marine environment, MPERSS provided anexcellent basis to provide appropriate meteorologicaland oceanographic advice and services, on a timelybasis, to those authorities responsible for dealingdirectly with marine pollution emergencies. He stressedthe important role to be played by JCOMM in the fur-ther implementation of that system.1.9 Professor Obasi urged the Commission toensure that appropriate technical and organizationalguidance, material assistance and trained personnel weremade available to Member countries, to assist especiallydeveloping countries in their capacity building efforts.He noted with interest that JCOMM had alreadydeveloped an overall Capacity Building Strategy andurged the full implementation of the Strategy. He further

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE SESSION

noted the effectiveness of cooperative regional projects,and referred specifically to regional projects in south-eastAsia and the western Indian Ocean as a useful approach tonational and regional development. Referring to UNCEDand Agenda 21, he stressed that JCOMM had a major roleto play in the provision of new and expanded marineproducts and services to support the protection andsustainable development of the marine environment.1.10 Professor Obasi informed the Commission thatthe fifty-third session of the WMO Executive Council,held the previous week, had wished the Commission asuccessful first session. The Council had emphasized theimportance of a number of specific issues, including inparticular, the phased implementation of an opera-tional, integrated ocean observing and datamanagement system for climate, in support of GOOSand GCOS; the development of new, integrated, marineproducts and services in accordance with expressed userrequirements, as well as the monitoring of user responseto those products and services; and the implementationof the JCOMM Capacity Building Strategy, includingnew and innovative approaches to funding, as a way ofsuccessfully implementing the Strategy.1.11 In noting the need for a greater involvementof developing countries in the scientific and technicalwork of WMO, Professor Obasi emphasized the impor-tance of the participation of many countries in the workof JCOMM. He urged the Commission to keep in mindthe need to effect balancing with regard to the officersand experts who would be charged with the responsibil-ities of guiding and implementing its work programmeduring the inter-sessional period, to ensure true globalpartnership.1.12 In concluding, Professor Obasi assured theCommission of the full support of the WMO Secretariat,and finally wished delegates an enjoyable and fruitfulstay in Akureyri.1.13 On behalf of the Government of Iceland, theMinister for the Environment, Ms Siv Fridleifsdottir, wel-comed the delegates to Iceland. In noting that theIceland economy was heavily dependent on the sea andits resources and that maritime security was a great con-cern to Iceland, she stressed that the scientific contentsof the session directly touched the daily lives ofIcelanders. She then noted the importance of the protec-tion of the ocean environment itself, as being anothermajor concern for Iceland. Ms Fridleifsdottir indicatedthat Iceland was taking a leading role in addressing oceanenvironmental issues such as persistent organic pollu-tants. She recognized the importance of multilateralcooperation and that scientific knowledge must beaccompanied with a will to act and a commitment tocooperation. In closing, she expressed the pleasure ofIceland for being able to host a number of intergovern-mental meetings, including the present session and aforthcoming meeting related to environmental protec-tion. She then wished participants a fruitful session anda very enjoyable stay in Akureyri and in Iceland.1.14 On behalf of UNESCO’s IOC, the AssistantDirector-General of UNESCO and the Executive

Secretary IOC, Mr Patricio Bernal, expressed his full sup-port for the work of JCOMM, which was charting a newway to conduct joint work within the United Nationssystem. He noted three of the primary reasons for thedecision to establish that new mechanism: the long his-tory of cooperation between WMO and IOC; a basiccommonality between oceanography and meteorology;and recent advances in observing and computing capa-bility, which had made it possible to develop a newgeneration of coupled models of ocean and atmosphere.1.15 Mr Bernal stated that IOC was leading thedevelopment of GOOS, which comprised three compo-nents: an observing subsystem; a data communicationsand management subsystem; and a modeling and appli-cations subsystem. He noted in particular the GOOSInitial Observing System, as well as pilot projects, whichincluded GODAE and the Argo profiling float pro-gramme. In stressing the necessity to improvecommunication links and data exchange protocols andpractices, he recognized that IOC and WMO played theirown unique roles as intergovernmental organizations intheir own domains of competence, thus jointly helpingto create the required new structures. In that context, hestressed the fundamental role that JCOMM was playingin the development of operational oceanography.1.16 Mr Bernal recognized that the challenges ofunderstanding and predicting global change wouldrequire operational observations of the physics, chemistryand the biology of all the natural systems that regulatedthe life-support system of the planet. In concluding, heexpressed the appreciation of IOC to the Government ofIceland for hosting the session in Akureyri and wished theCommission a successful session.1.17 On behalf of the Icelandic MeteorologicalOffice, the Permanent Representative of Iceland withWMO, Mr Magnus Jonsson, welcomed the delegates toIceland and to Akureyri, and expressed his pleasure atbeing able to host the first session of JCOMM, which wasa milestone of cooperation between WMO and IOC.Mr Jonsson also welcomed particularly the presence ofthe Minister for the Environment, Ms S. Fridleifsdottir,the Secretary-General of WMO, Professor G. O. P. Obasi,the Executive Secretary IOC, Mr P. Bernal, the Mayor ofAkureyri, Mr Kristjan Thor Juliusson, and the Rector ofthe University of Akureyri, Mr Thorsteinn Gunnarsson,at the opening of the session.1.18 Mr Jonsson indicated that it was particularlygratifying that the session was being held in a countrythat was more dependent on the weather and the oceanthan most other nations. When the IcelandicMeteorological Office was established in the 1920s, itsprimary task was marine meteorology and the reductionin the loss of life of fishermen. Mr Jonsson then notedthat it had long been well know that the ocean had agreat influence on weather. However, until recently itwas not known that the ocean area to the north ofIceland was the location for the climate generator for amuch larger part of the world than suspected.1.19 Mr Jonsson recalled that many importantmatters were to be discussed during the session, which

2 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

were expected to be of great significance for a large partof the world. In noting the importance of closercooperation between all international organizations andassociations involved in ocean affairs, he stressed that theestablishment of JCOMM was a great step forward instrengthening that cooperation. In concluding, hewished participants a constructive and fruitful session.1.20 The Mayor of Akureyri, Mr Kristjan ThorJuliusson, welcomed all delegates to the city ofAkureyri and wished everyone an enjoyable and fruitfulstay. In noting that the fishing industry, which depend-ed on ocean currents and temperatures as well asweather, was important to the city and that changeableweather condition affected the daily life of Akureyri, heexpressed his pleasure to be able to host the session inthe city.1.21 Following a recommendation of the 1991Meeting of the Presidents of Technical Commissionsof WMO concerning the formal recognition of out-standing services by individuals to the activities oftechnical commissions, certificates of outstanding serv-ice to CMM and IGOSS, and subsequently to JCOMM,were awarded to:(a) Mr S. Ragoonaden (Mauritius), in recognition of his

outstanding contribution over more than 15 yearsto the development of marine observing systemsand services in the Indian Ocean and to theenhancement of the capacity building of maritimecountries worldwide in marine meteorology andoceanography;

(b) Mr Y. Tourre (France), in recognition of his out-standing contribution over more than 15 years tothe development of operational oceanography,including, in particular, the creation and mainte-nance of the electronic IGOSS/JCOMM ProductsBulletin as a major data and information resourcein support of oceanographic services.

1.22 There were 113 participants in the session.Those included representatives of 42 Members of WMOand/or Member States of IOC and of 11 internationalorganizations. A complete list of participants is given inAppendix A to this report.

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (agenda item 2)2.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON CREDENTIALS

(agenda item 2.1)At the first and subsequent plenary meetings,

the representative of the Secretary-General of WMO pre-sented brief reports on delegations whose credentialshad been found valid. Those reports were accepted bythe Commission. It was decided not to set up aCredentials Committee.

2.2 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (agenda item 2.2)The provisional agenda was adopted without

amendments at the first plenary meeting on the under-standing that, at any time during the session, additionsor alterations could be made. The final agenda is givenin Appendix B to this report.

2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES (agenda item 2.3)

WORKING COMMITTEES

2.3.1 Two working committees were established todeal with specific agenda items:(a) Committee A to deal with agenda items 5, 6 and the

relevant parts of 4, 9 and 10. Messrs P. Parker(Australia) and T. Jakobsson (Iceland) were electedchairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively;

(b) Committee B to deal with agenda items 7, 8 and therelevant parts of 4, 9 and 10. Ms S. Narayanan(Canada) and Mr Yu Zhouwen (China) were electedchairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively.

The session decided to deal with agenda items 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 as a Committee of the Whole,chaired by the co-presidents of the Commission.

COORDINATION COMMITTEE

2.3.2 In accordance with WMO General Regulation28, a Coordination Committee was established consist-ing of the co-presidents, the chairpersons of the workingcommittees and the representatives of the Secretary-General of WMO and the Executive Secretary IOC.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

2.3.3 To facilitate the election of the officers of theCommission and the appointment of the chairpersonsof working groups and subgroups, a NominationCommittee was established consisting of the principaldelegates of Chile, Germany, Japan, New Zealand,Nigeria and the United States. Mr R. Stainer (NewZealand) was elected chairperson of the NominationCommittee.

2.4 OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS (agendaitem 2.4)Under the present agenda item, the

Commission decided on its working hours for the dura-tion of the session. It was agreed that, in accordancewith WMO General Regulation 112, no minutes of thesession would be prepared, but that statements by dele-gations might be reproduced and distributed as andwhen requested. A full list of documents presented atthe session is given in Appendix B to this report.

3. REPORT BY THE INTERIM CO-PRESIDENTS OF

THE COMMISSION (agenda item 3)3.1 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation the report of the interim co-presidents ofJCOMM, Messrs J. Guddal and D. Kohnke, covering bothachievements during the past inter-sessional period andalso priorities for the next four years. The Commissionoffered its thanks and congratulations to the co-presidents and other members of the interim JCOMMManagement Committee, in particular for the smoothand effective transition arrangements put in place forJCOMM, as well as for the detailed planning undertakenfor JCOMM-I and the substantive proposals developedfor the structure and work of the Commission in thefuture. The Commission recognized that much had been

GENERAL SUMMARY 3

achieved in a short time. It agreed that the vision ofJCOMM was both exciting and, at the same time, realis-tic. It looked forward with optimism to the future ofJCOMM, as a mechanism for the international coordi-nation of operational oceanography and also as amanifestation of the strong partnership and commonal-ity of interest between meteorology and oceanography.3.2 The Commission expressed its considerableappreciation for the substantive achievements duringthe past inter-sessional period, through the former CMMand IGOSS and all the groups now reporting to JCOMM.It noted in particular:(a) The full implementation of the marine broadcast

system for the GMDSS;(b) Further implementation of the MPERSS;(c) Expansion to the GDSIDB;(d) The successful Workshop on Advances in Marine

Climatology (Vancouver, September 1999) andenhanced marine climatological support to the WCP;

(e) Implementation of the VOSClim Project and ofnew ASAP routes;

(f) Operational maintenance of the SOOP;(g) Substantial enhancements to operational buoy pro-

grammes;(h) The JCOMM Products Bulletin;(i) Training workshops for PMOs and on wind wave

analysis and forecasting, regional cooperativecapacity building project development and the newJCOMM Capacity Building Strategy.

3.3 The Commission further noted and supportedthe priority areas outlined by the co-presidents forJCOMM work and development during the coming fouryears. Those included:(a) Phased implementation of an operational, integrat-

ed ocean observing and data management system,in response to expressed user requirements, includ-ing those of GOOS and GCOS, which made full useof modern communications and data managementtechnologies;

(b) Implementation of an integrated approach to ship-based observations; the gradual evolution of theSOOP strategy in response to developing require-ments and the Argo project; the fullimplementation of VOSClim; and the implementa-tion of new ASAP lines;

(c) Further expansion to drifting and moored databuoy deployments, in particular to provide vitalsurface pressure data, especially from southernhemisphere oceans;

(d) Support the evolution of Argo to operational statusand its integration with other JCOMM observingsystem elements;

(e) Implementation of a JCOMMOPS Centre;(f) Implementation of an end-to-end ocean data man-

agement system and its gradual integration withmarine climatological data management;

(g) The wider rapid real-time distribution of oceano-graphic data and products on the GTS, for theenhancement and development of operationaloceanography in all Members/Member States;

(h) Evaluation, certification and integration of newand enhanced techniques and procedures for oceanmeasurements, data management, product prepara-tion and eventual data and product delivery;

(i) In cooperation with GOOS, development of anactive, flexible and open dialogue with ocean satel-lite operators through all available mechanisms,including the IGOS partnership, the ConsultativeMeetings on High-level Policy on Satellite Mattersand other bodies such as CGMS and CBS, includingits rolling review requirements process, in order toassure continuing support for oceanographic andmeteorological satellites;

(j) Development of new, integrated, marine productsand services, in accordance with expressed userrequirements, as well as the monitoring of userresponse to those products and services;

(k) Ongoing interactions with GOOS regarding theoperational collection and management of non-physical ocean data;

(l) Implementation of the JCOMM Capacity BuildingStrategy, including new and innovative approachesto funding, incorporating cooperation and coordi-nation between potential donor agencies andmarine user projects.

3.4 The Commission clearly recognized thatJCOMM constituted a unique development in interna-tional and interdisciplinary cooperation. At the sametime, the success of JCOMM would depend on parallelcooperation and coordination at the national levelamong meteorological and oceanographic scientists andinstitutions. In that context, it requested theManagement Committee to develop some guidelines toassist Members/Member States in developing nationalcoordination and integration. As part of a wide-rangingdiscussion on the future of JCOMM, the Commissionmade the following specific suggestions and proposals:(a) In recognition of the many substantive contribu-

tions made by a number of individuals and bodiesto the development of the concept of operationaloceanography and of international cooperationbetween meteorology and oceanography goingback over many years, the Management Committeeshould arrange for the preparation and publicationof a comprehensive historical review of theantecedents to JCOMM. Such a review might alsoeventually be presented as a paper to the proposed150th anniversary Brussels Conference (see generalsummary paragraph 3.6);

(b) In order to publicze fully the JCOMM ideals, prior-ities and programmes, the Management Committeeshould arrange for the preparation and wide distri-bution of a JCOMM brochure;

(c) The Management Committee needed to develop, asa priority activity, a set of concrete goals and meas-urable objectives for JCOMM for the next fouryears, and coordinate input to the WMO Long-termPlan;

(d) The Capacity Building Coordination Group shouldwork to develop alliances and collaborative projects

4 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

with external bodies and non-governmental organ-izations such as the IOI;

(e) JCOMM needed to ensure that it maintained anopen and flexible approach to its interaction withthe operators of ocean satellites, covering all avail-able mechanisms;

(f) The enhancement of coordination at the nationallevel in support of JCOMM was essential; a nation-al coordination committee for JCOMM had alreadyproven to be a success in some countries and thatapproach might be followed elsewhere; at the sametime, operational oceanography was much lessdeveloped than meteorology in many countries, sothat time and caution was required to ensure even-tual success.

Further discussion on both the achievements and futurework priorities for JCOMM was recorded under subse-quent agenda items, and in particular a detailed workplan was considered under agenda item 17.3.5 The Commission noted with interest the pro-posal presented by the co-presidents for the futuresubstructure of JCOMM. It recognized the importance tothe future success of the Commission of putting in placea substructure that allowed a seamless continuation ofthe major ongoing activities under CMM and IGOSS, wasappropriate to addressing new priority areas already iden-tified, was flexible enough to encompass evolvingrequirements, was realistic in terms of available fundingsupport and, at the same time, created synergistic effects.The substructure should also include, where possible,horizontal linkages, to enable critical cross-cutting andregional issues (e.g. in the polar regions) to be addressedadequately. At the same time, the Commission clearlyrecognized that the substructure finally adopted at thepresent session should be sufficiently flexible to allowevolution during the coming inter-sessional period inresponse to developing requirements. In addition, a fullreview of the substructure would, under normal proce-dures for technical commissions, be undertaken atJCOMM-II. The Commission agreed that requirementsfor specific aspects of the sub-structure should beaddressed under the appropriately relevant agenda items.In addition, however, it agreed that it was also importantto review and refine the substructure as a whole, prior toformal approval, which was recorded under agenda item16. The Commission therefore decided to establish forthe duration of the present session an ad hoc sessionalWorking Group on the Future JCOMM Substructure,charged of preparing, for consideration and adoption bythe Commission in plenary, a detailed proposal for theJCOMM substructure, including terms of reference andmembership. That Working Group would be open, butwith a core membership comprising the principal dele-gates from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, France,Germany, Iceland, Japan, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic ofKorea, Russian Federation and the United States andwould be chaired by the principal delegate from theUnited Kingdom.3.6 The Commission noted with interest a proposalto commemorate, in some substantive way, the 150th

anniversary, in 2003, of the Brussels Conference of 1853.It recognized that that Conference, which had addressedthe standardization of meteorological and oceanograph-ic observations from ships and the provision ofmeteorological services to shipping in return, had been asignificant step in the development of internationalmeteorological coordination and cooperation. It there-fore welcomed the decision of the WMO ExecutiveCouncil that WMO should be directly involved in thatimportant commemorative event. The Commission rec-ommended to the IOC Assembly that IOC should also beassociated in some way with the event.3.7 The Commission emphasized the need for theproposed Conference and that due consideration shouldbe given to cost implications. It further agreed with thesuggestion of the WMO Executive Council that consid-eration should be given to coordinating or even mergingthe Conference with the proposed second CLIMARWorkshop and the proposed second OceanObsConference. The Commission requested the co-presi-dents to assist the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary of IOC to develop a specific propos-al that might highlight the establishment of JCOMM forconsideration and approval by the two ExecutiveCouncils in 2002. At the same time, and in view of thelong lead time needed for preparation of such a confer-ence, the Commission requested the ManagementCommittee to proceed with the establishment of aninterim Organizing Committee to begin planning,including preparation of a draft programme and theidentification of venue and co-sponsors. In that context,the Commission noted and accepted with appreciationthe offer of support and co-sponsorship by the IOI, aswell as the offer of Belgium to host the Conference inBrussels.

4. REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE

MAJOR SUBSIDIARY AND REPORTING BODIES

(agenda item 4)The Commission noted the reports by the

chairpersons of the major subsidiary and reporting bod-ies of JCOMM and expressed its appreciation for theirexcellent work and for the time and effort spent in car-rying out their tasks. Those reports were discussed indetail under the relevant agenda items.

5. SCIENTIFIC INPUT AND REQUIREMENTS (agendaitem 5)

5.1 CLIMATE RESEARCH AND PREDICTION (agendaitem 5.1)

5.1.1 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation the report by the chairperson of theGCOS/GOOS/WCRP OOPC, Mr N. Smith, covering theoverall objectives of the Panel, the strategy adopted tomeet those and, in particular, the aspects of its work rel-evant to JCOMM. It recognized that, as the primaryscientific body for providing advice on requirements forocean data for climate and related physical ocean sys-tems, the OOPC was the scientific partner of JCOMM inthe development of an operational ocean observing

GENERAL SUMMARY 5

system. The Commission therefore welcomed the oppor-tunity to review the work of the Panel and its place inthe overall JCOMM objectives and strategy.5.1.2 The Commission noted with approval that theOOPC had identified a variety of objectives and applica-tions in the development of an ocean observing system.Those included monitoring and detection of climatechange; seasonal to interannual climate prediction;marine and weather forecasts; short-range ocean fore-casts; understanding decadal variations; support ofscientific research; and routine ocean state determina-tion. The implementation strategy being adopted by theOOPC for a sustained, operational ocean observing sys-tem was also multifaceted. It included JCOMM as theprimary mechanism for the implementation and main-tenance of the in situ components, including sea level, inparticular where the methods were well known andproven. Other components of the strategy, which wouldconstitute partners of JCOMM in system implementa-tion, included informal mechanisms such as POGO;pilot projects such as GODAE and Argo; and researchprogrammes such as the WCRP and its components.5.1.3 The Commission recognized that the firstInternational Conference on the Ocean ObservingSystem for Climate (OceanObs Conference, St Raphaël,France, 18–22 October 1999), jointly convened by theOOPC and the CLIVAR Upper Ocean Panel had provid-ed a watershed in the development of the oceanobserving system. The Conference had arrived at a con-sensus on the blend of observations required to meet theobjectives set out by the Panel for the system and agreedon an implementation schedule and pathway to achievethat. The Commission was pleased to note the substan-tial role identified for JCOMM by the Conference in thatimplementation and agreed that the Conference conclu-sions would provide a blueprint for much of its ownwork over the coming decade. The Commission notedthat the recommendations from the OceanObsConference covered a broad range of measurementsincluding essential space-based measurements and insitu measurements and embracing time-series stationsand deep-sea measurements among others. TheCommission recognized the importance of deep-seameasurements for understanding the operation of theclimate system.5.1.4 The Commission agreed that there were atleast six significant issues arising from the work of theOOPC that would require attention from JCOMM dur-ing the coming inter-sessional period:(a) Working with the Argo Science Team and others to

ensure global implementation of the programme,including broadening the range of countriesinvolved and obtaining commitments for long-term support;

(b) Ensuring the transition of SOOP as proposed by theUpper Ocean Thermal Review, to complement Argoand altimetry;

(c) Full implementation of an operational VOSClimProject and a high-quality surface mooring networkto provide the required surface flux reference dataset;

(d) Assessment and fine-tuning of the tropical mooringarrays;

(e) Development of an integrated JCOMM data man-agement system to support the full observingnetwork;

(f) Identifying the long-term resources required to sus-tain activities, such as Argo, SOOP and remotesensing, that were currently supported fully or part-ly from research budgets.

The Commission requested its Management Committeeto coordinate among the appropriate programme areasthe implementation of those and other actions referredto JCOMM by the OOPC.

5.2 OPERATIONAL USERS (agenda item 5.2)5.2.1 The Commission recognized that operationalusers, other than climate modellers, of marine meteoro-logical and oceanographic data and products includedoperational meteorology (the WWW) and operationaloceanography as well as a wide range of marine usergroups. The requirements of those users had been estab-lished and maintained in the past by CMM, IGOSS andrelevant GOOS bodies, among other relevant bodies andprogrammes. It agreed that the review and updating ofthose requirements was now the responsibility ofJCOMM, working closely with CBS and relevant GOOSbodies, as appropriate. In addition, of course, it was theprimary responsibility of JCOMM to implement thoserequirements, again coordinating closely with CBS,IGOOS, the GOOS Steering Committee and similar bod-ies in particular where difficulties were encountered insuch implementation. The Commission agreed thatalthough good progress had been made, yet more effortwas needed to establish user requirements as the basisfor guiding product development and requested the co-presidents and the Management Committee to set inprocess mechanisms to assess user requirements and thesatisfaction of users with the products available.5.2.2 The Commission noted that the CEOS/WMOdatabase had been implemented and was being devel-oped as the primary resource giving the consolidatedrequirements for both in situ and satellite-derived obser-vational data in support of all WMO Programmes. Inaddition, it also now included requirements for jointWMO/IOC Programmes such as GOOS and GCOS. Thedatabase contained user estimates of expected observa-tional performances for both in situ and satellite-derivedvariables, and thus provided the basic informationneeded for the CBS rolling review requirements process.That process, in turn, had led to the preparation of adetailed statement of guidance regarding how well satel-lite capabilities met user requirements in severalapplication areas. That statement would be laterexpanded by the inclusion of in situ system capacities.5.2.3 The Commission agreed on the importance ofthe database containing up-to-date and accurate infor-mation regarding the requirements for marine data forall applications as well as for the preparation of a state-ment of guidance relating to marine user requirements.It therefore decided that JCOMM should participate in

6 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

the CBS rolling review requirements process. To thatend, it requested the co-presidents, in consultation withother members of the JCOMM Management Committeeand officers of GOOS, to designate one or more JCOMMexpert to participate in that process and, in particular, toparticipate in the appropriate CBS expert teams. ThoseJCOMM experts should also take primary responsibilityfor finalizing the statement of guidance relating tomarine user requirements, which should be published asa JCOMM technical report and should be widelydistributed.

5.3 OTHER (agenda item 5.3)The Commission recalled that the require-

ments for observational ocean data for climate wereaddressed in detail in the GOOS/GCOS ImplementationAction Plan. Those requirements had been considered inthe report of the chairperson of the OOPC, under agendaitem 5.1. At the same time, the Commission recognizedthat the requirements for the operational collection andexchange of data for the coastal component of GOOSwere only just emerging. Such requirements had beencompiled separately into strategic design plans by threeformer GOOS advisory panels (the GOOS Coastal Panel,the Living Marine Resources Panel and the Health of theOceans Panel) and published on the GOOS Web site(http://ioc.unesco.org/goos). The requirements forcoastal seas documented in the three design plans hadbeen summarized in an information document preparedby the GOOS Project Office. The design plans were nowbeing integrated to produce in 2002 an implementationplan for the coastal component of GOOS, which, whiledominated by physical measurements that were largelythe domain of JCOMM, would include a range of non-physical measurements for both coastal regions and theopen ocean. The Commission recognized that coordi-nated physical, biological and chemical measurementsof the ocean and atmosphere were needed to obtain acomprehensive view of the behaviour of coastal seas andtheir responses to natural and anthropogenic forcing, insupport of sustainable development. The Commissionagreed therefore that it would assess the requirementsfor implementation of non-physical measurements insupport of the coastal component of GOOS, and thismatter was addressed further under agenda item 12.1.

6. MARINE METEOROLOGICAL AND

OCEANOGRAPHIC SERVICES (agenda item 6)6.1 MARITIME SAFETY SERVICES (agenda item 6.1)

WMO GMDSS MARINE BROADCAST SYSTEM

6.1.1 The Commission noted that the provision ofoperational marine meteorological and oceanographicservices in support of the safety of life at sea was of thehighest priority within both WMO and IOC, as recog-nized, for example, by Thirteenth Congress, thetwentieth IOC Assembly and as contained in the 5LTP.Such services were therefore also a primary focus andhigh priority for the work of JCOMM. Chapter V,Regulation 5 — Meteorological services and warnings, of

SOLAS specified the responsibilities of signatory coun-tries to provide meteorological forecast and warningservices, and those services were now disseminated with-in the context of GMDSS. The WMO Manual on MarineMeteorological Services (WMO-No. 558) specified theresponsibilities of NMSs in that regard.6.1.2 In that context, the Commission recalled thatdetails of the new WMO GMDSS marine broadcast sys-tem had been adopted by CMM-XI (Lisbon, April 1993).The system was subsequently approved by the WMOExecutive Council for inclusion in the Manual asVolume 1, Part I bis, to operate in parallel with the exist-ing terrestrial broadcast system at least until the finaldate for full implementation of the GMDSS on1 February 1999. The Commission noted with satisfac-tion that the WMO GMDSS marine broadcast systemhad been fully implemented before 1 February 1999 andwas now operating smoothly, with minimal changes toprocedures and broadcast schedules. Those scheduleswere maintained by the WMO Secretariat and madeavailable to users in a variety of ways, including via theWMO Web site, by publication in the Admiralty List ofRadio Signals (United Kingdom), and through IHO andIMO. The Commission recognized that accurate broad-cast schedules were essential to users. It therefore urgedall Issuing Services to keep the WMO Secretariat fullyand rapidly informed of any future changes, if possiblewell in advance. It further urged Issuing Services tomaintain their broadcast times as close as possible tothose published schedules.6.1.3 The Commission expressed its considerableappreciation to the Issuing and Preparation Services forthe GMDSS marine broadcast system, to the Ad HocGroup on the GMDSS and to its chairperson,Mr H. Savina, for their significant efforts in implement-ing the system on schedule and for its successfulongoing maintenance. It also offered its thanks to IMO,IHO, ICS and Inmarsat Ltd. for their cooperation andassistance in implementing and operating the systemand expressed its satisfaction with the close liaisonwhich existed between WMO/IOC and those otherorganizations.6.1.4 The Commission reviewed the amendments tothe WMO GMDSS marine broadcast system proposed bythe Ad Hoc Group and agreed that they should be incor-porated into the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services.The recommendation to effect that decision was dealtwith under agenda item 9. The Commission furtherreviewed the proposal, already provisionally agreed byIMO, IHO and Inmarsat Ltd., for the creation of two newNav/Metareas, numbered 17 and 18, to facilitate theprovision of maritime safety services to shipping inRussian Arctic waters. In doing so, it noted with appre-ciation the information provided by the representativeof IMSO, that Inmarsat and GMDSS services had beensomewhat improved in polar regions. The Commissionnoted that the Russian Federation had already formallyaccepted to act as Issuing Service for both those newMetareas. It therefore agreed to the proposal, whichwould be incorporated into the amendments proposed

GENERAL SUMMARY 7

by the ad hoc group as noted above. In doing so, it rec-ommended to the Expert Team on Maritime SafetyServices to consider the possibilities for designatingadditional Metareas to cover the remaining Arcticwaters, in close consultation with Canada, the RussianFederation, the United States, IHO and IMO. In doingso, the team should also take into consideration theimplication of extending GMDSS services further north,so as to facilitate the provision of enhanced maritimesafety services in those regions.6.1.5 The Commission recognized that meteorologi-cal analysis and forecast charts, traditionally delivered tousers at sea by radio-facsimile broadcast, were regardedby those users as essential adjuncts to forecasts andwarnings in text format and of vital importance to thesafety of life at sea. The 2001 amendments to SOLAS,Chapter V, Regulation 5 — Meteorological services andwarnings, explicitly acknowledged that importance andstated that, inter alia, “...(weather information suitablefor shipping) shall be transmitted in text and, as far aspracticable, graphic form…”. The Commission furtherrecognized, however, that radio-facsimile broadcastswere gradually being curtailed or eliminated completelyin a number of countries, for reasons beyond the controlof NMSs. In that context, it noted with interest andappreciation the project being undertaken by InmarsatLtd., in conjunction with the Australian Bureau ofMeteorology and the Ad Hoc Group on the GMDSS, todevelop a facility within SafetyNET for the transmissionof graphical information in digital form via Inmarsat-Cand for its reconstitution on board ships. TheCommission agreed on the potential value of that facil-ity to both Issuing Services and users alike, and urgedthat the project be completed and implemented asquickly as possible. At the same time, it urged NMSs tocontinue to impress on relevant national authorities theimportance of the provision of meteorological informa-tion to shipping in chart form, and thus of themaintenance of radio-facsimile broadcast facilities.

MARITIME SAFETY SERVICES NOT FORMALLY REQUIRED

UNDER THE GMDSS6.1.6 The Commission recognized that a formalinternational requirement to provide meteorologicalforecasts and warnings to shipping via terrestrial highfrequency radio broadcasts no longer existed. It there-fore understood that the existing Volume I, Part I,sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Manual on Marine MeteorologicalServices (WMO-No. 558), dealing with the internationalcoordination of such broadcasts, were no longer formal-ly required, and in fact no longer reflected the reality ofsuch broadcasts. At the same time, however, theCommission agreed that broadcasts via high frequencyradio and similar facilities remained essential for non-SOLAS vessels and shipping in coastal waters notcovered by NAVTEX in many parts of the world. In addi-tion, the formal recognition of the importance of suchbroadcasts, through inclusion in the Manual, remainedan important requirement for many countries. TheCommission therefore agreed:

(a) To maintain the existing terrestrial broadcast sec-tion of the Manual on a temporary basis;

(b) To request the Expert Team on Maritime SafetyServices to develop a new text relating to non-GMDSS marine broadcast services, for eventualadoption by the Commission for inclusion in theManual to replace that existing terrestrial broadcastsection.

HARMONIZATION OF METAREA SUB-AREAS

6.1.7 The Commission noted with interest a reportpresented on the successful work undertaken by France,Morocco, Portugal and Spain, coordinated by Météo-France, to develop a common set of forecast sub-areaswithin Metarea II. Consequent on that work, the UnitedKingdom had also slightly adjusted its sub-areas withinMetarea I. The Commission expressed its appreciation toall concerned for the success of that difficult but essen-tial work, and recommended that that set of commonforecast sub-areas be submitted to both WMO RegionalAssociations (RAs) I and VI, to formally agree to thecommon areas. In doing so, it recognized that a similarharmonization might also be required in other Metareas.It therefore recommended to the Issuing Services con-cerned to review the situation and to endeavour tocoordinate the work necessary to effect such harmoniza-tion, as appropriate.

NAVTEX SERVICES

6.1.8 The Commission recalled that CMM, at itseleventh session (Lisbon, April 1993), had appointed arapporteur, Mr M. Ziemianski (Poland), to develop a sys-tem for the international coordination of meteorologicalbroadcasts for the Baltic Sea region through the interna-tional NAVTEX service. CMM-XII (Havana, March 1997)had reviewed draft guidelines for such coordinatedbroadcasts, prepared by Mr Ziemianski and his group ofnational focal points, and had:(a) Adopted general procedures and principles for the

international coordination of meteorologicalbroadcasts through NAVTEX, which had subse-quently been included in the Manual on MarineMeteorological Services, Volume I, Part II;

(b) Urged finalization of the draft guidelines specifi-cally for the Baltic Sea region, their acceptance bythe countries concerned and their trial implemen-tation.

6.1.9 In that context, the Commission noted withinterest that the guidelines had been implemented andoperated on a trial basis since April 1998. On the basis ofthose trials, the guidelines were now in the process offinalization, prior to formal approval by the PermanentRepresentatives of the countries concerned. TheCommission agreed that, once the guidelines had beenapproved in that way, they should be included inVolume II of the Manual, in the section covering marineservices within WMO RA VI (Europe). To that end, theCommission recommended that they should be submit-ted for approval to the thirteenth session of RA VI,scheduled for April 2002 in Budapest. The Commission

8 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

congratulated and expressed its considerable appreciationto all concerned in that project, particularlyMr Ziemianski, the rapporteur, for the difficult anddetailed work which they had so successfully accom-plished, which would be of great benefit to all maritimeusers in the Baltic region.

OTHER SERVICES

6.1.10 The Commission recognized that marine userrequirements for meteorological and oceanographicdata, products and services were continually expandingand diversifying. Such requirements were included fornew and more detailed maritime safety services, special-ized data and services for specific user groups, as well asfor marine climate related services. In addition, therewas an ongoing need to keep the WMO GMDSS marinebroadcast system under review and updated in the lightof developments in technology, user requirements andinternational agreements, and also to review require-ments for the international coordination and refinementof meteorological broadcasts through NAVTEX. TheCommission therefore agreed that it was essential forJCOMM to establish an Expert Team on Maritime SafetyServices, comprising at least representatives of theIssuing Services for the GMDSS, representatives of IMO,IHO, ICS, IMSO, and other user groups, as appropriate.6.1.11 The Commission recommended that theExpert Team meet during 2002 in order to prepare pro-posals on the following points:(a) NMS-specific recommendations on compiling

reports for the NAVTEX broadcast;(b) The summarization of options for describing the

state of the sea and a formal method for the descrip-tion of rogue and freak waves;

(c) The standardization of terminology used for defin-ing visibility at sea;

(d) The continuation of the project started by Australia,Inmarsat Ltd. and the WMO Secretariat on the for-mat and content of a graphical sea broadcast underGMDSS;

(e) The harmonization of practices, as needed, in orderto coordinate the content of forecasts for overlap-ping zones (definition of common zones, specificexamination of scales, parameters and thresholdsused by NMSs, etc.);

(f) Definition of a system of indicator(s) for monitor-ing user responses and their satisfaction with thequality of marine services.

PROPOSAL FROM KENYA

6.1.12 The Commission noted with interest a propos-al from Kenya for the Kenya Meteorological Department(KMD) to be formally designated as a PreparationService, and possibly also an Issuing Service, for theWMO Marine Broadcast System for the GMDSS, withinMetarea VIII. The Commission recalled that KMD hadplayed a major role, within the former WMO terrestrialbroadcast system, for the issue of forecasts and warningsfor a part of the central western Indian Ocean. It recog-nized that KMD most likely continued to have the

capabilities to provide accurate meteorologicalinformation for mariners in that region under the newGMDSS broadcast system. At the same time, however,the Commission recognized that it did not have suffi-cient information available to allow it to agree to theformal inclusion in the Manual, at the present time, ofKMD as a GMDSS Preparation Service. It thereforerequested the Expert Team on Maritime Safety Servicesto review urgently that question and to make an appro-priate recommendation, for the consideration of theco-presidents and the Management Committee onbehalf of JCOMM. The Commission further requestedthe KMD to coordinate with France, India and Mauritiusregarding the modalities and timing of the delivery of itsproducts for broadcast by the respective Issuing Services,with the assistance of the WMO Secretariat, as necessary.France (La Réunion) would continue to prepare andissue all tropical cyclone warnings for the whole ofMetarea VIII(S).6.1.13 With regard to the additional proposal forKenya to also become an Issuing Service, theCommission recalled that there were already such serv-ices designated for Metarea VIII (India for north of theEquator, and France and Mauritius for south of theEquator). In addition, it was essential that the Metareasremained closely coordinated with the IHO Navareas, tofacilitate and simplify the provision of maritime safetyinformation to users. Furthermore, Kenya did not, forthe moment, have direct, or even relative easy, commu-nications access to an Inmarsat LES, which was anessential requirement for an Issuing Service. TheCommission therefore did not feel it appropriate for thetime being to agree to the designation of Kenya as anIssuing Service. It nevertheless again requested theExpert Team on Maritime Safety Services to keep thatmatter under review, with a view to a possible designa-tion of that type in the future.

6.2 WIND WAVES AND STORM SURGES (agenda item 6.2)6.2.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thereport of the chairperson of the Subgroup on WaveModelling and Forecasting, Mr V. E. Ryabinin (RussianFederation). It recalled that the WMO Wave Programmewas first proposed at CMM-VIII in 1981 and came intoexistence in 1984. The general objective of theProgramme was to help WMO Members in the provisionof high quality data as well as wave analysis and forecastservices to a large variety of applications including high-ly specialized activities. The CMM Subgroup on WaveModelling and Forecasting continued the activities ofthe Ad Hoc Group on Wave Modelling established byResolution 5 (CMM-X). The Subgroup was first estab-lished in April 1993 by Resolution 3 (CMM-XI).In March 1997 it was re-established by Resolution 2(CMM-XII) as a part of the CMM Working Group onMarine Meteorological Services. The most importanttask of the Subgroup was support and development ofthe WMO Wave Programme.6.2.2 The Commission recognized with appreciationthe continuing progress made in the provision of wave

GENERAL SUMMARY 9

data and forecast services. Among the most importantdevelopments in the area of wave observation, model-ling, forecasting and related services, it highlighted thefollowing:(a) Massive use of third generation spectral wave mod-

els for the provision of operational services;(b) Increased availability of surface pressure, near-

surface wind and wind wave analysis, hindcast, andforecast data on the Internet;

(c) Wider use of satellite data, improved quality ofremotely-sensed wave heights and spectra includ-ing directional spectrum, elimination of 180°ambiguity in directional spectrum derived fromsatellite data;

(d) Development of wave data assimilation techniqueswith positive impact on the forecast quality;

(e) Increased availability of real-time services based onhigh frequency wave radar data;

(f) Broader availability of codes of modern numericalmodels such as WAM, WaveWatch III, SWAN,MOSCOW;

(g) Operational production of ensemble wave forecastsat the ECMWF paving the way to explicit estima-tion of forecast uncertainty and to a new basis forship routing services;

(h) Development and implementation of operationalapplications of coupled models of atmospheric gen-eral circulation and wind waves;

(i) Positive results of using the meteorological re-analysis data for wave climate hindcasting andassessment of long return period wave heights.

6.2.3 At the same time, the Commission recognizedthat measured wave data were of considerable value tonational agencies for many practical applications, butthat such data were often not released for such purpos-es, nor was there much information available on theirexistence. It therefore:(a) Urged Members/Member States to make every effort

to identify and obtain the release of wave datameasured nationally, for distribution where possi-ble on the GTS and/or inclusion in nationalarchives;

(b) Requested the Expert Team on Marine Climatologyto investigate the possibility of re-establishing aglobal wave metadata archive centre.

SEMINARS/TRAINING COURSES/CONFERENCES

6.2.4 The Commission noted with appreciation thatWMO, jointly with COMET (UCAR/United States), con-ducted the second International Workshop on OceanWaves in Miami in May 1997, which delt with numeri-cal wave analysis and forecasting. Lectures and practicalsessions were given to 22 participants from all WMORegional Associations. The previous seminar organizedby the same sponsors took place in Boulder, Colorado, inDecember 1995. Another event of relevance and impor-tance for JCOMM was a conference co-sponsored byWMO, IOC, the European Commission, Météo-Franceand CNES, which focused on operational application ofocean wave data and was held at UNESCO Headquarters

in Paris from 21–25 September 1998. Issues related towave forecasting, hindcasting and climatology were alsodiscussed at the Workshop on Advances in MarineClimatology (CLIMAR99), which was co-sponsored byWMO, NOAA and the Meteorological Service of Canadaand was held in Vancouver from 8–15 September 1999.The Commission agreed that workshops on wave model-ling, analysis and forecasting were highly valuable inassisting countries to improve their capabilities in thatimportant field. It therefore strongly urged WMO andIOC to ensure that they continued on a regular basis inthe future.

GUIDES/RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

6.2.5 The Commission recalled with satisfactionthat the second edition of the WMO Guide to WaveAnalysis and Forecasting (WMO-No. 702) had been pub-lished and was made available to the WMO Members. Itexpressed its appreciation, in particular, to the editor ofthe Guide, Mr A. Laing (New Zealand) for his work incoordinating and overseeing its preparation. In view ofongoing developments of practices in numerical windwave forecasting the Commission stressed the need forthe relatively regular updating of the Guide, whichwould go in concert with progress in the field.Increasing accessibility of the Internet to centres provid-ing wind wave prediction services and sufficiently highcosts of publishing many hard copies of the Guide madeit possible and desirable to consider making the Guideavailable on the Internet and accessible through theWMO home page.6.2.6 Taking into account its extended mandate (seegeneral summary paragraph 6.2.15), the Commissionfurther noted that in addition to the WMO Guide onWave Analysis and Forecasting, its work would requirealso guidance on storm surge prediction. In view of thelikely considerable volume of those documents it wasconsidered desirable to keep the two publications sepa-rate. It requested the Expert Team on Wind Waves andStorm Surges to prepare an outline for such guidancematerial on storm surge prediction, as well as a plan forits preparation, for consideration and further action bythe Services Coordination Group.6.2.7 The Commission recalled that the OffshoreWeather Panel had prepared the Handbook of OffshoreForecasting Services. It was considered a valuable source ofinformation on environmental data requirements of off-shore activities including data on wind waves and stormsurges. The Commission expressed its appreciation tothe Panel for that work and to the Secretariats for itspublication and distribution.6.2.8 The Commission noted with appreciation that,in accordance with the identified interest of the waveforecasters in the prediction and evaluation of highestwaves, two specialized technical reports were preparedduring the inter-sessional period and published asJCOMM technical reports. The first of them was moreoriented towards real-time services. The second reportfocused on evaluation of long return period wave heightsand considered some aspects of wind wave climate. It

10 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

supplemented the WMO Guide to Wave Analysis andForecasting in matters related to wave climate and designcriteria.

VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES

6.2.9 The Commission recalled that the twelfth ses-sion of CMM had adopted Recommendation 4(CMM-XII) by which “the wind wave model forecast ver-ification scheme … should be further developed andformally implemented …” and “that all Members oper-ating global or basin-scale wave forecast models shouldbe urged to participate”. CMM-XII had requested theSubgroup on Wave Modelling and Forecasting to devel-op further details of the scheme, for eventualconsideration and adoption, on a trial basis, by inter-ested Members.6.2.10 The Commission noted with interest that fivecentres, namely ECMWF, the Met Office (UnitedKingdom), the Fleet Numerical Meteorology andOceanography Center (United States), the CanadianMeteorological Centre (Canada) and the NationalCenters for Environmental Prediction (United States),had participated in the numerical wave forecast verifica-tions. On a monthly basis, they exchanged predictedwave height, wave period, and wind speed data andcompared the predictions with observations made at anumber of moored buoys and fixed platforms and dis-tributed on the GTS. The initial results had revealedsome common and specific features of operationalnumerical wave forecasts. The centres engaged in theexchange of verification data had benefited considerablyfrom those activities because they learned the actual skillof their forecasts and sources of most significant errors,and the first trials of the scheme were therefore regardedas successful. The Commission considered that makingthe information about the wave forecast verificationscheme widely known was important because it wouldfacilitate corresponding activities of other interestedMembers and, in parallel, stimulate more intensiveinsertion of wave observations on the GTS. It thereforerequested the Expert Team on Wind Waves and StormSurges to develop procedures for the distribution of suchinformation. The Commission also encouraged addi-tional wave modelling and forecast centres to participatein the project and requested the expert team to investi-gate the possibility of introducing some form of wavemodel certification scheme, perhaps based on the resultsof the verification project.

COORDINATION WITH GOOS6.2.11 The Commission noted with interest the activ-ities of the Subgroup on Wave Modelling andForecasting aimed at the review of the role of wind waveobservations, services, and modelling in the GOOS. Thestudy was conducted jointly with a group of leading sci-entists involved both in development of wave models,corresponding services, and in the GOOS activities. Theresults had been presented and discussed at the CLI-MAR99 Workshop (Vancouver, September 1999) and atthe first OceanObs Conference (Saint Raphaël, France,

October 1999). Among other matters, the reviewcontained a first description of wave data requirementsby GOOS modules and addressed problems of adequatedevelopment of wave observing systems as a part ofGOOS. Links between the Subgroup and OOPC wereestablished, which should facilitate coordination offuture activities.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER/IMPLEMENTATION ASSISTANCE/CONSULTING SERVICES

6.2.12 The Commission recalled that, since 1994, theSubgroup had been offering consulting services on mat-ters pertinent to wave modelling and forecasting servicesto all WMO Members. It recognized the usefulness ofsuch services and expressed the view that interestedMembers/Member States should use the potential servic-es to a larger extent. It was also noted that the broadmandate of JCOMM might require a similar opportunityfor the development of storm surge prediction services.6.2.13 The Commission noted with interest that, in1999, Mr J. Guddal, JCOMM interim co-president andSubgroup chairperson, took part as a JCOMM expert, ina project for the development of a storm surge predic-tion system. The project was implemented by theGovernments of Norway and Viet Nam. The role of theJCOMM experts was to conduct a local survey, preparean outline and plan for the future forecasting system,initiate and conduct a tender on a contract for hardwareand software acquisition and corresponding training. Allthose tasks were successfully completed by the end ofNovember 1999. The Commission recognized that thatproject underlined the important catalyst role thatJCOMM and, of course WMO and IOC themselves,should play in the area of forecasting system implemen-tation assistance. It also agreed that experience gatheredin the course of that project could be instrumental forother regions and applications including the SouthChina Sea and the northern part of the Indian Ocean. Inaddition, the Commission recognized that manyMembers/Member States had considerable expertise inboth wind wave and storm surge modelling, and it urgedthose countries to make such expertise available,through JCOMM, for the assistance of all. In that con-text, it noted with appreciation the kind offer of Japanto provide technical support to other countries in stormsurge modelling.

COOPERATION WITH THE WMO TROPICAL CYCLONE

PROGRAMME

6.2.14 The Commission agreed that the lessons of theproject on storm surge prediction system development,which was conducted in Viet Nam, underlined the needfor close cooperation between JCOMM and the WMOTCP. Particularly important were matters related to theprediction of storm surges and wind waves associatedwith tropical cyclones. The Commission noted that theSubgroup chairperson had participated in the twenty-seventh session of the WMO/ESCAP Panel on TropicalCyclones (Muscat, Oman, 29 February–6 March 2000)and in the WMO Regional Technical Conference on

GENERAL SUMMARY 11

Tropical Cyclones and Storm Surges (Chiang Mai,Thailand, 13–17 November 2000). At both events anintroduction to JCOMM activities and a review of mod-ern means of wind wave and storm surge predictionwere given. The Commission agreed that close coopera-tion with TCP would be particularly essential for thesuccessful development of the IOC/IHP/WMO Projecton Storm Surge Disaster Reduction in the northern partof the Indian Ocean. The Commission agreed to provideexpert assistance for the Project in matters of wind waveand storm surge prediction. The Commission furthernoted that the WMO/ESCAP Workshop on TyphoonForecasting Research, to be held in Korea in September2001, would include a component on wind wave andstorm surge forecasting, and it urged as many countriesas possible in the region to participate.

JCOMM WIND WAVE AND STORM SURGE

PROGRAMME

6.2.15 The Commission agreed that it would be logi-cal to transform the WMO Wave Programme into theJCOMM Wind Wave and Storm Surge Programme. Mostimportant considerations were that storm surge predic-tion support was included in the new expanded terms ofreference of JCOMM and that there were many com-monalties between systems providing wind wave andstorm surge prediction. The Commission recognizedthat a draft JCOMM Wind Waves and Storm SurgesProgramme had been prepared. It requested the ExpertTeam on Wind Waves and Storm Surges to review andfinalize that programme, for publication as a JCOMMTechnical Report. In doing so, the Commission clearlyrecognized that it was a very ambitious programme,which would require substantial efforts by JCOMMmembers, other experts and Members/Member Statesduring the coming four years.

ORGANIZATION OF FUTURE JCOMM ACTIVITIES IN WIND

WAVE AND STORM SURGE MODELLING AND FORECASTING

6.2.16 The Commission agreed that the JCOMMWind Wave and Storm Surge Programme contained ele-ments that cut across all programme areas. At the sametime, the Commission recognized the value of develop-ing specific expertise for that theme, and thereforeagreed to establish an Expert Team on Wind Waves andStorm Surges. Further action in that regard was takenunder agenda item 16.

OPERATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY

6.2.17 In the context of its discussion on the windwaves and storm surges programme, the Commissionnoted the emerging requirements for related pro-grammes encompassing ocean modelling, productpreparation and service provision for other oceanprocesses. However, it recognized that those require-ments extended beyond wind waves and storm surges. Ittherefore requested the Management Committee andthe Services Coordination Group to keep that matterunder review, with a view to proposing eventually newprogramme activities to JCOMM.

6.3 SEA ICE (agenda item 6.3)

GLOBAL DIGITAL SEA-ICE DATA BANK

6.3.1 The Commission noted with interest thereport of Mr I. Frolov (Russian Federation), chairpersonof the JCOMM Subgroup on Sea Ice. It expressed itsappreciation to him, to members of the Subgroup, andto the GDSIDB for the considerable and very valuablework accomplished during the period after CMM-XII.The Commission, in particular, noted with satisfactionthat cooperation among sea-ice experts from Canada,Denmark, Finland, Japan, Russian Federation, Swedenand the United States had resulted in the inclusion,within the GDSIDB, of newly digitized datasets for Arcticand Antarctic areas. Separate datasets were prepared forthe Sea of Okhotsk, Baltic Sea and Canadian Arctic area.The Commission further noted with appreciation thatthe Argentine Navy Hydrographic Service had started tosubmit information on sea-ice observations to theGDSIDB’s centres (NSIDC, Boulder and AARI, StPetersburg), as well as the offer by Australia and Chinato contribute data to the GDSIDB. The Commissionnoted with interest that a special report on the avail-ability of sea-ice data for the Caspian and Black Seas andthe Sea of Azov was prepared and discussed during theeighth session of the Steering Group for the GDSIDB.6.3.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thatmembers of the GDSIDB had agreed to prepare historicalsea-ice data for the Sea of Bohai from 1952 to the pres-ent (State Oceanic Administration, China) for the BalticSea for 1980–1998 (Baltic Sea Ice Meeting) and for 1960–1982 (German Federal Maritime and HydrographicAgency), and for the Antarctic for 1970–1990 (AARI andAustralia through the Antarctic Sea-ice Processes,Ecosystems and Climate Programme). Additional sea-icedata sources were identified as Denmark for Greenlandwaters in the twentieth century; Chile and South Africafor the Antarctic; and the Russian Federation, Ukraineand Kazakhstan for the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas.6.3.3 The Commission noted with appreciation thatspecial pages describing historical sea-ice data were pub-lished on the NSIDC and AARI Web pages. Work on theoperational exchange of sea-ice data through the WorldWide Web, including the establishment of home pagesby both the AARI and the NSIDC devoted to historicalsea ice data, had been completed. The home pageaddresses of the GDSIDB centres were:(a) http://www.aari.nw.ru/gdsidb/gdsidb_2.html

(AARI, St.Petersburg, Russia);(b) http://www.dmi.dk/pub/gdsidb_mirror/content.

html (mirror of AARI site at DMI);(c) http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/NOAA/index.html

(NSIDC, Boulder, Colorado, United States).The Commission also noted that those pages could beaccessed directly from the Programme Areas section ofthe WMO Marine Programme Web page.6.3.4 The Commission, recognizing the direct valueof the GDSIDB to the WCP and WCRP, as well as to serv-ices and other sea-ice activities of Members concerned,recommended that WMO and IOC should continue to

12 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

support the valuable work of the Steering Group for theGDSIDB during the coming inter-sessional period. Itagreed with the proposed project objectives for thatperiod, which were included in the overallCommission’s work plan (see agenda item 17).

DATA FORMATS AND SEA-ICE NOMENCLATURE

6.3.5 The Commission noted with interest that spe-cial ad hoc working groups were designated by theSteering Group for the GDSIDB to extend the existingWMO SIGRID format and to develop a new format inorder to standardize the international exchange of oper-ational sea-ice data for electronic sea-ice charts. TheCommission recognized that a considerable part of thatwork was shared during 1999–2001 with the IICWG andwith Canada, Denmark, Russia and the United States icecentre experts experimenting with shape file vector for-mat to construct a superior SIGRID-based format for dataexchange. The Commission agreed that JCOMM shouldrefer further work on the formats to the Expert Team onSea Ice for consideration and adoption during the inter-sessional period.6.3.6 The Commission also recognized the work ofthe IICWG to develop an international colour code forice charts as a first step toward developing a mechanismto incorporate sea-ice information in electronic naviga-tion charts. The Commission noted that, whileconsiderable progress had been made toward obtainingagreement on a colour code, the IICWG would not be ina position to propose a standard to JCOMM before late2001. It agreed that a standard proposed by the IICWGshould be reviewed by the new JCOMM Expert Team onSea Ice, prior to submission to the JCOMM co-presidentsfor formal approval on behalf of JCOMM, and publica-tion by WMO.6.3.7 The Commission expressed its appreciation tothe experts from the Swedish Meteorological andHydrological Institute and AARI for the development ofappropriate amendments and extensions to the SIGRIDand SIGRID-2 formats, which were designed to preservethe accuracy of the original data in BASIS while convert-ing them to the SIGRID formats.6.3.8 The Commission noted the results of researchundertaken by experts from the Commonwealth ofIndependent States, under the AIRSS, to identify icedecay from radar backscatter. The Commission agreedthat as a result of that work, appropriate amendments tothe nomenclature for coding sea-ice decay should bedeveloped during the next inter-sessional period.6.3.9 The Commission expressed its appreciation toMr A. Bushuev (Russian Federation) for the preparation ofa draft revised version of the WMO sea-ice nomenclature.It agreed that that revised version should be reviewed bythe JCOMM Expert Team on Sea Ice, prior to submissionto the JCOMM co-presidents for formal approval onbehalf of JCOMM, and publication by WMO.

PUBLICATIONS

6.3.10 The Commission noted with appreciation thatMessrs V. Gavrilov (Russian Federation) and W. Weeks

(United States) had prepared the English version of theHandbook on the Analysis and Forecast of Sea Ice, as rec-ommended by CMM-XII. That text was being reviewedprior to being issued by WMO in 2002.6.3.11 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe new version of the publication Sea-Ice InformationServices in the World (WMO-No. 574) had been reviewedby the members of the former Subgroup on Sea Ice andissued by WMO in 2000.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

6.3.12 The Commission noted that during the inter-sessional period two informal sessions of the JCOMMSubgroup on Sea Ice, combined with the sixth and sev-enth sessions of the Steering Group for the GDSIDB,were held in Copenhagen (October 1997) and in Boulder(August 1998) to discuss and coordinate sea-ice activitiesinternationally. Aspects of the current and future of theSubgroup on Sea Ice Activities were also discussed at theeighth session of the Steering Group for the GDSIDB,which took place in Ottawa (April–May 2000). TheCommission noted with appreciation the proposal ofArgentina to host a session of the proposed JCOMMExpert Team on Sea Ice and the ninth session of theSteering Group for the GDSIDB in Buenos Aires, tenta-tively in October 2002.6.3.13 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation that the Joint WMO/Canadian Ice WorkingGroup Workshop on Mapping and Archiving Sea-iceData Derived from Radar Data Processing had takenplace in Ottawa in May 2000, hosted by Canada. TheCommission expressed its considerable thanks toCanada and to the workshop organizers for that highlysuccessful event, which had addressed recent develop-ments in remote sensing instrumentation for sea-iceparameters, radar signal interpretation, data manage-ment, data assimilation and sea-ice modelling. Thosewere important components of the future work ofJCOMM, as part of its overall mandate to implementand coordinate the running of an operational observingand services system for the global ocean, including polarregions.6.3.14 The Commission noted with interest an initia-tive developed under the Satellite Application FacilitiesProgramme of EUMETSAT, in which Météo-France, theDanish Meteorological Institute and the NorwegianMeteorological Institute were developing such a pro-gramme dedicated to ocean and sea-ice products. Whenoperational, that facility would be of great value toJCOMM sea-ice activities. The Commission furthernoted with interest the information provided by Icelandregarding the Integrated Weather, Sea Ice and OceanService System Project, which was a three-year researchproject supported by the European Commission involv-ing six institutes in four countries. The project aimed atdeveloping a prototype marine information system toprovide a single entry access to meteorological, sea-iceand oceanographic data and products in electronicform, for a variety of applications. The Commission rec-ognized the potential value of such projects to its own

GENERAL SUMMARY 13

work and requested the Services Coordination Group tokeep that matter under review and to coordinateJCOMM interaction and input as appropriate.6.3.15 In addition to the subjects dealt with above,the Commission considered that there were a number oftopics in the field of sea ice which would require atten-tion during the coming inter-sessional period, inparticular:(a) Future development and revision of the sea-ice

nomenclature and terminology, data formats andsoftware codes;

(b) Preparation of historical sea-ice datasets for sea-icecovered areas;

(c) Development of cooperation and coordinationwith climate-oriented programmes such as WCRP,WCP and especially with the CLIC Project, forwhich the GDSIDB was a valuable sea-ice dataresource;

(d) Developing techniques and capabilities systemati-cally to measure ice thickness by means of remotesensing;

(e) The provision of support to southern hemispherecountries, including technical advice and access tosatellite data, to enhance Antarctic ice services.

6.3.16 The Commission expressed its appreciation forthe proposals made at the Meeting of Experts to Developa Polar Region Strategy for JCOMM/GOOS, which wasorganized by WMO in Geneva in December 1999, fol-lowing a recommendation by the first JCOMMTransition Planning Meeting (JCOMMTRAN-I,St Petersburg, July 1999). The Commission noted thatthe meeting of polar experts had agreed on the impor-tance of developing an integrated Polar Region StrategyDocument for JCOMM. As the first step in the develop-ment of a strategy document, an IOC/WMO consultant,Mr G. L. Holland (Canada), prepared a report on oceano-graphic and marine meteorological observations in thepolar regions. The report, entitled Oceanographic andMarine Meteorological Observations in the Polar Regions: AReport of the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission onOceanography and Marine Meteorology (WMO/TD-No.1032, JCOMM Technical Report No. 8), was reviewed byparticipants at JCOMMTRAN-II in Paris, June 2000, andsubsequently published.6.3.17 The Commission also noted that that meetingof experts had agreed on the importance to JCOMM ofhaving available a mechanism to review, coordinate andadvise on appropriate matters relating to polar seas andother areas effected by sea ice. The meeting had recom-mended that JCOMM establish a Working Group onPolar Seas and other Sea-Ice Regions. However, followingadvice from the eighth session of the Steering Group forthe GDSIDB and other polar region experts, the interimJCOMM Management Committee decided not to acceptthat recommendation, but instead to recommend toJCOMM to retain an expert team on sea ice.6.3.18 In the light of those considerations, theCommission agreed on the need to establish an ExpertTeam on Sea Ice of the Services Programme Area. Furtheraction in that regard was taken under agenda item 16.

6.3.19 Finally under the present agenda item, theCommission noted with appreciation the importantwork being undertaken by regional and internationalgroups, such as the Baltic Sea-ice Meeting, the IICWGand the IHO electronic chart display information sys-tem. It agreed that future collaboration should becontinued between the Expert Team on Sea Ice andthose groups, and requested the chairperson of theExpert Team and the Secretariats to arrange for such col-laboration, as appropriate.

6.4 MARINE POLLUTION RELATED SERVICES (agendaitem 6.4)

6.4.1 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation the comprehensive report of theRapporteur on MPERSS, Mr P. Daniel (France), whichincluded the summary results of a questionnaire on thestatus of implementation of the system. TheCommission further expressed its appreciation to theSecretary-General of WMO and the Australian Bureau ofMeteorology for organizing, convening and hosting thevery successful MARPOLSER98 Seminar and Workshopon MPERSS (Townsville, Australia, July 1998), as well asfor publishing the full proceedings of the Seminar as aWMO technical document.6.4.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thatIMO, through its Marine Environment ProtectionCommittee, had expressed its strong support for theconcept and eventual full implementation of MPERSS,and had offered to assist in that implementation to theextent possible. The Commission recognized that, whilemuch progress in MPERSS development had been madein many of the designated MPI areas, system implemen-tation nevertheless remained far from complete in someparts of the world. In that context, the Commission reit-erated its belief in the value of MPERSS as a support tocombating the effects of major marine pollution emer-gencies originating in sea areas outside nationaljurisdiction and stressed the importance of the fullimplementation of the system as soon as possible.6.4.3 At the same time, the Commission recognizedthat, while MPERSS was concerned with pollution emer-gencies on the high seas, meteorological andoceanographic data and services were highly relevant tomarine environment protection in many other ways andin other ocean areas, in particular in coastal and region-al seas. That impinged very much on interactions withGOOS, including coastal GOOS and regional activitiessuch as EuroGOOS. It therefore requested the ServicesCoordination Group to keep that whole topic underreview and to develop proposals for new services andsupport activities as appropriate, in close coordinationwith the GOOS COOP (see also discussions under agen-da items 5.3 and 12.1). In doing so, the Commissionemphasized that a capability for operational responseand the operational delivery of data and products was anessential criteria in the provision of meteorological andoceanographic support to many types of marine envi-ronmental protection in coastal waters and regionalseas, as it was in high sea areas.

14 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

6.4.4 The Commission therefore agreed thatMPERSS trials should continue during the cominginter-sessional period, and to that end decided to keep inforce Recommendation 2 (CMM-XI) — Marine PollutionEmergency Response Support System for the HighSeas. At the same time, however, it noted and agreedwith the substance of the recommendations of theMARPOLSER98 Workshop concerning modifications todetails of the system, specifically:(a) To include the concept of centres of excellence in

meteorological and oceanographic support for pol-lution emergency response, as support for the AreaMeteorological and Oceanographic Coordinators.While those centres would not necessarily provideoperational products, or be considered formally asWMO RSMCs, they could nevertheless perform avery valuable role in areas such as the provision ofexpert advice and specialized training to AreaMeteorological and Oceanographic Coordinatorsand supporting services;

(b) To investigate possible adjustments to the areas ofresponsibility as presently defined (the MPI areas),to better reflect existing technical and geographicalrealities, as well as the roles and responsibilities ofregional and national combating centres;

(c) Other operational support should include a Website with real-time information on incidents andsupport provided;

(d) Section 2.3.1 of the JCOMM work plan should rec-ognize that, ideally, meteorological andoceanographic information and support should beprepared and delivered on time- and space-scalesrelevant to the requirements of the operationalresponse which it was supporting;

(e) Both the principles and section 2.3.1 should notespecifically that the provision of high quality mete-orological and oceanographic support productsrequired real-time interaction with, and feedbackfrom, the users; that included on-site observationsas well as feedback on product quality andtimeliness;

(f) In addition to (e) above, reference should be madeto the fact that those NMS running oil spill modelsrequired input information from users on the oiltype involved in each incident;

(g) Section 2.3.1(d) should include some generic refer-ence to modern communications facilities, ratherthan specific reference to Inmarsat alone;

(h) The information given in Annex IV to theMARPOLSER98 Workshop report should replacethat given in Appendix II to the plan;

(i) Appendix I should be revised appropriately follow-ing the review of the MPI areas recommendedabove;

(j) IMO should provide WMO with amendments to sec-tion 2.4 and Appendices III, IV and V, as appropriate.

The Commission therefore requested:(a) The Services Coordination Group to prepare

specific proposals based on recommendations (a) to(c) above, for review by the Management

Committee and eventual distribution to Members/Member States concerned for their considerationand agreement;

(b) The Services Coordination Group and theSecretariats to prepare an updated version of thesystem plan on the basis of recommendations (d) to(i) above, again for review by the ManagementCommittee and eventual distribution to Members/Member States.

6.4.5 The Commission recognized that the other rec-ommendations made by the MARPOLSER98 Workshop,relating to the role of NMSs, service and productenhancement, and guidance and capacity building,would, if implemented, assist substantially in facilitatingMPERSS implementation. It therefore requested theServices Coordination Group to review those recommen-dations and develop a plan for their implementation.6.4.6 The Commission strongly encouraged allMembers/Member States that had accepted responsibili-ties under MPERSS to continue their efforts toimplement fully the system during the coming inter-sessional period, and to report again on implementationstatus to JCOMM-II. In addition, the Commission:(a) Encouraged bilateral collaboration between those

Area Meteorological and OceanographicCoordinators which had been largely successful inimplementing MPERSS in their MPI areas and thosewhere implementation problems remained; in thatcontext, it requested the coordinators to considerestablishing MPI area coordination subgroups, toassist in implementation;

(b) Requested the Secretariats to consult with IMO,with a view to having MPERSS included as part ofintergovernmental protocols and contingencyplans relating to emergency response operations;

(c) Agreed that the existing MPI Area III (MediterraneanSea) should be formally divided into two sub-areas:III(A), western Mediterranean (AMC from France);and III(B), eastern Mediterranean (AMC fromGreece);

(d) Further agreed that a new MPI sub-area III(C)should be created, comprising the Black Sea, andrequested the Secretariats to discuss with Bulgariathe possibility of Bulgaria assuming the responsi-bility of Area Meteorological and OceanographicCoordinator for that sub-area;

(e) Proposed that a second seminar/workshop onMPERSS should be convened in 2002 or 2003 andaccepted with appreciation the kind offer of Franceto host that event. It requested the co-presidents ofJCOMM and the Rapporteur on MPERSS, in consul-tation with the Secretariats, to identify appropriatefunding support for the event. It also urged thatthat workshop should include substantial participa-tion from maritime safety agencies and other userorganizations, which would assist greatly in theimplementation and recognition of the system;

(f) Requested the Services Coordination Group todevelop a mechanism to deal with technical andscientific issues related to the implementation of

GENERAL SUMMARY 15

MPERSS, including the development of a specificimplementation plan and timetable, directed atensuring full implementation of the system duringthe coming inter-sessional period;

(g) Further requested the Services Coordination Groupto develop appropriate technical guidance onMPERSS, including a compilation of available oilspill models, to assist in system implementation.

6.4.7 In order to implement properly the tasks listedin general summary paragraphs 6.4.4 and 6.4.6, theCommission suggested to the Services CoordinationGroup that an appropriate approach might be to pro-pose to the co-presidents to establish a small ad hoc taskteam to work on the issues by correspondence.

6.5 JCOMM PRODUCTS BULLETIN (agenda item 6.5)6.5.1 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe JCOMM Electronic Products Bulletin, through theuse of the latest information technology, provided waysof downloading datasets and tailored oceanic products,all scientifically controlled, platform transparent andproduced by national and scientific institutions. TheCommission was informed that the JCOMM ProductsBulletin would be coordinated and harmonized with theGOOS Products Bulletin and could be viewed at:

http://iri.ldeo.columbia.edu/climate/monitoring/ipb/At the same time, new and more comprehensive climatehighlights could be viewed at:

http://iri.ldeo.columbia.edu/climate/cid/6.5.2 The Commission noted with appreciation thatmultidisciplinary applications of climate and climatevariability, in support of GOOS and GCOS, were sum-marized each month within the Bulletin highlights,along with the latest ocean products. One-year anima-tions of different oceanic products were provided bydefault: heat storage anomalies, sea-surface temperatureanomalies, thermocline depth, etc. The products couldbe animated for the full dataset periods, if required. Allthe animations were in GIF format so that no specialsoftware was needed besides a Web browser. On-linecomputation of time-series could be easily accom-plished. Users could display the results in colour orblack and white, as necessary, while figures could besaved in JPEG, PS and GIF formats. Climatology for dif-ferent variables, such as mixed layer depth, sea-surfacetemperature, heat storage, among other things, couldbe adapted to users’ needs and subsequently down-loaded.6.5.3 The Commission agreed that a specializedworkshop on JCOMM products in support of operationaloceanography and marine meteorology, co-sponsored byIODE, could provide an important forum for the discus-sion of new ideas and a catalyst for further developmentin operational ocean products. Such a workshop mightbe similar to the IGOSS workshop that took place inTokyo in April 1991. In addition, the workshop shouldaddress the question of supporting the Products Bulletinin future from the financial and manpower standpoints,since it had, up to the present, been realized pro bono byits Editor. The Commission requested the Management

Committee, in consultation with the Editor of theProducts Bulletin, to develop a concrete proposal for sucha workshop, to take place during the coming inter-sessional period. It accepted with appreciation the kindoffer of France to host that workshop.6.5.4 The Commission agreed that information andeducation delivered through the JCOMM ElectronicProducts Bulletin was also very important. Educationalmodules could be a part of the Bulletin, including cli-mate variability and climate fluctuations, fromintra-seasonal to multi-decadal. It noted with interestthat, in collaboration with the Scripps Institution ofOceanography, a “climate engine” was presently beingput together so that users could have access to theirfavourite climate signal and see through the Web theevolution of different oceanic parameters associatedwith that signal. The animation could then be down-loaded on personal PCs. That ambitious developmentrequired close collaboration between the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory/Scripps Institution ofOceanography and other key institutions in the world,with a potential key role being played by POGO. Thedevelopment of “cache sites” in Germany (Europe),Japan (Asia), Australia-South Africa-Brazil (southernhemisphere) was still in the implementation phase.With the implementation of Argo, a range of new prod-ucts (including salinity at depth) could be developedand made available in real-time to the community. TheCommission agreed that that was indeed an interestingand potentially valuable new possibility for the Bulletin.It therefore again requested the Bulletin Editor and theManagement Committee to prepare a detailed proposaland implementation plan, including identification ofthe required resources for its long-term maintenance.

6.6 OTHER SERVICE ISSUES (agenda item 6.6)

MONITORING OF MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

6.6.1 The Commission recalled that development ofa MMS monitoring programme had been initiated bythe former CMM in 1981. The outline for a monitoringprogramme had subsequently been prepared, adoptedby CMM-IX and distributed to WMO Members foraction in April 1985.6.6.2 The Commission further recalled that, in 1989,CMM-X had directed its Subgroup on Warning andForecast Preparation to evaluate the results of the moni-toring of MMS and to advise on the development ofservices. The report of the Subgroup, based on the resultsof a global survey, provided an up-to-date assessment ofthe quality of the MMS in the various oceanic regions ofthe world, along with mariners’ suggestions for improve-ment to those services. CMM had invited WMOMembers to review carefully the results of the surveyand to take appropriate actions to correct any identifieddeficiencies. CMM had agreed on the need for an on-going marine services monitoring programme, to beundertaken on a four-yearly basis.6.6.3 The results of the next survey were presentedto CMM-XII, which had agreed that the monitoring

16 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

process should continue. In that context, theCommission noted with interest the results of the mon-itoring survey undertaken during 2000, coordinated bythe WMO Secretariat, with the questionnaires distrib-uted to ships’ masters through national PMOs. Thesurvey had generated a total response of 650 question-naires completed by ships’ masters, and the Commissionexpressed its appreciation to the PMOs and the ships’masters for their efforts to assist NMSs to enhance theirmarine services.6.6.4 The Commission noted and agreed with thegeneral findings of the survey, which were summarizedin narrative and tabular form in Annex I to this report.The Commission further noted that, in addition to thestatistical analysis, many ship captains had providedwritten suggestions for improvement of services anddescriptions of specific problems that they had encoun-tered. That response highlighted the importance themarine user community placed on the availability ofhigh quality MMS. The Commission recognized in par-ticular that there remained considerable room forimprovement with regard both to the quality and con-tent of services, and to their coverage and timeliness insome oceanic regions. It requested that the detailedresults of the survey, including the comments, should bedistributed to NMSs disseminating MMS, and encour-aged those NMSs to take corrective action in areas ofidentified weakness.6.6.5 In doing so, the Commission recognized that:(a) MMS of high quality, reliable accuracy and ready

availability continued to be of great importance tomariners. There had been almost total agreementamong responding mariners confirming the useful-ness of those services;

(b) Pictorial weather information, transmitted to shipsat sea via radiofacsimile or other means, was highlyregarded by mariners and should receive priorityconsideration for continuation and improvement.While alternate methods of transmitting marineweather images were being developed, NMS wereencouraged to support their own internal facsimileservices as a vital component of MMS;

(c) User response to current MMS was generallyfavourable. Nevertheless, there was room forimprovement in certain geographic areas, includingin particular the Indian Ocean, as well as in variousaspects of service delivery. Reliability of schedulescontinued to be a problem, especially in some areasof the southern hemisphere. The inability of shipsto access a single source for current information onproducts, frequencies, times, media and geographiccoverage was also of some concern;

(d) The priority that JCOMM gave to MMS, as well as tothe communications systems employed for theirdelivery, was fully justified by user responses tothose services;

(e) The monitoring of MMS was a very useful diagnos-tic tool for improving the quality and value of thoseservices, which was also appreciated by the user,and should be continued on a systematic basis.

6.6.6 As a follow-up to those conclusions, theCommission agreed on the need to continue maintain-ing a systematic long-term global MMS monitoringprogramme, based on the questionnaire and responseformat presently in use. That format should be reviewedfor currency and applicability of content by the ExpertTeam on Maritime Safety Services prior to its distribution,by the Secretariats, to national PMOs, for onward distri-bution to ships’ masters. The Commission decided tokeep in force Recommendation 1 (CMM-XI) — MarineMeteorological Services Monitoring Programme, on thatsubject. The Commission further recommended to theExpert Team to consider the possibilities of disseminat-ing the survey in future to ships’ masters via SafetyNET,to ensure a wide receipt, bearing in mind the cost impli-cations of such an action for NMSs concerned.6.6.7 The Commission invited Members/MemberStates to review carefully the results of the survey,including the comments and suggestions made by theusers, particularly those that had been repeated fromprevious surveys, and to take appropriate measures tocorrect identified deficiencies. In the context of thevalue that mariners placed on pictorial and chart infor-mation, the Commission noted with interest the projectbeing undertaken to develop a facility, withinSafetyNET, for the transmission of graphical informationin digital form via Inmarsat-C and for its reconstitutiononboard ship, as a GMDSS service. It expressed its appre-ciation to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology,Inmarsat Ltd. and the WMO Secretariat for their effortsto develop that facility, and urged that the project becompleted as soon as possible. At the same time, itstrongly requested NMSs to continue their support toradiofacsimile broadcast facilities, which provided vitalproducts to mariners.

OTHER MARINE SERVICES

6.6.8 The Commission recognized that the require-ments of all users for improved, expanded and newmarine meteorological and oceanographic services andservice types were developing rapidly. Such develop-ments included requirements for data and informationon other than the traditional marine meteorological andoceanographic variables, as well as for service types suchas climate-related data and products.6.6.9 The Commission agreed that it should moni-tor and review such developments, and provide adviceand guidance to Members/Member States as necessary.Recalling the decision recorded in general summaryparagraph 6.2.17, it therefore requested the ServicesCoordination Group to undertake that review on anongoing basis and to coordinate the preparation ofadvice and guidance, as appropriate.

7. DATA MANAGEMENT (agenda item 7)7.1 MARINE CLIMATOLOGY (agenda item 7.1)

MARINE CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARIES SCHEME

7.1.1 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatthe modified MCSS, as adopted by the eleventh session

GENERAL SUMMARY 17

of the former CMM and revised at the twelfth session ofCMM, had continued to provide substantial support tothe WCP and marine climatological services and appli-cations alike during the past inter-sessional period.Although implementation of the scheme among con-tributing Members/Member States remained rather slow,continuing improvements in data throughput had beenachieved, together with the correction of some non-standard working practices through action by the GCCs.The Commission expressed its considerable appreciationto contributing and responsible Members/MemberStates and, in particular, to the GCCs (in Germany andthe United Kingdom) for their very valuable effort inimplementing, maintaining and improving the scheme.It strongly urged all potential contributing Members/Member States (i.e. those operating VOS) to make everyeffort to digitize their ship reports and to submit themto the GCCs in the IMMT format, according to theagreed procedures, and with minimum quality controlapplied.7.1.2 The Commission recalled that MQC standards,to be applied by Contributing Members/Member Statesprior to data submission, had been first adopted byCMM-XI (Lisbon, April 1993), and revised by CMM-XII(Havana, March 1997). The eighth session of theSubgroup on Marine Climatology (Asheville, April2000), based on advice from the GCCs, had developedsome small additional revisions and updates to thoseMQC standards, designed to enhance further the qualityof VOS data submitted to the GCCs. Those revisions alsoincluded an MQC standards version number. TheCommission noted that the revisions based on recom-mendations by CMM-XII and the Subgroup on MarineClimatology now formed a part of the Guide to MarineMeteorological Services (WMO-No. 471) as MQC standardsversion 3. After the publication of the Guide, theSubgroup developed additional revisions and theCommission agreed with those revisions as MQC stan-dards version 4. A recommendation for their adoptionand inclusion in the Manual was recorded under agendaitem 9.7.1.3 The Commission noted with appreciation thatrecommendations made at the eleventh and twelfth ses-sions of the former CMM had now been included in thelatest edition of the International List of Selected,Supplementary and Auxiliary Ships (WMO-No. 47) (theship catalogue), and in particular that:(a) Detailed specifications for the full database fields

had been completed by the Subgroup on MarineClimatology;

(b) An upgraded database structure using those newfields had been prepared by the Secretariat;

(c) The new database would very shortly be availableon the WMO Web site, for search, downloading andupdating.

The Commission further noted and supported the rec-ommendations of the Subgroup on Marine Climatologyconcerning:(a) The use of the IMO ship number as a unique

identifier;

(b) That the catalogue should include full search capa-bility, allowing for the easy extraction ofinformation on individual ships and their instru-mentation;

(c) That the search capability using the IMO numbershould be able to identify duplicate data entriesfrom ships.

The Commission recalled the recommendation of thetwelfth session of the former CMM regarding the inclu-sion of digital ship imagery in the catalogue. It notedthat that was being implemented first for the VOSClimProject, which could therefore serve as a pilot project fora more complete ship catalogue in the future. It there-fore recommended to the Expert Team on MarineClimatology, and to the Secretariat, to prepare the for-mat and entries necessary for inclusion of that imageryin the catalogue in the future. It further requested theSecretariats to make a formal call to VOS operators tosubmit digital ship imagery once that format had beenimplemented.7.1.4 The Commission agreed that the major discus-sion concerning the VOSClim Project should take placeunder agenda item 8.1. At the same time, it noted withinterest the aspects of the project relating specifically todata management issues. Modifications to the IMMT for-mat had been prepared by the Subgroup on MarineClimatology in support of the project, to allow the addi-tional information required by the project to berecorded, exchanged and archived. In addition, theproject had developed an expanded metadata catalogueformat, to include digital imagery and other additionalinformation required to enhance the quality of theobservational data reports. Many of those additionalmetadata would be acquired through an expanded shipsurvey report, which might eventually be proposed tothe Commission for adoption by all VOS operators as aunique standard. The Commission noted with apprecia-tion the establishment both of the VOSClim DataAssembly Center by the NCDC, NOAA and of the RealTime Monitoring Centre at the Met Office (UnitedKingdom). Together, those would ensure a smooth flowand archival of project data, as well as a real time reviewof the quality of those data, to allow rapid response andcorrection, as necessary.7.1.5 The Commission noted with interest that theSubgroup on Marine Climatology was addressing thedevelopment of a standardized code format required forthe exchange of historical ship data digitized fromnational logbooks. It recognized that such data wereespecially significant for data-sparse time periods such asthe duration of the two world wars, the nineteenth cen-tury and earlier data. The Subgroup had agreed that sucha format would need to be flexible, expandable and sim-ple enough to meet unanticipated requirements andcharacteristics of such data, as well as to simplify practi-cal implementation by Members/Member States. Thatformat, the International Maritime MeteorologicalArchive format, was being developed by Mr S. Woodruff(United States) and, was expected to be finalized by theExpert Team on Marine Climatology within one year,

18 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

with a view to its eventual submission to JCOMM forformal adoption. That format would be in ASCII andcould offer a solution for the standardization of thecomprehensive ocean-atmosphere dataset and its blendwith the United Kingdom marine data bank, to facilitateimproved near-real-time marine climate products.7.1.6 The Commission noted and supported theefforts by the Subgroup on Marine Climatology to veri-fy the availability of documentation relating to thehistory of the marine ship codes, as well as the feasibili-ty of making such documentation available on the Web.That documentation would be extremely valuable inparticular to the correct interpretation of observationaldata contained in the archives, which were clearly sensi-tive to the codes and formats used for their exchange.Since both the SHIP code and the IMMT format wereapproved through resolutions of the WMO ExecutiveCouncil, a table of changes to the codes had been pre-pared, based on past WMO Executive Council, CBS andCMM resolutions, recommendations and reports. TheCommission expressed its appreciation to the Subgroup,and in particular Ms T. Manabe (Japan), for the thoroughstudy that had been undertaken. At the same time, itrecognized that substantial work remained to be done toactually finalize that study. The Commission thereforerequested the Expert Team to continue that study as anongoing priority task, in particular with regard to theIMMT format. The Commission further supported theefforts of the Subgroup to continue with the digitizationof earlier (non-electronic) versions of the InternationalList of Selected, Supplementary and Auxiliary Ships.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANUAL AND THE GUIDE ON MARINE

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

7.1.7 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe fully revised version of the Guide to MarineMeteorological Services (WMO-No. 471), which had beenprovisionally approved by CMM-XII, had been finalizedduring the inter-sessional period. That finalizationincluded the addition of new annexes as well as someminor editorial corrections agreed by the Subgroup onMarine Climatology, such as the replacement of refer-ences to CMM by JCOMM. The English edition of thatrevised Guide was to be issued shortly by the WMOSecretariat, with the other language versions to follow indue course. At the same time, the Subgroup had identi-fied a number of additional changes to both the Guideand Manual that would require JCOMM approval. Thoseincluded in particular the discontinuance of the ISCDC,maintained by the Met Office (United Kingdom). TheCommission agreed with the Subgroup that the opera-tion of that Centre was no longer required, in view ofthe fact that there had been no submissions of data tothe Centre in Bracknell for at least the past 10 years, norhad there been any requests to the ISCDC for the provi-sion of such data during the same period. TheCommission expressed its appreciation to the Met Officefor its efforts in maintaining the ISCDC over many yearsand recommended that the data holdings of the Centreshould eventually be transferred to the appropriate

WDC. Specific actions to effect the necessary modifica-tions to both the Manual and the Guide to reflect thediscontinuance of the ISCDC, as well as to incorporateagreed modifications to the IMMT format and MQCstandards, were recorded under agenda items 9 and 10,respectively.7.1.8 More generally, the Commission recognizedthat there were probably a number of similar oceano-graphic and marine meteorological data holdings inexistence, which should be identified and, if possible,included in freely accessible data archives. It thereforerequested the Data Management Coordination Group toundertake a review of that situation and to proposeappropriate follow-up actions. In addition, it recognizedthe need for an archive system for surface current datafrom all sources, and again referred action on that mat-ter to the Data Management Coordination Group.

CLIMAR99 AND THE GUIDE TO THE APPLICATIONS OF

MARINE CLIMATOLOGY (WMO-NO. 781)7.1.9 The Commission recalled that CMM-XII hadagreed that the Guide to the Applications of MarineClimatology should, in the future, comprise two distinctsections, to enhance its utility and facilitate updating.Those would be:(a) A static part, which would be maintained as a hard

copy and could be expected to remain valid for along time;

(b) A dynamic part, which would deal with newtechnologies and climate change and be maintainedelectronically, and possibly also in hard copy form.

In keeping with that agreement, CMM-XII had support-ed a proposal to convene a self-funding workshop toprovide input for the dynamic part of the Guide. TheCommission noted with appreciation that theCLIMAR99 Workshop had taken place in September 1999in Vancouver, hosted by the Meteorological Service ofCanada, with additional sponsorship from WMO,NOAA’s Office of Global Programs, and the United StatesNational Weather Service. The Commission was pleasedto note that the Workshop was considered very success-ful, with over 80 participants from 30 countries,including representations from Members/Member Statesfrom all WMO Regions. The Commission noted furtherthat a subset of the papers presented at the Workshophad subsequently been peer reviewed and recommendedby the Subgroup on Marine Climatology for inclusion inthe Guide as the “Dynamic part”. The Commission sup-ported that recommendation, and action to implement itwas taken under agenda item 10. Based on the success ofCLIMAR99 the Commission agreed on the desirability ofconvening a second such workshop, CLIMARxx, to beheld prior to JCOMM-II. The Commission further agreedthat the scope of that second workshop should bewidened to cover also ocean climate issues. It requestedthe co-presidents of JCOMM, together with the DataManagement Coordination Group and the Secretariats,to establish an organizing committee for the workshopand to identify a host organization and potential spon-sors as soon as possible, to facilitate its planning and

GENERAL SUMMARY 19

conduct. The Commission also suggested that considera-tion should be given to merging the workshop with afuture OceanObs and the 150th anniversary, in 2003, ofthe Brussels Conference of 1853.

ODAS METADATA FORMAT

7.1.10 The Commission recalled that it had requestedthe Subgroup on Marine Climatology to consider thedevelopment of a comprehensive metadata base forocean data acquisition systems (ODASs), includingmoored and drifting buoys, offshore platforms, etc. Thatdatabase would allow a full and accurate interpretationof the observational data from ODAS that were availablein climatological archives, in support of global climatestudies as well as a range of marine climate applications.In that context, the Commission noted with interestand appreciation that the Subgroup had developed adetailed proposed format for the metadata base, whichhad subsequently been extensively reviewed and even-tually agreed by both the Subgroup and the DBCP,representing buoy operators. The Commission agreedwith the proposed format, and action to adopt it for-mally was taken under agenda item 7.4. TheCommission recognized the urgent need to identify acentre willing to host that important metadata base. Itrequested the co-presidents, in consultation with thechairpersons of the DBCP and the Data ManagementCoordination Group, and the Secretariats, to obtain theagreement of such a host centre as soon as possible.

BEAUFORT EQUIVALENT SCALES

7.1.11 The Commission recognized that wind dataderived from Beaufort estimations continued to be ofvital importance for global climate studies as well as foroperational purposes. It reiterated the recommenda-tions to Members/Member States made by the formerCMM that:(a) Observations should continue to be made using the

WMO recommended scale as given in the Manualon Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558);

(b) Original observed Beaufort values should be main-tained in the climatological records.

The Commission recalled that CMM-XII had acceptedthe kind offer of Germany for Mr R. Lindau to finalize atechnical report on Beaufort equivalent scales. It notedwith appreciation that that study had been completedby Mr Lindau, in consultation with the Subgroup onMarine Climatology, and that the report had been rec-ommended by the Subgroup for inclusion as one of thepapers making up the Dynamic part of the Guide to theApplications of Marine Climatology (see action underagenda item 10). The Commission recognized that thescale proposed by Mr Lindau took into account both theerror differences in individual observations and theeffects of natural variability, a procedure which guaran-teed a correct determination of the commonrelationship between Beaufort scale and wind speed. TheCommission therefore also supported the recommen-dation of the Subgroup that that scale be used in thefuture for scientific purposes.

SUPPORT FOR THE WCP7.1.12 The Commission recognized that marine cli-matological data and products were of considerableimportance to the WCP and that its own activities in thatfield were of continuing and increasing value. In thatcontext, it endorsed actions or recommendations takenby the Subgroup on Marine Climatology including:(a) Requesting Members/Member States to establish

links from national Web pages to the INFOCLIMApages on the WMO server, to enhance its visibilityand utility, as INFOCLIMA was directly relevantand important also to JCOMM;

(b) Proposing some new sections and topics for theGuide to Climatological Practices (WMO-No. 100) andoffering to assist in their preparation;

(c) Seeking additional entries into INFOCLIMA.The Commission noted with interest the proposal whichhad been presented to the fifty-second session of theWMO Executive Council to establish closer collabora-tion among the World Climate Data and MonitoringProgramme, the WWW and GCOS. The objective of theproposal was to provide interactive Internet access to anenlarged database listing of climate datasets which wereavailable in various services and institutions as well as innational climate centres. The Commission supportedthat proposal, in particular because that opened INFO-CLIMA to effect an integration with the oceanographiccommunity, which was one of the objectives of JCOMM.The Commission recognized additional, ongoingJCOMM activities contributing to the WCP, such asrefinements to, and the ongoing operation of, the MCSS,and the upgrade to the Guide to the Applications of MarineClimatology.7.1.13 The Commission recognized that JCOMMactivities in marine climatology were directly relevant tothe climate module of GOOS and to GCOS in general. Ittherefore requested the Expert Team on MarineClimatology to develop a mechanism for close collabo-ration with relevant bodies of GOOS and GCOS, such asAOPC.

OTHER MATTERS

7.1.14 The Commission recalled that CMM-XII hadsupported the project being undertaken by the Subgroupon Marine Climatology to compile a catalogue of globalstorm surge data holdings. It reiterated the potentialvalue of such a catalogue for both operational and cli-matological purposes. In that context, it noted withinterest the review of the project undertaken by theeighth session of the Subgroup, which had reconfirmedearlier findings that:(a) Substantial amounts of storm surge data were

archived in a number of countries;(b) There was some interest in having a global cata-

logue of data holdings;(c) There was also some interest in the eventual

international exchange of those data, at leastregionally.

The Commission supported that view as well as the pro-posal from the Subgroup to reactivate the project, if

20 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

possible, with the continued assistance ofMr E. Zaharchenko (Latvia), the author of the originalstudy, and WDC-B (Russian Federation). It thereforeurged the Expert Team on Marine Climatology to makeevery effort to continue and to finalize that importantproject. At the same time, the Commission recognizedthe need to converge all metadata catalogues such asthat one towards common standards and formats. Ittherefore requested the Expert Team to work closelywith IODE in that regard and to consider the inclusionof the storm surge and other similar catalogues withinthe IODE MEDI catalogue.7.1.15 The Commission noted that the eighth sessionof the Subgroup on Marine Climatology had reviewedand supported proposals from relevant WMO tropicalcyclone bodies and workshops for improvements to thereport format of the “Global tropical cyclone track andintensity dataset”. Those included, in particular, provi-sion for additional information on tropical cyclone coreradius and radius of maximum wind gust. TheCommission recognized that that revised format hadalready been implemented operationally through all theWMO tropical cyclone regional bodies and expressed itsappreciation to all concerned for their efforts in devel-oping and implementing the format so efficiently.7.1.16 The Commission reiterated the potential valueof wave data holdings to global climate studies as well asto the provision of various marine services. It noted thata questionnaire relating to a possible catalogue of nation-al, satellite-derived ocean wave databases, prepared byMr V. Swail (Canada) had been distributed to members ofthe Commission during the inter-sessional period.Although limited, the responses had indicated that thereexisted some relevant and valuable satellite-derivedocean wave data in a few national databases. It thereforerequested the Secretariat to contact thoseMembers/Member States having answered the question-naire affirmatively and to invite them to provide relevantinformation on their database holdings to INFOCLIMA.7.1.17 The Commission recalled that WMO RA VI(Europe) was proceeding with the implementation ofthe unit “m s–1” as the sole unit for reporting windspeed in standard WMO codes (with the exception ofthe aeronautical codes), in accordance with the decisioncontained in WMO Congress Resolution 30 (Cg-V) —Units for wind speed in meteorological messages forinternational exchanges. At the same time, it recognizedthat the “knot” had been the traditional unit of speedamong mariners and remained in use at the present timein a number of countries. In that context, it agreed withthe views of the Subgroup on Marine Climatology thatthe use in a number of cases of “m s–1” in place of“knot” to report wind speed in meteorological messagescould potentially:(a) Cause confusion in the everyday recording and

reporting of meteorological observations fromships;

(b) Introduce a bias in the climatological record,through simplified conversion methods and overes-timation of values due to rounding procedures;

(c) Introduce observational errors which might be dif-ficult to correct;

(d) Cause loss of data resolution, particularly for opera-tional forecasting models as well as climate studies.

The Commission therefore recommended to the WMOExecutive Council and Regional Associations to consid-er the special needs and traditions of the marinecommunity, as well as the potential difficulties beingcreated regarding the marine climatological database,with a view to allowing the continued use of “knot” as aunit of wind speed in marine weather reporting.

EXPERT TEAM ON MARINE CLIMATOLOGY

7.1.18 The Commission recognized that the MCSSwas continuing to make a major contribution to globalclimate studies and to the provision of marine climato-logical services, that there were many other aspects ofthe exchange and processing of marine climatologicaldata which required ongoing attention, and that therewere several specific issues which had been identified atthe session which required attention during thecoming four years. It agreed that the mechanismemployed by the former CMM to deal with marine cli-matology remained generally appropriate, and thereforedecided to establish an Expert Team on MarineClimatology within the Data Management ProgrammeArea. Specific action in that regard was taken underagenda item 16.

7.2 OCEAN DATA (agenda item 7.2)

GLOBAL TEMPERATURE SALINITY PROFILE PROGRAMME

7.2.1 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation a status report on the GTSPP, covering itsobjectives and performance. It recognized that theGTSPP was an important component in the collection,management and delivery of data and information tothe ocean and meteorological community. The GTSPPwas originally a joint programme of the IOC Committeeon IODE and the Joint IOC/WMO Committee on IGOSS.As such, the GTSPP was now jointly sponsored byJCOMM and IODE.7.2.2 The Commission recalled that development ofthe GTSPP had begun in 1989 with the long-term goalbeing to develop and implement an end-to-end datamanagement system for temperature and salinity profiledata, which could serve as a model for future oceano-graphic data management systems. GTSPP had begunoperation as a pilot programme in November 1990. Thefirst version of the GTSPP Project Plan was published thesame year. In 1996, the GTSPP ended the pilot phase andbecame a permanent programme. At the same time, arevised project plan was written. The objectives of theGTSPP were, among other things, to provide a timelyand complete data and information base of ocean tem-perature and salinity data of known and documentedquality in support of users.7.2.3 The Commission recognized with appreciationthat, over the 10 years of operation, the GTSPP hadaccomplished a number of things including improved

GENERAL SUMMARY 21

quality control, better data monitoring, improved dataavailability and enhanced cooperation between datacentres and scientific organizations. Because of theadvancements made, the end-to-end data system whichthe GTSPP represented had been adopted by WOCE andSOOPIP and had been recognized as part of GOOS. TheArgo programme would also be heavily influenced byGTSPP through the ideas incorporated and participantsof groups involved in the GTSPP. Through contributionsto Argo and elsewhere, GTSPP was expected to contributeto CLIVAR. The GTSPP was being continually reviewedand changes were made to improve performance andsupport other clients. Consideration was presently beinggiven to improved efficiencies in quality assessment andto provide better access to information about GTSPP andto its data holdings.7.2.4 The Commission agreed that continuing over-sight of real-time temperature and salinity profile data,in concert with IODE, was an essential task of theCommission. The Commission also agreed that supportfor GTSPP by Members/Member States could make valu-able contributions in a number of areas, including:(a) Encouraging an increase in the number of tempera-

ture and salinity observations transmitted innear-real time;

(b) Undertaking quality control checks according tothe GTSPP Quality Control Manual on data collectedby national programmes and attaching GTSPPmetadata and flags;

(c) Improving mechanisms allowing the more timelysubmission of both near-real-time and delayedmode data;

(d) Encouraging national research agencies to developdata and information products as part of the scien-tific quality assurance process and as a service tonational and international users;

(e) Actively acquiring historical temperature and salin-ity data that had not previously been exchanged;

(f) Providing software that could be used by centresmanaging the GTSPP data and could be distributedto centres in Members/Member States.

7.2.5 The Commission noted that a proposal for thecreation of an international project to manage surfacesalinity data had been developed following a recom-mendation by the SOOPIP and had been presented atthe IOC/IODE sixteenth session in Lisbon in November2000. It noted further that the basic concept was to devel-op an end-to-end system, similar to that of the GTSPP,but oriented to handling surface salinity measurements.Such data were recognized as very important to under-standing climate and in modelling the upper ocean.IODE had recommended that a pilot project be estab-lished, with a Steering Group established to discuss thespecifications of the data management and to imple-ment and monitor the pilot project, in collaborationwith existing structures at WDC-A and ICES and somescientific practices in Members/Member States. Initialparticipants in the project included Canada, France,Germany, Greece, the United Kingdom, ICES and theWDC-A (United States). Discussions were to start by

e-mail immediately. The Commission recognized thatthe need for increased collection and careful manage-ment of surface salinity data had been highlighted bygroups such as OOPC.7.2.6 The Commission welcomed that initiative andagreed that it was very useful. However, the Commissionnoted that in keeping with the JCOMM principle to inte-grate meteorological and ocean measurements and toprovide multi-parameter products and services that metthe needs of the user community, it was seeking moregeneral solutions to its end-to-end data managementsystems. Furthermore, the Commission noted that similarrequirements had been identified including varioustypes of coastal and surface current data. TheCommission therefore requested the Data ManagementCoordination Group to consider urgently the overallissue of end-to-end data management for ocean andmeteorological measurements and to develop a strategyfor the Commission. For the specific case of the IODEsea-surface salinity pilot project, the Commissionrequested the Data Management Coordination Group,through its Expert Team on Data Management Practices,to recommend a mechanism for effective participation.7.2.7 Specifically with regard to SOOP data manage-ment, the Commission noted the expressed need forusing extra bandwidth in the real-time data distributionsystem to enable the transmission of full-resolution XBTdata (as recommended by the upper ocean thermalreview). The Commission agreed that telecommunica-tion systems such as Inmarsat already providedsufficient bandwidth and that the problem could even-tually be resolved by using the BUFR code form forreal-time GTS distribution of XBT data. It thereforestrongly encouraged SOOPIP to investigate eventuallytransmitting the data in BUFR. More generally, theCommission agreed that SOOP data management mustcontinue to be driven by user requirements and best sci-entific practice.

FUTURE OCEAN DATA MANAGEMENT UNDER JCOMM7.2.8 The Commission recognized that the overallneeds for ocean data management were large and com-plex. It could not necessarily be expected that JCOMM,working with IODE, would have all the expertise andcapability to design and implement the needed systems.However, there would be a number of external agencieswhich could become part of data management systemdesign teams and provide data management serviceswhen the systems were implemented. They could alsoprovide centres that would carry out data-processingand management services and would thus become asso-ciated with JCOMM and IODE as appropriate specializeddata centres.7.2.9 The Commission agreed that, now that initialdata requirements for GOOS and GCOS were becomingbetter defined, JCOMM and IODE, in consultation withGOOS/GCOS, were in a better position to define respon-sibilities for the development and implementation ofthe end-to-end systems needed to manage those data. Itrecognized that, in general, scientific panels or design

22 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

bodies would be responsible for the scientific aspects ofthe systems, scientific standards, user products and thegeneral requirements for end-to-end data management.JCOMM and IODE would then provide the data man-agement aspects, integration of the flows and delivery ofthe various integrated datasets to the wide spectrum ofusers, in line with the model already developed byGTSPP and WOCE.7.2.10 The Commission recognized that the initialemphasis in end-to-end ocean data management wouldnecessarily be on physical data and those data for whichJCOMM and IODE presently had experience. On theother hand, GOOS was beginning to elaborate require-ments for, and to deal with, other types of ocean data,chemical and biological. That would necessitate someeffort on the part of JCOMM and IODE to examine therequirements and to begin to develop procedures andfacilities to participate effectively in those aspects ofGOOS, without redirecting effort from the existingsystems.7.2.11 The Commission agreed that development andimplementation of effective end-to-end data manage-ment practices was a high priority. The Commissionnoted that the creation of an Expert Team in DataManagement Practices provided an effective mechanismfor addressing that high priority issue. The Commissionrecognized the continuing value of the GTSPP and com-mended it as a programme of the Expert Team on DataManagement Practices, jointly with IODE. Furthermore,in consideration of the conclusions in general summaryparagraph 7.2.6, the Commission agreed that an urgentinitial task was a review and assessment of the generalrequirements for end-to-end data management func-tions and that it was highly desirable to conduct thatreview in concert with IODE.

7.3 BUOYS AND FLOATS (agenda item 7.3)7.3.1 The Commission reviewed the current statusof data management systems in place for the surfacedrifting and moored buoy programmes as well as forfloats, as detailed in subsequent paragraphs. Those sys-tems were presently being coordinated through theDBCP and the Argo pilot project, respectively. TheCommission agreed that the DBCP mechanisms haddemonstrated their efficiency and that they should becontinued and integrated within JCOMM through theData Management Programme Area CoordinationGroup. The Commission also agreed that the data man-agement procedures, tentatively put in place for floats,were promising and encouraged the Argo project to pur-sue its activities in that regard, with a view to alsoincluding eventually those data management proce-dures within JCOMM.

DATA BUOY COOPERATION PANEL

ARCHIVAL

7.3.2 The Commission recalled that surface driftingand moored buoy data were quality controlled andarchived by the IOC/IODE Responsible National

Oceanographic Data Center for drifting buoys, operatedby the Marine Environmental Data Service of Canada.The SOC for drifting buoys related to the former IGOSS,operated by Météo-France, also extracted reports in BUOYcode from the GTS and prepared a number of monitor-ing products based on those data. Those productsincluded monthly global maps of the distribution ofship and drifter reports of wind, pressure, air tempera-ture and sea-surface temperature. The SOC had reportedthat data amounts collected by buoys now were general-ly higher than those obtained through the VOS scheme,even within zones well covered by the VOS fleet. In thatcontext, the Commission questioned the eventual use-fulness of having several international data centresdealing with the same kind of data and requested theDBCP and the Ship Observations Team to address jointlythe matter, with a view to making appropriaterecommendations to both the Data Management Coordi-nation Group and the Observations CoordinationGroup.

SPECIFIC MECHANISMS

7.3.3 The Commission noted that the DBCP ActionGroups such as the Global Drifter Programme and theTIP also maintained their own data managementsystems basically for providing users with scientific qual-ity data in delayed mode. Data display products werealso made available through the Web site of TAO andPIRATA. Scientific datasets were also provided to theResponsible National Oceanographic Data Centre/data-base and to the appropriate WDCs.

METADATA

7.3.4 The Commission recognized that theSubgroup on Marine Climatology provided oversight forthe collection and archival of metadata for all oceanobserving systems, including drifting and mooredbuoys. It noted that the DBCP was taking steps to pro-vide eventually the Subgroup with appropriate metadatain the new format (see agenda item 7.4) and recognizedthat the various metadata systems in use should eventu-ally converge. To facilitate the use of the new format fordrifting buoys, manufacturers would be asked to fill outa standardized sheet each time a new drifter was beingdelivered. The Panel had also recommended that cali-bration procedures for buoys should be adequatelydocumented, archived and finally submitted to theSubgroup.

GTS AND REAL-TIME DISTRIBUTION

7.3.5 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe Panel was taking steps to initiate GTS distribution ofbuoy data in BUFR code. Required software develop-ments had been included within the Argos developmentprogramme for implementation in 2003. Following rec-ommendations from the DBCP, a modification of theBUOY code had been approved by CBS for implementa-tion in November 2001. That modification wouldpermit encoding of metadata in BUOY code (e.g.anemometer height, buoy type). When BUFR was

GENERAL SUMMARY 23

implemented, GTS distribution in BUOY format wouldcontinue during a transition period of several years.

QUALITY CONTROL

7.3.6 The Commission noted with appreciation thatreal-time automatic quality control checks were imple-mented with the Argos GTS subsystem, which processedpractically all of the drifting buoy data and some of themoored buoy data (including those from TAO) for GTSdistribution purposes. Deferred time quality control ofGTS buoy data was achieved through the so-called DBCPquality control guidelines. Principal Meteorological orOceanographic Centres responsible for GTS buoy dataquality control were routinely providing buoy operatorswith information regarding the quality of their buoydata (i.e. reports on specific problems, buoy monitoringstatistics). The quality control guidelines continued tobe extremely effective in ensuring that data quality wasmaintained at the highest level. Recent statistics showedthat the root-mean-square of the difference betweenobserved data and the ECMWF meteorological modelfirst-guess field were in the order of 1.2 hPa for air pres-sure buoy data, and between 2 and 3 m s–1 for windspeed buoy data. The Commission recognized theimportance of that quality control work and urged addi-tional centres to participate as Principal Meteorologicalor Oceanographic Centres.

DATA BUOY TEAM

7.3.7 Consistent with the establishment of JCOMM,and the reporting of the DBCP to JCOMM, theCommission approved the designation of the Panel asthe JCOMM Data Buoy Team.

ARGO

7.3.8 The Commission recognized that Argo was arelatively new project and was still working towards stan-dardization of its data management procedures. Severalbasic principles had been agreed upon by the Argo DataManagement Subcommittee at its first meeting in Breston 3–5 October 2000, hosted by the French ResearchInstitute for the Exploitation of the Sea. Those included:(a) the need for products to evaluate continuously theability of Argo to meet requirements; (b) using the sameformats for real time GTS exchange (TESAC then BUFR),Internet exchange and metadata; (c) the need for aunique float identifier; (d) using the same automaticquality control tests among the different Argo data cen-tres; (e) the evaluation of the different delayed modequality control procedures and eventual achievement ofstandardization; (f) the establishment of at least twoglobal Argo data centres (i.e. the United States GODAEand the French CORIOLIS Argo data centres); (g) the pro-vision of float positions to AIC; and (h) the establishmentof the United States National Oceanographic Data Centeras the long-term data depositary for Argo. All Argo datamanagement aspects would be ontained in the Argo DataManagement Handbook, which was currently being draft-ed. The Ad Hoc Argo Data Management Subcommitteehad become a formal subcommittee of the International

Argo Science Team. The Commission noted with appreci-ation that good working relationships were alreadyestablished between the Argo data management and theIODE system and that such cooperation was expected toincrease in the future. In particular, the Commission waspleased to note that data centres operating within bothIODE and JCOMM were participants in the Argo DataManagement Subcommittee. It viewed that as a positiveexample of cooperation among JCOMM, IODE andscience programmes.7.3.9 The Commission noted with appreciation thecommitment of the United Kingdom to establish an Argoregional data centre for the Southern Ocean. In thatregard, the Commission recognized that the wording“regional data centre” might be understood in two ways,namely, addressing either data from within a geographi-cal region, as planned by the United Kingdom for theSouthern Ocean, or meeting the needs of several coun-tries within one region. It agreed that the question wasone that should be addressed under the general conceptof integration, which implied the adoption of commonrules and procedures for different centres and data types.7.3.10 The Commission agreed that Argo data man-agement procedures should eventually be taken intoaccount by the Data Management Programme Area. Ittherefore requested the Data Management CoordinationGroup to keep the development of Argo data manage-ment under review and to liaise closely with the ArgoData Management Subcommittee.

7.4 INFRASTRUCTURE (agenda item 7.4)7.4.1 The Commission recognized that JCOMM datamanagement infrastructure included codes and formatsfor both real-time and delayed mode data exchange,communication facilities for data collection, dataexchange and data delivery, and the monitoring of dataquality and data flow. The following paragraphs brieflyreviewed the current status of those topics in the contextof the work of JCOMM, including specific actions imple-mented during the past inter-sessional period.

CODES AND FORMATS

7.4.2 The Commission recalled that relevant codesand formats included the existing GTS alphanumericmarine codes (SHIP, BUOY, BATHY, TESAC, TRACKOB,TEMP SHIP, WAVEOB) and table-driven codes (BUFR andCREX), together with delayed mode exchange formats,such as IMMT and SIGRID. It noted with interest andappreciation the following actions relating to modifica-tions to the marine alphanumeric GTS codes undertakenby CBS during the past inter-sessional period:(a) Implementation on 5 November 1997 of a modifi-

cation to BUOY to include location quality class. Anadditional modification to BUOY was to be imple-mented on 7 November 2001 to allow inclusion ofsome buoy metadata with the real time data reports;

(b) Implementation on 3 May 2000 of a modificationto BATHY to give location in decimal form and ofmodifications to TESAC to also give decimal loca-tions as well as to include information on recorder

24 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

type; the new code versions were now prefixed bythe identifiers JJVV and KKYY, respectively;

(c) Minor modifications to SHIP, TEMP SHIP and WAVEOB.7.4.3 The Commission further noted, however, thatCBS had not accepted a proposed modification to SHIPto include additional observational data elements forthe VOSClim Project. As a general policy, CBS was nolonger readily accepting modifications to alphanumericcodes, as part of an overall strategy for migration to thetable-driven codes BUFR and CREX. In that context, theCommission noted that:(a) The development of BUFR Master Table 10 for

oceanographic data was completed in 1998, andBUFR was now capable of being used for the GTSexchange of all types of marine data, includingchemical and biological as well as physical;

(b) On the other hand, CREX, although essentiallyoperational, still required some development withrespect to marine data;

(c) Following agreement by the DBCP, it was expectedthat distribution of buoy data in BUFR on the GTSwould begin in early 2003, in parallel to a continu-ing distribution of the same data in BUOY;

(d) CBS was planning to phase-in the extended use ofBUFR/CREX and, at the same time, phase-out use ofthe alphanumeric codes, beginning in late 2002,with a detailed plan for such migration to be con-sidered by CBS-Ext. in 2002.

7.4.4 The Commission recognized that the table-driven codes offered great advantages compared to thetraditional alphanumeric codes in being universal andflexible, and that they could be easily expanded to satis-fy all observational requirements including nationalneeds for specific data exchange. In that regard, it par-ticularly recognized the potential value of BUFR for theGTS exchange of new oceanographic data as the needarose. It therefore requested the Observations and DataManagement Coordination Groups to keep the require-ment for such exchange under close review and toinitiate actions for the BUFR encoding and distributionof new oceanographic data at the appropriate time. Italso urged the Argo community to implement BUFRencoding and GTS distribution of profiling float datafrom the project as soon as possible.7.4.5 At the same time, however, the Commissionagreed that, in addition to the problems being posed formany NMSs by such a migration, and which were beingaddressed in a general way by CBS, there were also otherproblems specific to marine data collection andexchange, in particular, those related to report encodingon board ship. While automated systems such as BATOS,OBS-JMA, SEAS and TurboWIN could, and eventuallywould, be enhanced to allow for BUFR/CREX encoding,many reports, in particular basic ship meteorologicalreports, were still manually encoded, a practice whichmight continue for a considerable time. TheCommission recognized that a conversion to the on-board manual encoding of CREX messages, whiletheoretically possible, would nevertheless most likely beunacceptable to ships’ officers, with a resulting decrease

in already scarce ship weather reports. It thereforerequested the JCOMM Management Committee toaddress that issue, in consultation with CBS, with a viewto developing an appropriate practical solution.7.4.6 The Commission recalled that an updated ver-sion of the IMMT format (IMMT-1) was adopted byCMM-XI (Lisbon, April 1993) and was now included inthe WMO Manual on Marine Meteorological Services. Thatformat was used for the international, delayed mode,exchange of marine climatological data, in particularunder the MCSS. The Commission noted that a slightlyrevised version of the format (IMMT-2), to include someadditional information required by the VOSClimProject, had been prepared by the Subgroup on MarineClimatology. It agreed that that version of the formatshould be adopted to replace eventually IMMT-1, with aglobal implementation date of 1 January 2003, so as toallow sufficient time for Contributing Members, GlobalCollecting Centres and Responsible Members for theMCSS to prepare for the change. At the same time, theCommission recognized that the format was already inuse on a limited basis within the VOSClim Project.Specific action on that issue was taken under agendaitem 9.7.4.7 The Commission recalled that the SIGRIDcode, for the delayed-mode exchange and archival ofsea-ice data in digital form, had been adopted byCMM-X (Paris, February 1989) as an annex to the WMOManual on Marine Meteorological Services. A shortened ver-sion of that code (SIGRID-2) had subsequently beendeveloped by the Subgroup on Sea Ice to facilitate thedigitization and archival of historical sea-ice chart data.The Commission noted that the Subgroup on Sea Icehad now developed a number of amendments to SIGRIDand SIGRID-2, designed to preserve the accuracy of theoriginal data in the Baltic Sea Ice Data Bank when con-verting to SIGRID. At the present time, activities wereunder way, together with the IICWG, to develop a supe-rior format, based on SIGRID, supporting the exchangeof sea-ice data in the form of electronic charts. Specificaction to adopt those amendments was taken underagenda items 6.3 and 9.7.4.8 The Commission recalled that CMM-XII(Havana, March 1997) had requested the Subgroup onMarine Climatology to consider the development of acomprehensive metadata base for ODAS, includingmoored and drifting buoys, offshore platforms, etc. Itnoted with appreciation that a format for such a meta-data base had been developed by the Subgroup, hadbeen reviewed extensively by the DBCP, had interestedMembers/Member States and individual experts, andhad finally been agreed by the Subgroup at its eighth ses-sion (Asheville, April 2000). The Commission reiteratedits belief in the value of an ODAS metadata archive infacilitating a full and accurate interpretation of the datafrom such platforms. It therefore adopted Recommen-dation 1 (JCOMM-I) on the subject, at the same timerequesting one or more interested Members/MemberStates to consider hosting the archive. In doing so, iturged Members/Member States to provide, at frequent

GENERAL SUMMARY 25

intervals, the information necessary to maintain thatand other marine metadata catalogues fully up-to-date.

COMMUNICATIONS

7.4.9 The Commission recalled that there were nowseveral marine telecommunication facilities available forthe collection and transmission of meteorological andoceanographic data from ships at sea. Some of those sys-tems were terrestrially based, such as the traditionalhigh/medium frequency services through CRS, whileothers made use of satellite technology. Those latterincluded the Inmarsat system, Argos and IDCS using thegeostationary meteorological satellites. In addition, newsatellite systems, such as Orbcom, also had potential forthe collection of meteorological and oceanographic datafrom ocean platforms.7.4.10 The Commission recognized that the availabil-ity of CRS for the collection of ships’ meteorological andoceanographic observations was now rapidly declining,with ships making almost exclusive use of the Inmarsatsystem to relay their reports to shore. The Commissionfurther recognized that, as a consequence, the numberof SHIP reports collected by CRS was decreasing. That, inturn, was causing concern to some Members, in particu-lar for developing countries which did not host an LESand, thus, had to rely on the GTS for most of their VOSdata. The Commission, therefore, urged Members:(a) Which received VOS reports through an LES to

ensure that such reports were inserted onto the GTS;(b) Which wished to receive VOS reports for their area

of interest to ensure that they requested the rele-vant SHIP bulletins on the GTS from their‘upstream’ RTH.

7.4.11 The Commission recognized that theInmarsat-A and Inmarsat-C systems offered low-costtransmission media for relaying meteorological andoceanographic data from ship to shore, and that the useof the Code 41 short dialling procedure ensured that thecost of the transmission was charged to an NMS ratherthan the ship. With the full implementation of theGMDSS achieved on 1 February 1999, virtually all shipssubject to SOLAS were now equipped with Inmarsat-C,including the great majority of the VOS. TheCommission noted that not all LES either carried theCode 41 facility or had an agreement with the local NMSfor its use, with the full list of LES with Code 41 avail-able for use in VOS reporting being maintained on theWMO Web site. It expressed appreciation for the factthat Arvi (India) and Yamaguchi (Japan) had been addedto the list during the past inter-sessional period. At thesame time, the Commission reiterated its concern thatthe cost burden for the collection of VOS reports viaInmarsat was carried by a relatively small number ofNMSs. It therefore urged all other NMSs with LES intheir countries to make arrangements with them for thereceipt of meteorological and oceanographic reportsusing Code 41, which would both reduce the individualcost burdens for all and improve the geographical spreadof report receipt and GTS insertion. The Commissionalso recognized that there was a marked lack of

uniformity among LES and their associated NMSsregarding the policy for accepting ship reports usingCode 41, with restrictions being applied in some cases,which resulted in loss of valuable data. It thereforerequested the Ship Observations Team, in concert withthe Data Management Coordination Group and itsexpert on communications, to review that question,with a view to developing, if possible, a common policyand approach to the application of Code 41, in particu-lar which minimized such restrictions.7.4.12 The Commission recalled that a number ofsoftware packages now existed for the compilation ofmeteorological and oceanographic reports on board shipsand for their transmission via Inmarsat. Those includedBATOS (France), OBS-JMA (Japan), SEAS (United States)and TurboWIN (Netherlands). SEAS encoded the mes-sages in a compressed binary format, which greatlyreduced transmission costs through Inmarsat-C, but suchtransmission could be used only through LES in theUnited States. The other systems all provided for encod-ing in standard code forms and transmission as telexmessages. The Commission recognized the value of thosesystems, in particular in facilitating the tasks of the ship-board personnel, in enhancing data quality and inreducing transmission errors. It recommended that infor-mation on all available systems should be made availableto VOS operators and urged all such operators (and alsoSOOP operators, where appropriate) to make use of sys-tems such as those on as many of their ships as possible,if that was not already being done.7.4.13 The Commission, having noted the foregoingand having reviewed Recommendation 8 (CMM-XI) —The collection of meteorological and oceanographicinformation using Inmarsat, decided to keep that rec-ommendation in force in view of its continuingrelevance. It also urged that close coordination shouldcontinue among WMO, IMO, IMSO and Inmarsat Ltd.,with a view to ensuring the full utilization of new devel-opments in Inmarsat technology. In that context, theCommission noted the present status of Inmarsat cover-age, given in Annex II to this report.7.4.14 The Commission recognized that the Argossystem remained the primary mechanism for the collec-tion and location of data from remote unmanned oceanplatforms (drifting and moored buoys and floats), as wellas from some ships and remote land stations. Argos also,in particular and in contrast to alternative systems, pro-vided, through its GTS processing subsystem, extensiveground-processing facilities, which included simpleautomatic quality control checks as well as encoding instandard WMO code forms and subsequent GTS distri-bution. Non-commercial users of the Argos systembenefited from a favourable tariff rate, which was nego-tiated each year with CLS/Service Argos during ameeting on the Joint Tariff Agreement. Global usage ofthe Argos system continued to expand, in particularwithin the context of the Argos bonus usage scheme,which allowed system users to exploit better systemcapacity at no or minimal additional cost to either theusers or CLS/Service Argos.

26 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

7.4.15 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation that CLS/Service Argos was continuing toenhance its facilities and services. Such enhancements,either recently implemented or imminent, includedimproved satellite coverage and timeliness, higher sys-tem capacity and data rates, wider bandwidth, theprocessing of profiling float data, a BUFR encoder with-in the GTS subsystem (due for implementation early2003), and future two-way communication with plat-forms. The Commission agreed that the Argos systemwas likely to remain a major global facility for the col-lection and location of data from remote oceanplatforms for many years to come. It thanked, in partic-ular, the DBCP and its technical coordinator for theirefforts in working with CLS/Service Argos to enhancethe value and responsiveness of the Argos system tousers and their requirements. The Commissionencouraged Members/Member States to make use ofcommunications systems such as Argos whereverappropriate.7.4.16 The Commission noted with appreciation thecontinuing availability of the IDCS for the collection ofdata from remote ocean platforms and expressed itsappreciation to the satellite operators for that service. Iturged Members/Member States to consider making use,where appropriate, of that valuable component of theoverall marine data collection system, recognizing thatthere remained unused data-collection capacity on allthe geostationary meteorological satellites participatingin the IDCS, and that the system was available for thecollection of many types of environmental data, includ-ing sea-level observations.7.4.17 The Commission noted with interest thatthere were a number of commercial satellite communi-cation systems, either already operational or planned,which might ultimately be of use for the collection ofdata from automated marine platforms. Although mostsuch systems offered attractive facilities, such as two-way communication, reliable high data throughput ratesand near real-time coverage, the Commission recog-nized that in many cases the future of the systems wasuncertain. That concern was compounded by the lack ofinfluence that the meteorological and oceanographiccommunities could have with the satellite operators. Inthe particular case of the Orbcom system, which hadbeen implemented with good results by a number ofbuoy and float operators, serious doubts as to its long-term financial viability had been expressed. TheCommission nevertheless agreed on the importance ofkeeping abreast of developments with such systems, andtherefore requested that the results of the DBCP reviewof new communications systems should be made widelyavailable within JCOMM.7.4.18 The Commission recognized that the GTS con-tinued to be the primary mechanism for the real-timeglobal exchange of marine data and products. At thesame time, it was clear that alternative facilities and pro-cedures including, in particular, those based on Internettechnology, were being increasingly used in both mete-orology and oceanography for such exchange. It noted

that CBS was already deeply involved in studying theuse of such technologies as part of the WWW, as both apart of, and alternative to, the GTS. The Commissionagreed that it was essential for JCOMM to be part of, andcontribute to, that work, in view of the need to ensurethe implementation and use of optimal facilities andprocedures for real-time marine data exchange. It there-fore requested the Management Committee and theData Management Programme Area CoordinationGroup to ensure an appropriate JCOMM participation inthe CBS activities related to data exchange.

MONITORING

7.4.19 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe Met Office (United Kingdom) had continued tomonitor the quality of both SHIP and BUOY reportsreceived over the GTS, in fulfilment of its formal role asa CBS monitoring centre for surface marine data quality,and that it was expanding that activity to meet theneeds of VOSClim. Regular reports on buoy data qualitywere delivered to the technical coordinator of the DBCPfor possible follow-up action. Monthly reports identify-ing those ships showing consistent errors in their reportsfor specific variables were sent directly to a number ofNMSs/PMOs concerned, while detailed six-monthreports containing similar information were sent to theWMO Secretariat for follow-up action. Based on thosereports, the specific NMSs concerned were, in turn, con-tacted by the Secretariat with a request to undertakeremedial actions. The Commission was pleased to learnthat that concerted monitoring and follow-up had result-ed in a measurable reduction in the number of shipswhose reports on the GTS showed persistent errors. Itthanked the Met Office for its monitoring work andurged that that activity, and the coordinated follow-up,should continue in the future.7.4.20 The Commission noted with appreciationthat, in addition to that CBS monitoring, the DBCP hadfor a number of years been operating a set of GTS quali-ty control guidelines for data on the GTS in BUOY code.Those guidelines, which had now been included in theGuide on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 488),involved a joint effort by operational meteorologicaland oceanographic centres, buoy operators andCLS/Service Argos, coordinated by the DBCP technicalcoordinator. They allowed the identification of consis-tently bad reports of specific variables (most particularlyair pressure) and their subsequent recalibration orremoval from GTS distribution. The operation of theguidelines, coupled with model enhancements, hadresulted in substantial reductions in RMS differencesbetween buoy reports and first guess model fields. TheCommission congratulated the DBCP for that work andurged that it be continued.7.4.21 The Commission further noted with apprecia-tion that both the ASAP Panel and the SOOPIP, workingin conjunction with appropriate meteorological andoceanographic data and analysis centres, also regularlymonitored the quality of sub-surface and upper-airsounding data and took remedial action as necessary. In

GENERAL SUMMARY 27

the case of SOOP, the technical coordinator providedboth the focus and a coordination mechanism for mon-itoring and follow-up. The Commission recognized theimportance of that monitoring to both real-time anddelayed-mode data users, and urged that it be continuedin the future.7.4.22 The Commission recognized that monitoringthe flow of all types of marine data on the GTS wasundertaken within the context of general WWW/GTSmonitoring as part of exercises coordinated on a regularbasis by the WMO Secretariat. Results of that monitoringwere communicated to WMO Members and other inter-ested institutions and agencies, with follow-up againbeing coordinated through the Secretariat. In addition,the Commission noted with appreciation the monitor-ing undertaken by Météo-France, as a SpecializedOceanographic Centre of the former IGOSS, of the GTSexchange of data in SHIP, BUOY, BATHY and TESACcode forms, with reports being published on a monthlybasis. As a part of that monitoring, diagnostic chartswere prepared, in which reports from all sources con-taining specific variables (air pressure and temperature,SST and surface wind) were compared with the WWWrequirements for those data on a 500 × 500 km squarebasis. Such monitoring tools allowed the immediateidentification of data-sparse ocean areas and facilitatedappropriate follow-up actions, such as additional buoydeployments. The Commission thanked Météo-France forthat work and requested it to continue its former IGOSSrole as a contribution to the work of JCOMM.7.4.23 The Commission agreed that such monitoringtools were of considerable value to platform operators,data users and the Secretariats alike, and that that valuewould be further enhanced if the analyses could beextended to cover other marine variables, including sub-surface. It therefore accepted with appreciation the offerof France to liaise with JCOMMOPS on the issue, with aview to extending the monitoring tools and the displayof information.7.4.24 The Commission noted with appreciation thatboth Germany and Japan also undertook regular moni-toring of the exchange of different types of marine data,again originated under the auspices of the former IGOSS.It acknowledged the value of that monitoring for a num-ber of applications and user groups and requested that itcontinue. At the same time, it agreed that the whole sys-tem of SOCs and of marine monitoring establishedunder IGOSS needed to be reviewed and probablyrestructured in the context of agreed JCOMM require-ments, role and operations. It therefore requested theData Management Coordination Group to support theManagement Committee in undertaking such a compre-hensive review during the coming inter-sessional period,with a view to making concrete proposals on the issue toJCOMM-II.7.4.25 The Commission recognized the value andimportance of effective monitoring of data flow andquality for its operational systems and urgedMembers/Member States to respond to issues identifiedin a timely and effective manner. It further recognized

that such monitoring was needed in the Services,Observations and Data Management Programme Areas.The Commission therefore requested the ManagementCommittee to develop an integrated strategy for moni-toring within JCOMM, taking account of the severalexisting activities undertaken by Members/MemberStates. That strategy should take account of, and be har-monized with, monitoring activities under CBS andother relevant groups. The Commission reiterated theimportance of monitoring information flow at all pointsof the end-to-end system and requested the DataManagement Coordination Group to implement amechanism, within the Data Management ProgrammeArea, to provide timely and accurate information ondata and products.

FUTURE WMO INFORMATION SYSTEMS

7.4.26 The Commission noted with interest that theWMO CBS had recently approved the recommendationsof the Inter-programme Task Team on Future WMOInformation Systems. The future WMO information sys-tem should:(a) Include the support for ad hoc requests as well as

routine distribution of information;(b) Include a dataset catalogue to enable users to locate

data and products they required;(c) Conform to open, global standards to the greatest

extent possible.Distribution of ad hoc non-routine products should beaccomplished via request/reply or “pull” systems.Routine collection and dissemination should be accom-plished via a “push” system, which could beimplemented via a combination of technologies. The“push” and “pull” systems, operating in parallel, shouldbe available to all users of WMO data and products.7.4.27 The Inter-programme Task Team had devel-oped a logical topology for the future WMO informationsystem that was significantly different to the currentGTS and included definitions for three new levels of par-ticipating centres: Global Information System Centres,Specialized Product Centres and National Centres.Several Global Information System Centres formed thetop level of the future system, would collect all observa-tions and products intended for global distribution fromsupplying centres within their area of responsibility andwould combine observations into large aggregated datasets. Several dozen centres would serve as SpecializedProduct Centres. Existing WMO RSMCs would functionas Specialized Product Centres. However, many addi-tional centres would also serve as Specialized ProductCentres, including suppliers of special observations (e.g.Argos, Arinc), research projects and centres producingproducts related to a specific discipline. NationalCentres would form the foundation of the future WMOinformation system. Many National Centres would bepart of an NMHS but others would have nationalresponsibility for functions falling within WMOProgrammes but located outside of the NMHS.7.4.28 CBS had agreed to continue the work of theInter-Programme Task Team and asked it to:

28 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

(a) Review data exchange requirements (volume, time-liness, connectivity) of the WWW and other WMO(including joint) Programmes;

(b) Review the current and anticipated capabilities ofpublic and dedicated data communication net-works and services and conduct pilot studies;

(c) Develop a vision for future WMO information sys-tems to meet cost-effectively WMO requirementsfor real and non real-time data exchange;

(d) Develop a project plan including proposed applica-tions and responsibilities of centres. Propose stepstoward implementation of the improved informa-tion system.

7.4.29 JCOMM recognized that the Inter-programmeTask Team on Future WMO Information Systems wasconsidering important issues that were likely to affectoperational oceanography and marine meteorology. Itrequested the Data Management Coordination Group tokeep that work under close review and, in particular, todevelop specific JCOMM requirements for input to thework of the Task Team. The Commission further recog-nized that codes and formats were critical elements tothe effective implementation of all JCOMM activities. Asin meteorology, oceanographers had also developedtheir own methods (self-describing ASCII formats,NetCDF, etc.) and immediate work was, therefore, neces-sary to develop interfaces between the meteorologicaland oceanographic systems. The Commission requestedthe Data Management Coordination Group to also takeup that issue, through assigning an expert to representits interests in the Inter-programme Task Team on FutureWMO Information Systems.

STANDARD MARINE METADATA LANGUAGE

7.4.30 The Commission recognized that the exchangeof real-time and delayed-mode marine data among thedifferent sectors of the marine community could beimproved. Those included many types of organizations,research institutes, ships, satellites, moored instruments,drifting instruments, government agencies and commer-cial companies, which could be both data originatorsand receivers of data products (see also general summaryparagraph 7.4.1). Real-time marine data were requiredfor climate research, environmental studies and man-agement, compliance with international treaties andconventions, and commercial applications.7.4.31 The Commission agreed that a standard marinemetadata language would facilitate the exchange ofmarine data both within and among those sectors. Inparticular there was the need for a standard marinemetadata language to facilitate the rapid exchanges ofdata needed to assemble marine data from many differ-ent sources prior to assimilation in real-time models andfor the distribution of model data products and forecasts.7.4.32 The Commission recalled that EuroGOOS wasthe association of government agencies in Europeancountries dedicated to the development of operationaloceanographic services. It noted with interest thatEuroGOOS had been in correspondence with the chair-person of IODE, with the chairperson of the WMO CBS

Expert Team on Integrated Data Management, with rep-resentatives of ICES, and with hydraulic institutions (HRof Wallingford, RIKZ in the Netherlands), all of whomhad started to consider the value of developing a marineconsortium for XML. EuroGOOS had also consultedindustrial and commercial organizations interested inthe future development of marine XML. In that context,the Commission noted that the GOOS SteeringCommittee had recommended support for XML, that itwas desirable to have a single specification for XML, andthat EuroGOOS should promote the discussion of XMLin Europe.7.4.33 The Commission noted the establishment of theInternational Marine XML Consortium, which wouldmanage the development of a specification for a marineXML that would be publicly available as an open standard.The Commission also noted that IODE, at its sixteenth ses-sion, recommended participation in the Consortium thatwould include membership from the government, acade-mia, research and the commercial sectors.7.4.34 The Commission concluded that there was awindow of opportunity in the next year during which allsectors of the marine community would be able to con-sider the adoption of a standard marine metadatalanguage. The Commission requested the DataManagement Coordination Group to address urgentlythe issue of an agreed standard marine markup languagefor JCOMM activities. In particular, the Group shoulddevelop a strategy that took account of the marine XMLconsortium, of the related activities of CBS, and of themany national activities related to standard marinemetadata language, namely markup languages such asXML. Furthermore, the strategy should take account ofthe several agreed standards such as GIS-ML.

OCEAN AND MARINE METEOROLOGY DATA AND

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

7.4.35 The Commission recognized the considerablechallenges to be faced in the area of data and informa-tion management. Major issues were evident intelemetry, standards and formats, data assembly, scien-tific and data management community cooperation,uptake of modern information technology, modes ofoperational and scientific data exchange, and in dealingwith coastal and biological observations and non-conventional ocean observations. It noted that therehad been no proper scoping and assessment of the exist-ing problem or of that to be faced in the future and thatthere was no agreement on the strategy and implemen-tation plan for climate and physical oceanography.Moreover, there was inadequate investment, both interms of resources and of intellectual engagement.7.4.36 The Commission recalled that general summa-ry paragraphs 7.4.9 through 7.4.18 drew attention to thestrengths and weaknesses of the present telecommuni-cation systems. The Commission accepted thatemerging and future demands were likely to exceedgreatly capacity unless strong action was takenimmediately. It noted, however, that several groups wereenthusiastic about addressing that problem.

GENERAL SUMMARY 29

7.4.37 The Commission further recalled that generalsummary paragraphs 7.4.2 through 7.4.8 and the actionsrecommended, highlighted the urgent need for agree-ment on standards, such as marine XML (generalsummary paragraphs 7.4.30 through 7.4.34) for bothmetadata and the data themselves. The Commissionnoted the various efforts under way within the interna-tional community related to standards for spatial dataand the conclusions of the CBS Inter-programme TaskTeam on Future WMO Information Systems related tothe adoption of international standards. It welcomedefforts such as those of the OOPC and of the Argo proj-ect to develop rigorous procedures for identifyingoriginal data and for maintaining the integrity of dataand datasets. The Commission also noted the specificproblems of standards for non-physical and unconven-tional data and the issues associated with renderingexisting data holdings consistent with new standards.The Commission recognized that advanced systems fordata management were deployed in activities beyondmeteorology and oceanography and that interopera-bility was aided by adoption of shared standards. TheCommission agreed that standards for observations,data exchange and datasets were fundamental require-ments for its data management activities.7.4.38 The Commission agreed that quality controland assurance procedures required adherence to accept-ed procedures and that it needed to be better acquaintedwith the requirements from areas such as climate changeassessment and environmental management. Further-more, the Commission agreed on the need for a moreformal procedure for recognizing and/or discriminatingbetween value adding procedures.7.4.39 The Commission noted the work of the Inter-programme Task Team on Future WMO InformationSystems in relation to future data and product exchangeand dissemination methods. It agreed that, in additionto the issues identified in general summary paragraphs7.4.26 to 7.4.29, its own activities spread beyond WMOand covered data providers and users with a wide rangeof requirements. The Commission welcomed the emer-gence of several innovative projects targeting improvedmethods for data exchange and access, mostly based onthe Internet, and noted that both request-reply and“push” techniques would be required.7.4.40 The Commission recognized the fundamentalimportance of effective user interface mechanisms, par-ticularly for enabling broad access to both sophisticatedand less sophisticated users. It welcomed evidence ofseveral innovative approaches and encouraged furtherwork in that area, noting in particular the work withinthe JCOMM Electronic Products Bulletin.7.4.41 The Commission further recognized the needfor an innovative, visionary approach to ocean andmarine meteorology data and information managementbased on leading-edge information technology.7.4.42 The Commission agreed that the priority issuesshould include: (a) telemetry; (b) standards and protocols;(c) datum and dataset integrity; (d) data exchange anddissemination; (e) product dissemination and service; (f)

data assembly and quality control; (g) non-conventionaldata; and (h) innovative user interfaces.7.4.43 The Commission requested the Data ManagementCoordination Group and the Expert Team on DataManagement Practices to work with the proponents of theocean and marine meteorology data and information tech-nology initiative to explore opportunities for theCommission to collaborate, taking into consideration theexpertise available within JCOMM’s parent organizations,their subsidiary bodies as well as from their experts.

7.5 INTEGRATION ISSUES (agenda item 7.5)7.5.1 The Commission recognized that virtually allmarine data users, whether involved in operational,research or climate study activities, were now requiringhighly integrated data streams including meteorologicaland oceanographic, physical and non-physical data.While some integration could and should take place atthe level of the observing systems, it nevertheless agreedthat such integration should occur primarily throughthe data management process. The ultimate aim forJCOMM data management was thus to provide a fullyintegrated, end-to-end system, to deliver high-qualitydatasets based on the expressed needs of all users. TheCommission considered that the existing mechanisms,involving well-developed and sophisticated proceduresto deliver marine climatological and oceanographicdatasets on realistic time-scales, provided a good basison which to build the future integrated JCOMM datamanagement process. It therefore requested the DataManagement Coordination Group to review existingoperations and procedures, with the aim of developing adetailed plan for end-to-end, integrated JCOMM datamanagement, for consideration by the ManagementCommittee and eventually by JCOMM-II.7.5.2 The Commission recognized that a number ofimportant concerns regarding integration between dif-ferent geographic scales, and between different levels ofscientific and administrative detail, could not beaddressed or resolved during the present session. Thosematters would, however, require careful attention dur-ing the coming inter-sessional period and were also ofrelevance to the implementation of the JCOMM struc-ture and to interactions with GOOS, GCOS and otherIOC and WMO Programmes. The issues included in par-ticular the relation, interface and user applications ofdata and products required and delivered on differentscales and with different resolutions, for open oceans,enclosed water bodies, and coastal and shelf seas. Theyalso involved relations and interfacing among marinemeteorological and physical, chemical and biologicalocean data and products. The Commission thereforerequested the Management Committee, together withthe Observations and Data Management CoordinationGroups to address those issues. In particular, the workshould include an analysis of how decisions or problemsat the local or regional scale, and with multi-parameterdata streams, could be prepared by coastal GOOS orGOOS regional alliances, so that key factors could besummarized and presented effectively to JCOMM.

30 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

8. OBSERVING SYSTEMS (agenda item 8)8.1 SHIP-BASED OBSERVATIONS (agenda item 8.1)

VOS PROGRAMME

8.1.1 The Commission recognized that the require-ments for surface meteorological and oceanographicobservational data from the VOS were ongoing andexpanding. Those included, in particular, real-time datain support of operational meteorology and maritimesafety services, both high quality real-time and delayed-mode data in support of marine climatological servicesand global climate studies (WCP, GCOS, GOOS), andVOS metadata for operational monitoring of dataquality and for global climate studies.

STATUS

8.1.2 The Commission noted with concern the sig-nificant decrease in the number of ships participating inthe VOS since the mid-1980s. That was due in large partto the increase in ship size and the decrease in crewnumbers affecting the worlds’ fleet. In that context,however, the Commission noted with appreciation therevision to Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention, whichstrengthened the wording related to the requirementsfor ships to make and transmit meteorological observa-tions while at sea. It agreed that that would assistMembers/Member States in retaining, expanding andexploiting that valuable international resource. TheCommission also acknowledged the absolutely essentialwork that the international network of PMOs undertookin supporting the VOS. It strongly encouragedMembers/Member States to continue to support theirnational PMO services, to ensure frequent ship visits, toconsider the preparation and issuing of newsletters forthe VOS, and to make use of Web sites and other mod-ern communications technology as means forenhancing recruitment to, and maintenance of, theVOS. The Commission further requested the ShipObservations Team to consider the possibilities for someform of international award scheme for the VOS.

TELECOMMUNICATION

8.1.3 The Commission recalled that as a result of theimplementation of the GMDSS, the vast majority ofmeteorological reports were now being transmittedthrough Inmarsat. That had resulted in a measurableincrease in the number of observations received by coun-tries operating LES. It was noted with appreciation thatMétéo-France, operating as an SOC for the former IGOSS,undertook regular monitoring of data available on theGTS, including VOS reports in SHIP code. That monitor-ing had demonstrated an increasing trend in the totalnumber of ship observations available on the GTS, due inpart to more days at sea for ships and the greater reliabil-ity of satellite data collection systems such as Inmarsat.

QUALITY CONTROL

8.1.4 The Commission recalled that the Met Office(United Kingdom) undertook, on behalf of WMO/CBS, aregular monitoring of the quality of surface marine data,

including reports from the VOS distributed on the GTSin SHIP code. The results of that monitoring were regu-larly distributed to national PMOs for follow-up action.The Commission was pleased to note that those actionstogether had lead to a measurable enhancement of thequality of such data, in particular for atmospheric pres-sure. The Commission expressed its considerableappreciation to the Met Office and the PMOs for theirwork. It urged that the work be continued and, if possi-ble, extended to cover additional variables such as airtemperature and humidity.8.1.5 The Commission recognized that a greatimprovement in the quality and quantity of marinemeteorological data could be achieved through theenhanced use of automated systems for observations,data storage, message compilation and report transmis-sion. It noted with appreciation the efforts taking placein several countries to develop hardware and softwaresystems that would satisfy the future need for stand-alone, reliable and inexpensive systems that were easy toinstall and maintain. It further noted that several coun-tries provided laptop and similar computers to theirVOS, which also greatly enhanced and facilitated theircapabilities for accurate observation and message com-pilation. The Commission recognized, however, that itwould be a large task to satisfy all those needs, but con-sidered that continued progress in that area would resultin large benefits for marine meteorological applicationsin the future.

VOSCLIM

8.1.6 The Commission recalled that the VSOP – NAhad demonstrated the potential value of VOS observa-tions to global climate studies and had made a number ofrecommendations to enhance both the quality of theobservations and the availability of relevant metadata forclimate study purposes. The Commission appreciatedthat it had proved difficult in practice to apply those rec-ommendations to the whole of the VOS. In that context,it noted with interest the work already under way toimplement a project to establish a subset of the VOS, forwhich all the recommendations of the VSOP-NA hadbeen fully implemented. The primary objective of theproject (the VOSClim Project) was to provide highquality marine meteorological data and associated meta-data, to serve as a reference dataset to support globalclimate studies. The Commission strongly supported thatproject, which it agreed would contribute substantially toGCOS, GOOS and the WCRP, as well as to a range ofoperational and climatological services, noting that sci-entific advice to the project was being provided throughthe AOPC and OOPC.8.1.7 The Commission noted with appreciation thata project Data Assembly Center, located at NCDC/NOAA(United States), and an RTMC, located at the Met Office(United Kingdom), had been established. The ProjectLeader was Captain G. Mackie (United Kingdom). VOSoperators and initial ship participants had been identi-fied, various format changes had been developed toaccommodate new data and metadata requirements (see

GENERAL SUMMARY 31

also agenda item 9) and a variety of documentation,including survey forms and a publicity brochure, hadbeen finalized. With ship recruitment and data returnsalready under way, the Commission considered thatproject implementation had formally begun and notedwith interest that both information and data relating tothe project would be available through the project Website at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/VOSClim.html/. TheCommission noted further that a complete descriptionof project objectives and structure could be found in TheVoluntary Observing Ships Scheme: Project Document(WMO/TD-No. 1010, JCOMM Technical Report No. 5),which was also available through the Web site. TheCommission expressed its considerable appreciation toall concerned in the project, and especially to the ships’officers and crews, whose support and interest was vitalto its success.

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

8.1.8 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe modifications to the format and contents of theInternational List of Selected, Supplementary andAuxiliary Ships (WMO-No. 47), which had been adoptedby CMM-XII (Havana, March 1997), had been finalizedand implemented. Specifically, those included:(a) A new format and specifications for ship metadata;(b) A search engine to facilitate access to individual

entries in the database in a variety of ways and torecognize duplicate data entries using the IMO shipnumber as a unique identifier;

(c) The inclusion of digital ship imagery;(d) A harmonization of country codes and the addition

of data fields concerning the type and location ofshipboard instrumentation;

(e) On-line availability of the publication through theWMO Web site.

8.1.9 The Commission recognized that the twomajor problems continuing to hamper the value of theInternational List of Selected, Supplementary andAuxiliary Ships to operational meteorology and globalclimate studies, as well as to the full development of theMCSS, were the low rate of updates by Members to thecatalogue and the failure to apply fully the minimumquality control procedures at data source by the VOSoperators. The Commission therefore strongly encour-aged Members to update regularly their ship lists in thecatalogue, using the on-line facility provided, and toapply fully the MQC procedures as specified in the regu-lations.8.1.10 The Commission noted with appreciation thatThe Voluntary Observing Ships Scheme: A FrameworkDocument (WMO/TD-No. 1009, JCOMM TechnicalReport No. 4) had been prepared by the Subgroup on theVOS and published. The document was designed to pro-vide VOS operators with a global framework in which todevelop and maintain their national VOS programmes.The document outlined a VOS implementation strategy,described current WWW and ocean climate data require-ments, provided information about the current and paststatus of the VOS programme, and provided details

regarding data management and real-time and non-realtime data quality control for VOS instrumentation anddata.8.1.11 Finally on that topic, the Commission notedwith appreciation that a brochure designed to enhanceunderstanding of both the operations and the value of theVOS scheme had been prepared and published by WMOin four languages. It requested that that brochure shouldbe made available to Members/Member States in suffi-cient quantities to ensure a wide distribution among boththe shipping industry and government policy makersalike.

SHIP-OF-OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMME

8.1.12 The Commission recognized that the require-ments for oceanographic observational data (surface andsubsurface) met by the ships-of-opportunity were alsoongoing and expanding. Those included, in particular,real-time data in support of operational climate andmarine forecasting services, and both high quality real-time and delayed-mode data in support of global climatestudies.8.1.13 The Commission noted with interest and appre-ciation the recent developments under the SOOP,including the results from the third session of the SOOPIP,hosted by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in LaJolla, United States on 28–31 March 2000. TheCommission was particularly pleased to note that SOOPIPwas steadily establishing SOOP as an operational pro-gramme in support of GOOS and GCOS in particular, aswell as various oceanographic research activities.8.1.14 The Commission noted with satisfaction thatSOOPIP had been fully involved in the JCOMM integra-tion process from the beginning and that SOOPIPaccepted the principle of integrating the SOOP, VOS pro-gramme, and ASAP activities through the proposed ShipObservations Team of the JCOMM ObservationsProgramme Area (see agenda item 8.5). It recognizedthat such integration could involve, in particular, issuesrelating to meeting joint scientific objectives, shiprecruitment, servicing, installation of instruments andacquisition systems, standardization, instrumentationquality assurance and real-time observations and datatelecommunication.

SOOP IMPLEMENTATION, OCEANOBS99 AND GLOBAL

UPPER OCEAN THERMAL NETWORK REVIEW

8.1.15 The Commission noted that the OOPC,SOOPIP and the CLIVAR Upper Ocean Panel had con-vened a study and an international workshop to reviewthe global upper ocean thermal network (seehttp://www.marine.csiro.au/JAFOOS). Funding forthose activities was provided by NOAA’s Office ofGlobal Programs, by the Australian Bureau ofMeteorology and by the Commonwealth Scientific andIndustrial Research Organization Marine Research. Theworkshop was held in Melbourne during August 1999.The background study was undertaken by theCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial ResearchOrganization/Australian Bureau of Meteorology

32 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Research Centre Joint Australian Facility for OceanObserving Systems. The present and past SOOP wasevaluated against a set of revised scientific objectives,with each XBT line being quantitatively assessed againsta set of selected criteria in the context of other devel-oping ocean observing programmes such as Argo,satellite altimeters and equatorial mooring arrays suchas TAO.8.1.16 Recommendations from the review includedthe identification of an ongoing unique role for SOOP inan integrated observing system, but with samplingfocused on line sampling (both frequently repeated andhigh-density, eddy resolving lines). Broadcast, low-density sampling would gradually be phased out as Argowas implemented and proven. Further recommenda-tions included:(a) The need for greater bandwidth in real-time data

transmission systems (satellite and GTS) to enablethe transmission of full-resolution data; and

(b) The need for a unique data identification tag toeliminate the significant problems associated withthe proliferation of near-duplicate profiles in thedatabases. Those recommendations were endorsedat the third session of SOOPIP.

The Commission noted that the conclusions of thereview had also been presented and endorsed at theOceanObs99 Conference held in St Raphaël, France, inOctober 1999. The Conference regarded SOOP as a corecomponent of the integrated observing system forGOOS and GCOS.8.1.17 The Commission noted that SOOP had refinedits implementation plan in line with the Global UpperOcean Thermal Network Review conclusions and theOceanObs99 Conference statement. At the same time,the Commission recognized that SOOP was now facingproblems, including:(a) XBT probe cost increased (50 per cent increase in 1999);(b) Financial constraints in the face of national priori-

ties with regard to in situ and remote-sensing oceanobservations, leading to reduced budgets for someof the national XBT ship-of-opportunity pro-grammes;

(c) Priorities within national XBT ship-of-opportunityprogrammes to address specific scientific and/oroperational issues;

(d) Logistic problems, such as availability of shipping,ships changing ownership and changes in shipcrews;

(e) Concerns with regard to the Protocol onEnvironmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty(Madrid Protocol).

8.1.18 The Commission noted with appreciation thatSOOPIP was making every effort to find solutions tothose problems, but could not avoid some reduction inactivity in 1999 and 2000, especially in the Atlantic andIndian Oceans. Some 28 000 XBT probes had beendeployed in 1999 in the global oceans (excluding theMediterranean Sea with 2 000 drops). It had beenestimated by SOOPIP that to support the sampling rec-ommended by the Global Upper Ocean Thermal

Network Review, about 35 000 probes would be neededevery year. At the same time, the Commission recog-nized that extensive sampling of upper-oceantemperature and salinity continued to be undertaken byresearch institutes in many countries, but that thosedata were not always made available on the GTS to sup-port global programmes. It therefore requested theSOOPIP and its Technical Coordinator to make everyeffort to identify such data and to encourage their qual-ity control and timely distribution on the GTS.8.1.19 The Commission also noted with appreciationthat SOOPIP had recognized the importance of VOSClimfor global climate studies and had therefore fully sup-ported the project. The Panel had agreed thatships-of-opportunity from SOOP should be recruited toparticipate as appropriate. The combination of surfaceflux and subsurface heat storage measurements wouldhelp to reduce errors in global heat flux estimates of cou-pled ocean-atmosphere forecasting models. Similarly,SOOPIP had also fully supported the establishment of aJCOMM in situ JCOMMOPS (see agenda item 8.5).

DATA MANAGEMENT

8.1.20 The Commission noted that SOOP data man-agement was done primarily through GTSPP inassociation with the SOOP operators (see discussion onthat issue under agenda item 7.2).

EVALUATION AND NEW INSTRUMENTATION

8.1.21 The Commission noted with interest thatSOOP participants were regularly evaluating the per-formance of instrumentation and suggesting solutionsto any identified problems (developing calibration pro-cedures, XBT fall rate equation corrections, assessinginstrument malfunctions due to manufacturingchanges, identifying problems with air bubbles duringXCTD calibration causing errors in measuring the con-ductivity in the surface-layers, etc.). Tests includedcomparisons with other instruments at sea (e.g. XBT andCTD comparisons). Manufacturers also conducted evalu-ation programmes on their own. SOOPIP wascoordinating those efforts and the preparation and dis-tribution of evaluation reports. New instrumentationbeing evaluated by SOOP included moving vessel profil-ers, thermosalinographs, pCO2 analyzers and biologicalmeasurement systems (e.g. fluorescence, pigment analy-sis, nutrients). The Commission noted with appreciationthat cooperation with VOS was under way to installmeteorological instrumentation on ships-of-opportuni-ty.8.1.22 The Commission noted that, while somecountries were collecting surface oceanographic dataand distributing them on the GTS in TRACKOB code, itwas not evident that those data were being used to anyextent. It therefore requested the Ship ObservationsTeam to review the use of TRACKOB and to advise on itscontinuation, taking note of the discussions and con-clusions in general summary paragraph 7.2.6.8.1.23 The Commission agreed that there was a devel-oping requirement to establish properly-resourced

GENERAL SUMMARY 33

procedures for evaluating and possibly accreditinginstrumentation and procedures used operationally byJCOMM observing system components, including SOOP.It recognized that such procedures would be neither sim-ple nor inexpensive to establish, but nevertheless agreedthat that should be considered as a priority issue forJCOMM. The Commission therefore requested theManagement Committee to review the matter, with aview to making a concrete proposal regarding appropri-ate procedures, taking into account the instrumentevaluation and intercomparison procedures already inplace in WMO for meteorological instrumentation. In asimilar vein, the Commission recognized the need towork towards implementing mechanisms to ensure thatdata collected by observing system operators conformedto agreed upon basic standards, formats and levels ofdata quality. The Commission therefore requested theManagement Committee to also address that issue.

SOOP DATABASE AND MONITORING

8.1.24 The Commission noted that SOOP was rou-tinely undertaking monitoring exercises to ensure andimprove data flow and data quality. Those included:(a) Monthly monitoring of BATHY and TESAC reports

on the GTS at designated centres to identify andcorrect data flow problems (results compiled by theCoordinator);

(b) A JJVV/JJYY/KKYY monthly report (by MEDS) toensure that recent BATHY and TESAC GTS codechanges were properly implemented; and

(c) A monthly data quality control report with feed-back to operators to ensure remedial action wastaken (by MEDS).

8.1.25 The Commission noted with interest thatSOOP metadata were submitted to the Coordinator on asix-month basis. Those metadata were kept in the SOOPdatabase, compiled into the SOOP semestrial survey andmade available to the GTSPP. Metadata, for each profile,included date, time, location, maximum depth, qualityof the profile, a unique identification tag, the name ofthe operator, line name, ship name and call sign, cruisenumber, transect number, drop number, telecommuni-cation system used, data acquisition system used,including software version, instrument and probe type,fall rate equation coefficients, and probe batch date. Thedatabase allowed a global perspective on the operationalstatus of the programme for comparison with require-ments, to facilitate adjustments to the implementationplan. It also permitted specific evaluation studies andthe tracking of specific problems (e.g. bad probe batches,telecommunication).

INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND SOOP WEB SITE

8.1.26 The Commission noted with appreciation thata SOOP Web site had been established, hosted and sup-ported by the Institut de recherche pour le développement(France), and maintained by the SOOP TechnicalCoordinator (http://www.brest.ird.fr/soopip). The Website provided information about the programme,including the latest programme review, monthly

reports, on-line documents such as the conclusionsfrom the Global Upper Ocean Thermal Network Review,various Guides, the list of selected ships, a description ofSOOP lines, points of contact, including references ofSOOP operators, and a list of manufacturers. Infor-mation was also exchanged through electronic mailinglists, for which addresses and details on how to registerwere also available via the SOOP Web site. Links weremaintained to related sites, including the operators’Home pages.8.1.27 The Commission noted with appreciation thatSOOP was preparing an SOOP Operations Guide. That Guidewould include a set of practical Guides dealing with topicssuch as ship recruitment, installation of equipment, shipgreeting, re-supplying, training, ship visits, probe launch-ing, XBT/XCTD standard test procedures, fall rateequation, installation of a thermosalinograph, etc.

AUTOMATED SHIPBOARD AEROLOGICAL PROGRAMME

8.1.28 The Commission recalled that the ASAP hadexisted since 1985 and continued to be an importantpart of the WWW. The programme was efficient andprovided high quality upper-air profile data from thedata-sparse ocean areas and at a relatively low unit cost.It noted that a total of 21 units were active in 1999, thesoundings reached on the average 22.1 km, and werecommunicated to the GTS at an average efficiency of 90per cent. The operators were Denmark (two units),France (four), Germany (three), Japan (seven), Russia(one), Sweden-Iceland (one), the United Kingdom (two)and the United States (one). The number of soundings in1999 was well above the six-year average, mainlybecause of increased activity by Japan and the UnitedStates. In addition, the activity of the new ASAP unitoperated by the United Kingdom contributed to theincrease in 1999.8.1.29 The Commission recognized that the majorityof the soundings continued to be taken over the AtlanticOcean, but there were also a considerable number fromthe western part of the north Pacific. However, throughcapacity building of ASAP expertise in countries and/orgroups of countries willing and able to finance ASAP, anexpansion to ocean areas void of upper-air profile datamight be achievable.8.1.30 The Commission noted that the ASAP Panel,which was formerly called the ASAP CoordinatingCommittee, consisted of a group of national operatorsalong with ECMWF and EUMETSAT. As part of its pro-motional activities the Panel published an ASAP AnnualReport.8.1.31 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe EUMETNET ASAP Programme was in the process ofimplementing an ASAP in the Mediterranean and anoth-er ASAP in the Atlantic, both under joint funding amongthe members of EUMETNET. That activity wouldincrease ASAP coverage from 2001, at least on theEuropean scale, with additional upper-air profiles takenboth from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.8.1.32 The Commission noted with interest andappreciation the efforts being made through the ASAP

34 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Panel to implement an ASAP on a ship plying in boththe southern and northern hemispheres. Initial estab-lishment of the Worldwide Recurring ASAP Project hadtaken place in early 2001, to provide much needed datafrom the Southern Ocean, for the benefit of both weath-er forecasting (numerical weather prediction) and globalclimate studies (GCOS). The Commission recognizedthat the establishment of the Worldwide Recurring ASAPProject as a joint effort represented a major developmentin the work of the ASAP Panel, in demonstrating theability of the Panel to coordinate funds and othernational contributions to the implementation of ASAPon global routes. It also recognized the important inputand support to the Worldwide Recurring ASAP Projectand to ASAP enhancement in general, being provided bythe AOPC of GCOS and the WCRP.8.1.33 The Commission recognized that the deficien-cies in the global observing system were becoming alimiting factor for improvements in numerical weatherprediction. One of those deficiencies was the lack of pro-file data from the oceans. It agreed that the need for moreupper-air profiles from the oceans was indisputable andASAP was an efficient and economical way to obtainthem. In that context, the further enhancement of thecontact between data users and data providers was wel-comed, in order to optimize the use of resources spent onproviding those data, which were of great importance forthe WWW and GCOS.

RESOURCES NEEDED FOR SHIP-BASED OBSERVATIONS

8.1.34 The Commission recognized that all ship-based observation programmes (VOS, SOOP and ASAPalike) were facing serious decreases in resources, coupledwith instrument and consumable cost increases(e.g. XBTs and sondes) and that that could potentiallyadversely affect the products and services providedthrough JCOMM. It re-emphasized the fact that ship-based observations were essential for: (a) operationalmeteorology and oceanography; (b) marine scientificresearch; (c) global climate studies and model validation;and (d) satellite products (ground truth for calibrationand validation). That was particularly the case for spe-cific variables in ocean areas not covered by other in situmarine observing systems (e.g. outside the tropics forsubsurface thermal data, North Pacific for meteorologi-cal data, etc.). In addition, VOS provided essentialplatforms for the deployment of other ocean observingplatforms such as buoys and floats.8.1.35 The Commission also stressed again thatnational support to PMOs was essential for the success-ful operation of all ship-based observing programmes.Similarly, it emphasized very strongly that theSOOP/DBCP Coordinator position was essential for theimplementation and operation of both programmes.The Commission further agreed that the VOS and ASAPcould benefit substantially from having available asimilar coordination and technical support mechanism(see action under general summary paragraph 8.5.6).8.1.36 The Commission therefore strongly recom-mended that Members/Member States considered

increasing the resources committed to such pro-grammes and to their associated internationalcoordination mechanisms. It adopted Recommendation2 (JCOMM-I) on the subject. On a related matter, theCommission noted the work being undertaken withinEUMETNET to evaluate and possibly restructure allmeteorological and oceanographic observation net-works in Europe and surrounding ocean areas. Itrecognized the relevance and possible global impact ofsuch evaluations to the VOS network in general and,therefore, requested the Ship Observations Team toarrange for appropriate cooperation and coordinationwith EUMETNET in that work.

INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY

8.1.37 The Commission noted with interest the workundertaken by the International SeaKeepers Society todevelop a fully automated module for installation onboard its members’ yachts, cruise ships and cable-layingvessels, to make a range of meteorological and oceano-graphic observations and to transmit those data to shorein real time. It was informed that the Society had under-taken that development work in collaboration with theUniversity of Miami and had also implemented proce-dures for data collection through NOAA/NationalWeather Service of the United States. Extensive discus-sion and review had taken place on issues relating toinstrumentation, quality control, calibration andcommunications. The Commission noted with apprecia-tion that operational trials of the module had begun inMay 2001, with transmission from a number of vessels,and that meteorological and some oceanographic datawere already being sent onto the GTS through theNational Weather Service gateway.8.1.38 The Commission agreed that those vessels,equipped with the SeaKeepers module, were of potentialvalue to an integrated GOS, for both meteorological andoceanographic variables, and would thus contributedirectly to the WWW, GOOS and GCOS. At the sametime, the members of the International SeaKeepersSociety could become valuable partners in the work todevelop and expand the ocean observing system to sup-port many applications. The Commission thereforeexpressed its appreciation to the Society and its membersfor their work in support of global ocean and atmospher-ic monitoring. It agreed that, subject to ongoingevaluation of the quality, reliability and utility of thedata provided, the SeaKeepers yachts should be incorpo-rated formally as a part of the integrated SOOP/VOSscheme, coordinated through the Ship ObservationsTeam. The Commission invited the Society to participateactively in the work of the Ship Observations Team,which would then act as the review body for the opera-tional meteorological and physical oceanographic datafrom the SeaKeepers vessels as part of its overall monitor-ing of the VOS, SOOP and ASAP activities. TheCommission further suggested that the GOOS COOPmight undertake the role of scientific review body for thenon-physical SeaKeepers oceanographic data. Recommen-dation 3 (JCOMM-I) on that subject was adopted.

GENERAL SUMMARY 35

8.2 BUOYS AND FLOATS (agenda item 8.2)

DATA BUOY COOPERATION PANEL

8.2.1 The Commission recalled that the Drifting BuoyCooperation Panel was established in 1985 by WMOResolution 10 (EC-XXXVII) and IOC Resolution EC-XIX.7. In 1993, the DBCP changed its terms of referenceand title to include moored buoys on the high seas in itsactivities. The Panel was served by a full-time TechnicalCoordinator funded through voluntary contributions bysome Member States of IOC and Members of WMO.8.2.2 The Commission noted that the terms of refer-ence of the DBCP had recently been changed to reflectthe fact that the DBCP was now reporting to JCOMM. Atits sixteenth session in Victoria, Canada (16–20 October2000), the Panel had noted with interest a report on thestatus of implementation of JCOMM, including the posi-tion of the DBCP within the proposed new JCOMMstructure, with the Panel providing the major compo-nent of the proposed Data Buoy Observations Team. TheCommission was pleased to learn that: (a) the DBCP sup-ported that overall concept, as well as its own rolewithin it; and (b) the DBCP reaffirmed its belief thatJCOMM represented a very significant and potentiallyfar reaching step on the road to truly operationaloceanography. The DBCP had acknowledged the inte-grating role of JCOMM as being of primary importance,with the Panel itself providing an excellent model as aforum and mechanism for coordination and integrationin a specific field among meteorologists and oceanogra-phers, research and operations. In addition, theTechnical Coordinator, particularly in his dual role asDBCP/SOOP coordinator, now offered an example andbasis for the future technical coordination of all opera-tional ocean observing systems under JCOMM. In thatcontext, the Commission supported the proposal for theestablishment of a JCOMM in situ JCOMMOPS, basedinitially on the DBCP/SOOP and Argo coordinators (seeagenda item 8.5 for specific action in that regard).

STATUS

8.2.3 The Commission noted with interest a reportregarding the status of buoy programmes. In December2000, data from over 1 300 drifting buoys were collectedthrough Service Argos. Among those buoys, nearly 60per cent had their data distributed on the GTS. Amongdrifting and moored buoys which reported on the GTSin BUOY format in December 2000, 250 reported atmos-pheric pressure (mainly Lagrangian barometer drifters),688 reported SST (mainly Lagrangian drifters), 93 report-ed wind (mainly TRITON, TAO and PIRATA moorings),153 reported air temperature and 78 reported subsurfacetemperatures (mainly TAO). More details could be foundat the DBCP Web site at http://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/1sigm.html. The Commission noted with appreciationthe proposal made by the IODE Responsible NationalOceanographic Data Centre for drifting buoys, operatedby MEDS, to coordinate its activities with those of theJCOMM SOC for drifting buoys, operated by Météo-France.

IMPLEMENTATION

8.2.4 The Commission recognized that implementa-tion of buoy programmes was done primarily throughthe DBCP Action Groups. There were presently sevenAction Groups, namely the European Group on OceanStations (North Atlantic), the International Arctic BuoyProgramme, the International Programme for AntarcticBuoys, the International South Atlantic BuoyProgramme, the International Buoy Programme for theIndian Ocean, the Global Drifter Programme and theTropical Moored Buoy Implementation Panel. A propos-al to establish a new action group for the North Pacificwas under consideration.8.2.5 The Commission noted that the former TAOImplementation Panel (TIP) dissolved itself at the con-clusion of TIP-9 in Perth, Australia, November 2000, tobe replaced in 2001 by a new Tropical Moored BuoyImplementation Panel (also referred to as TIP). The orig-inal mandate of the Panel covered multinationalimplementation and maintenance of only the Pacificmoored array. The Pacific focus was viewed as too nar-row in light of ongoing and planned programmes in allthree tropical oceans — TAO/TRITON in the Pacific,PIRATA in the Atlantic and the nascent plans for designand implementation of an Indian Ocean moored buoyarray. Consequently, new terms of reference had beenagreed by the GOOS Steering Committee and theJCOMM Interim Management Committee, expandingthe scope of that Panel to the global tropics, withemphasis on technical and logistic issues related toimplementing and sustaining moored buoy programmesin support of climate studies.8.2.6 The Commission noted with interest that theDBCP implementation strategy had been developed inorder to provide an overall framework for its work, inthe light of developing requirements for marine obser-vations, and especially buoy data, to support operationalmeteorology and oceanography, marine scientificresearch and global climate studies. At its sixteenth ses-sion, the DBCP had reviewed its strategy in line with anemerging consensus on such requirements as well aslatest developments with JCOMM, data telecommuni-cation systems, and emerging regional programmes (e.g.Black Sea, Southern Ocean).8.2.7 The Commission noted with appreciation thatintegration of buoy deployment opportunities hadalready started through the operation of an interimJCOMMOPS, based upon existing coordination facilitiesoffered by the DBCP, SOOP and Argo. That interimJCOMMOPS offered a single point of logistical informa-tion for the DBCP, SOOP and Argo programmes. Suchinformation included points of contact, area of opera-tions, information on air deployments, ship deployments,type of ships, frequency, and whether ships carried orcould embark dedicated personnel. A JCOMM joint circu-lar letter had been issued, requesting Members/MemberStates to provide the information required.8.2.8 The Commission noted with appreciation that13 countries were expected to contribute on a voluntarybasis to the financial support of the Panel in 2001:

36 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, SouthAfrica, the United Kingdom and the United States. ThePanel’s Technical Coordinator, Mr E. Charpentier, hadcontinued to be employed by UNESCO/IOC as a fund-in-trust expert and was located with CLS/Service Argosin Toulouse, France. While appreciative of those volun-tary contributions, the Commission neverthelessrecognized it might be time to introduce some more for-mal and secure funding mechanism, to ensure thecontinuity of the position of Technical Coordinator ofthe DBCP and SOOP. It therefore requested the DBCPand SOOPIP to address that question and to make rele-vant proposals to the Observations Programme AreaCoordination Group.8.2.9 The Commission praised the efforts of theDBCP for maintaining and coordinating buoy pro-grammes. It recognized that integration through theData Buoy Observations Team of the ObservationsProgramme Area would make it possible to developfurther those networks in accordance with expressedrequirements and complementary to other types ofmarine observing systems.

VANDALISM

8.2.10 The Commission recognized that vandalism ofocean data buoys, both accidental and deliberate, was anongoing problem. It noted with appreciation that effortshad been made to bring that problem to the attention ofthe global maritime community. At the request ofWMO, IHO had issued a special hydrogram on the pres-ence of data buoys in the seas and of their importance,including for maritime safety. The hydrogram would, inprinciple, be published by National HydrographicServices at least once a year in their “Notices tomariners” (http://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/vandalism.html). The Commission agreed that, although useful,that action alone might not be sufficient to limit van-dalism on data buoys. It therefore adoptedRecommendation 4 (JCOMM-I) on the subject.

INSTRUMENTATION, EVALUATION

8.2.11 The Commission noted with interest the workof the DBCP Subgroup on Surface Velocity ProgrammeBarometer drifter evaluation, indicating that the qualityof data from surface velocity programme barometers hadsubstantially improved in the last 12 months, especiallyregarding early mortality and air deployment successrates. Surface velocity programme barometer evaluationwas being continued.

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

8.2.12 The Commission expressed its appreciation tothe DBCP for the exchange of general and technicalinformation regarding data buoy programmes. TheDBCP technical document series now included DBCPAnnual Reports, DBCP technical workshop reports, aReference Guide to the GTS Subsystem of the ArgosProcessing System (No. 2), a Guide to Data Collection andLocation Services Using Service Argos (No. 3), a WOCE

Surface Velocity Programme Barometer Drifter ConstructionManual (No. 4), a Guide to Moored Buoys and Other OceanData Acquisition Systems (No. 8) and the DBCPImplementation Strategy (No. 15). Recently, the DBCP hadestablished a general purpose (for DBCP members) and abuoy operators (to exchange technical information)Internet mailing lists (http://www.jcommops.org/mail-ing_lists.html#DBCP). It also maintained a Web site(http://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/) and an electronicdiscussion forum (http://www-dbcp.cls.fr/visible/dbcp/disptach.cgi).

ARGO

8.2.13 The Commission noted with interest the cur-rent status of Argo, which was a COOP as well as aGOOS/GCOS OOPC GODAE pilot project. That projectwas essential to CLIVAR because the Argo network pro-vided an enhanced real-time capability for measurementof temperature and salinity through the upper 2 000metres of the ocean and contributed to a global descrip-tion of the seasonal cycle and interannual variability ofthe upper ocean thermohaline circulation. Argo was theprimary in situ data-gathering component of GODAE, tocontribute to short-term ocean forecasting, to provideboundary conditions for forecasting in coastal areas, andto contribute to seasonal to inter-annual climate fore-casts. Argo would provide data for GODAE models aswell as for assessment of model performance.8.2.14 The Commission noted that Argo consisted ofa broad-scale global array of temperature/salinity profil-ing floats. It planned to develop a global array of about3 000 floats by 2005, at a horizontal resolution of about3°×3°. The floats measured water temperature and salin-ity profiles in the upper 2 000 metres of the watercolumn. All Argo data would be made available on theGTS within 24 hours of collection and fully quality-controlled datasets would also be made generallyavailable in delayed mode in other ways.8.2.15 The Commission noted further that Argo wasan internationally-coordinated project managed by theArgo Science Team (http://www.argo.ucsd.edu), whichcoordinated project planning, including sampling andtechnical issues. The Argo Science Team was formed inJuly 1998 and its first meeting was held in March 1999.The Commission took that opportunity to place onrecord its appreciation for the work of the chairperson ofthe Argo Science Team, Mr D. Roemmich, for his dedi-cation to the project. Countries presently having Argoplans that included float procurement or productionincluded Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France,Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic ofKorea, the Russian Federation, Spain, the UnitedKingdom and the United States, plus the EuropeanUnion Gyroscope Project. Combined deployments fromthose nations were planned to exceed 700 floats per yearby 2002. In November 2000, more than 400 floats werealready funded and a number of those deployed. Broadparticipation in Argo by many nations was anticipatedand encouraged. Such participation could include floatprocurement, logistical support for float deployment, or

GENERAL SUMMARY 37

analysis and assimilation of Argo data. In that context,the Commission noted than more than half of the Argofloats would need to be deployed in the southern hemi-sphere and strongly encouraged all float-deployingnations to pay due attention to remote ocean areas inthe southern hemisphere.8.2.16 The Commission was informed that floatdeployments were being planned and coordinated on aregional basis and that the first step in that process wasimplementation planning meetings for the Pacific,Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The first Pacific Oceanimplementation planning meeting was held in Tokyo inApril 2000, hosted by the Japan Meteorological Agency.The first Atlantic Ocean implementation planning meet-ing was held in Paris in July 2000, at the invitation ofthe French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea.The first Indian Ocean implementation planning meet-ing would be held in Hyderabad, India in July 2001,hosted by the Indian Department of OceanDevelopment. The United States NOAA had also provid-ed support for organizing those meetings. In addition,two meetings dealing with data management werenoted — the first one had been held in Brest, France, inOctober 2000 and the second one, which would be thefirst session of the newly-established Argo DataManagement Subcommittee, would be held in Ottawa,in September 2001.8.2.17 The Commission recalled that ThirteenthCongress had strongly endorsed Argo as an importantcomponent of the operational ocean observing systemof GOOS and GCOS, and also as a major contributor toCLIVAR. Congress had requested JCOMM to address theissue of coordinating Argo with other components ofthe system, such as SOOP and the tropical moored buoyarray, and had urged Members to participate in, and con-tribute to, the implementation of Argo whereverpossible, in view of its importance to global climatestudies.8.2.18 The Commission further recalled that, at itstwentieth Assembly, IOC had accepted Argo as animportant contribution to the operational ocean observ-ing system of GOOS and GCOS, as well as a majorcontribution to CLIVAR and other scientific researchprogrammes. At the same time, the Assembly adoptedResolution XX-6, which required that “the concernedcoastal States must be informed in advance, throughappropriate channels, of all deployments of profilingfloats which might drift into waters under their jurisdic-tion, indicating the exact location of suchdeployments.”8.2.19 The Commission noted with appreciation thatto meet that requirement, the IOC, with the supportfrom interested Member States, had established an inter-national AIC (http://argo. jcommops.org/) staffed by aCoordinator. The Centre which was located in Toulouse,France, informed designated contact points in MemberStates about float deployments, how to track float posi-tions and how to access float data, in compliance withthe IOC Resolution. At the same time, the AIC support-ed the international Argo programme in a number of

ways, including providing liaison between floatproviders and float-deployment opportunities. The ArgoCoordinator acted as a clearing house for informationon all aspects of float use and promoted an improvedinternational dialogue between oceanographers andmeteorologists, and between research and operationalcommunities.8.2.20 The Commission strongly supported the stepstaken by WMO, IOC and Members/Member States toestablish the AIC and agreed that the AIC should beincluded within JCOMMOPS (see agenda item 8.5),which would, among other things, provide integratedinformation on logistic opportunities available formarine platform deployments (e.g. deployment of floatsand drifting buoys, servicing of moored buoys, ships ofopportunity, air deployments, etc.).8.2.21 The Commission agreed that the Argo projectpresented an excellent opportunity to improve oceanand climate forecasting, with consequent benefits forthe protection of life and property and effective plan-ning for the effects of seasonal to inter-annual climatevariability. It noted that Argo was a transition fromresearch to operational oceanography. As a pilot project,it could not yet be fully integrated within the JCOMMObservations Programme Area. The Commission howev-er agreed that it should review progress with the Argoproject through its Observations Coordination Group.That group, in close consultation with the Argo DataManagement Subcommittee and the JCOMM ExpertTeam on Data Management Practices, would also becharged with developing and overseeing the implemen-tation of procedures for the full integration of Argo intothe overall observing system at the appropriate time. Inthat regard, the Commission noted that most deploy-ments relied totally on research funding and it urgedMembers/Member States to seek means for the contin-ued long-term funding of such deployments as part ofan operational programme.

CLS/SERVICE ARGOS

8.2.22 The Commission noted with interest a presen-tation of the Argos Data Collection and Location Systemgiven by the CLS/Service Argos representative. Thatincluded an overview of the Argos system infrastructureand operation, of the in situ networks using the satellitesystem and an insight on current and future enhance-ments being implemented. The major outcome would bethe implementation of a two-way capability starting withthe ADEOS-II Japanese satellite (February 2002), and of a4.8 kbps high-rate channel starting with METOP-I (2005),which would accommodate data message lengths up to4 800 bits, thus increasing Argos data bandwidth bymore than one order of magnitude. The Commissionagreed that the two-way capability of Argos would beimportant for the global management of the Argo floatprogramme, as well as other autonomous platforms.8.2.23 The Commission expressed its interest in thedevelopment of telecommunication capabilities increasedby several orders of magnitude and in all initiatives thatcould lead to that objective. It therefore supported the

38 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

idea that the Japanese space agency NASDA might beinvited to consider flying Argos on its GCOM satellite, afollow-on of ADEOS. In the same spirit, it agreed that itshould be associated with the studies undertaken by theFrench space agency CNES on the preliminary specifica-tions of Argos 4, which was to fly by 2010.

8.3 REMOTE SENSING (agenda item 8.3)

PRESENT STATUS OF OCEANOGRAPHIC SATELLITES

8.3.1 The Commission recalled the essential roleplayed by oceanographic satellites and their potential toenhance further operational oceanography. TheCommission noted with appreciation the contributionmade by satellite operators in the past in providingvaluable data, products and services.8.3.2 The Commission also recalled that data, prod-ucts and services from satellites in the WWW GOSconstellation, both geostationary and polar-orbiting, wereimportant for analyses of ocean surface variables such assea-surface temperature, sea state, sea-ice and ocean sur-face wind. In particular, the Commission recognized theimportant contributions from the present operationalgeostationary constellation of satellites consisting ofMeteosat-7 at 0° longitude and Meteosat-5 at 63°E (oper-ated by the EUMETSAT), GOMS-1 at 76°E (operated by theRussian Federation), FY-2B at 105°E (operated by thePeople’s Republic of China), GMS-5 at 140°E (operated byJapan), and GOES-10 at 135°W and GOES-8 at 75°W(operated by the United States). The operational polar-orbiting constellation consisted of METEOR-2 and 3 seriessatellites (operated by the Russian Federation), NOAA-15and 16 (operated by the United States) and FY-1C (oper-ated by the People’s Republic of China).8.3.3 The Commission also recognized the researchand development satellites such as ERS-1 and 2 (operatedby ESA), Topex-Poseidon (operated by NASA and CNES),QuikSCAT (operated by NASA) and ADEOS-1 (operatedby NASDA). The Commission noted that significantproducts and services were already emerging from thosesatellites including ocean surface topography and sea-level estimates from altimeters, ocean surface windvectors, sea state and various ocean colour applications.In addition, it noted the importance of satellite radarsfor the mission of JCOMM. The Commission agreed thatthe future contributions from satellites such as Metopwith its advanced scatterometer, NPOESS with its coni-cal microwave imager sounder and altimeter, the Jasonseries with their altimeters, ICESat and ADEOS-2, pre-saged a vast increase in valuable data and products foroperational oceanography. The Commission also notedthe important role in telecommunications referred tounder agenda item 8.2.8.3.4 The Commission recognized the importance ofthe Satellite Application Facility of EUMETSAT and itssignificant contribution to the goals of the Commission.It also recognized the contribution of commercial satel-lites to the goals of JCOMM in ocean observations and,in particular, the value of space-based synthetic apertureradar for sea-ice observations.

8.3.5 The Commission recognized that the immedi-ate challenge was to work with satellite operators,through various mechanisms, to develop continuity andsustained operation, as discussed in the IGOS OceansTheme. The Commission also noted the significance ofthe conclusions of the first OceanObs Conference(St Raphaël, France, October 1999), at which broad con-sensus was reached on the requirements of theCommission. In addition, the Commission recognizedthe challenges to be ready to utilize fully the volumi-nous data streams.

OBSERVATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

8.3.6 The Commission agreed that it was of funda-mental importance to identify the observationalrequirements of JCOMM in relation to continuing satellitemissions and to establish a dialogue on the complemen-tary value of JCOMM data and products to satelliteagencies. Furthermore, it recognized the importance tosatellite agencies of providing strong and persuasive socio-economic and scientific arguments supporting suchrequirements and to keeping the agencies informed of thepositive impacts experienced by users. Feedback from theuser community represented by JCOMM, to the satelliteagencies, would be most beneficial. The Commissionnoted that multiple paths existed for dialogue with satel-lite operators regarding those requirements (see alsogeneral summary paragraph 8.3.15).8.3.7 The Commission noted the extensive consul-tation that had taken place in the development of theIGOS Oceans Theme and, in particular, the consensusthat had been reached with satellite agencies on obser-vational requirements. Furthermore, the Commissionnoted that the satellite agencies, through CEOS, hadagreed to use the Oceans Theme report as the strategicapproach to implementation. The fourth session of theGOOS Steering Committee had recommended that theOceans Theme Team remain in place to guide the imple-mentation of the Oceans Theme.8.3.8 The Commission noted that a WMO/CEOSdatabase of requirements and available observing sys-tems, both satellite and in situ, allowed for a RollingReview Requirements process, presently used by theWMO CBS Open Programme Area Group on IntegratedObserving Systems in redesigning the WWW GOS. Boththe database and the Rolling Review Requirementsprocess would be of importance in activities related toJCOMM. The Statement of Guidance of that processwould provide an indication of how well the observa-tional data requirements in the CEOS/WMO databasewould be met by present and planned observing sys-tems. The Commission therefore agreed that JCOMMshould participate in the CBS Rolling ReviewRequirements process. To that end, it requested the co-presidents, in consultation with other members of theJCOMM Management Committee and officers of GOOS,to designate one or more JCOMM experts to participatein that process and, in particular, to participate in theappropriate CBS expert teams (see also general summaryparagraph 5.2.3).

GENERAL SUMMARY 39

INTERACTIONS WITH SATELLITE OPERATORS

8.3.9 The Commission agreed that it was importantto have active interactions with the satellite operators. Itnoted that the Oceans Theme had resulted in construc-tive and fruitful interactions with satellite operators,particularly those involved with oceanographic meas-urements. The Commission further noted that theGOOS Scientific Committee had recommended to theIGOS Partners that the Oceans Theme be continued forthe purposes of guiding implementation of oceansatellite programmes, including regular review of therequirements and available satellite data.8.3.10 The Commission noted that the fifty-secondsession of the WMO Executive Council had agreed thata mechanism for discussions with satellite operatorsshould be provided through the convening ofConsultative Meetings on High-Level Policy on SatelliteMatters at one- to two-year intervals. It was of the viewthat the Consultative Meetings should give early consid-eration to:(a) Evaluating satellite missions to ensure, inter alia,

the better use of existing and planned research anddevelopment missions in support of WMOProgrammes and to provide an assessment on theiroperational utility; and

(b) Reviewing and revising the space-based componentof the WMO GOS to take into account both opera-tional and research and development opportunitiesand the need to maximize cost efficiency and effec-tiveness of satellite observing programmes.

The Commission noted that the topics for theConsultative Meetings were germane to the needs of itsprogramme. The Commission agreed to the importanceof participating in the Consultative Meetings andrequested the WMO Secretary-General that it should berepresented at future such meetings.8.3.11 The Commission noted that the FirstConsultative Meeting on High-Level Policy on SatelliteMatters had developed and recommended to the WMOExecutive Council guidelines for requirements that shouldbe agreed upon in order to provide operational users with-in WMO with a measure of confidence in the availabilityof research and development observational data, and dataproviders with an indication of their utility.8.3.12 The Commission noted the outcome of a paneldiscussion on the need for enhanced international lowEarth orbiting satellite cooperation, organized and host-ed by the National Environmental Satellite, Data andInformation Service on 17 October 2000, in connectionwith the twenty-eighth Plenary meeting of CGMS atWoods Hole, United States. Participants on the panelincluded representatives of CMA, CNES, ESA, EUMETSAT,IGBP, ISRO, NASA, NASDA, NOAA, PLANETA, ROSHY-DROMET and WMO. The participants at Woods Hole hadagreed that satellite and user organizations should worktogether as partners in contributing towards the develop-ment of a more complete polar operational satellitesystem, with a commitment to long-term observations.8.3.13 The Commission noted that, through the nom-ination by WMO at the twenty-eighth plenary meeting

of CGMS, IOC had become a CGMS member. Thus, bothIOC and WMO would represent their user communitiesat future meetings of CGMS. The Commission expressedits pleasure at that development and requested that IOCand WMO continue their strong and important coopera-tive roles at future CGMS meetings.8.3.14 The Commission noted that both WMO andIOC had become Partners within the IGOS Partnership.IGOS sought to provide a comprehensive framework toharmonize the common interests of the major space-based and in situ systems for global observation of theEarth, principally in support of GCOS, GOOS and GTOS.It was being developed as an over-arching strategy forconducting observations relating to climate and atmos-phere, oceans and coasts, the land surface and theEarth’s interior.8.3.15 The Commission noted the developmentswithin WMO to expand the definition of the presentspace-based component of the WWW GOS to includeresearch and development satellites. The Commissionalso recognized the considerable progress being madewithin the Oceans Theme that, among other things, haddeveloped and promoted procedures for the transitionof research and development satellites into a sustainedmode. It agreed that that transition process was of par-ticular importance. The Commission recognized thevalue of those processes and of continued direct dia-logue with, and involvement of, satellite agencies in theJCOMM Programme. The JCOMM ManagementCommittee and the Observations Programme AreaCoordination Group were requested to ensure that thoseinteractions were coordinated and constructive. To thatend, the Commission agreed to include a satellite expertas a member of the Observations Coordination Group.Action in that regard was taken under agenda item 16.

USER FEEDBACK

8.3.16 The Commission noted the importance ofassessing the value of satellite observations of oceanvariables to end users. Those end users included the off-shore oil and gas industry, the fishing industry,aquaculture, ship routing, environmental agencies, etc.Those organizations tended to use combined data prod-ucts, where the remote-sensing data had beenassimilated through models and combined with in situdata. In October 2000, EuroGOOS had convened a con-ference, jointly with EUMETSAT, at which a wide rangeof users presented detailed technical analysis of theirrequirements, with a summary of economic factors. Themain recommendation of the conference was that theJASON-2 mission should be supported by EUMETSAT asan Optional Programme.

GROUND-BASED RADAR OCEAN SENSING

8.3.17 The Commission recalled that a Subgroup onRadar Ocean Sensing (ROSE) had been established by theformer CMM, partly in response to recommendations ofthe successful International ROSE Workshop, held inGeneva in March 1995. That Subgroup had become apart of the JCOMM interim structure. The objectives of

40 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

the Subgroup, as formulated in its terms of reference,were to design demonstration monitoring projects,establish requirements for standardization and compileand promulgate information on cost-benefits and oper-ational capabilities of ocean radars.8.3.18 The Commission noted that a number of infor-mal international ROSE workshops had taken place duringthe inter-sessional period. A further such Workshop wasconvened in Bergen in March 2000 to bring together oper-ators from Europe and North America. As such, it hadprovided a very useful forum in which to compare systemconfigurations, operational capabilities and applications.The strong conclusion of that Workshop was that certaintypes of ocean radars were now effectively operational inseveral countries and that the EuroROSE project was pro-viding an essential demonstration of specific operationalapplications and capabilities.8.3.19 At its conclusion, the Workshop stressed theimportance of informing and educating Members/Member States on ROSE capabilities and applications. Ittherefore had agreed on the need to maintain the ROSEgroup as an informal international association and ofmaintaining some association with WMO/IOC throughJCOMM. It had also agreed on the importance of enhanc-ing awareness of ROSE within operational agencies.8.3.20 The Commission noted that EuroROSE was aproject being undertaken by a consortium of sixEuropean institutions in four countries to develop oper-ational tools for ocean analysis and forecasting insupport of coastal marine operations and constructionand the protection of the marine environment.Specifically targeted initial users were VTS operators andharbour and coastal marine managers. The operationaltool under development was a monitoring and predic-tion system for metocean conditions which combinedobservational data from high frequency groundwaveradars and navigational X-band radars (waves and sur-face currents) with assimilation into high resolution(500 m) ocean models.8.3.21 The project was centred around two opera-tional field experiments, the first in collaboration withthe VTS centre on Fedje Island, near Bergen, Norway,(mid-February to end-March 2000) and the second withthe VTS centre near Gijon, Spain (mid-October 2000 toend-March 2001). Both experiments clearly demonstrat-ed that the assimilated observational data greatlyenhanced model performance and output quality andthat the operational products were increasingly acceptedand relied on by the VTS operators and ship pilots.8.3.22 The Commission recognized that the successof that project could lead to important commercial, inte-grated ocean systems development and operationalspin-offs within Europe. It agreed that it was essentialthat all maritime Members/Member States should bekept informed of the results of the project and of thepotential for application in other parts of the world ofthe tools which it had developed and tested. It thereforerequested the EuroROSE participants to consider prepar-ing eventually a comprehensive report on the project,for publication in the JCOMM technical report series.

8.3.23 The Commission further noted that airborneremote-sensing measurements and related forms ofocean remote sensing were also of considerable potentialvalue to JCOMM as operational observations facilities.8.3.24 Overall, the Commission recognized thatground-based high frequency radars were close to beingoperational. The Commission also noted that projectssimilar to EuroROSE were already in operation or underplanning in the United States and that some systemswere available as off-the-shelf packages, for both highfrequency and X-band radars. It agreed on the impor-tance of continuing a close interaction with ROSEoperators worldwide and of informing Members/Member States of new developments. It thereforerequested the Observations Programme AreaCoordination Group to identify a suitable expert to liaisewith relevant ROSE groups worldwide, to review on anongoing basis the status of such systems, and to prepareappropriate technical guidance and advice on the sub-ject for the benefit of Members/Member States.

8.4 SEA LEVEL (agenda item 8.4)8.4.1 The Commission recognized the major impor-tance of the GLOSS, both to a variety of operationalactivities in Members/Member States and to global cli-mate studies. It therefore noted with interest andappreciation the report by the chairperson of the GLOSSGroup of Experts, Mr P. Woodworth, reviewing theachievements of, and deficiencies in, the programmeand congratulated him on progress made.8.4.2 The Commission noted progress made in ele-ments of GLOSS such as the GCN development; certainregional GLOSS networks; use of tide gauges for ongo-ing altimeter calibration (GLOSS-ALT); provision of dataand information to international scientific study groupssuch as IPCC; and enhancement of material for train-ing, outreach and research. At the same time, it alsonoted the requirement for significantly-increasedresources for programme development in many parts ofthe world, for both climate/oceanographic and coastalapplications.8.4.3 The Commission noted from the figure pre-sented in Annex III to this report, that the GCN could beconsidered to be approximately two-thirds operational,using data receipts by PSMSL as a guide to operationalstatus. The Commission noted that the lack of data fromcertain regions reflected largely either inadequacies inthe present network, which would have to be correctedby the installation of new tide gauges, or inadequacies indata delivery from sites having adequate gauges. TheCommission therefore urged members from regions thatwere not at present contributing data to the GCN, forexample in parts of Africa and South America, as shownin the figure in Annex III to this report, to take all pos-sible early steps to remedy that deficiency.8.4.4 The Commission recognized the need forinvestment worldwide resulting from increasing require-ments for real-time sea-level data (as opposed to the‘delayed mode’ data available so far) and the use of tidegauge data transmission platforms for other

GENERAL SUMMARY 41

oceanographic parameters. It further recognized thepotential value to both the meteorological and oceano-graphic communities of making the products ofGLOSS-related Sea-level Centres (such as the PermanentService for Mean Sea Level (United Kingdom) and theHawaii Sea-level Center (United States)) more widelyknown through existing WMO information services.The Commission also invited Members/Member Statesto implement distribution of tide gauge data on the GTS,wherever possible.8.4.5 In the light of the discussion recorded in theabove paragraphs, the Commission adopted Recommen-dation 5 (JCOMM-I) on that general topic.8.4.6 The Commission noted the encouraging devel-opments in the monitoring of vertical land movementsby new geodetic techniques (GPS, DORIS and absolutegravity). Those new techniques would permit the ongo-ing calibration of satellite radar altimetry by networks oftide gauges and would facilitate the decoupling of landmovements from real sea-level change in tide gaugerecords, thereby enabling studies of changes of absolutesea level.8.4.7 The Commission approved the changesmade to the organization of the GLOSS programmewith regard to the establishment of a subgroup capable ofproviding ongoing scientific input on sea-levelmatters to the GLOSS Group of Experts and to the widercommunity.8.4.8 The Commission noted that there was a needfor a global data bank of tidal constants and that it wasthe intention of the GLOSS Group of Experts, in collab-oration with the International Hydrographic Bureau andMEDS, to provide such a data bank under GLOSS aus-pices, to substitute for that operated previously by theInternational Hydrographic Bureau. JCOMM memberswere urged to cooperate closely in the establishment andoperation of that new facility.8.4.9 Consistent with the establishment of JCOMM,and the reporting of the GLOSS Group of Experts toJCOMM, the Commission approved the designation ofthe Group as the JCOMM GLOSS Group of Experts.8.4.10 The Commission noted that GLOSS had beenactive in the regular provision of training materials andtraining courses on sea-level measurements and inter-pretation and encouraged members to continue theirsupport for such activities.8.4.11 The Commission requested its CapacityBuilding Coordination Group to provide advice to, andto coordinate with, the GLOSS Technical Secretariat atIOC with regard to obtaining funds necessary to ensurethe modernization and extension of the programme.

8.5 INTEGRATION ISSUES (agenda item 8.5)8.5.1 As discussed under agenda item 7.5, theCommission recognized that integration within JCOMMwould occur primarily within the Data ManagementProgramme Area. At the same time, however, it agreedthat there existed some possibilities to enhance inte-gration at the level of the observing systems themselves.That was particularly the case for ship-based

observations, where there was the potential to use thesame ship platform to provide observational data fromalmost the bottom of the ocean to the top of the tropo-sphere. In addition, there was also considerablepotential to encourage integration in observations andreduce costs and ship management complicationsthrough enhanced coordination among those managingthe VOS, SOOP and ASAP. The Commission thereforewelcomed the proposal for the Ship Observations Teamconcept, which would involve initially, an investigationof the synergies among the VOS group, SOOPIP and theASAP Panel in ship management, with a view to aneventual possible full integration of ship-based observ-ing systems on commercial and research vessels.

ESTABLISHMENT OF JCOMMOPS8.5.2 The Commission noted with interest the pro-posal to establish a JCOMMOPS Centre, to be basedinitially on the existing DBCP/SOOP and Argo coordina-tion mechanisms. It recognized that that Centre wouldprovide essential data and tools, as well as a centralizedinformation and technical support facility required forcoordinating and integrating many of the existing oper-ational ocean observing networks under JCOMM.Through the activities of JCOMMOPS, the followinggoals were expected to be achieved:(a) Facilitating decision making by programme man-

agers (maintaining information on requirements,analysis products showing how requirements weremet and information on telecommunication sys-tems);

(b) Facilitating programme implementation (assistanceregarding GTS distribution, identification of avail-able deployment opportunities and assistanceregarding standardization of real-time data tele-metry formats);

(c) Enhancing operational and monitoring aspects(compiling quality control information and follow-ing up with solutions to correctly identifiedproblems, acting as a clearinghouse on operationalaspects of platform implementation and providinginformation on the status of relevant observingplatforms).

8.5.3 The Commission recalled that the proposalhad been discussed at the Second JCOMM TransitionPlanning Meeting (JCOMMTRAN-II) in Paris (14–16 June2000) and noted that the concept had been stronglyendorsed by the meeting. JCOMMTRAN-II had request-ed the Secretariats: (a) to specify the mechanisms forproviding JCOMM guidance to the Centre; and (b) toseek the agreement of the DBCP and SOOPIP for the pro-posal, including terms of reference, since those bodiesactually provided the funding to support the Centre. Atits sixteenth meeting (Victoria, 16–20 October 2000),the DBCP strongly endorsed the concept as well, on theunderstanding that implementation of the Centrewould not adversely affect the services provided by itsTechnical Coordinator to Panel members. SOOPIP wasasked to review the proposal by mail and subsequentlyendorsed it as well.

42 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

8.5.4 The Commission further recalled thatJCOMMTRAN-II had agreed that the Centre could, inpractice, begin operating almost immediately on aninterim basis. It noted with appreciation that some sup-port had already been provided to JCOMM operationsthrough the development of a Web site (http://www.jcommops.org/) and through integration of floats, drift-ing and moored buoy deployment opportunities.8.5.5 The Commission expressed its considerableappreciation to the DBCP, SOOP, Argo and, especially,the Member States contributing to their respective trustfunds, for providing the resources required to operatethe proposed Centre. It strongly endorsed the proposalto establish the Centre and adopted Recommendation 6(JCOMM-I) on the subject. The terms of reference forJCOMMOPS were given in the annex to that recommen-dation. The Commission noted with appreciation theoffer made by the Editor of the JCOMM ElectronicProducts Bulletin to work closely with JCOMMOPS andto include some monitoring products delivered throughJCOMMOPS in the Bulletin.8.5.6 The Commission requested the ObservationsCoordination Group to consider the benefits and effi-ciencies that could be realized by extending the terms ofreference of JCOMMOPS to include also support for VOSand ASAP.

DEPLOYMENT OF IN SITU MARINE INSTRUMENTS IN

ANTARCTIC WATERS

8.5.7 The Commission noted that the SOOPIP hadrecognized a potential problem regarding the deploy-ment of XBTs and other observation instruments andplatforms in Antarctic waters. It recalled that, within thecontext of the Protocol on Environmental Protection tothe Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol, 1991), nationalGovernments might restrict research and other activitiessouth of 60°S. SOOPIP was particularly concerned bythat situation because of the importance of ocean obser-vation and research programmes in the Southern Oceanand Antarctic region. It had requested the Secretariats tobring that matter to the attention of relevant bodies ofWMO and IOC, with a view to sensitizing AntarcticTreaty countries to the value of such programmes as wellas to the minimal risk of environmental damage fromthem. The question had also been brought to the atten-tion of the DBCP, considering that restrictions mightalso apply for the deployment of drifting buoys in theregion if environmental dangers were perceived in thosedeployments. The Argo programme was also potentiallyaffected by the question.8.5.8 The Commission recalled that the issue wasdiscussed at JCOMMTRAN-II and that the meeting hadagreed that appropriate actions should be taken to assureGovernments of the great value of such observationsand of the minimal environmental risks involved. TheWMO Secretariat subsequently brought the issue to theattention of the Scientific Committee on AntarcticResearch, through the WMO Executive Council WorkingGroup on Antarctic Meteorology, with a view to ascer-taining the extent of the problem and to obtaining

advice on possible actions. The Executive Officers andSecretariat of the Scientific Committee on AntarcticResearch were now dealing with the issue and wouldprovide appropriate advice to WMO/IOC as well as toMember States concerned, in due course.8.5.9 The Commission reiterated the vital impor-tance of continuing marine observation programmes inthe Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters, in support ofmaritime safety, global climate studies and oceano-graphic research in particular. It supported the actionsalready taken on the issue and, additionally, urged itsmembers to make every effort to impress on their rele-vant national government departments that importanceas well as the minimal environmental risk posed bythose programmes.

TRANSITION TO OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS

8.5.10 The Commission recognized that candidateoperational systems would normally pass through sever-al different phases on the path from idea and concept toa mature, robust technique. It was rare for that researchand development process to occupy less than a decade.Four broad phases were recognized:(a) Development of techniques within the oceano-

graphic and marine meteorological community;(b) Community acceptance of the methodology gained

through experience within pilot projects whoseprincipal objectives were evaluation and demon-stration;

(c) Sustained pre-operational use of the methods anddata by researchers, application groups and otherend users. That was to ensure proper integrationwithin the global system and that the augmenta-tion (and perhaps phased withdrawal of an oldtechnique) had no negative impact on the integrityof the overall global dataset and its dependentproducts;

(d) Incorporation of the methods and data into a con-tinuing framework with sustained support and forsustained use.

8.5.11 A pilot project would develop capacity byengaging a segment of the community in anactivity which contributed in a non-trivial way to abroader system (e.g. GOOS, GCOS or WWW, or even apilot project thereof, such as GODAE). The Commissionnoted that a possible formal definition for pilot project could be:

A pilot project is defined as an organized, plannedset of activities with focused objectives designed toprovide an evaluation of technology, methods orconcepts within a defined schedule and having theoverall goal of advancing the development of theJCOMM programme.

8.5.12 The Commission agreed that the ManagementCommittee would have the responsibility of reviewingand advising JCOMM on the integration of new compo-nents into the overall operational system. It thereforerequested those bodies to take those factors into consid-eration when reviewing possible candidate pilotprojects.

GENERAL SUMMARY 43

9. REVIEW OF TECHNICAL REGULATIONS OF

INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION (agendaitem 9)

9.1 The Commission recalled that, under agendaitem 6.1, it had agreed to adopt a number of amend-ments to the WMO GMDSS marine broadcast system,which was included in Volume I, Part I bis of the Manualon Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558). Ittherefore adopted Recommendation 7 (JCOMM-I) toeffect that decision. In doing so, it recognized that therevised amendment to paragraph 2.2.3.7.2 in Part I bis,to authorize the use of PAN PAN for all urgent warningsof Beaufort 12 and above, had not yet been formallyagreed by the Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services.The Commission therefore approved that amendmentprovisionally, subject to such agreement. TheCommission further recalled that under agenda item 7.4it had agreed to amend slightly the IMMT format toincorporate new data elements required for theVOSClim Project, with that new version of IMMT(IMMT-2) to replace the existing version (IMMT-1) from1 January 2003. It therefore adopted Recommendation 8(JCOMM-I) to that effect.9.2 The Commission recalled that under agendaitem 7.1 it had agreed to remove references to theexchange of sea-surface current data obtained from aship’s set and drift from both the Guide and the Manualon Marine Meteorological Services, in view of the discon-tinuance of such exchange over the past 10 years.Furthermore, under agenda item 7.1 it had agreed tosome modifications to the MQC standards applied tomarine climatological data exchanged under the MCSS.It therefore adopted Recommendation 9 (JCOMM-I), toeffect those changes to the Manual. It agreed that thosesame modifications should also be applied to the MQCstandards in the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services.No further modifications to relevant parts of the WMOTechnical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) were considerednecessary.9.3 The Commission recognized the value of theWMO Technical Regulations, in particular the Manual onMarine Meteorological Services, in ensuring the provisionof high quality and timely services to marine users, aswell as in assisting and guiding NMSs in that regard. Itfurther recognized that the services required by usersincreasingly involved oceanographic variables andproducts and that oceanographic institutes and agencieswere becoming more involved in the preparation anddissemination of oceanographic services. In thatcontext, and in view of the joint nature of JCOMM, itrecommended that consideration be given to thepreparation of an equivalent set of IOC technicalregulations relating to the provision of oceanographicservices. It requested the Services Programme AreaCoordination Group to review that question, with aview to developing some draft technical regulations forfurther consideration by the JCOMM ManagementCommittee, JCOMM-II and eventually the IOCGoverning Bodies.

10. GUIDES AND OTHER TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

(agenda item 10)

GUIDE TO MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

(WMO-NO. 471)10.1 The Commission expressed its appreciationthat the fully revised version of the Guide, as adopted atCMM-XII, had been published in English during theinter-sessional period and hoped that the other languageversions would soon be available also for distribution toMembers/Member States. At the same time, it recog-nized that developments and advances relating tomarine meteorological services were ongoing and thatthe Guide should be maintained as up-to-date as possi-ble. In that context, it noted the proposals of theSubgroup on Marine Climatology relating to modifica-tions to the Guide. It agreed with those proposals andadopted Recommendation 10 (JCOMM-I).

GUIDE TO THE APPLICATIONS OF MARINE CLIMATOLOGY

(WMO-NO. 781)10.2 The Commission recalled that CMM-XII hadagreed that the Guide to the Applications of MarineClimatology should in the future comprise both a staticand a dynamic part. CMM-XII had further supported theconvening of an international workshop on the subject(CLIMAR99, held in Vancouver in September 1999), as ameans of developing input to the dynamic part.Recalling its discussions and conclusions under agendaitem 7.1 on that subject, the Commission noted the pro-posal made by the Subgroup on Marine Climatology forthe list of papers from CLIMAR99 to be included in theGuide as the dynamic part. It agreed with that proposaland adopted Recommendation 11 (JCOMM-I) on thesubject.

OTHER WMO GUIDES

10.3 The Commission noted with appreciationthat the second edition of the Guide to Wave Analysisand Forecasting (WMO-No. 702) had been publishedduring the inter-sessional period. It requested theExpert Team on Wind Waves and Storm Surges to keepthe contents of that Guide under review and to adviseon the need for future updating, as necessary. It alsorequested the WMO Secretariat to make the Guideavailable for purchase and for download via the Web assoon as possible.

IGOSS PUBLICATIONS

10.4 The Commission noted the status of publica-tions, including Guides, status reports and informationservice bulletins, prepared and maintained under IGOSS.It recognized that there was a need to review fully,update and possibly rationalize those in the light of thenew mandate of JCOMM and the development of anintegrated approach to marine observing systems, datamanagement and services. It therefore agreed on specificactions regarding those publications as detailed inAnnex IV to this report.

44 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

OTHER TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

10.5 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe restructuring of the format and contents of theInternational List of Selected, Supplementary and AuxiliaryShips (WMO-No. 47) had been implemented by theWMO Secretariat as proposed by CMM-XII. A new shipmetadata base had been implemented and would shortlybe made available for search and download through theWMO Web site. Requests would also shortly be distrib-uted to Members for input to the database in the newformat. The Commission reiterated the high value of thatdatabase, including to global climate studies, operationalmeteorology and data quality monitoring, and urgedMembers to submit regularly and frequently their shipmetadata to the WMO Secretariat for inclusion in thedatabase. The Commission also requested the Secretariatto ensure that the version of the database available foraccess via the Web should include facilities for bothdownload of the entire database and search for details ofspecific ships by IMO number, call sign and ship name.10.6 The Commission noted with appreciation thatnine technical reports in the series Marine Meteorologyand Related Oceanographic Activities had been pub-lished by WMO during the inter-sessional period andwere available, on request, from the WMO Secretariat.Those publications covered a variety of topics andincluded, as requested by CMM-XII, the Handbook ofOffshore Engineering Services and the proceedings of theCOST conference on the Provision and EngineeringApplication of Ocean Wave Data. The Commission fur-ther noted with approval that, following the formaladvent of JCOMM to replace CMM and IGOSS, that pub-lication series had been discontinued and replaced by aJCOMM Technical Report series. Subsequently, 10 tech-nical reports in that new series had been published anddistributed. Again, additional copies of those reportscould be obtained on request from the WMO Secretariat.The Commission additionally expressed its approval forthe efforts now under way to make those JCOMM tech-nical reports also available in electronic form throughthe WMO Web site. It urged that that work should con-tinue, so that eventually all JCOMM technical andmeeting reports were available to Members/MemberStates in electronic form in that way. At the same time,it agreed that not all countries were yet able to make useof such a service and that delivery of those documentsin hard copy form should continue.10.7 The Commission noted with appreciationthat, through the WMO Bulletin, the international mete-orological and oceanographic communities were beingkept up-to-date on activities of both WMO and IOC nowfalling under JCOMM. It requested the Secretariats tocontinue preparing and publishing those summaries,which appeared in the Bulletin as programme notes. TheCommission also expressed appreciation for the specialissue of the WMO Bulletin published in January 1998,focusing on ocean-related topics in support of theInternational Year of the Ocean 1998.10.8 The Commission noted with appreciation thatarticles relating to the work of JCOMM had also been

published from time to time in publications such as theWorld Climate News, GOOS News, the IALA Bulletin andEEZ Technology. It encouraged both JCOMM membersand the Secretariats to continue to prepare and submitsuch articles whenever possible, in view of the interna-tional exposure they provided for the work of theCommission.

DBCP PUBLICATIONS

10.9 The Commission recognized with apprecia-tion that the DBCP had, for many years, maintained animportant Technical Document publication series,which included the comprehensive Annual Reports ofthe Panel as well as various other technical reports. Atotal of 11 reports in that series had appeared duringthe past inter-sessional period. In recent years, thosereports had been made available through the DBCPWeb site, as well as appearing as printed documents, allof which could be obtained, on request, from the DBCPTechnical Coordinator. The Commission strongly sup-ported that work by the Panel and urged that it becontinued.

GLOSS PUBLICATIONS

10.10 The Commission noted with appreciation thepublication of the latest GLOSS Training Course reports(Cape Town, November 1998; Sao Paulo, September1999; Jeddah, April 2000), as well as of various otherreports (meetings, workshops, status reports, etc.). It fur-ther noted the publication of a GLOSS brochure inEnglish, Portuguese, Spanish and, shortly, French, inPDF form on the Web (http://www.pol.ac.uk/psmsl/training/training.html). The Commission supportedthat work by the GLOSS community, undertaken withthe assistance of PSMSL, and urged that it be continued.

ASAP PUBLICATIONS

10.11 The Commission recognized with appreciationthat the ASAP Panel had for a number of years been pub-lishing an Annual Report. That report, in addition toproviding valuable updates on the status of the globaland national ASAP, also contained reports from moni-toring centres as well as occasional technical articlesrelating to all aspects of the programme. TheCommission supported its continuation and also recom-mended that additional technical information relatingto ASAP and its benefits should be prepared by the Panelfor distribution to Members/Member States.

BROCHURES AND PAMPHLETS

10.12 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthe following brochures and pamphlets relating toaspects of the work of JCOMM had been published dur-ing the past inter-sessional period:(a) Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (in

English only), being updated by the ASAP Panel;(b) Global Oceanographic Data (in English only);(c) Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (in English, French,

Spanish and Portuguese), being updated by theDBCP;

GENERAL SUMMARY 45

(d) The Voluntary Observing Ship Programme: An EnduringPartnership (in English, French, Russian andSpanish).

It recognized the value of those brochures in helping topromote different aspects of the work of JCOMM amonga wider community and urged that they be continued,revised and expanded, as necessary.10.13 The Commission agreed that all those techni-cal publications had provided very valuable support toMembers/Member States in implementing their marine-related activities and urged that publication of suchreports and documents should be continued during thecoming inter-sessional period. However, theCommission noted with concern that several of therequired new publications identified at CMM-XII couldnot be addressed during the inter-sessional period due tothe continuing difficulties in locating rapporteurs whowere willing and who had the time to prepare the rele-vant technical documents. While appreciating thosedifficulties, the Commission insisted on the great needfor guidance material in many important topics andrequested Members/Member States and the Secretariatsto continue their efforts to find the experts who couldprepare such publications. With regard to specific newtechnical publications, the Commission:(a) Recognized the potential value to Members/

Member States of a guide to storm surge analysisand forecasting, and urged the Expert Team onWind Waves and Storm Surges to develop a plan forthe preparation of such a guide as soon as possible;

(b) Noted with interest and appreciation the prepara-tion and publication by the United States of theMariners Guide for Hurricane Awareness in the NorthAtlantic Basin. It requested the WMO Secretariat toconsider republishing the Guide as a JCOMM tech-nical report and to giving it a wide distribution toMeteorological Services and users alike. It alsorequested the United States to consider the prepa-ration of a similar Guide for the Pacific Ocean, alsofor eventual publication and distribution as aJCOMM technical report.

GOOS PUBLICATIONS

10.14 The Commission recognized that a large num-ber of technical documents relevant to its own workwere published by IOC in support of GOOS. It notedthat most existing GOOS documents were listed on theGOOS Web site at http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/docs/doclist.htm. A great part of those documents (and all therecent ones) were downloadable. Some other “basic”GOOS documents were listed in the same site athttp://ioc.unesco.org/goos/key1.htm. The Commissionexpressed satisfaction at the means provided by theGOOS Project Office for easy document consultation.

WEB SITES

10.15 The Commission noted with appreciation thatthere were now a number of Web sites in operationwhich directly supported JCOMM programmes andactivities. Those included in particular JCOMMOPS and

its associated DBCP, SOOP and Argo sites, GOOS and theWMO marine programme/JCOMM itself. Details ofthose sites are given in Annex V to this report. It recog-nized the important role which those sites played as ameans of rapid and efficient data and information dis-semination, including documents and technicalpublications. At the same time, the Commission alsorecognized their potential for direct communication andinteraction among JCOMM members and other expertson a range of technical and related topics. Such interac-tion could occur, for example, through mailing lists,discussion groups and direct feedback to Web sites. TheCommission therefore strongly encouraged the furtherdevelopment of such Web sites, in particular that main-tained by WMO for JCOMM itself, as being essentialtools in the implementation of JCOMM programmeactivities. It urged the WMO Secretariat to ensure thatthat Web site also included links to all other Web siteseither directly or indirectly related to JCOMM and itswork.

11. EDUCATION AND TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY

TRANSFER AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

(agenda item 11)11.1 SPECIALIZED EDUCATION AND TRAINING (agenda

item 11.1)11.1.1 The Commission reviewed those activitiesrelated to specialized education and training in marinemeteorology and physical oceanography which hadtaken place during the inter-sessional period. Itexpressed its particular appreciation to Messrs S.Ragoonaden (Mauritius), vice-president of the formerCMM, and W. Appleby, chairperson of the WorkingGroup on Education, Training and ImplementationSupport, as well as to the members of the Group, fortheir efforts in support of JCOMM capacity building.The Commission agreed that, in general, the activitiesundertaken in that area had been particularly successful,especially with regard to the workshops and trainingseminars, which were considered of great value in stim-ulating and assisting in the further development ofmarine meteorological and oceanographic observingsystems and services in developing countries. TheCommission noted with pleasure that ThirteenthCongress had agreed that related workshops and semi-nars should continue in the future.11.1.2 The Commission agreed that the series ofinternational and regional seminars and workshops hadvery well achieved its purpose and that the new orienta-tion, namely, to plan and implement courses in morespecific subjects, corresponded well with national andregional requirements. In that context, the Commissionnoted in particular the second international workshopon wave analysis and forecasting (1997), the threeregional workshops for PMOs (1998, 1999, 2000), theMPERSS seminar and workshop (1998), the internation-al workshop on the remote sensing of sea ice (2000), theGLOSS training workshops (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000),and the workshops on an ocean data and informationnetwork for East Africa (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000). The

46 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Commission expressed its thanks to all Members/Member States which had hosted seminars, workshopsand training events during the inter-sessional period,including in particular Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile;Hong Kong, China; Kenya; Portugal; the RussianFederation; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; the UnitedKingdom; and the United States. The Commission notedwith appreciation that some workshops and relatedtraining events were already planned for the cominginter-sessional period, on topics such as wind wave andswell, and storm surge forecasting, the exploitation ofremote-sensing data, marine environmental prediction,and GLOSS.11.1.3 The Commission noted with appreciation thatGLOSS activities now included a large number of region-al projects and products and a range of internationaltraining courses and materials. The GLOSSImplementation Plan 1997 provided a review of activi-ties. Training on how to operate a tide gauge wasavailable as part of the IOC Manuals, accessed throughthe PSMSL training page, and a manual on how to oper-ate GPS at gauge sites was planned. The existing Manualswere also available in CD-ROM form from the PSMSL.Training courses and workshops on sea-level measure-ment and interpretation had been held at least annuallysince 1983 covering tide gauge installation, mainte-nance and operation; data reduction of sea-levelobservations; geodetic fixing of tide gauge benchmarks;uses of sea-level data in scientific analysis and practicalcoastal applications; and data exchange. Since 1993,emphasis had been given to training in computer-baseddata analysis with hands-on training sessions and to theapplication of the results to studies of regional and localprocesses and for practical purposes. Both paper andelectronic reports on GLOSS courses were available fromthe IOC Secretariat.11.1.4 The Commission was highly appreciative ofthe fellowships that had been awarded by WMO forstudies related specifically to marine meteorology andphysical oceanography, and noted that 12 such fellow-ships had been awarded during the past inter-sessionalperiod. The Commission expressed the hope that fel-lowships would continue to be awarded to applicants inthose fields. The Commission agreed that, in view of theincreasing difficulties in obtaining funding for trainingactivities from traditional sources, including the UnitedNations Development Programme and the WMO andIOC regular budgets, some new sources of fundingshould be investigated. The Task Team on Resources wastherefore requested to address the issue of funding fortraining as a priority. In addition, the Commission:(a) Noted with appreciation that several countries had

conducted a variety of both short-term and long-term training activities in marine meteorology,oceanography and related fields during the pastinter-sessional period, which were of direct supportto the work of JCOMM;

(b) Further noted with appreciation that several coun-tries were offering to host similar training activitiesduring the coming inter-sessional period;

(c) Noted with interest that the training projectEUROMET of the European Commission, availableon the Internet, might be further developed toinclude also marine meteorology and oceanography;

(d) That the WMO network of RMTCs might be betterexploited to extend specialist training in marinemeteorology and physical oceanography;

(e) That greater use of distance learning techniquesand facilities should be implemented to assist intraining activities relevant to JCOMM.

11.1.5 The Commission noted that the issue ofrevising the classification of meteorological personnelhad been raised several times in the past, in particularat Twelfth Congress in 1995. The Executive CouncilPanel of Experts on Education and Training hadthoroughly considered that matter in 1996 and 1998and had recommended a new classification, which wasapproved by the WMO Executive Council in 1998. Thenew classification was contained in Annex IV of theAbridged Final Report with Resolutions of the FiftiethSession of the Executive Council (WMO-No. 883). TheCouncil had further approved a proposal for therevision of the Guidelines for the Education and Trainingof Personnel in Meteorology and Operational Hydrology(WMO-No. 258).11.1.6 The Commission recognized that the need torevise the WMO classification and curricula arose notonly from important advancements in meteorology asan applied science and from the ongoing revolution ininformation technology, but also because the new eco-nomic, social and political patterns, evolving in manyparts of the world, were giving rise to new demands andchanges in many facets of the profession. It was likelythat the emerging approach of proven job competencies— clusters of knowledge, skills and attitudes — wouldeventually prevail over the traditional approach biasedtowards educational qualifications.11.1.7 In that context, the Commission noted that anEditorial Task Force, in cooperation with the Secretariatand after consultations and interactions with theExecutive Council Panel of Experts on Education andTraining, had produced a preliminary version of theGuidelines for the Education and Training of Personnel inMeteorology and Operational Hydrology, Fourth edition,Volume I, Meteorology. That had been circulated to allWMO Members on June 2000 for comments. That pre-liminary version, as well as a briefing note on its designand implementation, could be downloaded from theWMO Web page at http://www.wmo.ch, under theEducation and Training subpage. A final, consolidated,version taking into consideration the feedback fromMembers, was expected to be issued by the end of 2001.11.1.8 The Commission noted further that Chapter 8of that preliminary publication illustrated the job com-petency and relevant knowledge and skills required ofmeteorological personnel assigned to different branchesof activity or specialization. Experts from individualNMS, or other relevant institutions, had provided thoseexamples in response to specific requests from WMO.The entry on “Marine meteorology”, had been prepared

GENERAL SUMMARY 47

by Mr L. N. Karlin from the Russian State Hydrometeoro-logical University. The Commission requested theEducation, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group to arrange for that entry to bereviewed as a matter of urgency, with any comments andsuggestions to be passed to the WMO Secretariat byOctober 2001.11.1.9 The Commission noted with appreciation therenewed Capacity Building programme of IOC’s IODE,based upon the development of a standard data andinformation management training curriculum(OceanTeacher), providing to Member States an inte-grated capacity building package including training,equipment and operational support (see agenda items11.2 and 11.3, respectively).11.1.10 The Commission was informed about the IOIVirtual University Project. The goals of the Project wereto make high-quality postgraduate education in marineaffairs available to all countries and affordable. TheProject utilized the networked structure of the IOI with17 operational centres based at host organizations/institutions around the world.11.1.11 The IOI curriculum was focused on providing aMasters degree in marine affairs but also catered fortraining in specific subjects and delivery of professionaldevelopment courses. The IOI Virtual University coursescontained approaches and elements which directly con-cerned JCOMM activities. In addition, they coveredmany areas relevant to JCOMM users.11.1.12 The IOI also offered JCOMM its newly devel-oped platform for distant learning called KEWL(http://kewl.uwc.ac.za). That open source-code softwarefacilitated preparation and delivery of courses andoffered many other options for successful learner-cen-tred education. KEWL could contribute to JCOMMtraining in oceanography and marine meteorology.Furthermore, IOI-South Africa offered JCOMM a freecourse-hosting service.11.1.13 The Commission noted with appreciation theinformation provided on the IOI Virtual University andKEWL and thanked IOI for its kind offer. The Commissionrequested the Capacity Building Coordination Group toinvestigate ways and means to collaborate with IOI onthose matters.

11.2 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND IMPLEMENTATION

SUPPORT (agenda item 11.2)11.2.1 The Commission recognized that, if JCOMMwas to fulfil successfully its role as the internationalcoordination body for operational oceanography, it wasessential that all maritime Members/Member States be ina position both to contribute to, and benefit from, itswork. That applied equally to the operation of marineobserving systems, the receipt and management ofmarine data and the generation and delivery of productsand services. In that context, the capacity building com-ponent of the JCOMM work programme was of thehighest importance. The Commission noted with inter-est and appreciation that the interim ManagementCommittee had prepared, on behalf of the Commission,

a comprehensive Capacity Building Strategy for JCOMM,covering general principles, priorities and implementa-tion actions. That strategy was also designed to becomplementary to GOOS and other relevant marinecapacity building activities within WMO and IOC.Following extensive review, that full strategy documenthad been published as a JCOMM technical report.11.2.2 The Commission reviewed the ExecutiveSummary of the Capacity Building Strategy Document,which it agreed provided a useful summary of the gen-eral principles and main issues addressed by the strategy,as well as the priorities for future action. It thereforeformally adopted that Executive Summary, which is con-tained in Annex VI to this report.11.2.3 The Commission noted the opinion ofThirteenth Congress that continuing high priorityshould be given to assisting Members in the furtherimplementation of marine meteorological services,within the context of the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan.Such implementation support was normally providedthrough the WMO Technical Cooperation Programme,at the specific request of the Members concerned,although some limited activities (normally expert advi-sory missions) were also implemented through theimplementation support project of the MarineMeteorology Programme.11.2.4 The Commission recalled that the WMO VCPhad been established essentially to facilitate the globalimplementation of the WWW and that the programmecould also now be used to enhance both marine observ-ing systems and marine services. The Commission,therefore, urged maritime Members/Member States toconsider the possibilities of formulating appropriateVCP requests, in line with established procedures, as ameans of enhancing their marine observing systems insupport of the WWW, marine meteorological andoceanographic services, GCOS and GOOS. TheCommission noted that there were some pending VCPrequests and, therefore, urged possible donor Membersto provide, to the extent possible, assistance to theMembers which had formulated those requests. TheCommission recognized with appreciation the kind offerof Hong Kong, China to provide VCP support in marinemeteorology and Web-based information disseminationand training.11.2.5 The Commission recognized the value of inputand reports from regional rapporteurs to many aspectsof its work, including marine services, implementationsupport, and education and training. It recalled the valu-able role played by those rapporteurs within theWorking Group on Education, Training andImplementation Support of the former CMM. In reiter-ating the importance of its capacity building activities tothe success of the overall work of JCOMM and the fullimplementation of its programme, the Commissionagreed to establish an Education, Training and CapacityBuilding Coordination Group within the Education,Training and Capacity Building Programme Area toinclude input from the regional rapporteurs.Appropriate action was taken under agenda item 16.

48 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

11.2.6 The Commission was highly appreciative ofthe IODE OceanTeacher system, which consisted of twomodules: the IODE Resource Kit and the TrainingManual. The IODE Resource Kit contained a range ofmarine data and information management materialssuch as software tools, quality control and analysisstrategies, training manuals and relevant IOC docu-ments. The Kit was divided into three major sections:The IODE Data Centre system (what was a data centre,global programmes, science plans, data policy, referencelibrary); the data management systems (computer sys-tems database technology, metadata, data collection,quality control, the internet, GIS); and the data analysisand products (formats, data, software, classroom, dataproducts). The Training Manual was a collection of out-lines, notes, examples and other documents that wereused in conjunction with the Resource Kit to organizetraining activities such as training courses in marinedata and information management.11.2.7 The OceanTeacher system was available onCD-ROM and on-line at http://oceanteacher.org. The datamanagement modules were operational (and had beenused during three regional training programmes) and theinformation management modules would be available asfrom September 2001. Recognizing the importance of thesystem as a powerful and flexible capacity building tool,the IODE Committee, during its sixteenth session(Lisbon, October–November 2000) recommended theestablishment of the IODE Resource Kit Pilot Project. ThatPilot Project was supported by a Steering Group. The firstsession of the Steering Group was held in Miami in March2001 where the core development team was composed.The IODE work plan identified the necessary funding forthe further development and maintenance of theOceanTeacher system (2001–2003).11.2.8 The modular structure of the OceanTeachersystem allowed for the organization of training coursestargeted at different audiences. Furthermore, specificdata CDs, containing datasets relevant to the audience,were prepared for each training course. WhereasOceanTeacher was currently available in English only,the Pilot Project would also investigate the possibility toproduce OceanTeacher in other languages.11.2.9 The Commission welcomed the IODE’sOceanTeacher system, identifying it as an innovativeand flexible tool for data and information managementtraining. The Commission requested the CapacityBuilding Coordination Group to discuss with IODE thepossibility of expanding the scope of OceanTeacher tocater for JCOMM training requirements.

11.3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (agenda item 11.3)11.3.1 The Commission recalled that regional cooper-ative projects to enhance marine observing systems andservices had been recognized by the former CMM and byIOC as a very cost-effective approach to enhancingnational capacity as well as the delivery of marine dataand services. In that context, the Commission notedwith interest the progress made in the SEACAMP Projectof the ASEAN and WIOMAP countries.

11.3.2 The Commission recalled that the twelfth ses-sion of CMM had reviewed progress in SEACAMPdevelopment and had urged countries in the region andoutside to support and participate in its implementa-tion. It noted with interest that the ASEANSubcommittee on Meteorology and Geophysics hadcarefully reviewed the detailed project document anddecided that it should be divided into four separate, butlinked, modules to facilitate its consideration for fund-ing purposes. That modularization had been undertakenby the Singapore Meteorological Service (the individualmodules being for capacity building, communications,observations and SEACAMP), and the project resubmit-ted to the Subcommittee on Meteorology andGeophysics, which had recommended its formal accept-ance as an ASEAN project. The Commission reiteratedthe importance of the project, both to the countries con-cerned and as a pilot for similar cooperative projectselsewhere. It therefore once more urged Members/Member States to contribute actively to its rapid imple-mentation and offered to provide technical support andexpertise as required.11.3.3 The Commission further recalled that CMM-XIIhad also strongly encouraged the embryo proposal forthe development of WIOMAP. It therefore noted withappreciation that a first Implementation PlanningMeeting, Marine Services Project in Eastern and SouthernAfrica (Mauritius, May 1997), convened jointly by WMOand IOC, had agreed on requirements for the project anddeveloped objectives and a project outline and timetable.Subsequently, Mr S. Ragoonaden, vice-president of CMMand acting as WMO consultant, had undertaken a studymission to all countries potentially concerned in theproject and prepared a first draft project document basedon the results of his mission and the decisions of theplanning meeting. That document had then beenreviewed, both within WMO and IOC and by externalbodies and individuals, and revised on the basis of thosereviews, including a modularization similar to that forSEACAMP. At the same time, the project concept hadbeen submitted to, and endorsed by, several regionalbodies of both WMO and IOC, including RA I andIOCINCWIO. The finalized project document wouldshortly be submitted to the Permanent Representatives ofWMO and the Heads of Oceanographic Institutes con-cerned for approval, before final submission to variousfunding bodies for their consideration.11.3.4 The Commission noted with approval that theproject included, inter alia, plans for advanced trainingin marine meteorology and physical oceanography,based on advanced technology, computer-assisted learn-ing, video conferencing and the Internet, to bedistributed among regional educational institutions hav-ing some existing marine expertise. That advancedtraining concept also now encompassed the earlier pro-posal regarding long-term training in marinemeteorology and physical oceanography at the WMORMTC Nairobi. It further noted with interest that a relat-ed project was also under development to implement anarray of moored buoys in the equatorial Indian Ocean

GENERAL SUMMARY 49

(comparable to the existing TAO/TRITON and PIRATAarrays, respectively, in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans),to support global and regional climate studies and pre-diction. That second project was being developed underthe auspices in particular of CLIVAR, GCOS and GOOS.The Commission strongly supported both WIOMAP andthe moored buoy project and urged that they be final-ized and submitted for funding as soon as possible. Italso encouraged Members/Member States to be activelyinvolved in, and support, their implementation wher-ever possible.11.3.5 The Commission considered that many otherocean regions and subregions could well benefit fromsimilar cooperative projects. It therefore requested theCapacity Building Coordination Group to reviewrequirements for such projects and to assist in the devel-opment of detailed proposals, as appropriate. At thesame time, it recognized that regional GOOS activitiessuch as MedGOOS also contained strong capacity build-ing elements, including in areas such as oceanobservations and modelling, which could be of directbenefit to JCOMM capacity building. It thereforerequested the Capacity Building Coordination Group todevelop close links with all GOOS regional alliances,with a view to implementing mutually-supportivecapacity building projects.11.3.6 The Commission noted with appreciation thedevelopment of ODINAFRICA, whose main objectiveswere: (a) to provide assistance with the development ofNational Oceanographic Data Centres and InformationCentres, including infrastructure, and establish theirnetworking in Africa; (b) to provide training opportuni-ties in ocean data and information management,applying standard formats and methodologies asdefined by IODE; (c) to assist with the development andmaintenance of national, regional and Pan-Africanmetadata, information and data holding databases; and(d) to assist with the development of ocean data andinformation products responding to the needs of a widevariety of user groups using national and regional net-works. The ODINAFRICA applied the IODE CapacityBuilding Strategy linking training, equipment and oper-ational support, providing computer infrastructure,organizing training courses (and follow-up support) andproviding operational financial support (includingInternet access). The project would also undertake anAfrican Global Ocean Data Archaeology and Rescue sub-project focusing on rescuing and making available toAfrica, ocean data collected in Africa.11.3.7 The countries participating in the project wereBenin, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon,Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania,Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal,Seychelles, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia and the UnitedRepublic of Tanzania. ODINAFRICA, which would oper-ate between 2001 and 2004, was financially supportedby the Government of Flanders (Belgium), IOC and thecooperating Member States. The project proposal wasdeveloped by the Member States based upon the successof ODINEA, successfully implemented between 1998

and 2000 and leading to the establishment of sevenNational Oceanographic Centres or Designated NationalAgencies in the IOCINCWIO region. Following the suc-cess of the ODIN strategy in Africa, the IODECommittee, during its sixteenth session, recommendedthe development of ODINLAC.11.3.8 The Commission was informed that, in orderto ensure interaction with a broad range of user com-munities, the project maintained a Web site (http://idc.unesco.org/odinafrica) and published a newsletter(WINDOW). Furthermore, to serve users beyond the tra-ditional research community, ODINAFRICA hadestablished links with the Integrated Coastal AreaManagement community.11.3.9 The Commission expressed its appreciation forthe ODINAFRICA project, that could serve as an opera-tional model for JCOMM regional capacity buildingefforts and was compliant with the JCOMM CapacityBuilding Strategy. The Commission requested theCapacity Building Coordination Group to investigatewith IODE the possibilities of using the ODINAFRICA(and other existing or planned ODIN) network as amechanism for relevant aspects of JCOMM regionalcapacity building.

11.4 RESOURCES (agenda item 11.4)The Commission recognized that the resources

to support capacity building activities relevant to thework of JCOMM had traditionally come through the reg-ular budgets of WMO and IOC, through the VCP of thetwo Organizations, and from external funding agencies,both national and international (United NationsDevelopment Programme, Global Environment Facility,World Bank). It noted that some extra impetus hadrecently been given to funding possibilities for marineobserving systems through the COP of the UNFCCC. Atthe same time, the Commission agreed that it wasbecoming more difficult to secure funds from those tra-ditional sources for the development of operationalmarine capabilities and that new sources and ways offunding such development therefore had to be identi-fied, including from commerce and industry and otherprivate sector sources. The Commission therefore agreedon the value of establishing a special Task Team onResources, within the Capacity Building ProgrammeArea, specifically to work with representatives of poten-tial sources of JCOMM capacity building fundingsupport, to identify and secure such support. Specificaction in that regard was taken under agenda item 16.

12. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PROGRAMMES/BODIES OF WMO AND IOC (agenda item 12)

12.1 GLOBAL OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM AND

GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM

(agenda item 12.1)

GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM

12.1.1 The Commission was pleased to note the solidprogress in planning and implementing an oceanobserving system for climate under the guidance of the

50 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

GCOS/GOOS/WCRP OOPC. It recalled in particular, asnoted already under agenda item 5.1, the positive resultsof the OceanObs Conference (St Raphaël, France,October 1999), in reaching a consensus on the optimummix of measurements needed for ocean observationsand in furthering their implementation. It further notedthe excellent cooperation that existed among GCOS,GOOS, WWW and WCRP in that regard and encouragedits continuation.12.1.2 The Commission noted the participation ofGCOS and GOOS in the IGOS and the development ofthe IGOS Oceans Theme Report, which presented astrategy for implementation of satellite and comple-mentary in situ observations.12.1.3 The Commission noted with appreciation thecooperation that existed between OOPC and AOPC on anumber of topics of direct concern to JCOMM, includ-ing improvement in sea-surface temperature products,especially in the vicinity of the ice edge in the polarregions. It supported the continuing development ofclose interactions with AOPC, in particular regarding theintegration of the VOS, SOOP and ASAP and relatedinitiatives.12.1.4 The Commission noted the request of the fifty-second session of the WMO Executive Council for thepresidents of technical commissions, in particular CAS,CBS, CCl and JCOMM, to strengthen the cooperationbetween GCOS and their respective technical commis-sions. It stressed the importance of developing concreteactions between JCOMM and GCOS, and supported theinitiative already taken by the chairperson of the GCOSSteering Committee and the co-president of JCOMM inthat regard.12.1.5 The Commission welcomed the request of theGCOS Steering Committee for the OOPC to work closelywith JCOMM to ensure the satisfactory integration of thevarious elements of the ocean observing system for cli-mate. It reiterated its agreement, expressed under agendaitem 5.1, that the OOPC was a primary advisory bodywith regard to defining the requirements for ocean obser-vations for climate and the related physical oceanenvironment. It also noted the action by the GCOSSteering Committee to have the GOOS and GCOSSecretariats, in consultation with the OOPC, develop ajoint paper defining precisely which components ofGOOS constituted the ocean elements of the GCOSNetworks. The Commission reiterated the importance ofthe recommendation from the GCOS SteeringCommittee that OOPC, in collaboration with the GOOSand GCOS Secretariats, agree on a set of performancemetrics for ocean measurements for climate which couldbe used to grade the performance of the networks for pur-poses of, inter alia, providing reliable information to COPand SBSTA. It recommended that the planned JCOM-MOPS Centre be consulted in that regard to ensure thatrelated monitoring, coordinated by JCOMMOPS, wasconsistent with the performance metrics of the oceanobserving system for climate developed by GCOS.12.1.6 The Commission recognized the importantwork that the GCOS Secretariat had done with the

UNFCCC COP and its SBSTA. It urged members of theCommission to be actively involved within their coun-tries in preparing detailed reports on systematicobservation networks to the UNFCCC to ensure that theinterests of JCOMM were represented in those reports.The Commission also recognized the importance ofmaking known the needs and deficiencies in globalocean observations for climate. It agreed to work withthe GCOS Secretariat in developing data, analyses andmetrics that would indicate the performance of theoperational ocean observing system that was relevantfor climate and could be reported to the COP and itsSBSTA.12.1.7 The Commission supported the resolutionsfrom the fifty-second session of the WMO ExecutiveCouncil and IOC EC-XXXIII that requested the GCOSSecretariat to organize, in consultation with relevantinternational and regional bodies, regional workshopson improving observing systems for climate and to assistMembers, especially developing countries, in the prepa-ration of implementation plans to improve theirobserving systems for climate. It requested that theGCOS Secretariat work with the GOOS and JCOMMSecretariats in organizing regional workshops so thatocean observations and related services were included tothe extent possible.

GLOBAL OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM

12.1.8 The Commission noted with appreciation theconsiderable progress in the development of GOOS dur-ing the last few years, expressed, inter alia, throughvarious publications such as The Strategic Plan andPrinciples for the Global Ocean Observing System; theGlobal Ocean Observing System 1998 — A Prospectus, etc.,and the GOOS Web site (http://ioc.unesco.org/goos). Itnoted that the IOC Assembly had acknowledged thatprogress, in particular in its Resolution XX-7 — TheGlobal Ocean Observing System, in which the Assembly,inter alia, agreed “that the concept of GOOS as definedin the aforementioned publications was a realistic andachievable means of combining and enhancing themarine observing systems of the world into an inte-grated, operationally functioning system”. TheResolution further specified “that GOOS should providethe infrastructure necessary to assess the present andforecast the future states of seas and oceans and their liv-ing resources, in support of their sustainable use, as wellas to contribute to the prediction of climate change andvariability.”12.1.9 The Commission noted further that the GOOShad progressed from planning to implementation. Manyobservational elements of GOOS already existed andmany of those would be managed by JCOMM (includingSOOP, VOS, TAO, GLOSS, DBCP). The GOOS also includ-ed pilot projects such as GODAE, Argo and PIRATA, aswell as regional programmes such as NEAR-GOOS andEuroGOOS.12.1.10 The Commission noted that much progresswithin the GOOS was related to climate issues, both atthe planning and implementation levels, as already

GENERAL SUMMARY 51

described under agenda item 5.1 and general summaryparagraphs 12.1.1 through 12.1.7. In that connection, itespecially welcomed the publication Global PhysicalOcean Observations for GOOS and GCOS: An Action Plan forExisting Bodies and Mechanisms (GOOS Publication No.66, GCOS Publication No. 51). That Action Plan placedprimary responsibility on JCOMM as the implementa-tion mechanism for such observations (as confirmedlater also by the OceanObs99 Conference held in StRaphaël, France in October 1999). The Commissionnoted that the Action Plan was available on the Web inHTML format at http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/docs/GOOS_066_act_pl.htm.12.1.11 The Commission noted with interest, newdevelopments in GOOS planning and in particular themerging of the previous Coastal, Health of the Oceanand Living Marine Resources Module Panels into a sin-gle COOP. COOP was designed to plan and facilitateimplementation of an end-to-end observing system toprovide systematic datasets and products to users. Itsgoals were to monitor, assess, and predict effects of nat-ural variations and human activities on the marineenvironment and ecosystems of the coastal ocean. Itwould focus principally on issues of ecosystem (includ-ing human) health, living marine resources, naturalhazards, and safe and efficient marine operations. It wasnot intended that “coastal” be limited by specific geo-graphic boundaries. Although the emphasis would beon coastal ecosystems (e.g., estuaries, bays, sounds,fjords, open waters of the continental shelf), boundariesshould be determined by the problems being addressedand the products that were to be produced. Thus, thebroad area of concern extended from semi-enclosed sys-tems in the coastal zone to the continental shelf andthe deep ocean, as required, to provide products rele-vant to the issues listed above. COOP and the OOPCwere committed to close collaboration in areas of com-mon interest.12.1.12 The Commission noted with interest that theCOOP was charged with developing an IntegratedStrategic Design Plan for the coastal component of theGOOS. It was expected that the design would be com-pleted in 2001, to be followed by an initial Plan forImplementation to be completed by the end of 2002. Itwas desirable that COOP and JCOMM collaborate in thedevelopment of the Implementation Plan, so as to devel-op agreements on the mechanisms to be used for thecoordinated implementation of the coastal componentof GOOS.12.1.13 The Commission recognized that the observ-ing system being developed by COOP for coastal seas aspart of GOOS would encompass a broad range of vari-ables. At the present point in time, it was clear thatmany of them would be physical variables. Since a num-ber of its present activities, for instance in the context ofthe GMDSS or MPERSS, were directly related to COOPgoals, it should be possible to accommodate those vari-ables within the overall work programme of JCOMM.The Commission recognized that implementation of thecoastal component of GOOS would be by national and

regional bodies. In general, those same nations andregions would be involved, through JCOMM, in thecoordinated implementation of the climate and marineservices component of GOOS. In that context, theCommission noted and agreed with the recom-mendation of COOP that, with the properrepresentation and structure, JCOMM could incorporatethe coordinated implementation of the physical compo-nents of the coastal component of GOOS into its workprogramme.12.1.14 The Commission observed that some of thevariables required for implementation of the coastalcomponent of GOOS would be non-physical, largelychemical and/or biological. As the COOP Implemen-tation Plan emerged, the Commission would have toconsider the extent to which those variables could beaccommodated within the overall work programme ofJCOMM.12.1.15 In that context, the Commission noted thatvarious national or regional bodies had already imple-mented mechanisms for the collection and managementof non-physical data, or were currently working outtechnical issues regarding the operationalization ofresearch measurements on such variables. Those exter-nal developments would have to be taken intoconsideration in any future decisions regarding theextent to which JCOMM was required to assist in theimplementation of programmes of observation of non-physical variables.12.1.16 Bearing those various points in mind, theCommission agreed that it should work inter-sessionally,as requested, to prepare for, and contribute to, imple-mentation of the coastal component of GOOS,considering, as appropriate, the inclusion of requirednon-physical measurements, products and services. TheCommission recommended the appointment of a rap-porteur to develop a position paper on the strategy thatJCOMM should adopt for new activities beyond those inthe present work programme and, in particular, those ofthe GOOS COOP and other non-physical requirements.The rapporteur would be asked to:(a) Liaise, considering the statement of requirements

from COOP, with the COOP Panel Co-chairpersonsand the GOOS Secretariat to develop a positionwith respect to GOOS coastal requirements;

(b) Identify, based on input from members, any otheremerging areas;

(c) Consider ramifications for all programme areas;(d) Suggest guidelines for handling interfaces to multi-

disciplinary regional programmes;(e) Consider the process of transitioning potential sys-

tems from regional activities and/or pilot activitiesinto JCOMM.

The position paper would be provided to theManagement Committee at its first meeting for consid-eration and action. The Commission noted thecomplexity of that issue and that the ManagementCommittee might consider that the issues warranted thecreation of a task team to develop practical proceduresfor the future.

52 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

12.2 OTHER WMO AND JOINT WMO/IOCPROGRAMMES (agenda item 12.2)

JOINT GROUP OF EXPERTS ON THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

12.2.1 The Commission noted with interest the infor-mation provided on activities of the IMO/FAO/UNESCO-IOC/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP GESAMPwhich, when needed, could be requested to provideadvice on various multi-disciplinary issues related to themarine environment. The WMO and IOC Secretariatswere requested by the Commission to keep it informedabout the presently conducted GESAMP evaluationprocess and consequent decisions of the GESAMP spon-soring organizations and the CSD with regard to thefuture role and activities of that inter-agency group.

WORLD CLIMATE PROGRAMME

12.2.2 The Commission recalled that the WCP hadprovided information at the eighth session of theSubgroup on Marine Climatology (Asheville, NorthCarolina, 10–14 April 2000) regarding the status of thework of CCl to update the WMO Guide to ClimatologicalPractices (WMO-No. 100). The Subgroup, in its finalreport, had proposed that two new sections be added toPart II of the Guide, devoted to the topics of spatial sta-tistical techniques and statistical or diagnostictechniques. It further expressed the need, in relevantsections of Part I, for inclusion of information on marinedata, marine metadata and marine activities, respective-ly. The Commission agreed that it should assign expertsto assist CCl in preparing appropriate sections of itsrevised Guide to Climatological Practices that dealt withthe recording, processing and archiving of marine cli-mate data. It requested the co-presidents, inconsultation with the chairpersons of the DataManagement Coordination Group, the Expert Team onMarine Climatology and the Secretary-General of WMO,to identify appropriate experts for that task.12.2.3 The Commission noted that the meeting ofthe CCl Advisory Working Group (Reading, UnitedKingdom, 3–7 April 2000) had recognized the impor-tance of ocean processes in driving the climate systemand had stressed the need for the meteorological andoceanographic communities to continue to worktogether. CCl was currently working with other WMOCommissions in developing the global and regionalinfrastructure for climate services, including predic-tion, notably through the Climate Information andPrediction Services Project. It was agreed that CClshould also work more closely with JCOMM in ensur-ing that the relevant outputs of emerging operationalprogrammes in oceanography were fully integratedinto proposals. The CCl Advisory Working Group haddecided that the scientific and technical conference tobe held immediately prior to the thirteenth session ofCCl (Geneva, 19–30 November 2001) should give spe-cial attention to that subject. The Commission agreedon the desirability of JCOMM to provide contributory

support and requested the Data ManagementCoordination Group to coordinate with the appropri-ate CCl subsidiary body, with a view to arranging forsuch a contribution.

COMMISSION FOR BASIC SYSTEMS

DISCONTINUATION OF HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO BROADCASTS

12.2.4 The Commission was informed that theextraordinary session of CBS (Karlsruhe, 1998) hadnoted that several WMO Members had already discon-tinued the operation of high frequency broadcasts,which had high recurrent operational costs and a limit-ed efficiency, in some instances replacing them bysatellite distribution systems. CBS had noted that theremight still be requirements to continue high frequencybroadcasts in some areas and stressed the importance ofassessing at the regional level the remaining require-ments and the importance of considering alternativemeans to satisfy those requirements. It had noted thatthe maritime community (ships) had still some require-ments to receive products by high frequency broadcasts.CBS had considered that alternative means, such as theuse of Inmarsat distribution systems within the frame-work of the GMDSS, or direct access to databases, shouldbe considered to distribute products to ships. It had con-sidered further that the former CMM was in the bestposition to determine the requirements of the maritimecommunity in that respect and to identify the mostappropriate systems to meet them.12.2.5 The Commission was further informed that thetwelfth session of WMO Regional Association II (Seoul,19–27 September 2000) had underlined the high finan-cial burden of the operation of high frequency radiobroadcasts for the Regional Telecommunication Hubsconcerned and the limited efficiency. Each Global Data-processing System Centre in the Region was located inthe area of coverage of one or several satellite data-distribution systems, and the implementation ofsatellite-receiving systems in GTS centres had significant-ly progressed during the last years. The Association hadnoted that the survey on the requirements for high fre-quency broadcasts and alternative means showed thatonly a few RA II Members expressed remaining require-ments for such broadcasts. The Association had agreedthat the discontinuation of the high frequency radiobroadcasts should be planned for the near future. It hadnoted that there were still some requirements for highfrequency broadcasts from the marine community, andconcurred with CBS-Ext.(98) that alternative meansshould be considered to distribute products to ships, suchas Inmarsat data-distribution systems within the frame-work of the GMDSS or direct ships’ access to databases.The Association had again agreed that JCOMM was inthe best position to determine the relevant requirementsof the maritime community and to identify the mostappropriate systems to meet them. The Association hadinvited JCOMM to keep the RA II Working Group onPlanning and Implementation of the WWW informed of

GENERAL SUMMARY 53

the results of its action in that respect and had requestedthe Working Group to plan the discontinuation ofRegion II high frequency radio broadcasts.12.2.6 The Commission recalled that it had also dis-cussed that issue under agenda item 7.4. It recognizedthat the implementation of the project for the trans-mission of graphical information to shipping throughInmarsat-C, as a part of SafetyNET and a component ofthe GMDSS, would largely eliminate the requirementfor high frequency radio-facsimile broadcasts. It there-fore urged that that project should be completed assoon as possible. At the same time, the Commissionrequested the Expert Team on Maritime Safety Servicesto ascertain the remaining requirements of the mar-itime community regarding the continuance of highfrequency radio broadcasts and to provide that infor-mation, through the WMO Secretariat, to futuresessions of both CBS and RA II.

GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM

12.2.7 The Commission noted with interest that theCBS Expert Team on Observational Data Requirementsand Redesign of the Global Observing System had con-sidered some proposals for the redesign of the marinepart of the GOS on the basis of input provided byJCOMM. It further noted that CBS had expressed itspleasure that JCOMM would use the Rolling ReviewRequirements process in developing a statement on howwell the requirements of WMO Programmes would bemet by present and planned marine surface and remote-sensing observing systems.12.2.8 The Commission agreed that it was essential tomaintain very close interaction in the future betweenCBS and JCOMM. In discussing how such interactionmight be effected, the Commission recognized theimportance of coordinating programme implementa-tion with CBS at the regional/ocean basin levels. In thatcontext, the Commission agreed that there should bemuch closer interaction and coordination between theWMO Regional Rapporteurs on the GOS and those onMarine Meteorological Services.

COMMISSION FOR INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF

OBSERVATION

12.2.9 The Commission recalled that, when dis-cussing SOOP activities under agenda item 8.1, andfollowing from the report of the chairperson of theSOOPIP, it had recognized the need for the evaluation ofthe performance characteristics of not yet well testedand of new oceanographic instrumentation, under fieldconditions. It noted that, under the auspices of CIMO,several instrument intercomparisons of meteorologicalinstrumentation had already successfully been carriedout with similar objectives and that comprehensiveexperience had thus been obtained in that field of com-mon concern. In that context, the Commission notedespecially the relevant guidelines for organizing and per-forming such tests, as contained in the Guide to

Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observations(WMO-No. 8). The Commission recognized that CIMOmight therefore be consulted for the provision of sup-port in organizing required evaluation tests.12.2.10 The Commission agreed that action should betaken to establish procedures for evaluating and possiblyaccrediting instrumentation and practices to be usedoperationally by various ocean observing system com-ponents, including SOOP. It recognized that suchprocedures would be neither simple nor inexpensive toestablish, but nevertheless agreed that that should beconsidered as a priority issue for JCOMM. TheCommission noted in that context the experiencealready obtained through the operation of WMO RICs,established, among other things, for the calibration andcertification of national standard instruments. SuchRICs were already available within all WMO Regions,under the auspices of CIMO (see also the CIMO Guide).The Commission therefore agreed that CIMO should beconsulted, in order to take advantage of experienceobtained with the operation of those RICs, before devel-oping any concrete proposals regarding similar JCOMMprocedures. It requested the Observations CoordinationGroup to undertake such a consultation, with a view topreparing a more detailed proposal for JCOMM instru-ment evaluation and intercomparison procedures, forconsideration by the Management Committee.12.2.11 In recalling the importance of the need forincreased quality of upper-air observations obtainedthrough ASAP, the Commission noted with interest thatWMO had undertaken, through CIMO and under tropi-cal conditions, an Intercomparison of GPS Radiosondes(Brazil, May/June 2001). It invited CIMO to provideinformation to the Ship Observations Team and theASAP Panel on the results of that intercomparison.

12.3 OTHER IOC PROGRAMMES (agenda item 12.3)

THE INTERNATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA AND

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

12.3.1 The Commission recognized that, in the past,IODE had been a very close partner of IGOSS. It there-fore welcomed the conclusions of the IOC Committeefor IODE, at its sixteenth session (Lisbon, 31 October–8 November 2000) that, from the IODE perspective, aconstructive relationship should be established betweenIODE and JCOMM (in that regard reference was made toagenda item 16 where the Commission had includedIODE in the membership of the JCOMM ManagementCommittee). The Commission recognized there weremany practical domains for cooperation betweenJCOMM and IODE and that those should be explored bythe Data Management Coordination Group and IODE.Initial cooperation with IODE could focus on, inter alia,the GTSPP (which had already been dealt with underagenda item 7.2); the management and final archival ofrelevant delayed-mode ocean data, on the metadatadirectory system for the tracking and location of marinedata (MEDI) (see general summary paragraph 12.3.3), on

54 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

the development of a marine XML (see agenda item 7.4)and on capacity building (see agenda item 11).12.3.2 The Commission noted the recommendationof the IODE Committee that JCOMM use the IODE datanetworks for the management and final archival ofrelevant delayed-mode ocean data. It further noted thatsuch had been the IGOSS policy in the past and agreedthat the establishment of JCOMM should not introducesignificant changes in that policy. The Commission, atthe same time, recalled the role of the MCSS in the inter-national delayed-mode exchange and final archival ofmeteorological data (see agenda item 7.1). A generaltrend for the future was the integration of marine mete-orological and oceanographic data and services, anddata management was often the key to such integration.It therefore requested the Data ManagementCoordination Group to study the feasibility of, and pos-sibilities for, such integration in close cooperation withIODE, GOOS, CBS and CCl.12.3.3 Regarding the tracking and location of marinedata, the Commission noted with satisfaction the suc-cessful development by IODE experts of MEDI, adirectory system for marine related datasets and datainventories. Following the encouraging success of theMEDI Pilot Project and software, the sixteenth session ofIODE (Oostende, Belgium, 23–27 April 2001) had estab-lished the MEDI Programme and its Steering Group. Incooperation with NASA/GCMD the Programme contin-ued the development of a user-friendly, yet sophisticatedMEDI software and was now preparing a Web-enabledversion that would be available by August 2001. Thatversion would strengthen the drive of IODE towards adecentralized data centre structure widening the scopeof coverage as well as the range of users of IODE. TheCommission further noted that the GOOS SteeringCommittee, at its third session (Paris, May 2000) hadalso welcomed the software and requested that it be usedfor GOOS data and information management. TheCommission therefore requested the Data ManagementCoordination Group to review the status and capabilitiesof the software and make appropriate recommendationsregarding its usage.

THE INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION GROUP FOR THE

TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM IN THE PACIFIC AND OTHER

TSUNAMI WARNING ACTIVITIES

12.3.4 The Commission noted that the tsunamiwarning system was identified in the IDNDR publica-tions as being one of the few existing operationaldisaster-warning systems. By its very nature, it had somelinkage with JCOMM activities. On the other hand, theCommission recognized that the work of ITSU was of ahighly specialized nature and that it should not, a priori,interfere with an activity of that nature that was self-sustained and successful. The Commission agreedtherefore to establish firstly contact with the ITSU com-munity (e.g. through the Secretariat report to the nextITSU session, or some equivalent means). Followingsuch contact and feedback from ITSU, it would then, atits next session, review the possibility of further

cooperation, if required or desired (for instance, if theproject of Intra-Americas Sea Tsunami Warning SystemEducation, Warning, Management and Researchdeveloped).12.3.5 The Commission noted that tsunami hazardsexisted in areas other than the Pacific, such as the IndianOcean, affecting, inter alia, Western Australia andIndonesia, but that no tsunami warning systems existedfor such regions. The Commission therefore recom-mended to the IOC to consider the establishment of anIndian Ocean counterpart of ITSU.

IOC OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA EXCHANGE POLICY

12.3.6 The Commission recalled that WMOResolution 40 (Cg-XII) — WMO policy and practice forthe exchange of meteorological and related data andproducts including guidelines on relationships in com-mercial meteorological activities, included in Annex 1“…all available in situ observations from the marineenvironment, e.g. data in SHIP, BUOY, BATHY, TESACcodes, etc.” as being data to be exchanged withoutcharge and with no conditions on use. The fifty-secondsession of the WMO Executive Council reaffirmed that“..that was of vital importance to Members, in particularin the context of maritime safety services and the oper-ation of coupled atmosphere/ocean models” (AbridgedFinal Report with Resolutions of the Fifty-second Session ofthe Executive Council, WMO-No. 915, general summaryparagraph 11.3.10). The Commission further recalledthat an IOC Statement on Ocean Data Management forGlobal Science Programmes was developed by the IOCCommittee on IODE at its fourteenth session in 1992,and was approved by the seventeenth session of the IOCAssembly in February–March 1993.12.3.7 The Commission noted that the fourth sessionof the Intergovernmental Committee for GOOS (Paris,June 1999) and subsequently the twentieth session ofthe IOC Assembly (Paris, July 1999) had recognized thatthe advent of operational oceanography, manifest inparticular through GOOS and JCOMM, was neces-sitating new technical arrangements regarding data andinformation exchange. Coupled with a range of existinginternational agreements and policies regarding oceano-graphic data exchange (including WMO Resolution 40(Cg-XII)) had led, in turn, to a recognition by theAssembly of the need to review the IOC data exchangepolicy, in particular with regard to operational oceano-graphic data exchange. To that end, the Assembly hadestablished an ad hoc group to review existing agree-ments and practices and to make appropriate proposalson the subject to the next session of the Assembly.12.3.8 That ad hoc group met in Paris in May 2000.Participants in the meeting included the two interim co-presidents of JCOMM. The group concluded that issuesof data commercialization were very complex and need-ed to be discussed among Member States. Although thegroup was unable to reach consensus on a new IOC dataexchange policy, it brought together a substantialamount of information to aid the decision-makingprocess of the IOC governing bodies. The thirty-third

GENERAL SUMMARY 55

session of the IOC Executive Council (Paris, July 2000)reviewed the work and conclusions of the ad hoc groupand concluded that the matter now required the atten-tion of an intergovernmental working group, composedof representatives from Member States of the IOCExecutive Council. The Executive Council had furtherelected Mr A. McEwan as chairperson of the group.12.3.9 The Commission further noted that the six-teenth session of IOC/IODE (Lisbon, November 2000)had reviewed developments regarding IOC oceano-graphic data exchange policy. It had recognized that itsrole, as agreed by the IOC Executive Council, was toexamine the impacts that a change in the current IOCdata exchange policy would have on marine science pro-grammes and particularly how those changes mightaffect developing countries. IODE-XVI had adoptedRecommendation IODE-XVI.5 on that subject.12.3.10 The Commission noted with interest theresults of the first session of the IntergovernmentalWorking Group on IOC Oceanographic Data ExchangePolicy that was held in Brussels on 29–31 May 2001 andwas attended by 21 Member States, as well as observersfrom ESA, the European Union, ICSU, IODE, SCOR andWMO. The Working Group was chaired byMr A. McEwan. During its three days of deliberations theGroup reviewed the results of the Ad Hoc Group ofExperts (2000), the discussions held during the thirty-third session of the IOC Executive Council and thesixteenth session of the IOC Committee on IODE, andhad been informed on the status of implementation ofWMO Resolutions 40 (Cg-XII) — WMO policy and prac-tice for the exchange of meteorological and related dataand products including guidelines on relationships incommercial meteorological activities, and 25 (Cg-XIII)— Exchange of hydrological data and products, as wellas on the view of ICSU on data exchange policy.Participating Member States had also been given theopportunity to inform the Meeting on national policies.Although the Intergovernmental Working Group hadnot been able to complete the tasks assigned to it by theIOC Executive Council, it reached consensus on a state-ment to be presented at the twenty-first session of theIOC Assembly, entitled ‘Towards an IOC oceanographicdata exchange policy’, in which it listed eight elementsto be adopted as a basis on which the oceanographicdata exchange and archival policy of the IOC would beformulated at a second session of the working group.12.3.11 The Commission recognized that the estab-lishment of an IOC policy and practice for theinternational exchange of oceanographic data and prod-ucts was a matter for the IOC Governing Bodies, takinginto account also the WMO policy and practice relatingto meteorological and related data and products asexpressed in WMO Resolution 40 (Cg-XII). At the sametime, it agreed that whatever policy and practice waseventually adopted it would be of considerable signifi-cance for its own work in operational oceanography andmarine meteorology. The Commission wished the IOCand its Intergovernmental Working Group success in itsfurther deliberations on that matter.

13. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

AND BODIES (agenda item 13)13.1 UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM AGENCIES (INTER-

SECRETARIAT COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFIC

PROGRAMMES RELATING TO OCEANOGRAPHY,ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON

COORDINATION/SUBCOMMITTEE ON OCEANS AND

COASTAL AREAS) (agenda item 13.1)13.1.1 The Commission recalled that the importantand extensive bilateral and multilateral cooperation andjoint activities involving WMO/IOC and IMO, UNEPand FAO, in particular, had been reviewed under appro-priate technical agenda items. Under the present agendaitem, the Commission therefore reviewed other mattersof interest which involved mutual cooperation amongWMO/IOC, the United Nations and other specializedUnited Nations agencies with major marine interests.Those included marine environmental protection, datamanagement and aspects of UNCLOS. The Commissionnoted that many activities on those and similar topicshad been previously coordinated through ICSPRO. Inmore recent years, that coordination had been effectedthrough the more broadly-based ACC/SOCA. TheExecutive Secretary IOC was the chairperson of SOCA,for which IOC also provided the Secretariat. TheCommission recalled that, under the terms of theICSPRO Agreement, WMO continued to support thework of IOC, through the secondment of a professionalofficer to the IOC Secretariat and the provision of secre-tarial assistance. It agreed that that support clearlydemonstrated the importance which WMO placed on itsjoint activities with IOC, including, in particular, nowthose under JCOMM. It therefore recommended to theWMO Congress and the Executive Council that thatsupport should be continued. More generally, withregard to ICSPRO, the Commission recognized that ithad a coordinating and implementing role amongUnited Nations agencies with major marine interestscomplementary to that of SOCA and it, therefore, sup-ported its continuation, with appropriately modifiedterms of reference.13.1.2 The Commission noted and supported themajor contributions which IOC and WMO were makingto the work of SOCA. In addition to the lead role ofSOCA in reporting on UNCED follow-up, as notedbelow, that included, in particular, the development ofthe United Nations Atlas of the Ocean, for which SOCAwas providing inter-agency oversight. FAO was takingthe lead role in that work, with funding support beingprovided by the Turner Foundation and in-kind supportfrom participating agencies. Both IOC and WMO hadconcluded formal agreements with FAO concerningtheir participation in, and contributions to, the project.The Commission recalled that the Atlas was to be largelyWeb-based and should contain information, data, prod-ucts and analyses produced under contributing agencyprogrammes. The Atlas came on-line in 2001 and wasbeing progressively developed as information becameavailable. It could be accessed through both the IOC andWMO Web sites. The Commission recognized the value

56 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

of the Atlas and strongly recommended to Members/Member States to contribute products to the Atlas if sorequested.13.1.3 The Commission recalled that UNCLOS hadcome into force on 16 November 1994 and that IOC hadbeen formally recognized under the Convention as acompetent international organization, in particular withregard to marine scientific research. The Commissionreiterated the importance of maintaining, within thecontext of UNCLOS and free of any impediment, rou-tine marine monitoring programmes, and emphasizedonce more:(a) The indispensable nature of routine marine mete-

orological and oceanographic observations,including from the Exclusive Economic Zone andterritorial sea, inter alia, to the provision of servic-es in support of the safety of life at sea and toglobal climate studies;

(b) The fact that those observations were made in thecontext of agreed operational systems and pro-grammes of WMO and IOC and that they werefreely exchanged among, and of general benefit to,all countries.

13.1.4 The Commission noted a specific problem,which was possibly in the domain of competence ofUNCLOS, namely that of vandalism on unmannedequipment at sea. It recalled that the IOC ExecutiveCouncil had already adopted Resolution EC-XXXI.4 —IOC support of efforts to reduce vandalism of oceano-graphic equipment at sea. That Resolution, inter alia,encouraged “appropriate action by the competent inter-national organizations, taking into account the relevantprovisions of the United Nations Convention on the Lawof the Sea, as well as national legislation of MemberStates on unattended equipment in their respectiveExclusive Economic Zones and international waters”.The problem had also been recognized by the DBCP at itsfifteenth session and was obviously a complex globalissue, deserving specific attention. The Commissiontherefore requested its Observations Coordination Groupto keep the matter under close review and to suggest pos-sible remedial actions, as and when feasible (see alsoagenda item 8.2 and Recommendation 4 (JCOMM-I).

13.2 UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT

AND DEVELOPMENT FOLLOW-UP, COMMISSION ON

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THE

CONVENTIONS (agenda item 13.2)13.2.1 The Commission noted that the CSD wascharged, inter alia, with overseeing the follow-up to, andimplementation of, Agenda 21, adopted at UNCED (Riode Janeiro, 1992), including in particular Chapter 17 —Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, includingenclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas andthe protection, rational use and development of theirliving resources — on oceans and coastal areas. In thatcontext, one of the major tasks of SOCA was coordinat-ing the implementation of Chapter 17 and reporting onthat to CSD. The CSD undertook a major review ofoceans at its session in 1998, for which SOCA provided

the substantive documentation. Subsequently, SOCAwas now also coordinating input relating to Chapter 17for the major review of UNCED implementation whichwas to be undertaken by the United Nations in 2002(Rio+10).13.2.2 The Commission was informed that theUnited Nations General Assembly had establishedUNICPOLOS, to facilitate the review by the Assembly ofdevelopments in ocean affairs, with an emphasis onidentifying areas where coordination at the intergovern-mental and inter-agency level could be enhanced.Meetings of UNICPOLOS had been held in May 2000and April 2001, with IOC and WMO being representedat both those meetings. The Commission agreed on theimportance of such representation, in particular in facil-itating a wider recognition of the major roles played byboth Organizations in ocean affairs, as well as in thehigh level of cooperation exercised in fulfilling thoseroles. It therefore strongly supported the continuingsubstantive involvement of IOC and WMO in SOCA,UNICPOLOS and related matters.13.2.3 The Commission recalled that in conjunctionwith UNCED a number of conventions had been adopt-ed, including in particular UNFCCC and theConvention on Biodiversity. Implementation of theUNFCCC was undertaken through COP, and theCommission was informed that both WMO and IOChad been active in providing technical input and adviceto COP, inter alia through GCOS and GOOS. That activityhad met with some success, as COP had now explicitlyrecognized the need to enhance ocean monitoring forclimate, and requested the Global Environment Facilityto assist developing countries in that regard. As request-ed by COP, GCOS had continued to provide statusreports on, inter alia, in situ ocean observing networks aswell as guidance to countries on national reports relat-ing to the implementation of COP decisions. Thosestatus reports were based to a large extent on data andmonitoring statistics provided by JCOMM subsidiaryand reporting bodies. The Commission recognized theimportance of the COP decisions regarding ocean mon-itoring for climate. It urged Members/MemberStates to make maximum use of those when seeking thefunding required to enhance climate-related marineobserving systems. It also requested the Secretariats toprovide assistance to countries, as required, in develop-ing plans and funding proposals related to suchenhancements.

13.3 INTEGRATED GLOBAL OBSERVING STRATEGY

PARTNERSHIP (agenda item 13.3)13.3.1 The Commission was informed that the IGOSPartnership grouped agencies such as WMO, IOC andUNEP, concerned with environmental monitoring, serv-ices and research, with environmental satellite operators(coordinated through CEOS) in a partnership to developand implement a fully integrated approach to Earth envi-ronmental monitoring. The IGOS was being developedthrough a number of specialized themes, the first ofwhich was oceans. The Commission noted that the

GENERAL SUMMARY 57

Oceans Theme Team Report comprised essentially astrategy for the implementation of satellite and comple-mentary in situ observations. That report was fullyconsistent with the developing implementation strategyfor GOOS and GCOS and with the recommendations ofthe OceanObs Conference (St Raphaël, France, October1999). The report had been approved by the IGOSPartnership and endorsed by the GOOS SteeringCommittee (see also relevant discussions on the IGOSPartnership and the Oceans Theme Report recordedunder agenda items 8.3 and 12.1).13.3.2 The Commission agreed that that was animportant development in ocean observations and thatJCOMM would certainly have an important role to playin the implementation of the in situ component. Ittherefore agreed that the Management Committee andObservations Coordination Group should plan andoversee relevant JCOMM implementation activities, inconsultation with the GOOS Steering Committee.

13.4 NON-UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM ORGANIZATIONS

AND PROGRAMMES (agenda item 13.4)13.4.1 The Commission recognized that, in additionto the joint activities with other United Nations systemagencies, both WMO and IOC also collaborated exten-sively on marine issues with international organizationsand programmes outside the system, both governmentaland non-governmental, international and regional.Those included the ICSU/SCOR, which was a formal IOCadvisory body), IHO, IMSO, the Permanent Commissionfor the South Pacific, the International Association ofLighthouse Authorities, the International Union for theConservation of Nature and Natural Resources, ICES,IOI, etc. The Commission agreed on the high value toWMO and IOC of that collaboration and urged that itshould be continued and further developed in thefuture. In particular, the Commission agreed thatstrengthening cooperation between JCOMM and the IOIwould be instrumental in meeting the interests of wideuser groups and communities, particularly in mattersrelating to education and training, capacity building,ocean protection and coastal area management.Furthermore, the Commission recognized that therewere several regional conventions that were of direct rel-evance to JCOMM, including ICES, HELCOM, OSPARand the Barcelona Convention. It therefore requestedthe Management Committee to ensure that the experi-ence and monitoring work undertaken under thoseConventions and associated bodies be properly takeninto account and used in the implementation ofJCOMM programme activities.13.4.2 Specifically with regard to IMSO, theCommission noted that, following the privatization ofInmarsat in April 2000, IMSO had been established as anintergovernmental organization charged with providingthe necessary oversight for the provision, by the newcompany Inmarsat Ltd., of satellite services for theGMDSS. As such, WMO would need to maintain a closeworking relationship with IMSO in the future, inparticular with regard to the dissemination of

meteorological information to maritime users under theGMDSS. The Commission therefore agreed that it wouldbe appropriate for WMO to establish formal workingarrangements with IMSO, and adopted Recommen-dation 12 (JCOMM-I) to that effect.

13.5 INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (agenda item 13.5)The Commission recalled that both WMO and

IOC had, for many years, worked closely with organiza-tions representing industrial and commercialmarine-related activities and companies, such as ICS, theOil Industry E and P Forum and CLS/Service Argos.Those organizations often represented, at the same time,both major users of marine data and services and alsopotential sources of data and collaborators in marinemonitoring and research. The Commission agreed that itwas very important that JCOMM maintained andexpanded such partnerships in the future. It thereforerequested the Management Committee to address specif-ically that issue, to identify additional potential partnerswithin industry and commerce and to ensure that theywere involved to the extent possible in the future workof JCOMM.

14. LONG-TERM PLANNING (agenda item 14)

FIFTH WMO LONG-TERM PLAN

14.1 The Commission noted the adoption byThirteenth Congress of the 5LTP as well as the guidelinesand directives developed by the Executive Council for itsmonitoring and evaluation. Since the 5LTP had beenunder implementation for only a year, the Commissionmade no attempt to review its implementation butrequested the JCOMM Management Committee to keepit constantly under review. The ManagementCommittee, in particular, was requested to contribute tothe first report on the evaluation of the impacts of activ-ities within the WMO marine programme performedunder the Plan, covering the first two years (2000 and2001). That would be submitted by the co-presidents ofthe Commission to the Executive Council WorkingGroup on Long-term Planning in time for the prepara-tion of a consolidated initial evaluation to be preparedfor the Executive Council in 2002. Revised guidelines formonitoring and evaluation of WMO Long-term Planswere being prepared by the Working Group on the basisof guidance provided by the fifty-second session of theWMO Executive Council.

PREPARATION OF THE WMO SIXTH LONG-TERM PLAN

14.2 The Commission noted with interest that theWMO Executive Council had agreed that “…the Long-term Plan should be a document which outlined whatthe Organization was trying to achieve as a whole, withthree main purposes:(a) Serve as a basis for guiding the Secretariat and con-

stituent bodies on the preparation of theirprogramme plans and the monitoring of progress;

(b) For use by Members as a reference point to helpguide planning at the national level;

58 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

(c) Provide a basis for briefing and informing otherorganizations/entities which potentially contributedto, and benefited from, the work of WMO and itsMembers” (Abridged Final Report with Resolutions ofthe Fifty-second Session of the Executive Council,WMO-No. 915, general summary paragraph 12.2).

14.3 The Commission noted that the WMOExecutive Council had also endorsed proposals from theWorking Group regarding the general approach, theperiod of coverage and the overall structure/contents ofthe 6LTP, as well as its ideas on the vision, strategic goalsand wider outcomes to be included in the Plan. TheCouncil had agreed that the Long-term Plans shouldform the basis for the preparation of the WMO pro-gramme and budget as well as the various programmesactivities. In that context, guidelines for the preparationof the 6LTP had been made available, inter alia, to the co-presidents of JCOMM, in late 2000 and a draft of the6LTP was presented to the fifty-third session of theWMO Executive Council in May 2001. That draft wasalso now available to JCOMM, to facilitate the prepara-tion and planning of its programme and as a basis forspecific input from the Commission to the finalized6LTP to be eventually presented to Fourteenth Congressin 2003 for adoption.14.4 The Commission welcomed that information,as well as the opportunity being provided to JCOMM toprovide input to the preparation of the 6LTP, in particu-lar with regard to the marine programme. It requestedthe co-presidents, in consultation with the JCOMMManagement Committee, to develop that input in linewith the timetable and guidelines provided for the Plan.In that context, the Commission considered that themarine programme component should encourage thefurther coordination of marine meteorology andoceanography, and in particular should reflect the fol-lowing JCOMM priorities:(a) Integration across and within all the JCOMM

Programme Areas (Observations, Data Manage-ment, Services, and Education, Training andCapacity Building);

(b) Review and incorporate new technology, includingnew data and information technology;

(c) The vital importance of sustained and continuingmissions for ocean satellites, of enhanced andexpanded high resolution satellite sensing, and ofthe continuing use of meteorological satellites foratmospheric and ocean sensing;

(d) More generally, the importance of transitioningproven observing techniques and services into along-term operational system;

(e) The role of JCOMM in maritime safety services, glob-al climate studies and GOOS/GCOS implementation;

(f) The importance of user interactions and interfaces;(g) Capacity building and technology transfer in

support of marine observing systems, data manage-ment and services;

(h) The evolving capabilities and coverage of marinetelecommunications facilities, including in particu-lar in polar regions;

(i) The expanding capabilities of marine telecommuni-cations and supporting facilities with regard to thedissemination in digital form of information,including graphics, to ships at sea and for theirreconstitution and use on board ships;

(j) Support for marine pollution emergency responseoperations;

(k) JCOMM support for tropical cyclone warning serv-ices and for storm surge prediction services;

(l) Enhanced international marine data exchange;(m) Joint programme activities within WMO, including

in particular integrated coastal area management.14.5 In addition, the Commission recalled the sci-entific lectures that were part of that session and notedtheir messages about future challenges and the impor-tant focus on data assimilation, Argo, modelling andservices. In all of those lectures, priorities important toJCOMM were presented. As a result, the Commissionnoted the following additional specific priorities:(a) Improving marine meteorological and ocean data

assimilation, modelling and forecasting;(b) Establishing an ongoing global operational Argo

network and development of a similar technologyfor monitoring polar oceans and other ice-coveredseas;

(c) Recognition of the importance of the work ofJCOMM as a contribution to the research and mod-elling community, particularly to support seasonalclimate predictions and goals of the WCRP;

(d) Improving understanding and monitoring of seaice, particularly as it contributed to the under-standing of climate change and climate variability;

(e) Recognition of the importance of critical areaswithin JCOMM where it had established expertteams and, in particular, the addition of stormsurges to the wind wave programme.

The Commission further agreed that the long-term pri-orities of JCOMM should properly reflect theimportance of the safety and security of the world’smarine community.

15. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES (agenda item 15)15.1 Following the decision of the interimManagement Committee, scientific lectures at the ses-sion were arranged within the main technical part of theagenda on the theme of operational oceanography. Thelectures were intended to serve as a means of informingthe members of the Commission on aspects of opera-tional ocean observing systems, ocean modelling andprediction, and applications, including seasonal to inter-annual climate prediction. They were directly relevantto, and in support of, the role of JCOMM as the inter-governmental technical body for coordinating andregulating operational oceanography.15.2 The Commission agreed that all the lecturespresented were highly informative and expressed itsappreciation to the lecturers for the time and effort theyhad spent in preparing them. The Commission decidedthat the full texts of the lectures should be compiled bythe Secretariats and published as a single report in the

GENERAL SUMMARY 59

JCOMM Technical Report series. The Commission great-ly appreciated the presentation of such technicallectures at each Commission session and requested theManagement Committee to prepare a similar set of lec-tures for its second session.

16. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING GROUPS AND

NOMINATION OF RAPPORTEURS (agenda item 16)16.1 The Commission recognized that a primaryrationale for JCOMM was to provide a fully coordinatedsystem for marine meteorology and oceanography, inwhich a coordinated set of data providers would feedinto an integrated data management system of overlap-ping real-time and non-real time components. Thatsystem would, in turn, deliver data and products to acomprehensive range of user interests, either directly orthrough intermediate service providers. That system, tobe successful, would need to be backed by a comprehen-sive and effective capacity building and support process.16.2 The Commission further recognized that manyof the elements of that integrated system already existedwithin the structures of the former CMM and IGOSS, aswell as the various bodies now reporting to JCOMM,though in an uncoordinated form. It agreed that it wasimportant to preserve essential existing activities andexpertise from those bodies while, at the same time,developing an evolutionary and incremental approachtowards an eventual fully integrated JCOMM structureand work programme.16.3 In that context, the Commission noted withappreciation the work undertaken by the interimJCOMM Management Committee in preparing detaileddraft proposals for a new JCOMM substructure. It recog-nized that that work had involved extensiveconsultation, review and eventually consensus by offi-cers of all the subsidiary bodies of the former CMM andIGOSS, as well as of the bodies now reporting toJCOMM. The Commission agreed that the primary guid-ance, coordination and management of the work ofJCOMM would be provided by the co-presidents and aManagement Committee. That work would, in turn, becategorized and structured in four broad ProgrammeAreas: Services, Observations, Data Management, andEducation, Training and Capacity Building. Within eachProgramme Area, the work would be coordinated andintegrated by a Coordination Group, the chairperson ofwhich would also act as Programme Area Coordinator.More specific tasks within the different programme areaswould then be undertaken by relatively small expertteams, task teams and rapporteurs, as well as by thereporting bodies and panels.16.4 The Commission expressed its appreciation tothe Secretary-General of WMO and the ExecutiveSecretary IOC for having provided the draft structureproposals to Members/Member States well in advance ofthe session while, at the same time, requesting the nom-ination of experts as potential officers and members ofthe various bodies identified within the draft proposals.That early notification had greatly assisted bothMembers/Member States and the Commission itself in

its review and adoption of the structure and in the nom-ination of experts to serve within it. At the same time,the Commission recognized the absolute importance tothe future success of JCOMM and to the full develop-ment of operational oceanography of the work of theindividual experts within the new structure. It thereforerequested Members/Member States to ensure to theextent possible that their appointed experts wereallowed sufficient time within their normal nationalwork programme to complete allocated tasks in supportof the Commission.16.5 Finally, the Commission recognized theimportance of involving and consulting JCOMM mem-bers in the implementation of the Commission’s workprogramme. It therefore requested the Secretary-Generalof WMO and the Executive Secretary IOC to institute aregular consultation and information programme formembers on the ongoing work of the Commission. Thatshould be done as much as possible through the WMOand IOC Web sites and through written newsletters andcircular letters, where appropriate.16.6 The Commission adopted Resolutions 1 to 5(JCOMM-I) to establish the Management Committee,the four programme areas and their component groups,expert teams, task teams and rapporteurs. Detailed termsof reference and membership were included as part ofthe respective resolutions. Owing to the limited fundsavailable to the Secretariats, the Commission furtherrequested Members/Member States to fund nationally,wherever possible, the participation of their selectedexperts in the work of the Commission.

17. INTER-SESSIONAL WORK PROGRAMME (agendaitem 17)The Commission considered its future work

programme, based on proposals from working groupsand other subsidiary and reporting bodies, on decisionsand agreements reached during the present session, onproposals from other bodies and Programmes of WMOand IOC, and on the agreed terms of reference forJCOMM subsidiary bodies for the coming four years. Itadopted the JCOMM work plan for 2001–2005, which isgiven in Annex VII to this report. The work was struc-tured under the four programme areas, integrated acrossthe subsidiary bodies of the Commission and prioritizedto the extent possible.

18. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS OF CMM AND IGOSSAND OF RELEVANT RESOLUTIONS OF THE

GOVERNING BODIES OF WMO AND IOC(agenda item 18)

18.1 In accordance with WMO General Regulation190, the Commission examined those resolutions andrecommendations adopted by CMM and IGOSS prior toJCOMM-I which were still in force. It noted that action onmost of the previous recommendations had already beentaken and completed, or their substance incorporatedinto different WMO and IOC Manuals and Guides, asappropriate. Resolution 6 (JCOMM-I) was adopted.

60 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

18.2 The Commission also examined WMO andIOC Governing Body resolutions within the field of theactivities of JCOMM. Recommendation 13 (JCOMM-I)was adopted.18.3 The Commission recognized that some of theabove resolutions and recommendations which it hadagreed should be kept in force contained explicit refer-ence to CMM and its subsidiary bodies and/or the JointIOC/WMO Committee for IGOSS and its subsidiary bod-ies. In all such cases, the Commission agreed that thosereferences should now be understood to mean JCOMMand its subsidiary bodies.

19. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (agenda item 19)19.1 The Commission elected Mr J. Guddal(Norway) as its co-president for meteorology andMs S. Narayanan (Canada) as its co-president foroceanography. The Commission agreed that, in order toavoid confusion regarding management responsibilities,Mr Guddal should assume primary authority for guidingthe work of JCOMM during the first two years of theinter-sessional period and Ms Narayanan during the sec-ond two years. Notwithstanding that arrangement, theCommission recommended to the co-presidents toimplement an arrangement whereby they shared, to theextent possible, responsibilities for overseeing differentcomponents of the technical work of JCOMM.19.2 Following the election, the Commission tookthe opportunity to place on record its considerable andsincere appreciation to the retiring co-president foroceanography, Mr D. Kohnke. That appreciation coverednot only his outstanding work in guiding the early plan-ning for JCOMM, but also his long and distinguishedinvolvement in the development of operationaloceanography, through his chairpersonship of IODE andthen the joint Committee for IGOSS.

20. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SECOND SESSION

(agenda item 20)The Commission was pleased to receive the

tentative offer by Canada to host its second session in2005. It requested the co-presidents to consult with theSecretary-General of WMO, the Executive Secretary IOCand the Government of Canada, with a view to con-firming the offer and to determining the exact date andplace, in accordance with WMO General Regulation 187.

21. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (agenda item 21)21.1 In closing the session, the co-president formeteorology, Mr J. Guddal, thanked all participants fortheir contributions to what had been an outstandinglysuccessful first session of the new Commission. He rec-ognized that that was the first time that the twodisciplines of oceanography and meteorology had cometogether and agreed upon a common global programmefor observing the oceans and coastal areas, for managingthe data in an integrated way and for providing productsand services based on those data. The session had verywell achieved its initial goals of putting in place a struc-ture, work programme and priorities, and it was now up

to everyone to build on that success and ensure thelong-term implementation of the programme.Mr Guddal thanked the Secretariats, including the inter-preters, translators, document staff and secretaries, fortheir support. He then thanked, in particular, once morethe session hosts, the Government of Iceland and theIcelandic Meteorological Office, for their warm welcomeand generous and highly efficient support for the meet-ing, which had contributed substantially to its success.21.2 The Director of the Icelandic MeteorologicalOffice, Mr Magnus Jonsson, speaking for the IcelandicGovernment and all those involved in the local organi-zation of the session, thanked participants for travellingto Akureyri and for taking part in the work of the meet-ing. In doing so, he recognized that the session, whichmarked the beginning of closer and more extensivecooperation between WMO and IOC than ever before,represented a small but historic step forward in findingsolutions to issues which were relevant to all mankind.Mr Jonsson noted that Icelanders, perhaps more thanmost people, were directly influenced by, and dependenton, the atmosphere, the oceans and the whole global cli-mate system, and were thus vitally concerned by thework now being undertaken under JCOMM. He recog-nized that the work of the Commission mighteventually lead to the establishment of a World OceanWatch, as the ocean equivalent of the WWW.Mr Jonsson then expressed the hope that Akureyri, andIceland as a whole, had provided an interesting, con-genial and stimulating environment for the session andfor all participants, both for work and relaxation. Heconcluded by looking forward with keen anticipation tothe second session of JCOMM in Canada in four years,by thanking the Secretariats for their support and bywishing all participants a safe journey home.21.3 Mr Robert Shearman (United Kingdom)thanked the Icelandic Government and the IcelandicMeteorological Office for their hospitality and substan-tial efforts in support of JCOMM and of the present firstsession of the Commission. He also, in particular,thanked the local organizers and all the people ofAkureyri for making everyone so welcome and at home.Mr Shearman then thanked the outgoing co-presidentsfor their substantive work in the initial establishment ofJCOMM and wished the new co-presidents every successin managing the work of the Commission in the cominginter-sessional period. He concluded by also thankingthe Secretariats for their past and ongoing high level ofsupport for the Commission, including in particular theexcellent support for the session, under the leadership ofMr E. Sarukhanian.21.4 The comments and thanks of Mr Shearmanwere supported by delegates from Belgium, Iceland,Poland and the Russian Federation.21.5 The incoming co-president for oceanography,Ms S. Narayanan, expressed her pleasure at being able toparticipate in the session and to use the opportunity tovisit Iceland and learn something of its history, peopleand customs. She then noted that the session, whichhad been particularly successful, had created a strong

GENERAL SUMMARY 61

foundation for the future of JCOMM. That future wouldprovide many challenges and opportunities for both themeteorological and oceanographic communities, butagain success would depend on the input, cooperationand hard work of everyone involved and interested inthe Commission and its work. Ms Narayanan thenthanked all delegates for the confidence they had shownin her through her election to that high office. Shelooked forward with anticipation to working with theManagement Committee, with the new groups andexpert teams, with the Secretariats and with all membersof the Commission in implementing the many and vitaltasks of JCOMM during the next four years. She alsothanked the Iceland Government, and in particular theIcelandic Meteorological Office, her committee co-chair-person, Mr T. Jakobsson, and the local organizers, fortheir wonderful support to the meeting. Ms Narayananconcluded by wishing everyone a safe trip home and bylooking forward to welcoming participants to the nextsession in Canada in 2005.

21.6 Speaking on behalf of both WMO and IOC,Mr E. Sarukhanian, representative of the Secretary-General of WMO, expressed his pleasure and honour atbeing able to participate in that capacity at such anextraordinary event as the first session of JCOMM. Herecognized that a completely new page in the history ofboth WMO and IOC had been turned in Akureyri andthat the very positive results achieved held great pro-mise for the future of that great enterprise.Mr Sarukhanian then offered once more the sincerethanks of both Organizations to the President,Government and people of Iceland for welcoming thesession to Iceland and to Akureyri. He concluded byexpressing personal thanks to Messrs Magnus Jonsson,Thor Jakobsson, Thorleifur Bjornsson and to all the localsecretariat staff for their wonderful support, withoutwhich nothing would have been possible.21.7 The first session of the Joint WMO/IOCTechnical Commission for Oceanography and MarineMeteorology closed at 11.30 a.m. on Friday, 29 June 2001.

62 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RESOLUTION 1 (JCOMM-I)

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 1 (CMM-XII) — Advisory Working

Group of the Commission for Marine Meteorology,(2) Resolution 4 (JC-IGOSS-VII) — IGOSS Bureau,(3) Resolution 14 (Cg-XIII) — Joint WMO/IOC

Technical Commission for Oceanography andMarine Meteorology (JCOMM),

(4) Resolution 15 (Cg-XIII) — Marine Meteorology andAssociated Oceanographic Activities,

(5) Resolution IOC XX-12 — Terms of reference of theJoint WMO/IOC Technical Commission forOceanography and Marine Meteorology,

CONSIDERING:(1) The requirement of the Commission to promote,

coordinate and integrate marine meteorologicaland operational oceanographic programmes andactivities,

(2) The contributions of the Commission to theWWW, WCP, WCRP, GOOS, GCOS and other majorprogrammes of WMO and IOC,

(3) The need to coordinate the work of theCommission with other appropriate internationalorganizations and their subsidiary bodies,

(4) The need for continued overall coordination of thework programme of the Commission and for adviceon matters referred to it by the Executive Councilsof WMO and IOC, the WMO Congress and the IOCAssembly,

DECIDES:(1) To establish a Management Committee with the

following terms of reference:(a) Review the short and long-term planning of

the work programme of JCOMM and advise onits implementation;

(b) Assess the resources required for the imple-mentation of the work programme as well asthe approaches to identifying and mobilizingthese resources;

(c) Coordinate and integrate the work of JCOMM,as implemented through the various workinggroups, teams and rapporteurs;

(d) Review the internal structure and workingmethods of the Commission, including itsrelationship to other bodies, both internal and

external to WMO and IOC, and develop pro-posals for modifications, as appropriate;

(e) Assess the implementation of activities andprojects referred to JCOMM for action byWWW, WCP, GOOS, GCOS and other pro-grammes, including in particular theGOOS/GCOS Implementation Action Plan;

(f) Contribute, as required, to the planningprocesses of WMO and IOC;

(2) That the co-presidents shall have the responsibilityof undertaking jointly the duties required of presi-dents of technical commissions of WMO andtechnical committees of IOC as defined in theirrespective regulations. These would include or beextended to include the following:(a) In joint consultation, guide and coordinate

the activities of the Commission and its work-ing groups inter-sessionally;

(b) In joint consultation, and with the assistanceof the Secretariats, direct and approve inter-sessional actions including the creation anddissolution of ad hoc expert groups, task teamsand rapporteurs, pending approval by theCommission in session;

(c) Carry out specific duties as prescribed by decisionsof Congress and the Executive Council of WMOand the Assembly and Executive Council of IOC,as well as by the regulations of each Organization;

(d) Report to the governing bodies of WMO andIOC at their regular sessions on the activitiesof the Commission, as necessary;

(e) Ensure that the activities, recommendationsand resolutions of the Commission are consis-tent with the provisions of the WMOConvention, the IOC Statutes, the decisions ofWMO and IOC governing bodies, and the reg-ulations of both Organizations;

(3) That the Management Committee will be composed of:(a) The two co-presidents of the Commission;(b) The Programme Area Coordinators;(c) Mr P. Dandin (France);

Mr I. Frolov (Russian Federation);Mr I. Hunter (South Africa);

(d) Senior Representatives of GOOS, GCOS and IODE.Representatives of CBS and other bodies may beinvited, as appropriate.

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 2 (CMM-XII) — Working Group on

Marine Meteorological Services,(2) Resolution 2 (JC-IGOSS-VII) — IGOSS Group of

Experts on Communications and Products,(3) The report of the interim co-presidents of the

Commission to JCOMM-I,(4) The report of the chairperson of the Working Group

on Marine Meteorological Services to JCOMM-I,

CONSIDERING:(1) The continuing and expanding requirements of

marine users for marine meteorological andoceanographic services and information,

(2) The need to ensure that the services provided tousers meet these requirements, including in termsof timeliness and quality,

(3) The need to keep under review and to respond tothe requirements of Members/Member States forguidance in the implementation of their duties andobligations with regard to marine services, in par-ticular those specified in the WMO Manual onMarine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558),

(4) The need to monitor closely the operations of theWMO marine broadcast system for the GMDSS andthe MPERSS, to develop modifications to the sys-tems, as necessary, and to provide assistance toMembers/Member States, as required,

(5) The need to coordinate closely with other pro-grammes of WMO and IOC (WWW, WCP, GOOS,GCOS) as well as with other organizations such asIMO, IHO, IMSO and ICS in the provision ofmarine services and information,

DECIDES:(1) To implement a JCOMM Services Programme Area

with the following components:(a) A Services Coordination Group;(b) An Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services;(c) An Expert Team on Wind Waves and Storm

Surges;(d) An Expert Team on Sea Ice;

(2) That the terms of reference of the ServicesCoordination Group and the Expert Teams shall beas given in the annex to this resolution;

(3) That the general membership of the ServicesCoordination Group and the Expert Teams shallalso be as given in the annex to this resolution;

(4) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32:

(a) Mr P. Parker (Australia) as chairperson of theServices Coordination Group and ServicesProgramme Area Coordinator;

(b) Mr H. Savina (France) as chairperson of theExpert Team on Maritime Safety Services;

(c) Mr V. Swail (Canada) as chairperson of theExpert Team on Wind Waves and Storm Surges;

(d) Mr V. Smolianitsky (Russian Federation) aschairperson of the Expert Team on Sea Ice;

(5) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, the following experts to serve asmembers of the Expert Team on Wind Waves andStorm Surges:Mr S. Dube (India);Mr X. T. Bui (Viet Nam);Mr I. Lavrenov (Russian Federation);Ms P. Etala (Argentina);Mr M. Holt (United Kingdom);Mr J. M. Lefevre (France);Mr H. I. Tolman (United States);Mr G. Warren (Australia);

(6) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, the following experts to serve asmembers of the Expert Team on Sea Ice:Mr H. Wu (China);Mr M. Matsumoto (Japan);Mr M. Picasso (Argentina);Mr W. Lumsden (Canada);Ms C. Bertoia (United States);Mr T. Jokobsson (Iceland);Mr K. Strubing (Germany);Mr H. Andersen (Denmark);Mr T. Grafstrom (Sweden);

(7) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, as members of the ServicesCoordination Group, one member with specificexpertise relative to MPERSS and the scientific edi-tor of the JCOMM Electronic Products Bulletin:Mr P. Daniel (France);Mr Y. Tourre (France);

(8) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, as members of the ServicesCoordination Group:Mr H. Bouksim (Morocco);Mr R. Nuñez (Chile);Mr Kwang-Joon Park (Republic of Korea);

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to invite IMO, IHO, ICS, IFSMA,IMSO, FAO and other relevant organizations and bodiesto participate in the work within this programme area,as appropriate.

64 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RESOLUTION 2 (JCOMM-I)

SERVICES PROGRAMME AREA

1. Services Coordination Group

Terms of referenceThe Services Coordination Group, in close collabora-tion with CBS, GOOS and GCOS subsidiary bodies andrelated experts, shall:(a) Keep under review and advise on the effectiveness,

coordination and operation of the ServicesCoordination Group work programme, includingperformance with respect to timeliness, standards,quality and relevance to established user require-ments;

(b) Through the assembly of requirements identifiedby specialist service groups and other ProgrammeAreas of JCOMM, provide advice on JCOMM serv-ices that need to be implemented or discontinued;

(c) Develop interfaces to representative user groups inorder to monitor the strength and weaknesses ofexisting services;

(d) With the concurrence of the co-presidents ofJCOMM, establish and create expert teams, taskteams, pilot projects and appoint rapporteurs, asappropriate, to undertake the work of the ServicesProgramme Area;

(e) Ensure effective coordination and cooperationwith groups and bodies in the area of service pro-vision, including other Programme Areas of theCommission;

(f) Liaise with external bodies, in particular, thoserepresenting user communities.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:

Programme Area/Services Coordinator (chairperson);Chairpersons of Expert Teams (three);An expert in MPERSS;Scientific Editor of the JCOMM ElectronicProducts Bulletin;Three additional experts.Representatives of JCOMM Programme Areas and

of other expert bodies may be invited, as appropriate,with the concurrence of the co-presidents of theCommission, and in general with no resources implica-tions to JCOMM.

2. Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services

Terms of referenceThe Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services, in closecollaboration with IMO, IHO, ICS, IMSO and other

concerned organizations and bodies on maritime safetyissues, including the GMDSS, shall:(a) Monitor and review the operations of the marine

broadcast system for the GMDSS and provideadvice on improvements to the ServicesProgramme Area, as necessary;

(b) Ensure effective coordination and cooperationwith concerned organizations, bodies andMembers and Member States on maritime safetyissues;

(c) Propose actions, as appropriate, to meet require-ments for the international coordination ofmeteorological and related communicationservices.

General membershipChairperson, selected by the Commission.Open membership, including representatives/nomina-tions of the Issuing Services for the GMDSS,representatives of IMO, IHO, ICS, IMSO and other usergroups, as appropriate.

The Chairperson, in consultation with the co-pres-idents of the Commission, should secure support toenable appropriate and adequate participation in themeetings of this group.

3. Expert Team on Wind Waves and Storm Surges

Terms of referenceThe Expert Team on Wind Waves and Storm Surges shall:(a) Review and advise on the implementation of wind

wave and storm surge activities within JCOMMand propose amendments, as required;

(b) Develop technical advice on wave and storm surgemodelling, forecasting and service provision andprovide assistance and support to Member States,as required;

(c) Monitor projects for the verification of operationalwind wave and storm surge model outputs andassist in their implementation, as required;

(d) Ensure effective coordination and cooperationwith appropriate GOOS bodies on requirementsfor, and implementation of, wind wave and stormsurge products and services;

(e) Provide advice to the Services Coordination Groupand other JCOMM groups, as required, on issuesrelated to wind waves and storm surges.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation.

RESOLUTION 2 65

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 2 (JCOMM-I)

TERMS OF REFERENCE AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE COORDINATION GROUP ANDEXPERT TEAMS OF THE SERVICES PROGRAMME AREA

Up to nine members, including the chairperson,representative of the range of activities related towind waves and storm surges within JCOMM.Additional experts may be invited, as appropriate,with the concurrence of the co-presidents of theCommission and in general with no resource implica-tions to JCOMM.

4. Expert Team on Sea Ice

Terms of referenceThe Expert Team on Sea Ice shall:(a) Review and catalogue the products and services

required by user communities in sea-ice areas;(b) Encourage and advise on the relevant numerical

models and forecast techniques for products andservices;

(c) Develop technical guidance material, softwareexchange, specialized training and other appropri-ate capacity building support with regard to sea-iceobservations and services;

(d) Maintain linkages with relevant internationalorganizations and programmes, in particularBSIM, CLIC, IICWG and ASPeCt;

(e) Keep under review and provide guidance, asappropriate, on the operations of the GDSIDB,including appropriate quality control, error analy-sis and archiving mechanisms, and encourage andfacilitate enhanced submissions of sea-ice data tothe bank;

(f) Review and propose amendments to formats,nomenclatures and procedures for sea-ice data andinformation exchange as well as to relevant termi-nology, coding and mapping standards;

(g) Provide advice to the Services Coordination Groupand other JCOMM groups, as required, on issuesrelated to sea ice and the ice-covered regions.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation.

Up to 10 members, including the chairperson, rep-resentative of the range of activities related to sea iceand the ice-covered regions within JCOMM.

Representatives of regional and international sea-ice bodies, in particular the BSIM and the IICWG willalso be invited to participate at their own expense.

66 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RESOLUTION 3 (JCOMM-I)

OBSERVATIONS PROGRAMME AREA

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 3 (CMM-XII) — Working Group on

Marine Observing Systems,(2) Resolution 1 (JC-IGOSS-VII) — IGOSS Ship-of-

Opportunity Programme Implementation Panel,(3) WMO Resolution 4 (EC-LII) and IOC Resolution

EC-XXXIII.8 — Data Buoy Cooperation Panel,(4) IOC Resolution EC-XXXIII.9 — Global Sea Level

Observing System,(5) Final report of the eleventh session of the ASAP

Coordinating Committee, Annex V — Terms of ref-erence for the ASAP Panel,

(6) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions of theThirteenth World Meteorological Congress (WMO-No.902), general summary paragraph 3.4.4.26,

(7) IOC Resolution XX-6 — The Argo Project,(8) Global Physical Ocean Observations for GOOS/GCOS:

An Action Plan for Existing Bodies and Mechanisms(GOOS Report No. 66/GCOS Report No. 51, 1999),

(9) Conference Statement of the InternationalConference: The Ocean Observing System forCliamte, St Raphaël, France, October 1999,

(10) The reports of the chairpersons of the WorkingGroup on Marine Observing Systems, the SOOPIP,

the DBCP, the ASAP Panel and the GLOSS Group ofExperts to the session,

CONSIDERING:(1) The need to maintain, improve, coordinate and

integrate a comprehensive in situ ocean observingsystem, in response to stated requirements formarine data to support the WWW, WCP, WCRP,GOOS, GCOS and marine services,

(2) The need to monitor new developments in marineobserving technology and advise on their incorpo-ration into operational observing networks, asappropriate,

(3) The need to coordinate the development andimplementation of standardized, high qualitymarine observing practices and instrumentation,

(4) The need to review continuously and advise on,and assist in, the implementation of new marinetelecommunications systems and procedures,

(5) The need to provide guidance to Members/MemberStates on technical aspects of marine observingsystems,

(6) The need to identify and coordinate the provisionof resources and logistic facilities for the deploy-ment and servicing of marine observing platformsand instrumentation,

(7) The need to monitor continuously the performanceand quality of marine observing systems and toassist in the implementation of remedial actions, asnecessary,

(8) The need to coordinate with appropriate bodiesof CBS, CIMO, GOOS and GCOS on marineinstrumentation, observations networks andrequirements for marine data,

DECIDES:(1) To implement a JCOMM Observations Programme

Area with the following components:(a) An Observations Coordination Group;(b) A Data Buoy Observations Team, known as the

Data Buoy Cooperation Panel;(c) A Sea-level Observations Team, known as the

GLOSS Group of Experts;(d) A Ship Observations Team, recognizing that

during the inter-sessional period, this Teamwill develop coordination and synergiesamong the three existing ship-based panels,i.e. the SOOP Implementation Panel, the VOSPanel and the ASAP Panel;

(2) To maintain close liaison and coordination withthe Argo Science Team;

(3) That the terms of reference for the ObservationsCoordination Group and the Ship, Data Buoy andSea-level Observations Teams shall be as given inthe annex to this resolution;

(4) That the general membership of the ObservationsCoordination Group and the Ship, Data Buoy andSea-level Observations Teams shall also be as givenin the annex to this resolution;

(5) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32:(a) Mr S. Wilson (United States) as chairperson of

the Observations Coordination Group andObservations Programme Area Coordinator;

(b) Mr R. Bailey (Australia) as chairperson of theShip Observations Team;

(6) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, as members of the ObservationsCoordination Group:(a) A satellite expert to be nominated later by the

co-presidents;(b) Ms K.-H. Doublet (Norway);(c) Mr Yu Zhouwen (China);

(7) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32:(a) Mr A. Sy (Germany) as chairperson of SOOPIP;(b) Mr G. Kassimidis (Greece) as chairperson of

the VOS Panel.

REQUEST the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to invite relevant organizationsand bodies to participate in the work of this programmearea, as appropriate.

RESOLUTION 3 67

1. Observations Coordination Group

Terms of referenceThe Observations Coordination Group shall:(a) Keep under review and advise on the effectiveness,

coordination and operation of the Observationswork programme, including performance meas-ured against scientific requirements, delivery ofraw data, measurement standards, logistics andresources;

(b) Provide advice to JCOMM and to ObservationsTeams on possible solutions for newly-identifiedrequirements, consulting, as appropriate, with rel-evant scientific groups and with CBS;

(c) Review in situ data requirements and recommendchanges, as appropriate, taking into account thecontinuing development of satellite observationsand their capabilities;

(d) Coordinate the development of standardized,high quality observing practices and instru-mentation and prepare recommendations forJCOMM;

(e) With the concurrence of the co-presidents ofJCOMM, establish and create expert teams, taskteams, pilot projects and appoint rapporteurs, as

appropriate, to undertake the work of theObservations Programme Area;

(f) Examine trade-offs and use of new and improvedtechniques/developments against requirementsand available resources;

(g) Liaise with, and input to, CBS activities regardingthe consolidated requirements database and oper-ational satellites.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:

Programme Area/Observations Coordinator (chair-person);Chairperson Ship Observations Team;Chairperson DBCP;Chairperson GLOSS Group of Experts;Chairperson Argo Science Team;Chairperson Tropical Moored Buoys Implemen-tation Panel;Satellite expert;Up to two additional experts.JCOMMOPS will participate in the work and the

meetings of the Coordination Group.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 3 (JCOMM-I)

TERMS OF REFERENCE AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE OBSERVATIONSCOORDINATION GROUP AND THE SHIP, DATA BUOY AND SEA-LEVEL OBSERVATIONS TEAMS

2. Ship Observations Team

Terms of referenceThe Ship Observations Team shall:(a) Review and analyse requirements for ship-based

observational data expressed by the WWW, WCP,WCRP, GOOS, GCOS and in support of marine serv-ices, and coordinate actions to implement andmaintain the networks to satisfy these requirements;

(b) Review marine telecommunications facilities andprocedures for observational data collection, aswell as technology and techniques for data pro-cessing and transmission and propose actions, asnecessary, for improvements and enhanced appli-cation;

(c) Coordinate PMO/ship greeting operations global-ly, propose actions to enhance PMO standards andoperations and contribute, as required, to PMOtraining;

(d) Review, maintain and update, as necessary, techni-cal guidance material relating to ship observationsand PMOs;

(e) Liaise and coordinate, as necessary, with otherJCOMM Programme Areas and expert teams, in par-ticular those relating to maritime safety services,marine climatology and ocean data management;

(f) Participate in planning activities of appropriateobserving system experiments and major interna-tional research programmes as the specialist groupon ship-based observations.

Terms of reference of component panels

SOOP Implementation Panel(a) Review, recommend and, as necessary, coordinate

the implementation of specialized shipboardinstrumentation and observing practices;

(b) Coordinate the exchange of technical informationon equipment and expendables, development,functionality, reliability and accuracy;

(c) Ensure the distribution of available programmeresources to ships to meet the agreed samplingstrategy in the most efficient way;

(d) Ensure the transmission of low-resolution data inreal time from participating ships; ensure thatdelayed more high-resolution data are checkedand distributed in a timely manner to data-pro-cessing centres;

(e) Maintain, through the SOOP Coordinator, appro-priate inventories, monitoring reports andanalyses, and information exchange facilities;

(f) Provide general guidance to the Coordinator onhis support for the SOOP.

ASAP Panel(a) Coordinate the overall implementation of the

ASAP, including recommending routes and moni-toring the overall performance of the programme,both operationally and in respect of the quality ofthe ASAP system data processing;

(b) As may be required by some members, arrange for,and use, funds and contributions in kind neededfor the procurement, implementation and opera-tion of ASAP systems and for the promotion andexpansion of the programme;

(c) Carry out other activities as agreed by partici-pating members to implement and operate ASAPand to promote and expand the programmeinternationally;

(d) Prepare annually a report on the status of ASAPoperations, data availability and data quality.

VOS Panel(a) Review, recommend and coordinate the imple-

mentation of new and improved specializedshipboard instrumentation, siting and observingpractices;

(b) Support the development and maintenance of theVOSClim Project;

(c) Develop and implement activities to enhance shiprecruitment, including promotional brochures,training videos, etc.

General membershipChairperson, selected by the Commission;Chairpersons of the SOOPIP, VOS and ASAP Panels;Open membership, comprising operators of VOS, SOOPand ASAP, representatives of monitoring centres, datamanagement centres and bodies, representatives ofIMSO and other communications satellite systems, rep-resentatives of manufacturers, representatives ofscience advisory bodies and users, as appropriate.

The chairperson, in consultation with the co-presidents of the Commission, should secure support toenable appropriate and adequate participation in themeetings of this group.

JCOMMOPS will participate in the work and themeetings of the Ship Observations Team.

3. Data Buoy Observations Team

Terms of referenceExisting terms of reference for DBCP, TIP and actiongroups.

General membershipOpen membership, comprising existing DBCP mem-bers, action groups and TIP.JCOMMOPS will participate in the work and the meet-ings of the Team.

4. Sea-level Observations Team

GLOSS Group of Experts

Terms of referenceExisting terms of reference as determined by the IOCExecutive Council.

MembershipExisting GLOSS Group of Experts and the GLOSSScientific Subgroup.

68 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 2 (CMM-XII) — Working Group on

Marine Meteorological Services,(2) Recommendation 3 (JC-IGOSS-VII) — Global

Temperature Salinity Profile Programme,(3) The WMO Manual on Marine Meteorological Services

(WMO-No. 558),(4) The reports of the chairpersons of subsidiary bodies

of JCOMM,(5) The report of the fourth session of the GOOS

Steering Committee,(6) The report of the sixteenth session of the IOC

Committee on IODE,CONSIDERING:(1) The need to implement, maintain and make avail-

able to users a fully integrated ocean/atmospheredata stream,

(2) The requirement for the timely delivery of integrat-ed data and associated metadata,

(3) The need to develop and maintain monitoring,evaluation and follow-up procedures,

(4) The need for generic practices including qualitycontrol, metadata, analysis, data flow and dataexchange standards, formats and procedures,

(5) The need to identify and, as appropriate, rescue,digitize and archive historical data,

(6) The need to collaborate and coordinate closely withother programmes and bodies, both within andoutside WMO and IOC,

(7) The capabilities and experience of existing datamanagement centres, systems and programmes,both within and outside IOC and WMO,

(8) The need to develop and/or strengthen nationaldata management capacity, especially in develop-ing countries,

DECIDES:(1) To implement a JCOMM Data Management

Programme Area with the following components:(a) A Data Management Coordination Group;(b) An Expert Team on Data Management

Practices;(c) An Expert Team on Marine Climatology;

(2) That the terms of reference of the Data ManagementCoordination Group and the Expert Teams shall beas given in the annex to this resolution;

(3) That the general membership of the Data ManagementCoordination Group and the Expert Teams shall also beas given in the annex to this resolution;

(4) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32:(a) Mr Wang Hong (China) as chairperson of the

Data Management Coordination Group andData Management Programme AreaCoordinator;

(b) Mr N. Mikhailov (Russian Federation) as chair-person of the Expert Team on DataManagement Practices;

(c) Mr M. Mietus (Poland) as chairperson of theExpert Team on Marine Climatology;

(5) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, the following experts to serve with-in the Data Management Coordination Group:(a) Mr R. Keeley (Canada) as Expert on Data

Exchange Codes and Formats;(b) Mr B. Sumner (Australia) as Expert on

Communications Systems for Data Exchange;(c) An Expert on Data Flow Monitoring, to be

nominated later by the co-presidents;(d) Mr Suk Moon-Sik (Republic of Korea);(e) An additional expert to be nominated later by

the co-presidents;(f) IODE nominations.

(6) Invites Members/Member States to nominateexperts for the Expert Team on Data ManagementPractices, to facilitate a final selection by the co-president in consultation with IODE to ensureequal balance between meteorological and oceano-graphical data management experts;

(7) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, the following experts to serve asmembers of the Expert Team on MarineClimatology:Mr A. Lal (India);Mr M. Kaneda (Japan);Mr A. Vorontsov (Russian Federation);Mr S. Woodruff (United States);Mr V. Wagner (Germany);Mr F. Koek (Netherlands);Mr C. M. Tam (Hong Kong, China);Mr C. D. Hall (United Kingdom);Ms C. Rossler (Argentina);Mr K. Wurodu (Ghana);Mr J. Carreno Campos (Chile).

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to invite CBS, CCl, IODE, thedirectors of relevant WDCs and other relevant organiza-tions and bodies to participate in the work of thisprogramme area, as appropriate.

RESOLUTION 4 69

RESOLUTION 4 (JCOMM-I)

DATA MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AREA

1. Data Management Coordination Group

Terms of referenceThe Data Management Coordination Group, in closecollaboration with IODE and CBS subsidiary bodies andrelated experts, shall:(a) Develop the strategy, initiate and oversee the

implementation of the Data ManagementProgramme Area;

(b) Identify, review, assess and recommend prioritiesand actions for the Data Management ProgrammeArea;

(c) In concurrence with the co-presidents of JCOMM,establish and create expert teams, task teams, pilotprojects and appoint rapporteurs, as appropriate,to undertake the work of the Data ManagementProgramme Area;

(d) Ensure collaboration, appropriate coordinationand liaison with data management bodies andother bodies;

(e) Ensure full integration and effective cooperationof data management activities within theCommission;

(f) Keep under review, assess and coordinate the adop-tion of appropriate new information technology;

(g) Establish and maintain cooperation with scienceprogrammes and assist with their data manage-ment activities, as appropriate;

(h) Provide advice and feedback to users of the DataManagement Programme Area functions, boththrough the appropriate JCOMM Programme Areaand directly;

(i) Promote the adoption of good data managementpractices within the Commission and with exter-nal partners.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:(a) Programme Area/Data Management Coordinator

(chairperson);(b) Chairpersons of Expert Teams (two);(c) Three members with specific expertise in, respec-

tively, data exchange codes and formats;communications systems for data exchange; anddata flow monitoring;

(d) Up to two additional experts;(e) A representative of IODE.Additional experts may be invited, as appropriate, withthe concurrence of the co-presidents of theCommission and in general with no resources implica-tions to JCOMM.

2. Expert Team on Data Management Practices

Terms of referenceThe Expert Team on Data Management Practices, inclose collaboration with IODE and CBS subsidiary bod-ies and related experts, shall:(a) Develop, recommend and implement principles

and practices for an end-to-end data managementsystem for JCOMM;

(b) Recommend best data management practices foradoption by JCOMM and other related/dependentactivities, in particular for:(i) Standards of metadata and formats;(ii) Quality control and data assembly;(iii) Data and product flow;

(c) Review and assess the effectiveness of data man-agement practices, including integration andconsideration of new techniques and approaches;

(d) Provide advice to the Data ManagementCoordination Group and other groups of JCOMM,as required, on data management practices;

(e) In concurrence with the co-presidents of theCommission, propose the establishment of proj-ects and task teams, as required and, if established,oversee them, including the GTSPP, in order todevelop effective data management practices;

(f) Develop documentation and guidance materialand promote the adoption of JCOMM data man-agement practices;

(g) Liaise and collaborate with other groups, as needed,to ensure access to required expertise and appropri-ate coordination, and to avoid duplication.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:(a) Up to nine experts, including the chairperson,

selected from Members/Member States, represen-tative of the range of responsibilities of the ExpertTeam, in consultation with IODE, as appropriate;

(b) Representatives of JCOMM Programme Areas andof other expert bodies may be invited, as appro-priate, with the concurrence of the co-presidentsof JCOMM and with no resources implications tothe Commission.

3. Expert Team on Marine Climatology

Terms of referenceThe Expert Team on Marine Climatology, in close col-laboration with IODE, GOOS, GCOS, CCl and CBSsubsidiary bodies and related experts, shall:

70 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 4 (JCOMM-I)

TERMS OF REFERENCE AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE COORDINATION GROUP ANDEXPERT TEAMS OF THE DATA MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AREA

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 4 (CMM-XII) — Working Group on

Education, Training and Implementation Support,(2) Summary report, seventh session, Joint IOC/WMO

Committee for IGOSS, section 7 — Training,Education and Assistance Programme, IncludingRegional Implementation,

(3) The report of the chairperson of the Working Groupon Education, Training and ImplementationSupport,

(4) The JCOMM Capacity Building Strategy,(5) The reports of the WMO Regional Rapporteurs on

Marine Meteorological Services to the session,CONSIDERING:(1) The need to initiate and provide oversight for the

implementation of the JCOMM Capacity BuildingStrategy,

(2) The need to review and update, as necessary, exist-ing training and guidance material and generatenew material, where required,

(3) The value of coordinating support toMembers/Member States in marine observing sys-tems, data management and services on a regionalor subregional basis,

(4) The need to coordinate closely with other JCOMMprogramme areas, other programmes and bodies ofWMO and IOC and external programmes and

bodies in the implementation of integrated special-ized training and support activities,

(5) The need to identify and harness the resources nec-essary to support JCOMM capacity building,

DECIDES:(1) To implement a JCOMM Education, Training and

Capacity Building Programme Area, with thefollowing components:(a) An Education, Training and Capacity Building

Coordination Group;(b) A Task Team on Resources;(c) Rapporteur links to WMO/IOC regional bod-

ies, other relevant WMO/IOC programmesand bodies (including GOOS and GCOS),other JCOMM programme areas;

(d) User forums, involving both data and serviceproviders and users;

(2) That the terms of reference and general membershipfor the Education, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group and the Task Team on Resourcesshall be as given in the annex to this resolution;

(3) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32:(a) Mr H. Soldi (Peru) as chairperson of the

Education, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group and Programme AreaCoordinator;

(b) Mr S. Priamikov (Russian Federation) as chair-person of the Task Team on Resources;

RESOLUTION 5 71

(a) Determine procedures and principles for the devel-opment and management of global and regionaloceanographic and marine meteorological clima-tological datasets;

(b) Review and assess the climatological elements ofthe Commission, including the operation of theMCSS and the GCCs, and the development ofrequired oceanographic and marine meteorologi-cal products;

(c) Review the GOOS and GCOS requirements for cli-matological datasets, taking account of the needfor quality and integration;

(d) Develop procedures and standards for data assem-bly and for the creation of climatological datasets,including the establishment of dedicated facilitiesand centres;

(e) Collaborate and liaise with other groups, as need-ed, both to ensure access to expertise andappropriate coordination;

(f) Keep under review and update, as necessary, rele-vant technical publications in the area of

oceanographic and marine meteorological clima-tologies.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:(a) Up to 12 experts, including the chairperson,

selected from Members/Member States, represen-tative of the range of responsibilities of the ExpertTeam;

(b) Additional representatives from the responsiblemembers for the MCSS and GCCs, from relevantprojects and subsidiary bodies of IODE, asrequired, in consultation with the co-presidents;

(c) Representatives of JCOMM Programme Areas andof other expert bodies may be invited, as appropri-ate, with the concurrence of the co-presidents ofJCOMM and with no resources implications to theCommission.

RESOLUTION 5 (JCOMM-I)

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME AREA

(4) To select, in accordance with WMO GeneralRegulation 32, the following experts to serve on theEducation, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group:Ms R. Folorunsho (Nigeria);Ms M. Andrioli (Argentina);Mr S. Ragoonaden (Mauritius);Mr Qi Peng (China);Ms I. Ambar (Portugal);Mr R. Aparicio (Venezula) representing the IOCAssociation for the Caribbean and AdjacentRegions;

(5) To invite Members/Member States to nominateexperts to participate in the Task Team on

Resources, to facilitate a final selection by the co-presidents;

(6) To request the co-presidents of JCOMM, in accor-dance with WMO General Regulation 32, toappoint specific rapporteurs to the Education,Training and Capacity Building CoordinationGroup, as required.

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to invite relevant external inter-national and national donor agencies to nominaterepresentatives to participate in the work of theEducation, Training and Capacity Building ProgrammeArea, as appropriate.

72 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

1. Education, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group

Terms of referenceThe Education, Training and Capacity BuildingCoordination Group, in close cooperation with theWMO Expert Team on Technical Cooperation, the IOCCommittee for Training, Education and MutualAssistance in the Marine Sciences, GOOS, GCOS, IGOSand other relevant organizations and bodies involvedin capacity building, shall:(a) Plan, initiate and implement the Education,

Training and Capacity Building work programmeincluding, in particular, the JCOMM CapacityBuilding Strategy;

(b) Keep under review existing training and guidancematerial (paper and electronic) and advise on pro-cedures for updating as well as for thedevelopment of new material;

(c) Review and assess regional requirements for capac-ity building and develop regional projects, asappropriate;

(d) Develop and implement integrated training andsupport activities, in collaboration with other pro-gramme areas and external bodies andprogrammes;

(e) Review and assess the resources needed for capaci-ty building activities of JCOMM in light of theresource plan of the Task Team on Resources;

(f) Endeavour to mobilize the resources required forJCOMM capacity building, including those neededfor the implementation of the work programme ofthe Services Programme Area.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:

Programme Area/Education, Training andCapacity Building Coordinator (chairperson);Chairperson of the Task Team on Resources;Experts to provide linkage with WMO/IOC rele-vant regional and technical bodies;Five additional experts.

2. Task Team on Resources

Terms of referenceThe Task Team on Resources shall:(a) Monitor the existence, fields of interest and

procedures of international and national aidprogrammes, foundations and all other possiblesources of funding and advise on proposaldevelopment;

(b) Where possible, develop links and contacts tofunding sources and aid programme management;

(c) Develop a plan for obtaining resources for JCOMMCapacity Building, in collaboration with GOOSand GCOS.

General membershipThe membership is selected to ensure an appropriaterange of expertise and to maintain an appropriate geo-graphical representation, and includes:

Four selected experts;Donor agency representatives.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 5 (JCOMM-I)

TERMS OF REFERENCE AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE EDUCATION, TRAINING ANDCAPACITY BUILDING COORDINATION GROUP AND TASK TEAM ON RESOURCES

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,

CONSIDERING that all resolutions adopted prior toJCOMM-I are now obsolete,CONSIDERING FURTHER that all recommendations adopt-ed prior to the twelfth session of CMM and still in forcehave been reconsidered,NOTING the action taken on the recommendationsadopted prior to JCOMM-I,

DECIDES:(1) Not to keep in force Resolutions 1 to 5 (CMM-XII);

(2) Not to keep in force Recommendations 7 (CMM-XI);and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 (CMM-XII);

(3) To keep in force Recommendations 13 (CMM-X);1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12 (CMM-XI); and 4, 6, and 11(CMM-XII);

(4) Not to keep in force Resolutions 1 through 5(JC-IGOSS-VII);

(5) Not to keep in force Recommendations 2 (JWC-IGOSS-I);11 (JWC-IGOSS-V); and 1 to 7 (JC-IGOSS-VII);

(6) To keep in force Recommendations 1(JWC-IGOSS-IV); and 1 and 2 (JWC-IGOSS-V);

(7) To publish in the final report of JCOMM-I the textof the recommendations which are kept in force.

RESOLUTION 6 73

RESOLUTION 6 (JCOMM-I)

REVISION OF THE RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FORMARINE METEOROLOGY AND OF THE JOINT WMO/IOC COMMITTEE FOR THE

INTEGRATED GLOBAL OCEAN SERVICES SYSTEM

Recommendation 13 (CMM-X) — Specialized long-termeducation and training in marine meteorology andphysical oceanography

THE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The high priority given by Tenth Congress to

marine meteorological services and to improvedspecialized education and training in marinemeteorology and physical oceanography,

(2) The report of the Rapporteur on Education andTraining to CMM-X,

(3) Recommendation 11 (JWC-IGOSS-V) —Specialized long-term education and training relat-ed to IGOSS,

BEING AWARE that, with the notable exception of RMTCManila, there is presently a lack of long-term special-ized training courses in marine meteorology andphysical oceanograhy at Regional MeteorologicalTraining Centres,CONSIDERING:(1) That properly trained personnel are essential to

the further development, implementation andoperation of marine meteorological services, andthat training should extend also to the users ofmarine meteorological services, where this doesnot already occur,

(2) That the expanded involvement of developingcountries in programmes such as the IntegratedGlobal Ocean Services System and the WorldClimate Research Programme is also dependent on

the availability of specialized personnel in the fieldof marine meteorology and physical oceanography,

RECOGNIZING that long-term specialized training cours-es in marine meteorology and physical oceanographyare essential for the provision of suitably trained per-sonnel for these purposes,RECOMMENDS:(1) That high priority within WMO should be given to

the development of long-term specialized trainingcourses in RMTCs in the field of marine meteorol-ogy and physical oceanography;

(2) That in particular every effort should be made toestablish a six-month course on marine meteorol-ogy and physical oceanography at RMTC Nairobias a matter of some urgency;

(3) That, whenever possible, these courses should bedeveloped and operated in close collaborationwith IOC and the oceanographic community;

(4) That following the successful establishment of acourse in Nairobi, consideration should then begiven to the establishment of similar courses inRMTCs Oran and Buenos Aires;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General:(1) To approach funding sources, including UNDP,

with a view to establishing approporiate long-termfunding support for such courses;

(2) In consultation with the president of CMM, theSecretary IOC and the Directors of the RMTCs con-cerned, to develop as soon as possible curricula forthese courses, for the consideration of the ECPanel of Experts on Education and Training.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION 6 (JCOMM-I)

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY ANDMARINE METEOROLOGY ADOPTED PRIOR TO ITS FIRST SESSION AND MAINTAINED IN FORCE

Recommendation 1 (CMM-XI) — Marine meteorologicalservices monitoring programmeTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Recommendation 1 (CMM-VIII) — Marine meteor-

ological services monitoring programme,(2) Abridged final report, CMM-IX, general summary,

paragraph 5.7 and Annex II,(3) Report and recommendations to CMM-XI by the

Sub-group of Experts on Warning and ForecastPreparation on Marine Meteorological ServicesMonitoring,

CONSIDERING:(1) The continuing importance to mariners of the

provision of high quality, timely marine meteoro-logical services,

(2) The need for routine and continuous monitoringof marine meteorological services to maintain thehighest possible standards,

(3) The importance of keeping up-to-date informationon the requirements of marine users for meteoro-logical and oceanographic information andservices,

RECOGNIZING the activities for the monitoring ofmarine meteorological services already effected bymany Members,RECOMMENDS:(1) That a systematic, long-term marine meteorologi-

cal services monitoring programme beimplemented;

(2) That the programme be based on the question-naire and response summary format given in theannex to this recommendation;

(3) That the monitoring should be undertaken byMembers and coordinated by the WMO Secretariatand should take place on a routine basis every fouryears;

(4) That a comprehensive analysis of the results of themonitoring should be prepared by the WMOSecretariat following each four-yearly monitoring,and transmitted immediately to Members for fol-low-up action, as appropriate;

(5) That a brief summary of the results of this moni-toring should be prepared for each session ofCMM, as well as for sessions of the AdvisoryWorking Group and the Working Group onMarine Meteorological Services;

INVITES Members to carefully review the results of thismonitoring, including detailed criticisms and sugges-tions provided by users, and to take appropriatemeasures to correct identified deficiencies in marinemeteorological services within their respective areas ofconcern, including through the distribution of resultsto marine forecasters and PMOs;REQUESTS:(1) The Advisory Working Group and the Working

Group on Marine Meteorological Services to close-ly follow the implementation and results of thismonitoring programme and to propose modifica-tions, as appropriate;

(2) The Secretary-General to arrange for Secretariatsupport for the monitoring programme as detailedunder RECOMMENDS above.

________NOTE: This recommendation replaces Recommendation 1

(CMM-VIII) which is no longer in force.

74 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Annex to Recommendation 1 (CMM-XI)

Marine meteorological services monitoring programme questionnaire

A. To masters, deck and radio officers of VOS

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the weather and sea bulletins produced and transmitted by Meteorological Services,the World Meteorological Organization would appreciate your cooperation in completing the following questionnaire. Theobjective of this programme is the improvement of meteorological support to shipping.

Ship’s name (call sign) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Country of registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Name of master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Operational area(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Voyage from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Position of ship when questionnaire completed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please complete the following questionnaire by ticking the appropriate heading and inserting comments, as appropriate.

Good Fair Poor Met. service CRSissued by

1. Storm and gale warnings(a) Clarity of information __________ __________ __________ __________ __________(b) Accuracy of information __________ __________ __________(c) Timeliness __________ __________ __________

2. Weather bulletins(a) Clarity of information __________ __________ __________ __________ __________(b) Accuracy of information __________ __________ __________(c) Timeliness __________ __________ __________(d) Terminology used __________ __________ __________

3. Radiofacsimile broadcasts(a) Maintaining schedules __________ __________ __________ __________ __________(b) Accuracy of information __________ __________ __________(c) Readability __________ __________ __________(d) Symbology __________ __________ __________(e) Quality of reception __________ __________ __________

4. Coastal Radio Stations (CRS)/Coast Earth Stations (CES)(a) Establishing contact with receiving station (CRS/CES) _______ _______ _______ _______(b) Delays with OBS messages _______ Yes (Time.....) _______ No(c) Refusal of CRS/CES to accept OBS messages _______ Yes (CRS/CES........) _______ Yes(d) Use of five or ten-figure groups _______ 5 _______ 10

5. Other related problems (if any)Date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Position of the ship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Radio frequency and station call sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6. Suggested improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use additional sheets if necessaryFor each case complete one questionnaireAfter completion, please return to Meteorological Service at the following address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Master’s signature

B. A summary of the replies to the questionnaire addressed to Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) received by(Meteorological Service)

Number of ships which replied Percentage of total repliesGood Fair Poor Good Fair Poor

1. Storm and gale warnings(a) Clarity of information ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(b) Accuracy of information ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(c) Timeliness ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

2. Weather bulletins(a) Clarity of information ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(b) Accuracy of information ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(c) Timeliness ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(d) Terminology used ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

3. Radio-facsimile broadcasts(a) Maintaining schedules ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(b) Accuracy of information ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(c) Readability ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(d) Symbology ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

4. Coastal Radio Stations (CRS) / Coast Earth Stations (CES)(a) Establishing contact with

receiving station ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(b) Delays with OBS message ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(c) Refusal of CRS/CES to accept OBS ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________(d) Use of five or ten-figure groups ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

5. Other related problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6. Suggested improvements

RESOLUTION 6 75

Recommendation 2 (CMM-XI) — Marine PollutionEmergency Response Support System (MPERSS)for the high seasTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Recommendation 2 (CMM-X) — Meteorological

support for marine pollution emergency opera-tions,

(2) The final report of the meeting of the IMOWorking Group on the International Conventionon Oil Pollution Preparedness, response andCooperation (London, October 1992),

(3) Recommendation 3 (CMM-XI) — New WMOGMDSS Marine Broadcast System,

CONSIDERING:(1) That operations at sea in response to marine pol-

lution emergencies are fundamentally dependenton the support of meteorological services,

(2) That marine pollution emergency events outsidewaters under national jurisdiction are essentiallyinternational in character,

(3) That no coordinated system currently exists forthe provision of meteorological support for opera-tions in response to such events,

(4) That considerable benefits would accrue to allcoastal states through the establishment of such acoordinated system for meteorological support,

RECOMMENDS:(1) That a new WMO Marine Pollution Emergency

Response Support System (MPERSS) for the highseas, as detailed in the annex to this recommenda-tion, should be implemented on a trial basis;

(2) That the trial system should ideally be implement-ed on or as soon as possible after 1 January 1994;

EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to those Members whichmay accept provisional responsibilities under the newsystem,BEARING IN MIND:(1) The need for substantial further work to be under-

taken, nationally and internationally, indeveloping the concept and structure of theMPERSS,

(2) The continuing need to provide guidance and sup-port to Members in the development andimplementation of the services required in sup-port of marine pollution emergency responseoperations,

(3) The work being undertaken on marine pollutionmonitoring, assessment and modelling by IOC,UNEP and IMO,

REQUESTS:(1) The Working Group on Marine Meteorological

Services to:(a) Further develop the concept and structure of

the proposed MPERSS in cooperation withMembers concerned as well as with appropri-ate international organizations;

(b) Continue its work on the development ofguidance material, in cooperation with IOC,

UNEP and IMO, as appropriate, and generallyto provide technical support to Members inthe implementation and operation of thetrial MPERSS;

(c) Prepare a revised draft MPERSS, for the con-sideration of CMM-XII for inclusion in theManual on Marine Meteorological Services;

(2) The Secretary-General to provide, as resources per-mit, appropriate Secretariat support in the furtherdevelopment, implementation and operation ofthe MPERSS and, in particular, to agree withMembers concerned on their role and responsibil-ities in a future operational MPERSS;

INVITES IOC, UNEP and IMO to collaborate with WMOin the further development and operation, as necessary,of the MPERSS;FURTHER INVITES the International MaritimeOrganization:(1) To provide WMO with additional information on

national and regional marine pollution combat-ting centres, for inclusion in the draft MPERSSplan, for the benefit of Members accepting respon-sibilities under the MPERSS;

(2) To inform national and regional marine pollutioncombatting authorities, as well as IMO nationalcontact points, of the existence and details of theMPERSS.

Annex to Recommendation 2 (CMM-XI)

Marine meteorological support for marine pollutionemergency response operations on the high seas

1. PRINCIPLESThe principles for marine meteorological support

for marine pollution emergency response operationsare as follows:

Principle 1For the purpose of the efficient and effective

provision of meteorological information for marinepollution emergency response operations on the highseas and in view of the international character of theseoperations, there is a requirement to provide an inter-nationally coordinated system of meteorologicalsupport for such operations. For this purpose theoceans and seas are divided into areas for whichNational Meteorological Services assume responsibility.These areas, termed Marine Pollution Incident (MPI)areas, are the same areas as the METAREAs of the GlobalMaritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Principle 2The areas of responsibility together provide

complete coverage of oceans and seas by meteorologi-cal information contained in the products preparedand issued by the participating National MeteorologicalServices.

76 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Principle 3The preparation and issue of meteorological

information for areas of responsibility is coordinated inaccordance with the procedures mentioned in section 2.

Principle 4The efficiency and effectiveness of the provision

of meteorological information in support of marinepollution emergency response operations is monitoredby obtaining opinions and reports from the users.

2. PROCEDURES

2.1 Definitions2.1.1 An Area Meteorological Coordinator (AMC) is aNational Meteorological Service which has acceptedresponsibility for ensuring that regional meteorologicalinformation is issued to support marine pollutionemergency response operations in the designated areafor which the Service has accepted responsibility.[These National Meteorological Services may even-tually become designated Regional SpecializedMeteorological Centres (RSMC) for Marine PollutionEmergency Support.] The support supplied by an AMC(or a Supporting Service) may include some or all of thefollowing:(a) Basic meteorological forecasts and warnings for

the area(s) concerned;(b) The observation, analysis and forecasting of the

values of specific meteorological and oceano-graphic variables required as input to modelsdescribing the movement, dispersion, dissipationand dissolution of marine pollution;

(c) In some cases, the operation of these models;(d) In some cases, access to national and internation-

al telecommunications facilities;(e) Other operational support.The issued information may have been prepared solelyby the AMC, or by another Supporting Service(s), or acombination of both, on the basis of an agreementbetween the Services concerned. It is also the responsi-bility of the AMC to ascertain the location and contact(telex, telefax, etc.) details of any marine pollutionemergency response operations authority (or authori-ties) responsible within the designated MarinePollution Incident (MPI) area. This information shouldbe made available by the AMC to Supporting Service(s)for the area.2.1.2 A Supporting Service is a National MeteorologicalService which has accepted responsibility to provide onrequest, either directly or to the AMC, meteorological(basic or enhanced) support for parts of, or an entire, des-ignated MPI area. Depending on the location of theincident, Supporting Services may be requested by theemergency authority to provide the meteorological sup-port directly to that authority. In such cases, the AMCshould be so advised by the Supporting Service. ASupporting Service should advise the AMC of the facilitiesit has available to fulfil its role.

2.2 Areas of responsibility2.2.1 Areas of responsibility (Marine PollutionIncident (MPI) areas) and the responsible Servicesfor AMCs and Supporting Service(s) shall be as givenin Appendix I.NOTES: (1) The areas of responsibility given in Appendix I are

reviewed by the Commission for MarineMeteorology to ensure complete area coverage andadequacy of services.

(2) An MPI area has, in some cases, been sub-dividedto meet the requirements of National Meteoro-logical Services.

(3) The areas of responsibility defined in Appendix Irepresent a minimum requirement for AMC andSupporting Services. Both AMCs and SupportingServices may extend the area of coverage for theissue of meteorological support informationbeyond these areas of responsibility, if they sowish, to meet national requirements. In this case,the area of coverage should be specified in thetext of each communication to the marine pollu-tion emergency response operations authority.

2.2.2 Any amendments to the area of responsibilityor proposal for the introduction of a change inNational Meteorological Services’ responsibilities foran area, shall have the approval of the ExecutiveCouncil based on a recommendation by theCommission for Marine Meteorology.2.2.2.1 Before drawing up any recommendation onthe proposed amendment for submission to theExecutive Council, the Commission for MarineMeteorology shall receive the comments of theNational Meteorological Services directly concernedwith the proposed amendment as well as the com-ments of the president(s) of the regionalassociation(s) concerned.NOTE: All correspondence relating to the areas of responsi-

bility is addressed to the Secretary-General.2.2.3 Whenever a National Meteorological Serviceresponsible for the issue of meteorological support datato an MPI area is no longer able to provide this service,the National Meteorological Service should inform theSecretary-General at least six months in advance of theintended termination date.

2.3 Meteorological support to marine pollu-tion emergency response operations on thehigh seas2.3.1 Support to these emergency operations may, as stat-ed in paragraph 2.1.1, include a variety of elements, such as:(a) Basic meteorological forecasts and warnings for the

area(s) concerned. Special attention should be givento the early provision of actual and forecast surfaceconditions in the area of the pollution incident.This may be the initial requirement following apollution incident;

(b) The observation, analysis and forecasting of the valuesof specific meteorological and oceanographic variablesrequired as input to models describing the

RESOLUTION 6 77

movement, dispersion, dissipation and dissolutionof marine pollution. AMC and Supporting Serviceshould, if possible, ascertain from the relevantmarine pollution emergency response operationsauthority the specific meteorological and oceano-graphic variables required for a particular model,also the location of the model operator and accessdetails. If information regarding specific requiredvariables for a model is not available, generalguidelines for the type of data which will berequired are given in Appendix II;

(c) The operation of the models by the National Meteoro-logical Service. If an AMC or Supporting Service hasthis facility and it can be used in the MPI area, theexistence of this facility should be made known tothe relevant marine pollution emergency responseoperations authority at an early stage, and ideallyprior to an actual pollution incident in the MPIarea. [AMCs should give consideration to conduct-ing periodic trials of their pollution models andcooperating with the pollution emergency author-ities in their MPI area to assess the efficiency andeffectiveness of the output data from their models.]

(d) Access to national and international telecom-munications facilities. Effective and efficientcommunications is an essential element in an emer-gency situation and AMCs and Supporting Servicesmust ensure that they have access to reliable com-munication links between all parties involved in amarine pollution incident within their MPI area.The AMC should ascertain from the marine pollu-tion emergency response operations authority themethod by which the transfer of the required mete-orological support shall be effected. Thisinformation shall be relayed to the SupportingService(s) for the MPI area concerned. The use ofthe International SafetyNET service (of INMARSAT)should be considered if the meteorological supportis required at the location of the pollution incident,e.g. by the on-scene dispersal craft. Similarly, use ofthe Global Telecommunication System (GTS) by amarine pollution emergency response operationsauthority via a regional telecommunication hub(RTH) of the Global Telecommunication System(GTS) may also be a consideration in cases of amajor pollution incident;

(e) Other operational support. AMCs shall, at an earlystage of a marine pollution incident affectingtheir area of responsibility, ascertain from therelevant marine pollution emergency responseoperations authority details of the incident andthe nature of the support required. It shall bethe responsibility of the AMC to advise themarine pollution emergency response opera-tions authority of the support facilities whichthe AMC and/or the Supporting Service(s) canprovide. [This shall be undertaken whether ornot a pollution incident occurs in an MPI area,and this information shall be updated to the

marine pollution emergency response opera-tions authorities at regular intervals, andimmediately should there be a change in thesupport facilities available from the AMC orSupporting Service. It is the responsiblity of theSupporting Service(s) to advise the AMC of anychange to its support facilities.] It should be notedthat operations at sea in response to marine pollu-tion emergencies are fundamentally dependent onthe support of Meteorological Services. It is thusessential that AMCs and Supporting Services offeras full a range of operational support as possibleand practicable to marine pollution emergencyresponse operations.

2.3.2 A permanent record of all communicationsshould be maintained, showing the times of origin,transmission and reception of the information provided.

2.4 IMO regional marine pollution combat-ting centres. Marine pollution research andmonitoring programmes of IOC/UNEP2.4.1 IMO and UNEP have established regionalmarine pollution combatting centres in a few locationsthroughout the world. These centres have been incor-porated in the coordinated meteorological support planin Appendix I. Full details of these centres are given inAppendix III. The majority of these centres are non-operational and have an advisory capacity only. Thenature of the centre, whether advisory or operational,is indicated in Appendix III. It should be noted that itis the responsibility of the participating NationalMeteorological Service(s) to ascertain the location ofany marine pollution emergency response operationsauthority relevant to the MPI area and/or to eachmarine pollution incident.2.4.2 The objectives and activities of the RegionalMarine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for theMediterranean Sea and its role in the case of emergencyare given in Appendix IV.2.4.3 The International Convention on Oil PollutionPreparedness, Response and Cooperation, 1990 (OPRCConvention), in Article 12 — Institutional Arrangementsidentified the International Maritime OrganizationSecretariat as having specific responsibilities with regardto the provision of information and technical servicesunder the Convention. Contact information for the IMOSecretariat is also given in Appendix III and informationon activities in Appendix V. It is the responsibility of theWMO Secretariat to keep the IMO Secretariat informed ofall international dispositions and arrangements madeunder the WMO meteorological support system. At thesame time, AMCs may wish to contact the IMOSecretariat directly to obtain information on specificarrangements which may exist for combatting oil and other pollution incidents in their MPI area(s) ofresponsibility.2.4.4 IOC and UNEP co-sponsor the programme onGlobal Investigation of Pollution in the MarineEnvironment (GIPME).

78 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Appendix I

Areas of responsibility and National Meteorological Services designated as area meteorological coordinators forissuing of meteorological data for support to marine pollution emergency response operations on the high seas

Coordinated meteorological support to marine pollution incident (MPI) area

Recipient of meteorological data

RESOLUTION 6 79

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

VI

V

XI

VIII

I

IIIV IV

VI X

XII

XIII

XIV XV

XVI

VII

III

IX XI

A B

BBA

CA 10°

18°12°

71°

48°27

7°

35°

30°

10°30

29°

50°53°

67°

45°

0°

180°

80° 45°

120°95

° 170°12

7°

141°12°

160°

55°

20°

67°

172°

UK

USA

BRAZIL

RUSSIA

FRANCEUSA

ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND CHILE

USA

JAPAN

CANADA

INDIA

S. AFRICA

SAUDIARABIA

CHINA

USA

RU

SSIA

NO

RW

AY

MAURITIUS

KENYA

MEDITERRANEAN

Italy

USA

USA

NorwayIcelandIrelandFrance

PortugalSpain

GreeceMaltaFrance

Canada

Réunion

United Republicof Tanzania

Réunion

Bahrain

Hong Kong

Philippines

Canada

Norway responsible forArctic watersnorth of 71°N

Canada responsible for Arctic waters north of 67°N

West of 20°E

East of 20°E

VIII (A): Area VIII-(B)+(C). Indian Ocean northof the equator, west of 95°E, east of 55°Eexcluding Area IX

VIII (B): 12°N – 10°30'S 55°E to East African Coast

VIII (C): 0° – 30°S 55°E – 95°E

XI (A) 125°E – Mainland China to west boundaryof area XI (95°E) (excluding Philippine waters)

East of 125°E – 180° including Philippine waters

Canada responsible for Arctic waters north of 67°N

United Kingdom

France

Brazil

Argentina

South Africa*

South Africa*

India

Kenya

Mauritius

Saudi Arabia

Australia

China

Japan

Russian Federation

New Zealand

Chile

Relevant Coast Guard Authority/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard Authority/Pollution Control Centre

REMPEC (Malta Centre). Relevant Coast Guard Authority

Relevant Coast Guard Authority. IMO Regional Consultant,Santurce, Puerto Rico (Wider Caribbean)

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

Relevant Coast Guard/Pollution Control Centre

________* The Government of the Republic of South Africa has been suspended by Resolution 38 (Cg-VII) from exercising its rights and enjoying its privileges as a Member of WMO.

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII (A)

VII (B)

VIII (A)

VIII (B)

IX

X

XI (A)

XI (B)

XII & XVI

XIII

XIV

XV

VIII (C)

MPIarea

Area MeteorologicalCoordinator

SupportingService

IMO regional marine pollution combatting centresSuggested additional centres

Remarks

Appendix II

Input data requirements for marine pollution transport and dispersion models

Appendix III

IMO regional marine pollution combatting centres and marine pollutionresearch and monitoring programmes of IOC/UNEP (as of March 1992)

1. Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC) of IMO/UNEP(also known as the Malta Centre)Manoel IslandMalta

tel +356 337296 or 337297 or 337298; fax +356 339951; telex 2464 UNROCC MW; 1396 UNROCC MW

Status: Information and advisory centre.

2. Office of IMO Regional Consultant on Marine Pollution (Wider Caribbean)P.O. Box 3037Ceiba, Puerto Rico 00735USA

tel +1809 8654343 (24 hrs); fax +1809 8651785

Status: Advisory services.

3. Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC)P.O. Box 10112, Bahrain

tel (973) 274554; fax (973) 274551; telex 9890 MEMAC BN

4. Oil Pollution Coordination CentrePollution Preparedness and Response SectionInternational Maritime Organization4 Albert EmbankmentLondon SE1 7SR, United Kingdom

tel +44 71 7357611; fax +44 71 5873210; telex 23588

Status: Information and advisory centre.

80 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Simple localmodels

Simple regionalmodels

Hydrological localmodels

Hydrological regionalmodels

Expert local systems Expert regional systems

Surface wind (local) Surface wind field Surface wind (local) Surface wind field Surface wind Surface wind fieldWater temperature Water temperature Water temperature Water temperature Water temperature Water temperature fieldAir temperature Air temperature Air temperature Air temperature Air temperature Air temperatureWaves Waves Waves Waves Waves Waves(Rain) Currents Rain Rain Rain RainCurrents Currents Stratification Pollutant properties Pollutant properties

Tides Constant information Surface and sub-surface currents Surface and sub-surface currentsIce Tides TidesTides Stratification Stratification

Technical information Technical informationRegional informationIce

Local systems Regional systems

Surface wind Surface wind fieldWater temperature Air temperature fieldAir temperature Water temperature field

Grid point dataRain or not Rain or notWaves Stratification

Ice information

Appendix IV

Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centrefor the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC)

ObjectivesThe objectives of the Centre are the following:

(a) To strengthen the capacities of the coastal States inthe Mediterranean and to facilitate cooperationamong them in case of a major marine pollutionaccident;

(b) To assist coastal States of the Mediterraneanregion, which so request, in the development oftheir own capabilities for response to accidents;

(c) To facilitate information exchange, technologicalcooperation and training;

(d) To provide a framework for the exchange of infor-mation on operational, technical, scientific, legaland financial matters.

ActivitiesIn conformity with these objectives and with the

decisions of the meetings of the Contracting Parties tothe Barcelona Convention, the Centre is developing itsactivities in the following areas:(a) Informing the coastal states — regional informa-

tion system (oil and hazardous substances)The Centre is developing and keeping up-to-date aregional information system made up of fourparts:(i) Basic documents;(ii) Lists and inventories;(iii) Data banks, simulation models and decision

support system;(iv) Operational guides and technical documents.

(b) Assistance in the preparation of contingency plansThe Centre provides assistance to those countrieswhich so request for:(i) The preparation or adaptation of national

contingency plans;(ii) The preparation and the development of

operational bilaterial or multilateral agree-ments between neighbouring Coastal States.

(c) TrainingThe Centre annually organizes the followingregional training courses:(i) A general training course;(ii) A specialized and practical training course.

The Centre provides, to countries which sorequest, assistance in organizing nationaltraining courses.

(d) Cooperation and mutal assistance in cases ofemergencyThe Centre:(i) Develops and keeps up-to-date a regional

communications network;(ii) Organizes periodically communication

exercises;(iii) Provides, at the request of the Mediterranean

Coastal States in case of an accident, technical

advice and facilitates and coordinates mutalassistance between them.

Role of the Centre in case of emergencyIn the case of a marine pollution accident, REM-

PEC, at the request of States, in accordance with itsobjectives and functions and taking into account themeans at its disposal shall:(a) By using the regional information system devel-

oped and updated by the Centre, provide adviceand technical expertise as well as other relevantinformation the States would need;

(b) Put into action once it will be operational theMediterranean Task Force which will assistresponse to accidental marine pollution;

(c) Help to obtain international assistance and its coordination, whether the means (equipment,products, combatting equipment) come fromGovernment or the private sector;

(d) Endeavour to help States affected by an accident indisseminating information.The assistance that the Centre can thus give at the

request of the States shall be decided on a case by casebasis, between the competent national authorities andREMPEC. REMPEC shall endeavour to reply in thequickest and best possible way to all the requests ofassistance supported by the Regional InformationSystem.

Appendix V

Oil Pollution Coordination Centre (OPCC)

ObjectivesThe objectives of the Coordination Centre are the

following:(a) To coordinate oil spill response activities, if

requested;(b) To monitor oil spill incidents;(c) To facilitate information exchange on operational

and institutional capacities to combat oil spills;(d) To provide a framework for the collection and dis-

semination of information on operational andtechnical matters;

(e) To assist Governments in the development of theirown capabilities for response to accidents;

(f) To facilitate the provision of technical assistanceand advice upon request.

ActivitiesIn conformity with the objectives mentioned

above, the Coordination Centre is developing its activ-ities in the following areas:(a) Information services

The Centre is developing and keeping up-to-dateinformation on:(i) National focal points for Oil Pollution

Preparedness and Response (OPRC);(ii) The nature and extent of the type of assis-

tance which is available with every State;(iii) National Policy for Oil Pollution

Preparedness and Response including

RESOLUTION 6 81

National Contingency Plan for oil pollutionincidents;

(iv) Marine Pollution Preparedness and ResponseDatabase Systems.

In addition, the Centre will manage an alreadydeveloped International Oil Pollution Research andDevelopment Abstract Database. This database,developed by the United States Coast Guard, hasinformation on research category, project descrip-tion, R and D sponsor, researcher, funding, etc.

(b) Education and training(i) To promote training in the field of oil pollu-

tion preparedness and response under theOPRC training strategy using IMO modelcourses;

(ii) To promote the holding of international sym-posia.

(c) Technical services(i) To facilitate cooperation in research and

development;(ii) To provide advice to State(s) establishing

national or regional response capabilities;(iii) To analyse the information provided by

Parties in case of an oil pollution incidentand relevant information provided by othersources and provide advice or information toStates.

(d) Technical assistance(i) To facilitate the provision of technical assis-

tance to States establishing national orregional respose capabilities;

(ii) To facilitate the provision of technical assis-tance and advice, upon the request of Statesfaced with major oil pollution incidents.

Role of the Centre in case of an emergencyIn the case of a marine pollution accident, OPCC,

at the request of State(s), in accordance with its objec-tives and functions and taking into account the meansat its disposal shall:(a) Monitor and assess the situation by collecting

information from various sources, e.g.,Government, industry, etc. and keeping in touchwith affected State(s);

(b) Provide technical advice, if requested, by affectedState(s);

(c) Facilitate and coordinate, as appropriate, the pro-vision of international assistance;

(d) Assist in the dissemination of spill information toaffected State(s).

Recommendation 5 (CMM-XI) — Applications of theresults of the VOS Special Observing Project NorthAtlantic (VOSP-NA)THE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Third WMO Long Term Plan, Part II,

Volume I — World Weather Watch Programme(WMO-No. 761) and Volume 4 — Applications ofMeteorology Programme (WMO-No. 764),

(2) IOC Assembly Resolution XV-4 — GlobalIntegrated Ocean Observing System Development,

(3) IOC Assembly Resolution XVI-8 — Global OceanObserving System (GOOS),

(4) Resolution 9 (Cg-XI) — Global Climate ObservingSystem,

(5) Resolution 21 (Cg-XI) — WMO’s involvement in the development of a Global Ocean ObservingSystem,

(6) Recommendation 6 (CMM-X) — The WMOVoluntary Observing Ships (VOS) scheme,

(7) Marine Meteorology and Related OceanographicActivities Reports No. 25 (Ship Catalogue) and No. 26 (Results of the VSOP-NA),

(8) Recommendation 8 (CBS-IX) — Amendments tothe Manual on the Global Data-Processing System —Monitoring the quality of observations,

CONSIDERING:(1) That reports from the VOS will remain a primary

source of surface meteorological and oceanograph-ic data from all ocean areas for operational,research and climatological purposes for the fore-seeable future,

(2) That improvements in the quality, quantity andtimeliness of such reports need to be made if thefull requirements of WMO Programmes for thesedata are to be met,

BEARING IN MIND that action on a number of recom-mendations of the VSOP-NA addressed to WMO hasbeen taken under appropriate agenda items at the pres-ent session,EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION:(1) To all Members which operate VOS, which have

appointed Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs), orwhich support coastal radio stations andINMARSAT Coast Earth Stations for the collectionof ships’ weather reports;

(2) Specifically to those Members, their PMOs and theships’ crews who participated in the VSOP-NA;

(3) To the United Kingdom Meteorological Office for acting as the lead centre for the real-time monitoring of the quality of surface marinedata;

RECOMMENDS TO MEMBERS:(1) To implement relevant recommendations of the

VSOP-NA, as detailed in the annex to this recom-mendation, as a matter of priority;

(2) To follow-up the results of the real-time monitor-ing of the quality of VOS reports, which areprepared by the United Kingdom MeteorologicalOffice as lead centre designated by CBS for thispurpose and distributed regularly to Members con-cerned;

(3) Whenever possible, to increase automation in thecollection and transmission of VOS reports;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General, the president andvice-president of the Commission and the chairmen ofthe relevant working groups to assist Members in theimplementation of this recommendation.

82 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Annex to Recommendation 5 (CMM-XI)

Recommendations of the VOS SpecialObserving Project North Atlantic (VSOP-NA)

relevant to implementation by Members

Observing practices and equipmentThe results of VSOP-NA demonstrate clearly the

value of national observing fleets conforming to recog-nized standards of instrument exposure and observingpractice. Additionally, for some variables, one methodof measurement has been shown to be superior to oth-ers (e.g. SST by hull-contact sensor). For other variables,different methods have both advantages and disadvan-tages. Good exposure is often more important thanchoice of instrument type. It is therefore strongly rec-ommended that Members take note of these findingsand ensure that equipment, exposures and observingpractices are chosen and maintained appropriately,with a view to achieving greater accuracy and consis-tency across the international VOS.Real-time data monitoring

The existing real-time monitoring systems for VOSreports should be extended to cover all variables requiredfor surface flux calculations. Specifically VOS databasesmaintained at each monitoring centre should includemore detail for each ship, to facilitate identification ofthe appropriate corrections. Results of the real-timemonitoring should be made available more frequently toMembers and PMOs, ideally on a monthly basis.Reduction in reporting errors

The results of VSOP-NA show that many errors weremade in converting measured relative wind into truewind, and in deriving dewpoint from dry- and wet-bulbtemperatures. Members are recommended to providetheir VOS with dedicated calculators or computer pro-grams for deriving these quantities, in order to achieve asignificant decrease in the number of such errors.Port Meteorological Officer system

The results of the VSOP-NA study demonstratethat an efficient Port Meteorological Officer system canhave significant impact on the overall quality of datasubmitted by individual national fleets. It is recom-mended that appropriate funding and resources bemade available to improve the organization, trainingand operation of the Port Meteorological Officer sys-tems of Member countries. Members with existing,well-established and effective PMO systems should beencouraged to offer training and assistance facilities toother Members to enable them to upgrade their respec-tive PMO services.Applications of VOS data

Noting that model-derived ocean surface flux val-ues will be increasingly used for forcing ocean models,and recognizing that the VSOP-NA project has shownthat biases exist in model-derived data such that signif-icant errors would exist in the predicted flux values, itis recommended that increased use be made of the VOSship observations to verify model flux determinations.

It is recommended that, where VOS observationsare used to construct sea surface temperature data sets,the observations should be classified according tomeasurement type and that greatest weight should begiven to hull contact sensors, bucket measurements,and condenser or engine intake instruments, in thatorder. In particular it should be noted that there is evi-dence that intake measurements are of poorer qualityand likely to be biased warm compared to the othermethods.

Recognizing that ships’ observations transmittedover the GTS at present contain a significant number oferrors due to the incorrect calculation of true windvelocity and dewpoint, and that these errors can bereduced by the use of logbook data, the use of delayed-mode logbook-derived data for climate research isrecommended.

Noting that the greatest accuracy requirements forVOS data are for the calculation of flux fields for climateresearch, and recognizing that the VSOP-NA project hasdemonstrated that the quality of ships’ data depends onthe efficiency of the PMO system, it is recommendedthat the climate research community supports measuresdesigned to improve the PMO system.

Recommendation 8 (CMM-XI) — The collection of mete-orological and oceanographic information usingINMARSATTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Abridged final report, CMM-X, sub-item 6.1,(2) Resolution 19 (Cg-XI) — The collection and dis-

semination of marine meteorological andoceanographic information using INMARSAT,

CONSIDERING:(1) The continuing rapid expansion in the use of the

International Maritime Satellite Organization(INMARSAT) marine telecommunication system,particularly among the WMO VoluntaryObserving Ships (VOS),

(2) That INMARSAT-C facilities are likely to be avail-able on virtually all the VOS by the year 2000,

(3) The improvements being noted in the receipt ofmeteorological and oceanographic reports fromships at sea through the enhanced use of theINMARSAT system,

(4) The substantial reductions in communicationscosts to Members which occur for meteorologicaland oceanographic reports sent using theINMARSAT-C facility,

RECOGNIZING WITH APPRECIATION that a number ofMembers operating INMARSAT Coast Earth Stations(CES) have already arranged to accept ships’ meteoro-logical and oceanographic reports through their CES,free of charge to the ships, which are of general valueto all Members of WMO,BEING CONCERNED, however, that these reports are, atthe present time, concentrated on a sub-set of the CESalready in operation, and that problems continue to be

RESOLUTION 6 83

related to the timely redistribution to the countriesclosest to their geographical origin of reports collectedthrough INMARSAT,NOTING WITH APPRECIATION the agreement by theNetherlands to supply and maintain software for thecompilation, encoding in SHIP code, storage and trans-mission through the INMARSAT-C facility of ships’meteorological reports,RECOMMENDS:(1) To those Members operating CES that have not yet

done so to accept the ships’ meteorological andoceanographic reports transmitted through theirCES, free of charge to ships, using the special code41 short code dialing procedure;

(2) To those Members in regions where the introduc-tion of INMARSAT has produced recognizedchanges in patterns of data collection, to developinterregional, regional, subregional or bilateralagreements for cost-sharing, as appropriate;

(3) To all Members concerned to make every effort toensure the timely redistribution of reports collect-ed through INMARSAT to countries in the areas ofthe geographical origins of those reports, throughthe GTS and by other means such as MDD, asappropriate;

(4) To Members requiring ships’ reports on the GTS toensure that their telecommunications centresactually request receipt of all relevant GTS bul-letins containing such reports;

REQUESTS THE SECRETARY-GENERAL:(1) In consultation with the Secretary IOC, to investi-

gate possibilities for one or more Members tosupply and maintain software for the compilation,encoding in BATHY, TESAC or TRACKOB codes, stor-age and transmission through the INMARSAT-Cfacility of ships’ oceanographic reports;

(2) In consultation with the Secretary of IOC, thepresidents of CMM and CBS, the chairman ofIGOSS and the chairmen of the relevant workinggroups of CMM, CBS and IGOSS, to continue dis-cussions with INMARSAT and others on theexpanded use of the INMARSAT system for thecollection of ships’ meteorological and oceano-graphic reports, including in particular thepossible use of the INMARSAT-C signalling chan-nel for transmitting such reports in binary formatand, if appropriate, to establish a small WMO/INMARSAT liaison group for this purpose;

(3) To keep Members closely informed of any signifi-cant relevant new developments in this regard.

Recommendation 10 (CMM-XI) — Agenda 21 and imple-mentation of GOOS and GCOSTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 9 (Cg-XI) — Global Climate Observing

System,(2) Resolution 21 (Cg-XI) — WMO’s involvement in the

development of a Global Ocean Observing System,

(3) UNCED Agenda 21, in particular Chapter 9(Atmosphere) and Chapter 17 (Oceans, especiallySection E — addressing critical uncertainties),

CONSIDERING:(1) That existing marine meteorological and

oceanogaphic observing system components,including the VOS, ocean data buoys, satellitesand meteorological/oceanographic vessels alreadycontribute data which are being used in analysesof global climate and climate change, and thatthese components will be essential to the futureGOOS and GCOS,

(2) That the implementation of GOOS and GCOS willrequire the allocation of substantial resources byGovernments to maintain and expand systematiclong-term ocean monitoring,

(3) That the full implementation of GOOS and GCOSwill also provide valuable new ocean data in sup-port of the WWW, of marine meteorologicalservices and of global climate studies,

(4) That the adoption by Governments of Agenda 21implies a commitment on their part to implementthe activities specifically mentioned therein,including GOOS and GCOS,

INSTRUCTS the Working Group on Marine ObservingSystems, in coordination with the Data Buoy CooperationPanel and with the appropriate subsidiary body of IGOSS,to prepare specific proposals to enhance marine observingsystems to fulfil the requirements of GOOS and GCOS,once these requirements are established;RECOMMENDS:(1) To Members to make specific and clear reference to

the activities agreed in Agenda 21, Chapter 17(Oceans), when preparing submissions to theirGovernments for the additional resources requiredto implement GOOS and GCOS;

(2) To Members to maintain and expand recruitmentof VOS and deployment of ocean data buoys;

(3) To Members operating marine meteorological/oceanographic vessels to maintain and, if possible,expand the use of such vessels, to provide compre-hensive and reliable in situ data for global climatestudies and the provision of marine services;

(4) To the operators of ocean observation satellites tomake their data generally available for use by bothmeteorologial and oceanographic services, and alsoby the ocean and climate research community;

REQUESTS THE SECRETARY-GENERAL,(1) To assist Members, as appropriate, in preparing

resource submissions to Governments for imple-mentation of relevant parts of GOOS and GCOS;

(2) To further assist Members in the preparation ofproject proposals relating to enhanced, long-termocean monitoring, for submission to funding bod-ies such as the Global Environment Fund and theUNDP;

(3) To provide additional assistance, as required, andwithin the available budgetary resources, for theimplementation of this recommendation.

84 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Recommendation 12 (CMM-XI) — Use of Beaufortequivalent scale of wind forceTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services

(WMO-No.558), Volume I, Part I, Appendix I.3 —Beaufort scale of wind force,

(2) The final report of the sixth session of the CMMSub-group on Marine Climatology,

NOTING FURTHER various papers published in the scien-tific literature in recent years which analyse theconsequences of the use of various Beaufort equivalentscales for determining sea surface wind speeds for sci-entific studies of marine climate and climate change,RECALLING the extensive discussions on this subject whichhad taken place at previous sessions of the Commission,BEARING IN MIND the likely difficulties for global cli-mate studies resulting from variations in observingpractices for surface wind speeds from ships as well asfrom the use of different Beaufort equivalent scales forderiving such wind speeds,CONSIDERING, however,(1) The need to maintain continuity and consistency

in data archives of marine surface winds and toavoid complications for marine observers,

(2) That the existing Beaufort equivalent scale is suffi-ciently accurate for operational observationpurposes,

(3) That no international agreement yet exists on anappropriate Beaufort equivalent scale for scientificstudy applications,

AGREES that the existing Beaufort equivalent scale, asgiven in the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services,should be retained for operational observation and dataarchival purposes;RECOMMENDS:(1) To Members to standardize shipboard observing

practices for marine surface winds, according toguidelines given in the Manual on MarineMeteorological Services and the Guide to MarineMeteorological Services;

(2) To those involved in climate research to take intoaccount the difficulties and differences noted withthe official WMO Beaufort equivalent scale andalso with other “scientific Beaufort equivalentscales”, as well as various environmental ship fac-tors, when using archived ship wind data instudies of marine climate and climate change;

REQUESTS:(1) The Secretary-General to bring this recommenda-

tion to the attention of all concerned;(2) The Sub-group on Marine Climatology to contin-

ue to review the development and application ofBeaufort equivalent scales for climate study pur-poses, to report any significant developments tothe Commission and to Members, as appropriate,and also to examine the possibility of developingan extended Beaufort equivalent scale for marineforecast presentation purposes.

Recommendation 4 (CMM-XII) — Wave forecast verifi-cation schemeTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Recommendation 4 (CMM-XI) — WMO wave pro-

gramme 1993–1997,(2) The report to CMM-XII by the chairman of the

Subgroup on Wave Modelling and Forecasting,RECOGNIZING that formal verification systems for oper-ational numerical weather prediction models have leddirectly to general and specific improvements in thesemodels,NOTING with interest the informal wind wave forecastverification scheme already adopted by a number of cen-tres operating operational global or basin-scale models,CONSIDERING:(1) The potential improvements which might be

expected in operational wind wave modelsthrough a more generalized and formal approachto wave model forecast verification,

(2) That for a verification scheme to be most effective,all National Meteorological Services operatingglobal or basin-scale models should, if possible,participate,

RECOMMENDS:(1) That the wind wave model forecast verification

scheme outlined in the annex to this recommen-dation should be further developed and formallyimplemented;

(2) That all Members operating global or basin-scalewave forecast models should be urged to participate;

REQUESTS the Subgroup on Wave Modelling andForecasting:(1) To develop further details of the scheme, for even-

tual consideration and adoption, on a trial basis,by interested Members;

(2) To review the implementation and operation ofthe trial scheme and to report on progress toCMM-XIII;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General to provide assistance toMembers in the implementation of the scheme, as appro-priate, and within the available budgetary resources.

Annex to Recommendation 4 (CMM-XII)

Wind wave forecast verification scheme

1. A scheme for exchanging verification sta-tistics for operational wave models

Reliable wave observations are available only fromaround 40 to 50 moored buoys, and there are only afew parameters for which observations are available. Asubset of the available moored buoys has been used,choosing those buoys in deep water, away from coasts,and ensuring that all possible regions are adequatelyrepresented.

Model values are extracted at six-hourly intervalsboth at t+00 (analysis) and for forecast periods of t+24,48, 72, 96 and 120 hours (if available). Each month the

RESOLUTION 6 85

data files are transmitted to the anonymous ftp serverat the UKMO, where a file is produced containing theobservations and model values from all centres. Thesefiles are placed on the UKMO anonymous ftp server forretrieval by participants.

Tables of statistics based on this data are calculat-ed at ECMWF, and the summary files are transmitted tothe UKMO ftp server for retrieval by participants. Thus,the workload involved in running the exchange isshared. All the files of data, statistics and any postscriptfiles for the current month are freely available viaanonymous ftp from the UKMO server.

The exchange has grown to now compare datafrom five participating centres, at 36 moored buoys,and for six separate forecast periods. Early resultsshowed the impact at t+00 of assimilating ERS-1 altime-ter data: those models that assimilated ERS-1 data hada wave height bias of some –0.2 m, and showed a rapidincrease in model wave height during the first 24 hoursof the forecast, compared to those centres not assimi-lating. Further, the immediate benefit of the switchearly in 1996 to using ERS-2 data was readily seen. Thet+00 bias of –0.2 m was removed, and the spin up ofwave height was reduced.

The data exchange, by comparing both instan-taneous observations and six-hourly averagedobservations, revealed some ongoing problems withwave reports from the UKMO buoys west of Ireland.This was communicated to those responsible for main-taining the instruments, and a program to replace thecommunication units, already in hand, was seen tocure the problems.

Examination of time-series of model and observedwave heights, particularly in November 1995, showed asystematic failure of the WAM model at ECMWF toreach the highest wave heights observed duringextreme storms in the west Atlantic. The WAM modelrun at FNMOC was closer to the observations. Thisillustrates that WAM model results may depend ondetails of the implementation (model grid and spectralresolution), and the wind data used.

2. Wider benefits from adopting an interna-tional verification of wave models

Many National Meteorological Services engaged inwave forecasting may benefit from this activity, in thesame way in which many countries benefit from theexchange of internationally-accepted weather forecastverification scores. Until now, model validation hasbeen carried out with special case studies, rather thanusing routinely available forecast model results.

Widespread access to information on wave modelperformance may also stimulate those Meteorologicalor Hydrographic centres that at present do not placetheir buoy observations on the GTS to consider doingso, and so allow a verification of wave models in theareas of local interest to these centres.

Several centres already make use of the third gen-eration WAM model, and the UKMO is planning to

implement a version of WAM in the near future. Yetalready the exchange has revealed differences betweendifferent operational implementations of WAM —using winds from different models, with differing gridand spectral resolutions, assimilating altimeter data, ornot. Even with most operational wave models based onWAM, a formally-adopted verification exchange willlead to improvements in wave model forecast systems.

A better understanding of the quality of surfacewinds from NWP models may lead to improvements inthe modelling of the marine boundary layer. This may,through improved modelling of surface fluxes of heat,moisture and momentum, lead to improved NWP fore-casts of surface winds.

Improvements in global wave modelling will alsolead to improvements in regional wave modelling,through a better specification of boundary forcing andincoming swell, and improvements in model formula-tion. Many smaller, regional Meteorological Centres,although not running a global wave model, may stillwish to run a regional wave model to provide local fore-casts of sea state. Making available information onglobal wave model verification will assist with this.

Recommendation 6 (CMM-XII) — Data buoys in supportof meteorological and oceanographic operations andresearchTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 9 (EC-XLV) — Data Buoy Cooperation

Panel,(2) Recommendation 6 (CMM-XI) — Drifting buoys

in support of meteorological and oceanographicoperations and research,

(3) The Fourth WMO Long-term Plan, Part II, Volume 1(WMO/TD-No. 700) — The WWW Programme —and Volume 4 (WMO/TD-No. 703) — TheApplications of Meteorology Programme,

(4) The final report of the Ocean Observing SystemDevelopment Panel — An Ocean Observing Systemfor Climate,

(5) Annual reports of the DBCP for 1995 and 1996,(6) DBCP Technical Document No. 4 (1995) — WOCE

Surface Velocity Programme Barometer DrifterConstruction Manual,

NOTING with appreciation the efforts of the DBCP, inconjunction with GCOS and global research pro-grammes, to expand cooperative buoy deploymentsworldwide through the creation of new regional actiongroups such as those in the South Atlantic and IndianOceans,RECOGNIZING nevertheless:(1) That not all drifting buoys carry sensors for atmos-

pheric pressure and/or sea-surface temperature,(2) That a large number of drifting buoy deployments

now taking place or planned over the next fewyears are funded through research programmesand that these deployments may cease with thetermination of the specific research programmes,

86 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

CONSIDERING:(1) That drifting buoys represent a very cost-effective

means for acquiring surface meteorological andoceanographic data from remote ocean areas,

(2) The stated requirements for operational buoy datain support of the WWW, marine meteorologicalservices and global climate studies,

CONSIDERING further that the success of the DBCP wascritically dependent on the activities of, and the coordi-nation provided by, its technical coordinator, and thatincreasing difficulties for Members in maintaining vol-untary financial contributions were threatening thecontinuance of the position,RECOMMENDS:(1) That agencies, institutions, and organizations

involved in the acquisition and deployment ofdrifting buoys be urged to equip these buoys withat least atmospheric pressure, SST and, if possible,air temperature sensors so as to enhance theirpotential value to a wide variety of WMO pro-grammes, in particular making use of the low-costSVP-B drifter whenever practicable;

(2) That the international research community also beurged to continue to make the data from theirdrifting buoys available for real-time distributionover the GTS and for later permanent archival;

(3) That Members and the Data Buoy CooperationPanel continue their efforts to ensure funding ofdrifting buoy deployments on a long-term, opera-tional basis following the termination of thespecific research programmes;

(4) That as many additional Members as possible con-tribute to the DBCP Trust Fund, to reduce theburden on existing contributors and ensure themaintenance of the essential technical coordinatorposition, which benefitted all Members of WMO;

(5) That the DBCP and the Executive Council consid-er the possibilities for new and innovative ways offunding and maintaining the technical coordina-tor position;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General and the Data BuoyCooperation Panel to bring this recommendation tothe attention of Members and others concerned and toassist whenever possible in the implementation of therecommendation.

Recommendation 11 (CMM-XII) — United Nations Atlasof the OceansTHE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 17 (Cg-XII) — WMO’s involvement in

the International Year of the Ocean 1998,(2) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions

of the Twelfth World Meteorological Congress(WMO-No. 827), paragraph 3.2.1.5 concerning thedocument The Climate of the Twentieth Century,

(3) The agreement by the fifth session of the ACCSubcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas(Washington, D.C., January 1997) to proceed withthe preparation of a joint United Nations Atlas ofthe Oceans, to be presented in prototype form dur-ing Expo 98, Lisbon,

CONSIDERING:(1) That the proposed Atlas, to be developed in elec-

tronic format accessible via both CD-ROM andInternet, is intended to provide a cross-sectoralview of the world’s oceans in the form of strategicanalyses based on data and products developed inthe context of projects and programmes of variousUnited Nations ocean-related agencies,

(2) That marine meteorological and physical oceano-graphic climate-related products and analyses arepotentially important contributions to the Atlas,both in their own right and as components ofcross-sectoral ocean analyses (e.g. El Niño and fishstocks),

RECOGNIZING:(1) That a number of National Meteorological Services

regularly produce a variety of climate-related marinemeteorological and physical oceanographic prod-ucts and analyses relevant to the future Atlas of theOceans,

(2) That these products and analyses are in manycases already published in a variety of media,

(3) That some of these products may also eventuallyform part of the WMO Climate of the TwentiethCentury project,

(4) That all products and analyses eventually formingpart of the United Nations Atlas of the Oceans willremain the copyright property of the producingcentres/agencies,

(5) That the Atlas will be developed and implementedprimarily through externally-generated funding,

BEARING in mind the magnitude of the task involvedand the effort which will be required by NationalMeteorological Services to present products in therequired format in the time available,RECOMMENDS:(1) That WMO should participate in, and contribute

to, the preparation and publication of the UnitedNations Atlas of the Oceans, within the availablebudgetary resources;

(2) That National Meteorological Services should makeavailable, as far as resources permit and in a mutu-ally acceptable format, various marinemeteorological and physical oceanographic cli-mate-related products proposed by the editorialcommittee for inclusion in the Atlas;

REQUESTS the president of the Commission and theAdvisory Working Group to assist the Secretariat inidentifying and accessing appropriate potential prod-ucts for inclusion in the Atlas.

RESOLUTION 6 87

Recommendation 1 (JWC-IGOSS-IV) — Maintenanceand implementation of ship-of-opportunity programmesTHE JOINT IOC/WMO WORKING COMMITTEE FORIGOSS,NOTING:(1) The report of the Joint IOC/WMO Meeting for

Implementation of IGOSS XBT Ship-of-Opportunity Programmes (Seattle, September1985) regarding the evaluation of existing andproposed XBT ship-of-opportunity programmes insupport of the World Climate Research Programme(with particular reference to TOGA), fisheries’operations and research and marine transporta-tion and safety,

(2) The recent IOC/WMO missions to, and surveys of,regional bodies (WESTPAC countries, West Africancountries, South-eastern Pacific countries andIGOSS/TEMA coordinator surveys) that documentedneeds and opportunities for ship-of-opportunityprogrammes,

RECOGNIZING the cost-effectiveness of gathering sub-surface oceanographic data via ship-of-opportunityprogrammes over wide ocean areas,CONSIDERING that the timely flow of sub-surface datato analysis centres is vital for operational purposesand for seasonal and interannual climate predictionpurposes,RECOMMENDS that Member States be urged to:(1) Maintain or enhance existing ship-of-opportunity

programmes and ensure that oceanographic dataso collected are reported through IGOSS,

(2) Implement new ship-of-opportunity programmesin data deficient areas through national, bilateralor multilateral efforts designed to meet clientneeds,

REQUESTS the Secretariats to assist Member States inthese activities.

Recommendation 1 (JWC-IGOSS-V) — Data monitoringTHE JOINT IOC/WMO WORKING COMMITTEE FORIGOSS,NOTING the importance to the quality and quantity ofdata exchange within IGOSS to national efforts indetecting and correcting data transmission problemswithin the IGOSS Telecommunication Arrangements,REQUESTS: (i) All Member States to submit to theSecretariats, if possible on monthly basis, accurate

statistics on messages submitted to and received fromthe Global Telecommunication System in a timely fash-ion, in accordance with the already approved format(Guide to Operational Procedures for the Collection andExchange of IGOSS Data, Annex VIII); (ii) that reportingMember States list the bulletin headers used to submittheir data and the data types (BATHY, TESAC, TRACK-OB, DRIBU) submitted under these headers;RECOMMENDS: (i) that the Secretariats provide feedbackto all Member States on these statistics in order to helpthem to detect possible data transmission problems; (ii)that the statistics and the feedback be published in theIGOSS Products Bulletin;FURTHER REQUESTS Member States who wish to do so toproduce, on a regular basis but at least once every threemonths, dot plots of messages received to be distrib-uted to all parties concerned as an aid in determiningwhere data losses might be occurring in the IGOSS datatransmission system.

Recommendation 2 (JWC-IGOSS-V) — Real-timedistribution and archiving of oceanographic dataTHE JOINT IOC/WMO WORKING COMMITTEE FORIGOSS,NOTING: (i) the requirements of IGOSS for real-timeoceanographic data in support of both operational andresearch users, (ii) the value of long-term series ofoceanograhic data for climatological studies, (iii)Recommendation 2 (DBCP-III) — Real-timeDistribution and Archiving of Oceanographic Datafrom Drifting Buoys,CONSIDERING: (i) that many oceanographers make bothsurface and sub-surface measurements of oceanograph-ic variables of great potential value to IGOSS, (ii) thatmany of these measurements are not presently beingmade available in real-time over the GTS,RECOMMENDS: (i) that oceanographers and othersinvolved in the collection of both surface and sub-surface oceanographic data make every effort to ensurethe distribution of these data in real time over the GTS,(ii) that oceanographic data be also made available tothe RNODCs for permanent global archival,REQUESTS the Secretariats, the IGOSS OperationalCoordinator, the Chairman of the Joint WorkingCommittee and Member States, in liaison with theDrifting Buoy Cooperation Panel, to bring this recom-mendation to the attention of those concerned.

88 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION

RECOMMENDATION 1 (JCOMM-I)

OCEAN DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM (ODAS) METADATA FORMAT

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Abridged Final Report with Resolutions and

Recommendations of the Twelfth Session of theCommission for Marine Meteorology (WMO-No. 860),general summary paragraph 7.3.9,

(2) The final report of the JCOMM Subgroup on MarineClimatology, eighth session (Asheville, April 2000),paragraphs 6.1.1–6.1.3 and annex VIII,

(3) The summary report of the DBCP-XVI (Victoria,October 2000), paragraphs 95–99,

CONSIDERING:(1) That a comprehensive ODAS metadatabase would

allow a full and accurate interpretation of the obser-vational data from ODAS which are available inclimatological archives,

(2) That observational data and associated metadatafrom ODAS are of importance to global climatestudies as well as for a range of marine climateapplications,

RECOMMENDS that the format given in the annex to thisrecommendation be used as the global format for theassembly, exchange and archival of metadata from alltypes of ODAS, including, in particular, drifting andmoored buoys and fixed platforms;INVITES:(1) One or more Members/Member States to agree to

host an ODAS metadatabase;(2) Members/Member States operating ODAS to

arrange for the assembly of the metadata from theseplatforms in the agreed format and for their even-tual submission to the ODAS metadata archivalcentre(s);

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC, with the assistance of the co-presidents of JCOMM and the chairperson of the DBCP,to consult with Members/Member States, with a view toestablishing the metadata archival centre(s), and to oth-erwise assist Members/Member States, as necessary, inthe submission of metadata to these centre(s).

The two basic metadata record types (header and data)are listed. Within the data record type, there are differ-ent subsidiary record types defined for the differentsensor types that are presently defined (the data recordlist could be expanded in the future). The descriptionsof the fields that make up each record type are listed inthe table.1. Header record (HR is the identifier for the meta-

data header record)HR; ts; WMOn; stn; Ain; ind; oed; cnty; ragy;Idum; DA; Lat; Lon; WC; lngth; brth; diam; hult;huln; mtyp; cmsy; Stt; foo; dfmt; wdpth; plt; DI;WebA; footnote # 1; footnote # 2; footnote # 3;footnote # 4; footnote # 5

2. Data records (DR is the identifier for the sensorinformation record, thus designated data record)the first six elements will link the data record tothe header record. A data record will only existwhen there is an actual sensor on the platform andit can be repeated for every sensor of a given type.

“Sno” in the eighth element represents thesequence number of sensors located on the plat-form, e.g. if two anemometer sensors were on theplatform there would be two data records foranemometers indicated in elements 7 and 8 asAN 1 and AN 2.The “ind” field is a critical part in linking recordsin the case where a platform was moved or totallyre-equipped or redesigned. This will allow the cor-rect data records to be linked to the proper headerrecord especially in cases where the same identifi-er was reissued at a later date.AN metadata record: Anemometer sensor (AN in7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; AN; Sno; anmI; aMS;anmL; anDB; anDC; hwl; ouAN; sfWD; sfWS;apWD; apWS; amWS; cmpT; apWG; amWG;amScd; amID; amSD; footnote # 1AT metadata record: Air temperature sensor (ATin 7th element).

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 1 (JCOMM-I)

OCEAN DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM (ODAS) INGEST FORMAT

DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; AT; Sno; ats; atsMS;atsL; atsDB; atsC; atswl; ouAT; sfAT; apAT; atScd;atID; atSD; footnote # 1; footnote # 2WT metadata record: Water temperature sensor(WT in 7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; WT; Sno; wts; wtsMS;wtsL; wtsDB; wtsC; dws; ouWT; sfWT; apWT;wtScd; wtID; wtSD; footnote # 1SA metadata record: Salinity sensor (SA in 7th ele-ment).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; SA; Sno; Sstp, Ssm;SsL; SsDB; SsC; dss; ouSs; sfSs; apSs; mSs; SsScd;SsID; SsSD; footnote # 1BP metadata record: Barometric pressure (BP in7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; BP; Sno; bps; bpsMS;bpsL; bpsDB; bpsC; bpswl; ouBP; sfBP; apBP;bpScd; bpsID; bpsSDRH metadata record: Relative humidity (wetbulb/dew point) sensor (RH in 7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; RH; Sno; hs; hsMS;hsL; hsDB; hsC; hswl; ouHS; sfHS; apHS; hsScd;hsID; hsSD

PG metadata record: Precipitation gauge (PG in7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; PG; Sno; pg; pgMS;pgL; pgDB; pgC; pgwl; pupg; sfPG; apPG; pgScd;pgID; pgSDRD metadata record: Radiation sensor (RD in 7thelement).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; RD; Sno; srs; rMS;rsL; rsDB; rsC; srwl; ours; sfSR; apSR; srScd; rsID;rsSDCR metadata record: Ocean current sensor (CR in7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; CR; Sno; OC; Tsmoc;dmOC; ouOC; sfOC; apOC; ocScd; ocID; ocSDWS metadata record: Wave spectra (WS in 7thelement).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; WS; Sno; wasp; Digf;Nblks; Npts; spAT; sfWAS, apWASHV metadata record: Horizontal visibility (HV in7th element).DR; ts; WMOn; stn; AIn; ind; HV; Sno; hvm; hvit;hvl; hvDB; hvC; hvwl; hvou; hvsf; hvap; hvScd;hvID; hvSD

90 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

HEADER RECORD (HR)

1 ts MBDBIDFPISALCMPFOT

Type of stationMoored buoyDrifting buoyIce drifterFixed platform (oil rig, etc.)Island stationAutomatic light stationCoastal marine automated stationProfiling floats (e.g. ARGO — a global array of profiling floats)Other (specify in footnote # 1 Header record)

2 WMOn WMO number — 5-digit identifier

3 stn Unique call sign if available; otherwise, station name (C-MAN, platforms, etc.)4 AIn Additional identifier number; define in footnote # 2 (e.g. ARGOS = up to 7 digits,

GOES no., others)5 ind Period of validity/beginning of historical record (initiation date — year, month, day,

e.g. 19950321) date of mooring, launching, or platform instrumentation (date the platformbegan collecting weather observations under its current ID and location). If the platform ismoved or assigned a new ID then a new period of validity should be initiated

6 oed Operational end date of platform operations (year, month, day e.g. 20000127). This item isassociated with the entry above which shows the beginning date and this item the endingdate when a platform closed operations. If for example a moored buoy was placed in theGreat Lakes each spring and withdrawn each winter the beginning date would not changeunless the identifier, ownership, or location changed at some point. When one of thesechange, a new beginning date should be entered “ind” above and an operational end dateentered in this field

7 cnty seelist

Country of ownership — International Organization for Standardization (ISO) countrycode (Alpha-2; two character alpha code)

8 ragy Responsible agency/organization within a country responsible for the platform’soperations, launch, and metadata [e.g. in the United States it could be the National OceanService (NOS) NOAA, National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) NOAA, Woods Hole Institute,etc.] List the full name of the organization or agency responsible. There should be a linkbetween the responsible agency/organization and the Web address listed in item 114

HR

9 ldmu Last date metadata updated (year, month, day e.g. 20000527 representing 27 May 2000)

TableODAS metadatabase contents

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

HEADER RECORD (HR) (continued)

10 DA

12345

Degree of automation

Fully automatedAlways supplemented with manual inputOccasionally supplemented with manual inputFully manual (no automation)Unknown

11 Lat Latitude — degrees, up to three decimal places if available (e.g. 50.985 N/S)12 Lon Longitude — degrees, up to three decimal places if available (e.g. 124.976 E/W)13 WC Watch circle — nearest whole metre (e.g. 346.5 = 347 m). The maximum distance a

moored buoy can be located from its central position related to the length and type ofmooring. Outside the watch circle and the moored buoy is likely adrift

14 lngth Length — the length of the platform (if rectangular or boat shape hull). See code “diam”below if the platform is a discus. Metres to tenths (e.g. 26.9 m)

15 Brth Breath — the breath (width) of the platform (if rectangular or boat shaped hull). Metres totenths (e.g. 12.6 m)

16 Diam Diameter — platform dimension for discus type hulls. Diameter in metres to tenths(e.g. 6.0 m)

17 Hult

DSBSRSSPODNMTRCNORDROT

Hull type

Discus (cylinders)Boat shaped hullRectangular shapeSparsODAS 30 seriesNOMADTorusConicOmnidirectional wave-riderDirectional wave-riderOther (specify in footnote # 3 Header record)

18 Huln Hull or platform number — enter as assigned (a combination of numeric and alphacharacters if required)

HR

19 Mtyp

ACSTFC

PC

HSTSWSPANL

OT

Mooring type — mooring type if a moored buoy or drouge type if drifting buoy

All chain (shallow depths generally up to 90 m)Semitaut (intermediated depths generally 60 to 600 m — generally nylon cable)Float inverse catenary (deep ocean generally 600 to 6 000 m — generally nylon withglass floats)Poly-nylon inverse catenary (deep ocean generally 1 200 to 6 000 m)

Drogue type

Holey sock drogueTristarWindow shadeParachuteNon-Lagrangian sea anchor

Use for either mooring or drogue as needed

Other (specify in footnote # 4 Header record)

RECOMMENDATION 1 91

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

HEADER RECORD (HR) (continued)

20 Cmsy

GOARGARFOT

Satellite data-collection system — system used to transmit the observations

GOES DCPARGOS PTTGOES primary ARGOS backupRFOther (specify in footnote # 5 Header record)

21 Stt Satellite transmission time — time slot assigned for observation transmission. Hours andminutes UTC (e.g. 1230) or for example, on the hour, on the half-hour, two orbits perday, etc.

22 Foo Frequency of observations — hours and minutes (e.g. every hour = 1.0, every 6 hours = 6.0,or every half hour 0.5, etc., I = irregular)

23 dfmt Data format — data format (Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306)) the observations wastransmitted or digitized (i.e. observational form).

BUOY — FM 18-XSHIP — FM 13-XTESAC — FM 64-IXWAVEOB — FM 65-IXBUFR — FM 94-XIOther WMO codes added as needed

NOTE: Use actual WMO code designator as the abbreviation (e.g. FM 18-X)

24 wdpth Water depth (nearest whole metre)

25 plt Payload type (e.g. DACT, VEEP, GSBP, ZENO, ODAS33, etc.) Details should be providedregarding each type of payload (payload description)

26 DI

AVNA

Digital image — a photograph or schematic of the platform and equipment

Available in digital fileNot available

HR

27 WebA Web address (URL) where additional information can be obtained

ANEMOMETER (AN)

1 anmI

PTCFCSWTOT

Anemometer instrument type

Propeller/vaneThree cupFour cupSonicWOTAN (wind observation through ambient noise)Other (define in footnote)

2 aMS Anemometer — model (manufacturer/series no.)

DR

3 anmL

FMAMCMRYLYOT

Anemometer — location

ForemastAftmastCentremast (mainmast)Right yardarmLeft yardarmOther (define in footnote)

92 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

ANEMOMETER (AN) (continued)

4 anDB Anemometer — distance from the bow or front of platform (metres to tenths)

5 anDC Anemometer — distance from centre line or from centre of discus (metres to tenths)

6 hwl Anemometer — height above water line (metres to tenths). Value can be negative forWOTAN

7 ouAN Anemometer — operational range and units of measurement (e.g. 0 to 60 m s–1;000 to 360°)

8 sfWD Sampling frequency (Hz) — wind direction (e.g. 1.28 Hz)

9 sfWS Sampling frequency (Hz) — wind speed (e.g. 1.28 Hz)

10 apWD Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — wind direction (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

11 apWS Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — wind speed (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

12 amWS

SV

Averaging method — wind speed

ScalarVector

13 cmpT Compass type/model no. — anemometer

14 apWG Averaging period (seconds) — wind gust (e.g. 5 seconds)

15 amWG

SV

Averaging method — wind gust

ScalarVector

16 amScd Calibration date — anemometer sensor no. Date sensor was last calibrated (year, month,day, e.g. 20000723)

17 amID Anemometer sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228). If the directionsensor and speed sensor are separate instruments then use footnote # 1 in the anemometerdata record to enter the dates for speed sensor and this position for direction sensor

DR

18 amSD Anemometer out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month, day, e.g.19960123–19960212). If known these dates should be entered anytime either the direction,speed, or both is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

AIR TEMPERATURE (AT)

1 ats

ERMMSAASOT

Air temperature sensor — instrument type

Electrical resistance thermometerMercury-in-glass thermometerScreen shelter — mercury thermometerAlcohol-in-glass thermometerScreen shelter — alcohol thermometerOther (specify in footnote # 1 in the air temperature data record)

2 atsMS Air temperature sensor — model (manufacturer/series no.)

DR

3 atsL

FMAMCMRYLYOT

Air temperature sensor — location

ForemastAftmastCentremast (mainmast)Right yardarmLeft yardarmOther (specify in footnote # 2 in the air temperature data record)

RECOMMENDATION 1 93

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

AIR TEMPERATURE (AT) (continued)

4 atsDB Air temperature sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from bow or front of platform

NOTE: Leave this field blank if platform is a discus5 atsC Air temperature sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of discus

6 atswl Air temperature sensor — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 ouAT Air temperature sensor — operational range and units of measurement (e.g. — 40°C to+ 50°C)

8 sfAT Sampling frequency (Hz) — air temperature sensor (e.g. 1.28 Hz)

9 apAT Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — air temperature sensor (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

10 atScd Calibration date — air temperature sensor no. Date sensor was last calibrated (year, month,day, e.g. 20000723)

11 atID Air temperature sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 atSD Air temperature sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month, day,e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known these dates should be entered anytime the airtemperature is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

WATER TEMPERATURE (WT)

1 wts

HCHTRTERTTBUCTDSTDRMXCNSALXBTOT

Water temperature sensor — instrument type

Hull contact sensor"Through hull" sensorRadiation thermometerElectrical resistance thermometerTrailing thermistorBucket thermometerCTD (conductivity-temperature-depth)STD (salinity-temperature-depth)RefractometerXCTD (expendable CTD probe)Nansen castALACE (autonomus Lagrangian circulation explorer)Expendable bathythermographOther (specify in footnote # 1 in the water temperature data record)

2 wtsMS Water (sea) temperature sensor — model (manufacturer/series no.)

3 wtsL Water temperature sensor — location (e.g. port bow, bottom of discus, etc.)

4 wtsDB Water temperature sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

NOTE: Left blank for discus hulls and subsurface temperatures

5 wtsC Water temperature sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of discus

6 dws Depth of water temperature sensor; tenths of metres (e.g. 10.3 m) below the water line

7 ouWT Operational range and units of measurement — water temperature sensor (e.g. range —4°C to + 40°C)

8 sfWT Sample frequency (Hz) — water temperature sensor (e.g. 1.28 Hz)

9 apWT Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — water temperature sensor (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

10 wtScd Calibration date — water temperature sensor no. Date sensor was last calibrated (year,month, day, e.g. 20000723)

11 wtID Water temperature sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 wtSD Water temperature sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month,day, e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known these dates should be entered anytime the watertemperature is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

94 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

SALINITY (SA)

1 Sstp

CTDSTDRMXCNSALOT

Salinity – sensor type

CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth)STD (salinity-temperature-depth)RefractometerXCTD (expendable CTD probe)Nansen castALACE (autonomous Lagrangian circulation explorer)Other (specify in footnote # 1 in the salinity data record)

2 Ssm Salinity sensor (model/manufacturer/series no.)3 SsL Salinity sensor no. — location

[NOTE: To be used only for those sensors attached to a platform]4 SsDB Salinity sensor no. — distance from bow or front of platform

NOTE: To be used only when sensor is attached to a platform (same as location above)

5 SsC Salinity sensor no. — distance from centre line or centre of discus

6 dss Depth of salinity sensor no. — metres to tenths (e.g. 10.7 m) of salinity sensor below thewater line (surface of the water)

7 ouSs Salinity sensor — operational range and units of measurement (e.g. 25 to 45 parts perthousand. Salinity is calculated based on the measurement of chlorinity)

8 sfSs Sample frequency — available only for automated digital sensors

9 apSs Averaging period — available only for automated digital sensors

10 mSs Method used to compute the salinity (e.g. chlorinity, electrical conductivity, refractiveindex, etc.)

11 SsScd Calibration date — salinity sensor no. Date the sensor was last calibrated (year, month,day, e.g. 20000207)

12 SsID Salinity sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

13 SsSD Salinity sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month, day,e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known these dates should be entered anytime the salinity isunavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE (BP)

1 bps Barometric pressure sensor — instrument type

2 bpsMS Barometric pressure sensor — model (manufacturer/series no.)

3 bpsL Barometric pressure sensor — location (e.g. centremast)

4 bpsDB Barometric pressure sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

NOTE: Leave this field blank if platform is a discus5 bpsC Barometric pressure sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of

discus

6 bpswl Barometric pressure sensor — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 ouBP Barometric pressure sensor — operational range and units of measurement(e.g. 900–1 100 hPa)

8 sfBP Sampling frequency (Hz) — barometric pressure sensor (e.g. 1.28 Hz)

9 apBP Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — barometric pressure sensor (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

10 bpScd Calibration date — barometric pressure sensor no. Latest date of calibration (year, month,day, e.g. 20000207)

11 bpsID Barometric pressure sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 bpsSD Barometric pressure sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month,day, e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known these dates should be entered anytime thebarometric pressure is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalidreports)

RECOMMENDATION 1 95

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (RH)

1 hs Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor — instrument type

2 hsMS Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor — model (manufacturer/series no.)

3 hsL Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor — location (left yardarm mast)

4 hsDB Relative humidity sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

NOTE: Leave this field blank if platform is a discus5 hsC Relative humidity sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of discus

6 hswl Relative humidity sensor — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 ouhs Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor — operational range and units ofmeasurement (e.g. range 0–100 per cent)

8 sfhs Sampling frequency (Hz) — relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor (e.g. 1 Hz)

9 aphs Averaging period (minutes) — relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor (e.g.1 min.)

10 hsScd Calibration date — relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor no. Latest date thesensor was calibrated (year, month, day, e.g. 20000207)

11 hsID Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g.19950228)

DR

12 hsSD Relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) sensor out of service dates (beginning and endingdates; year, month, day, e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known, these dates should be enteredanytime the relative humidity (wet bulb/dew point) is unavailable due to equipmentoutage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

PRECIPITATION (PG)

1 pg Precipitation gauge — instrument type (e. g. weighing bucket, tipping bucket, etc.)

2 pgMS Precipitation gauge — model (manufacturer/series no.)

3 pgL Precipitation gauge — location

4 pgDB Precipitation gauge — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

5 pgC Precipitation gauge — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or off centre of a discus

6 pgwl Precipitation gauge — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 oupg Precipitation gauge — operational range and units of measurement (e.g. 0 to 25 cmper hour)

8 sfPG Sampling frequency — precipitation gauge (e.g. continuous)

9 apPG Averaging period — precipitation gauge (e.g. 6 hours; then reset)

10 pgScd Calibration date — precipitation gauge no. Latest date sensor/gauge was calibrated(year, month, day, e.g. 20000207)

11 pgID Precipitation gauge installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 pgSD Precipitation gauge out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month, day,e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known, these dates should be entered anytime theprecipitation measurement is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting orinvalid reports)

96 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

RADIATION (RD)

1 srs Solar radiation sensor — instrument type

2 rMS Radiation sensor — model (manufacturer/series no.)

3 rsL Radiation sensor — location (e.g. foremast)

4 rsDB Radiation sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

NOTE: Leave this field blank if platform is a discus

5 rsC Radiation sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of discus

6 srwl Solar radiation sensor — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 ours Radiation sensor — operational range and units of measurement(e.g. 0.07–1.65 cal cm–2 min–1)

8 sfSR Sampling frequency (Hz) — solar radiation sensor (e.g. 1 Hz)

9 apSR Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — solar radiation sensor (e.g. 8.0 minutes)

10 srScd Calibration date — solar radiation sensor no. Latest date the sensor was calibrated (year,month, day, e.g. 20000207)

11 rsID Radiation sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 rsSD Radiation sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates: year, month, day,e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known, these dates should be entered anytime the radiationmeasurement is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalid reports)

OCEAN CURRENTS (CR)

1 OC

CME

Ocean current speed reported

CalculatedMeasuredEstimated

2 TSmoc Type sensor measuring ocean currents (type/model/manufacturer)

3 dmOC Depth of measurement (in metres, e.g. 10 m) of the ocean current

4 ouOC Ocean currents — operational range and units of measurement (range, e.g. — 10 m s–1 to+10 m s–1)

5 sfOC Sampling frequency (Hz) — ocean currents (e.g. 0.667 Hz)

6 apOC Averaging period (minutes to tenths) — ocean currents (e.g. 20.0 minutes)

7 ocScd Calibration date — ocean current sensor (year, month, day, e.g. 20000208)

8 ocID Ocean current sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

9 ocSD Ocean current sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month, day,e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known, these dates should be entered anytime the oceancurrent measurement is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalidreports)

WAVE SPECTRA (WS)

1 wasp Wave spectra — type of surface elevation sensor (from which wave spectra is derived)

2 Digf Digital filter used — wave spectra

3 Nblks Number of blocks used for averaging — wave spectra

4 Npts Number of points in each block — wave spectra

5 spAT Spectral analysis technique (e.g. FFT, MEM, etc.)

6 sfWAS Sampling frequency — wave spectra (e.g. 2.56 Hz)

DR

7 apWAS Averaging period — length of record for averaging period — wave spectra (e.g. 20 minutes)

RECOMMENDATION 1 97

Record typeand sequence

number

Fieldabbreviation

Inputcodes Description of fields

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY (HV)

1 hvm

MANATM

Horizontal visibility

ManualAutomated

2 hvit Instrument type (automated sensor) — model/manufacturer/series no.

3 hvl Location — horizontal visibility sensor no.

4 hvDB Horizontal visibility sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from the bow or front of platform

NOTE: Leave this field blank if platform is a discus5 hvC Horizontal visibility sensor — distance (metres to tenths) from centre line or centre of

discus

6 hvwl Horizontal visibility sensor — height (metres to tenths) above water line

7 hvou Horizontal visibility sensor — operational range and units of measurement (e.g. 0000 to9 999 m or < 0.1 km –10 km)

8 hvsf Sampling frequency — horizontal visibility sensor no.

9 hvap Averaging period — horizontal visibility sensor no.

10 hvScd Calibration date — horizontal visibility sensor no. Latest date sensor was calibrated(year, month, day, e.g. 20000208)

11 hvID Horizontal visibility sensor installation date (year, month, day, e.g. 19950228)

DR

12 hvSD Horizontal visibility sensor out of service dates (beginning and ending dates; year, month,day, e.g. 19960123–19960212). If known, these dates should be entered anytime thevisibility measurement is unavailable due to equipment outage (non-reporting or invalidreports)

98 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RECOMMENDATION 2 (JCOMM-I)

RESOURCES FOR SHIP-BASED OBSERVATIONS

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY ON MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The SOOPIP chairperson’s report to JCOMM and

final report of SOOPIP-III (La Jolla, March 2000),(2) The ASAP Panel chairperson’s report to JCOMM and

final report of ASAP Panel-XII (Reading, September2000),

(3) Final report of the Subgroup on the VOS, first ses-sion (Athens, March 1998),

(4) Expressed WWW, GOOS/GCOS and CLIVARrequirements for upper ocean thermal data and theconclusions from the Global Upper Ocean ThermalReview,

CONSIDERING:(1) That ship-based observation programmes have

been faced with decreased resources, coupled withincreases in the costs of instruments and expend-ables (e.g. XBTs and radiosondes),

(2) That this situation could potentially adversely affectthe data, products and services provided throughJCOMM, GOOS and CLIVAR, in support of

operational meteorology and oceanography, marinescientific research and global climate studies,

(3) That in situ ocean observing systems are comple-mentary to space-based systems and supply theground truth data on which the space-basedsystems depend,

(4) That there are many data-sparse ocean areas whereship-based observing systems can offer a uniquecontribution,

(5) That the PMO network provides the essential linkto ship management and crew for the operations ofthe VOS, SOOP and ASAP and is critical to themaintenance of the quantity and quality of theobservations,

(6) The importance attached to integrated, high-qualitydata streams from ship observations,

(7) That the SOOP Coordinator’s position is essentialfor the implementation and operation of the SOOPprogramme,

(8) That the VOS scheme and ASAP would also greatlybenefit from similar international coordinationsupport,

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The reports of the chairpersons of the Working

Group on Marine Observing Systems and the SOOPImplementation Panel to JCOMM-I,

(2) The presentation to JCOMM-I on the work of theInternational SeaKeepers Society,

(3) The report of the first JCOMM Transition PlanningMeeting (St Petersburg, July 1999), JCOMM MeetingReport No. 1,

RECOGNIZING:(1) That extensive scientific evaluation and quality

assessment of the SeaKeepers module had takenplace over a number of years,

(2) That observational data from the SeaKeepers mod-ule installed on a number of vessels were alreadybeing distributed in real time on the GTS,

CONSIDERING:(1) That SeaKeepers vessels were distributed worldwide

and often sailed in data-sparse ocean areas awayfrom commercial shipping lanes,

(2) That meteorological and oceanographic observa-tions from SeaKeepers vessels, if made freely andopenly available to users in both real time anddelayed mode, through the GTS and other commu-nication channels, would be of substantial value tothe WWW, GOOS, GCOS and other major pro-grammes of WMO and IOC,

RECOMMENDS:

(1) That vessels equipped with the SeaKeepers module(members of the International Seakeepers Society)whose meteorological and physical oceanographicdata are made freely available to all users, in bothreal time and delayed mode, in support of themajor programmes of WMO and IOC, should beformally recognized as a component of the inte-grated ship observations programme;

(2) That the International SeaKeepers Society shouldparticipate actively in the work of the ShipObservations Team;

(3) That the Ship Observations Team includes observa-tional data from SeaKeepers vessels in its overallmonitoring and evaluation of the quality, integrity,timeliness and value of meteorological and oceano-graphic observations from ship-based platforms, toensure that SeaKeepers data conform with therequirements of JCOMM programmes;

REQUESTS:(1) GOOS, through its Coastal Ocean Observations

Panel, to review and assess the quality and value ofnon-physical oceanographic data collected throughthe SeaKeepers module and, as appropriate, recom-mend on their inclusion as part of an integratedoperational ocean monitoring system;

(2) The Secretary-General of WMO and the ExecutiveSecretary IOC to bring the work of the InternationalSeaKeepers Society to the attention of Members/Member States, and otherwise to assist in the imple-mentation of this recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 3 99

RECOMMENDS strongly that Members/Member States rec-ognize the continued importance of long-termcommitment to ship-based observational programmesand, in particular:(1) Emphasize a ship observations network that

recognizes the benefits of a unified approach formeteorological, oceanographic and climateapplications, and the heightened importanceattached to integration of the former separatenetworks and higher quality and more timely datastreams;

(2) Address the increasing need for ship deployment ofautonomous observational platforms andexpendables, and automated shipboardmeteorological observation and data transmissionsystems;

(3) Increase the resources committed to supplyingexpendables for ship observations in support ofinternational implementation plans;

(4) Make concerted efforts to maintain the level ofrecruitment of ships to the ship observations pro-gramme at the present level or above;

(5) Ensure maintenance and expansion of the PMOnetwork;

(6) Increase the resources committed to support theactivities of JCOMMOPS;

REQUESTS the Secretary General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC, with the assistance of the co-presidents of JCOMM and the chairpersons of the VOS,ASAP and SOOP Panels, to consult with Members/Member States, with a view to increasing the resourcescommitted to ship-based observation programmes.

RECOMMENDATION 3 (JCOMM-I)

INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The final report of DBCP-XVI (Victoria, October

2000), paragraph 9.2.4,(2) The “hydrogram”* dated 5 August 2000 and issued

by the International hydrographic Organization tobring the problem of vandalism of buoys, bothdeliberate or inadvertent, to the attention of themaritime community,

(3) The text of the hydrogram, available via the DBCPWeb site at http://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/vandal-ism.html,

CONSIDERING:(1) That the acts of vandalism that seriously damaged

buoys were very detrimental to the ocean observingnetworks of which these buoys were an importantpart,

(2) That the collection or inadvertent damage to buoysby fishing vessels or mariners was similarly a sub-stantial problem in some areas,

(3) The need to alert mariners and fishermen to theimportance of data buoy programmes to maritime

safety, maritime operations, climate research andprediction and other marine applications,

RECOMMENDS to Members/Member States:(1) To contact their respective Hydrographic Services to

reinforce the message in the hydrogram and toensure that it is reissued as often as possible;

(2) To develop, if possible, tamper-proof designs forbuoy systems;

(3) To design a warning system in the event that anydata buoys were intentionally damaged;

(4) To take legal steps nationally to limit acts of van-dalism within their territorial seas and ExclusiveEconomic Zones;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to provide assistance, asrequired, to Members/Member States in the implemen-tation of this recommendation.

________

* Hydrogram: A message to bring to the attention of the mariner

important and significant maritime safety information not nor-

mally contained in the weekly Notice to mariners.

100 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RECOMMENDATION 4 (JCOMM-I)

VANDALISM OF OCEAN DATA BUOYS

RECOMMENDATION 5 (JCOMM-I)

THE GLOBAL SEA-LEVEL OBSERVING SYSTEM (GLOSS)

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The considerable achievements of GLOSS in estab-

lishing a global system to monitor sea-levelvariability and changes,

(2) That over two thirds of the GLOSS Core Networkstations, as defined in accordance with the 1997Implementation Plan for GLOSS, are operationaland that this number has remained essentiallyunchanged over the past few years,

CONSIDERING:(1) The importance of long-term sea-level measure-

ments to many WMO Programmes concerned withclimate change, hydrology, storm surges and tropi-cal cyclones,

(2) The importance of sea-level measurements for oper-ational oceanography, marine meteorology coastalengineering and defence applications and in thewider implementation of GOOS,

(3) The potential for station sharing and use of tidegauge data transmission platforms for delivery ofother data types,

RECOMMENDS to Members/Member States and nationalagencies to:(1) Continue and strengthen the support for GLOSS:

(a) at the national level through maintenance ofGLOSS-designated tide gauges; and (b) at the inter-national level through support to the IOC TrustFund or through bilateral and/or multilateral assis-tance for GLOSS activities by, for example,collaborative support for maintaining/upgradingGLOSS gauges in accordance with the GLOSSImplementation Plan;

(2) Provide in situ sea-level data from GLOSS stations tothe international data centres without delay inaccordance with the provisions of theImplementation Plan;

(3) Consider local and regional observation platformsharing for data acquisition of other importantparameters at GLOSS sites, especially by providingthe necessary upgrades for real-time dataacquisition;

RECOMMENDS further that the products of GLOSS-relatedSea-level Centres (such as the Permanent Service forMean Sea Level in the United Kingdom and the Hawaii

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY ON MARINE METEOROLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The JCOMM terms of reference and especially those

related to the development of observing networks,(2) The final report of the second transition planning

meeting for JCOMM (Paris, 14–16 June 2000), para-graph 3.3,

(3) The final report of the sixteenth session of the DBCP(Victoria, Canada, 16–20 October 2000), paragraph 8.3,

CONSIDERING:(1) The requirement for JCOMM to initiate a process in

which oceanography and marine meteorologywould transition from the existing largely uncon-nected set of monitoring, data management andservices activities to a fully integrated system,

(2) The need for integrating at the international level anumber of activities regarding operations andimplementation of in situ marine observing systems(e.g. deployment opportunities, status information),

(3) That facilities already exist within the DBCP, SOOP,and Argo programmes for such integrated activitiesthanks to resources provided by Members/MemberStates through the DBCP, SOOPIP and Argo,

(4) That these activities could be extended to the VOSscheme and ASAP provided additional resourceswere available,

RECOMMENDS:(1) To establish formally a JCOMM In Situ Observing

Platform Support Centre, based initially uponexisting DBCP, SOOP and Argo international coor-dination mechanisms established in Toulouse,France, and under the day-to-day supervision of theWMO and IOC Secretariats;

(2) That JCOMMOPS activities should initially dealwith surface drifting and moored buoys in the highseas, floats and the SOO programme;

(3) That the JCOMMOPS terms of reference should beas given in the annex to this recommendation;

REQUESTS Members/Member States, where possible, tocommit the resources required to support JCOMMOPS.

RECOMMENDATION 6 101

Sea-level Center in the United States) should be mademore widely known to the WMO/IOC communitiesthrough existing WMO information services, in order topromote enhanced knowledge and understanding inthis important field;

REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO and theExecutive Secretary IOC to provide assistance toMembers/Member States, as appropriate, and within theavailable budgetary resources, in the implementation ofthis recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 6 (JCOMM-I)

ESTABLISHMENT OF A JCOMM IN SITU OBSERVING PLATFORMSUPPORT CENTRE (JCOMMOPS)

Under the overall guidance and coordination of theJCOMM Observations Coordination Group, followingthe direction of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel, theShip-of-Opportunity Programme ImplementationPanel and the Argo Science Team, JCOMMOPS shall:(a) Facilitate the implementation of operational in

situ ocean observing systems associated with theabove panels. Such systems, referred to below asrelevant observing platforms, presently includedrifting buoys, moored buoys on the high seas,floats, and surface and measurements from shipsof opportunity;

(b) Act as a focal point on all aspects of implementa-tion and operation of relevant observing platforms;

(c) Maintain information on relevant data require-ments in support of GOOS, GCOS and the WWW,as provided by the appropriate scientific panelsand JCOMM Expert Teams and Groups;

(d) Provide information on the status of networks ofrelevant observing platforms as compared with theabove requirements;

(e) Assist, as appropriate, with the development ofcooperative arrangements for buoys and floatdeployments and for the servicing of mooredbuoys in the high seas. Provide a single pointof entry for information on deploymentopportunities;

(f) Assist, as appropriate, in relaying qualitycontrol information produced by relevant datacentres to the responsible observing platformsmanagers;

(g) Assist in the implementation of standard formats;(h) Make available to operators information on

telecommunication systems which can potentiallybe used for real-time transmission of data fromrelevant observing platforms;

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 6 (JCOMM-I)

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE JCOMM IN SITU OBSERVING PLATFORMSUPPORT CENTRE (JCOMMOPS)

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,

NOTING:(1) The International Convention for the Safety of Life

at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, in particular Chapter V(Safety of navigation), Regulation 5 (Meteorologicalservices and warnings) of the 2001 amendments,

(2) The 1988 amendments to SOLAS for the GlobalMaritime Distress and Safety System,

(3) Recommendation 3 (CMM-XI) — New WMOGMDSS marine broadcast system,

(4) Recommendation 2 (CMM-XII) — Amendments tothe WMO GMDSS marine broadcast system,

(5) The final report of the second session of the ad hocGroup on the GMDSS,

(6) The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services(WMO-No. 558),

RECOGNIZING:(1) The importance of meteorological warnings and

forecasts to the safety of life and property at sea,(2) The obligations of countries which are signatories

to SOLAS to provide meteorological services forshipping as specified in the Convention, includingits 1988 amendments,

(3) That the WMO GMDSS marine broadcast systemneeds to be constantly reviewed and updated so asto best meet the requirements of users and theinternationally-agreed commitments under SOLAS,

(4) That the WMO GMDSS marine broadcast systemalso needs to be fully in harmony with navigation-al warning services for the GMDSS coordinated bythe International Hydrograhic Organization and torespond to requirements for maritime safety servic-es expressed by the International MaritimeOrganization,

RECOMMENDS:(1) That the amendments to the WMO GMDSS marine

broadcast system as incorporated in the annex tothis resolution be adopted;

(2) That the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services(WMO-No. 558), Volume I, Part I bis, Sections 1 to3 be amended accordingly;

URGES WMO Members with forecast and warning prepa-ration and broadcast responsibilities under the WMOGMDSS marine broadcast system:(1) To continue to implement their responsibilities in

full, in accordance with the specifications in theManual;

(2) To keep the WMO Secretariat closely informed ofdevelopments and changes in their operation of thesystem, including any changes in broadcastschedules;

(3) To liaise closely with users regarding their require-ments for, and response to, meteorological forecastand warning services under the GMDSS;

REQUESTS the Expert Team on Maritime Safety Servicesto keep the implementation of, and user response to, theWMO GMDSS marine broadcast system under review,and to develop proposals for amendments, as necessary;REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO:(1) To provide appropriate technical advisory assis-

tance to WMO Members concerned in theimplementation of the WMO GMDSS marinebroadcasts system;

(2) To bring this recommendation to the attention ofthe International Maritime Organization, IHO, theInternational Chamber of Shipping, theInternational Mobile Satellite Organization,Inmarsat Ltd. and other organizations and bodiesconcerned and to continue to liaise closely withthem in the operation of the system.

102 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

(i) Assist in the clarification and resolution of issuesbetween platform operators and telecommunica-tions system operators;

(j) Assist in promoting the insertion of all availableand appropriate data into the Global Telecom-munications System;

(k) Monitor and encourage the flow of real-time datainto appropriate permanent archives;

(l) Provide information, as required, on the func-tional status of relevant observing platforms.

RECOMMENDATION 7 (JCOMM-I)

AMENDMENTS TO THE WMO GMDSS MARINE BROADCAST SYSTEM

PART I BIS

SERVICES FOR THE HIGH SEAS

1. GENERALMarine meteorological services for the high seas shallinclude:(a) Provision of warnings and weather and sea

bulletins;(b) Marine meteorological support for maritime

search and rescue;(c) Provision of information by radio facsimile;(d) Marine climatological summaries scheme;(e) Provision of special marine climatological infor-

mation;(f) Provision of marine meteorological information

and expert advice.

2. PROVISION OF WARNINGS AND WEATHERAND SEA BULLETINS (GMDSS APPLICATION)

(The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) application is compatible with, and requiredby, the radiocommunication provisions of the 1988SOLAS amendments via the NAVTEX, InternationalSafetyNET and high frequency Maritime SafetyInformation (MSI) Services. See Appendix I-1 bis forglossary of terms.)

2.1 PrinciplesThe principles for the preparation and issue of warn-ings and weather and sea bulletins are as follows:

Principle 1For the purpose of the preparation and issue of

meteorological warnings and the regular preparationand issue of weather and sea bulletins, the oceans andseas are divided into areas for which NationalMeteorological Services assume responsibility.

Principle 2The areas of responsibility together provide

complete coverage of oceans and seas by meteorologi-cal information contained in warnings and weatherand sea bulletins for the high seas.

Principle 3The issue of meteorological warnings and rou-

tine weather and sea bulletins for areas not covered byNAVTEX shall be by the International SafetyNETService for the reception of MSI in compliance withSOLAS, Chapter IV — Radiocommunications.NOTE: In addition, National Meteorological Services may have

to prepare and/or issue warnings and routine forecasts for

transmission by an a high frequency direct-printing teleg-

raphy maritime safety information service for areas where

such a service is provided for ships engaged exclusively

on voyages in such areas.

Principle 4The preparation and issue of warnings and

weather and sea bulletins for areas of responsibility arecoordinated in accordance with the procedures men-tioned in section 2.2.

Principle 5The efficiency and effectiveness of the provi-

sion of warnings and of weather and sea bulletins aremonitored by obtaining opinions and reports frommarine users.

Principle 6Maritime safety information broadcasts are

monitored by the originating issuing service to ensurethe accuracy and integrity of the broadcast.

2.2 Procedures2.2.1 Definitions2.2.1.1 A preparation service is a NationalMeteorological Service which has accepted responsibil-ity for the preparation of forecasts and warnings forparts of, or an entire, designated area (Metarea) in theWMO system for the dissemination of meteorologicalforecasts and warnings to shipping under the GMDSSand for their transfer to the relevant issuing service forbroadcast.2.2.1.2 An issuing service is a National MeteorologicalService which has accepted responsibility for ensuringthat meteorological forecasts and warnings for ship-ping are disseminated through the Inmarsat SafetyNETservice to the designated area for which the Service hasaccepted responsibility under the broadcast require-ments of the GMDSS. The forecasts and warnings forbroadcasts may have been prepared solely by the issu-ing service, or by another preparation service, or acombination of both, on the basis of negotiationsbetween the services concerned, or otherwise, as appro-priate. The issuing service is responsible for composinga complete broadcast bulletin on the basis of informa-tion input from the relevant preparation services andfor inserting the appropriate enhanced group call(EGC) header, as specified in Appendices I-4 and I-5 ofthe Manual on Marine Meteorological Services and Annex4(b) of the International SafetyNET Manual. Proceduresfor any modifications by issuing services to informa-tion provided by preparation services, and for thechoice of appropriate C1, C2 and C3 codes for the

RECOMMENDATION 7 103

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 7 (JCOMM-I)

AMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL ON MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-No. 558)

broadcast of this information, should be developed bybilateral agreement between the services concerned.The issuing service is also responsible for monitoringthe broadcasts of information to its designated area ofresponsibility.NOTES: (1) For some Metareas there may be only one prepara-

tion service, which will be the same National

Meteorological Service as the issuing service (e.g.

United Kingdom for area I, Argentina for area VI

and Australia for area X).

(2) An appropriate format for the attribution of the

origins of the forecast and warning information

contained in a broadcast bulletin may be devel-

oped on the basis of negotiations among the

services concerned.

(3) In situations where appropriate information, data

or advice from other designated preparation serv-

ices for a given Metarea is not available, it is the

responsibility of the issuing service for that area to

ensure that complete broadcast coverage for the

area is maintained.

2.2.2 Areas of responsibility*2.2.2.1 Areas of responsibility and the responsibleservices for the preparation and issue of warnings,weather and sea bulletins through the InternationalSafetyNET service for the high seas shall be as given inAppendix I-2 bis.NOTES: (1) The areas of responsibility given in Appendix I-2

bis are reviewed by the Joint WMO/IOC Technical

Commission for Oceanography and Marine

Meteorology (JCOMM) to ensure complete area

coverage and adequacy of services.

(2) A broadcast area may be subdivided in the text of the

EGC message into subareas to meet the requirements

of the National Meteorological Services concerned.

(3) The areas of responsibility defined in Appendix I-2

bis represent a minimum requirement for issuing

and preparation services. Both issuing and prepa-

ration services may extend the area of coverage for

the preparation and issue of warnings, weather and

sea bulletins beyond these areas of responsibility, if

they so wish, to meet national requirements. In

this case, the area of coverage should be specified

in the text of each broadcast.

(4) In the case where there is overlapping of forecast

areas between adjacent Metareas, the respective

issuing services are strongly encouraged to:

(a) Initiate the redefinition of the subareas used

by countries serving adjacent Metareas, in

order to conform to the limits of the Metareas;

(b) Coordinate their forecasts and warnings in

these overlapping areas;

to ensure as far as possible that non-conflicting

information is provided to the user.

________

* All correspondence relating to areas of responsibility is

addressed to the Secretary-General.

2.2.2.2 Any amendments to the area of responsibil-ity, or proposal for the introduction of a change inNational Meteorological Services’ responsibility for anarea, shall have the approval of the Executive Councilbased on a recommendation by JCOMM.2.2.2.2.1 Before drawing up any recommendation onthe proposed amendment for submission to theExecutive Council, JCOMM shall receive the commentsof the National Meteorological Services directly con-cerned with the proposed amendment as well as thecomments of the president(s) of the regional associa-tion(s) concerned.2.2.2.3 Whenever a National Meteorological Serviceresponsible for the preparation and/or issue of warn-ings and weather and sea bulletins for a given area is nolonger able to provide this service, the NationalMeteorological Service should inform the Secretary-General at least six months in advance of the intendedtermination date.

2.2.3 Preparation and issue of weather and seabulletins for the high seas

2.2.3.1 Weather and sea bulletins for the high seasshall include, in the order given hereafter:

Part I – Warnings;Part II – Synopsis of major features of the sur-

face weather chart and, to the extentpossible, significant characteristics ofcorresponding sea-surface conditions;

Part III – Forecasts.2.2.3.2 Weather and sea bulletins for the high seasmay, in addition, include the following parts:

Part IV – Analyses and/or prognoses in IACFLEET code form;

Part V – Selection of reports from sea stations;Part VI – Selection of reports from land stations.

NOTES: (1) The reports included in Part VI should be for a

fixed selection of stations in a fixed order.

(2) Parts IV, V and VI may be issued at a separate,

scheduled time.

2.2.3.3 Major changes in form and content of warn-ings, synopses and forecasts should be announced atleast six months prior to the effective date of the change.2.2.3.4 Information on broadcast schedules for rou-tine forecasts and contents of bulletins shall be notifiedto the WMO Secretariat for inclusion in WeatherReporting (WMO-No. 9), Volume D — Information forshipping.2.2.3.5 For area(s) for which an issuing service hasassumed responsibility, the Service shall select the appro-priate land Earth station (LES) to service that area.NOTES: (1) As there are several LESs which can serve an ocean

region and hence an area of broadcast responsibil-

ity, issuing services may negotiate directly with the

various LES operators to obtain the most

favourable tariff (and service) considerations.

(2) In order to ensure reception of unscheduled broad-

casts by shipping in an area which is served by more

than one satellite and recognizing that National

104 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Meteorological Services will not know to which of

these satellites the ship’s equipment is tuned, the

following procedures shall be adopted by issuing

services. For unscheduled broadcasts, these shall be

issued for broadcast under the SafetyNET service

through all Inmarsat ocean region satellites cover-

ing the issuing service’s area of responsibility.

(NOTE: The broadcast requirement for unscheduled

broadcasts has been determined by IMO Resolution

A.701(17).) For scheduled forecasts, these shall be

issued for broadcast over at least a single nominated

satellite, in accordance with a pre-arranged sched-

ule, coordinated by WMO.

2.2.3.6 The issuing service shall select the methodby which the transfer of information to the LES shall beeffected.NOTE: The transfer of information may be accomplished in sev-

eral ways. See Appendix I-3 bis for details.

2.2.3.7 Weather and sea bulletins shall be preparedand issued at least twice daily.2.2.3.7.1 The issue of the weather and sea bulletinsshall be at a scheduled time and in the followingsequence: Part I to be followed immediately by Part IIand then Part III. A schedule of transmission start timesfor these bulletins has been compiled for all Metareasand the LESs which serve the areas and takes into con-sideration, inter alia, the existing WMO synoptic timesfor observations, data analysis and forecast production.Additionally, as these broadcast schedules for theInternational SafetyNET Service have to be coordinat-ed, under the aegis of WMO, with other Organizationssuch as IHO, issuing services should not independentlychange or request WMO to arrange frequent alterationsto these coordinated and published schedules (see alsoparagraph 2.2.3.4).2.2.3.7.2 All weather and sea bulletins shall be pre-ceded by the word “SECURITE”, except urgentwarnings (Beaufort force 12 and above), which shall bepreceded by “PAN PAN”.2.2.3.7.3 Issuing services must ensure that the correctEGC message addressing formats are adhered to for allwarning and forecast messages intended for broadcastby an LES (see Appendix I-4 bis message addressing andAppendix I-5 bis operational guidance).2.2.3.7.4 All weather and sea bulletins shall include,following the words “SECURITE” or “PAN PAN”, clearinformation on the Metarea being addressed and theissuing service, e.g.:

SECURITEMarine weather bulletin for Metarea II issuedby Météo-France

2.2.3.8 Warnings, synopses and forecasts shall begiven in plain language.2.2.3.8.1 Warnings, synopses and forecasts intendedfor the International SafetyNET Service shall be broad-cast in English.NOTE: Additionally, if a National Meteorological Services wishes

to issue warnings and forecasts to meet national

obligations under SOLAS, broadcasts may be made in

other languages. These broadcasts will be part of a

National SafetyNET Service.

2.2.3.8.2 In order to ensure the integrity of the warn-ings and forecasts being received by mariners, it isessential that issuing services monitor the broadcastswhich they originate. Monitoring is especially impor-tant in a highly automated system which is dependenton careful adherence to procedure and format. Thismay be accomplished by the installation of an EGCreceive-capability at the issuing service’s facility.NOTE: Each issuing service may use the EGC receiver to check

the following:

(a) That the message has been broadcast;

(b) That the message is received correctly;

(c) That cancellation messages are properly executed;

(d) Any unexplained delay in the message being broadcast.

2.2.3.8.3 The language of the synopsis should be asfree as possible from technical phraseology.2.2.3.8.4 The terminology in weather and sea bul-letins should be in accordance with the multilinguallist of terms used in weather and sea bulletins, which isgiven in Annex 2.B of the Guide to Marine MeteorologicalServices (WMO-No. 471) and in Appendix I-2 in theManual on Marine Meteorological Services.2.2.3.9 Wind direction shall be given in points ofthe compass and not in degrees.2.2.3.9.1 Wind force shall be given in Beaufort nota-tion or wind speed in metres per second or in knots. Ifmetres per second or knots are used, the words “metresper second” or “knots” shall be included in the text ofthe message.NOTE: The criteria of the Beaufort notation of wind force are

given in a Beaufort scale table.

2.2.4 Warnings2.2.4.1 Warnings shall be given for gales (Beaufortforce 8 or 9) and storms (Beaufort force 10 or over), andfor tropical cyclones (hurricanes in the North Atlanticand eastern North Pacific, typhoons in the WesternPacific, cyclones in the Indian Ocean and cyclones ofsimilar nature in other regions).NOTES: (1) Warnings to circular areas require a specific address

code, C2 code = 24 (see Appendix I-4 bis.)

(2) Warnings may be addressed for reception by ship-

ping in a circular area within the main Metarea

(C2 code = 24), or addressed for reception by ship-

ping within the entire Metarea (C2 code = 31) this is

at the discretion of the issuing services in consulta-

tion with the preparation service responsible for the

warning. If a circular area address (C2 code = 24) is

chosen, only ships within that area, as defined by

the C3 circular address, will receive the warning.

(3) Definition of a tropical cyclone is contained

in the International Meteorological Vocabulary

(WMO-No. 182) and classification of tropical

cyclones is left to the Regions concerned.

2.2.4.2 The issue of warnings for near gales(Beaufort force 7) is optional.

RECOMMENDATION 7 105

2.2.4.3 Warnings for gales, storms and tropicalcyclones should have the following content and orderof items:(a) Type of warning;(b) Date and time of reference in UTC;(c) Type of disturbance (e.g. low, hurricane, etc.) with

a statement of central pressure in hectopascals;(d) Location of disturbance in terms of latitude and

longitude or with reference to well-knownlandmarks;

(e) Direction and speed of movement of disturbances;(f) Extent of affected area;(g) Wind speed or force and direction in the affected

areas;(h) Sea and swell conditions in the affected area;(i) Other appropriate information such as future posi-

tions of disturbances.2.2.4.3.1 Items (a), (b), (d), (f) and (g) listed in para-graph 2.2.4.3 shall always be included in the warnings.2.2.4.4 In addition to indicating the positions ofpressure disturbances in terms of latitude and longi-tude, or with reference to well-known landmarks, theboundaries of the existing and forecast storm-wind areaor areas of high waves (including swell) should beindicated.NOTE: The usual practice in warnings is to indicate boundaries

with reference to the centre of the pressure disturbance, or

to divide the disturbance (low, tropical cyclone) into sectors

for which prevailing and forecast conditions are described.

2.2.4.4.1 When warnings are included for more thanone pressure disturbance or system, the systems shouldbe described in descending order of threat.2.2.4.4.2 Warnings shall be as brief as possible and, atthe same time, clear and complete.2.2.4.5 The time of the last location of each tropicalcyclone or extratropical storm shall be indicated in thewarning.2.2.4.6 A warning shall be issued immediately afterthe need becomes apparent and broadcast immediatelyon receipt, followed by a repeat after six minutes(repetition code 11), when issued as an unscheduledbroadcast.2.2.4.6.1 When no warnings for gales, storms or trop-ical cyclones are to be issued, that fact shall be positivelystated in Part I of each weather and sea bulletin.2.2.4.6.2 Warnings shall be updated whenevernecessary and then issued immediately.2.2.4.6.3 Warnings shall remain in force untilamended or cancelled.2.2.4.6.4 Warnings issued as Part I of a scheduledbulletin do not need to be repeated after six minutes.2.2.4.7 Warnings for other severe conditions such aspoor visibility, severe swell, ice accretion, etc., shall alsobe issued, as necessary.

2.2.5 Synopses2.2.5.1 The synopses given in Part II of weather andsea bulletins shall have the following content and orderof items:

(a) Date and time of reference in UTC;(b) Synopsis of major features of the surface weather

chart;(c) Direction and speed of movement of significant

pressure systems and tropical disturbances.2.2.5.1.1 Significant characteristics of correspondingwave conditions (sea and swell) should be included inthe synopsis whenever this information is available, aswell as characteristics of other sea-surface conditions(drifting ice, currents, etc.) if feasible and significant.2.2.5.2 Significant low-pressure systems and tropi-cal disturbances which affect or are expected to affectthe area within or near the valid period of the forecastshould be described. The central pressure and/or inten-sity, location, movement and changes of intensityshould be given for each system. Significant fronts,high-pressure centres, troughs and ridges should beincluded whenever this helps to clarify the weathersituation.2.2.5.3 Direction and speed of movement of signifi-cant pressure systems and tropical disturbances shouldbe indicated in compass points and metres per secondor knots, respectively.2.2.5.3.1 Units used for speed of movement of sys-tems shall be indicated.

2.2.6 Forecasts2.2.6.1 The forecasts given in Part III of weather andsea bulletins shall have the following content and orderof items:(a) The valid period of forecast;(b) Name or designation of forecast area(s) within the

main MSI area;(c) A description of:

(i) Wind speed or force and direction;(ii) Visibility when forecast is less than six nauti-

cal miles (10 kilometres);(iii) Ice accretion, where applicable.

2.2.6.1.1 The forecasts should include expected signif-icant changes during the forecast period, significantmeteors such as freezing precipitation, snowfall or rain-fall, and an outlook for a period beyond that normallycovered by the forecast.2.2.6.1.2 The forecasts should also include waves(wind sea and/or swell) where possible.2.2.6.2 The valid period shall be indicated either interms of number of hours from the time of issue of fore-cast or in terms of dates and times in UTC of thebeginning and end of the period.2.2.6.3 Visibility shall be indicated in nautical milesor kilometres or given in descriptive terms.2.2.6.3.1 Units used for visibility shall be indicated.

2.2.7 Selection of reports from sea stations2.2.7.1 When included in weather and sea bulletinsfor the high seas, reports from ships and other sea sta-tions should be selected to give a reasonablegeographical distribution, taking into account theimportant synoptic features.

106 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

2.2.7.2 The information should include the positionof ships and other sea stations, time of observation,wind, visibility, atmospheric pressure and, if possible,cloudiness, present and past weather, air and sea-sur-face temperatures and waves.

2.2.8 Selection of reports from land stations2.2.8.1 Reports included should be for selected landstations in a fixed order.2.2.8.2 The reports should include the same ele-ments as those listed in paragraph 2.2.7.2, asapplicable.

2.2.9 Issue of sea-ice informationSea-ice terminology shall be in accordance

with the WMO Sea-Ice Nomenclature (WMO-No. 259.TP.145).

3. MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SUPPORTFOR MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE

3.1 PrinciplesThe principle for marine meteorological support formaritime search and rescue (SAR) is as follows:

PrincipleFor the purpose of maritime search and rescue (SAR), ameteorological forecast centre may serve more thanone Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). Likewise, anRCC may make requests for information from morethan one meteorological forecast centre depending onthe nature of the maritime SAR operation.

3.2 Procedures3.2.1 Marine meteorological services for SAR shallbe provided in accordance with the national overallcoordination procedures for SAR and taking intoaccount the international recommendations and therequirements in force.NOTES: (1) Requirements for SAR services including meteo-

rology are contained in the ICAO Regional Air

Navigation Plans.

(2) Additional requirements for maritime SAR services

are contained in the Joint IMO/ICAO Search and

Rescue Manual.

3.2.1.1 Requests from RCCs shall be dealt with asexpeditiously as possible and shall be given highest pri-ority when an SAR operation is in progress.3.2.1.2 On receiving formal notification from anRCC that a ship or aircraft or survival craft thereof is indistress, every effort shall be made to meet the require-ments of the RCC.3.2.2 Information on the following parametersand phenomena, as may be requested by or be of valueto an RCC, should be provided:(a) Atmospheric pressure;(b) Surface winds;

(c) Sea and swell;(d) Surface visibility;(e) Ice accretion;(f) Sea ice;(g) Icebergs;(h) Precipitation and cloud cover, including height of

cloud base;(i) Air temperature;(j) Humidity;(k) Sea-surface temperature;(l) Surface currents;(m) Tidal current deviation;(n) Bar conditions;(o) Surf and breakers;(p) Storm surge;(q) Water discolouration.NOTES: (1) Special weather forecasts covering periods of up to

24 hours and possibly beyond may be required for

maritime SAR operations on a continental shelf

and slightly beyond. Ships of all sizes, helicopters

and fixed-wing aircraft may be involved in these

operations.

(2) Medium-range forecasts may be required in the

event of SAR operations taking place over large

ocean areas where ocean-going ships and fixed-

wing aircraft may be involved for considerable

periods of time and possibly searching for relative-

ly small objects on the sea surface.

(3) Some of the information to be provided may be

the responsibility of more than one authority and

should be coordinated nationally.

3.2.3 Notification of SAR operations and all subse-quent communications between the RCC and weatherforecast centre should be by telephone, telex or othermedium designed for rapid transmission or reception.3.2.3.1 When communicating with RCCs or whenproviding weather forecasts the terminology should besimilar to that used in weather bulletins and warningsto shipping.3.2.3.2 A permanent record of all communicationsshould be maintained, showing the times of origin,transmission and reception of the information provided.3.2.3.3 Weather forecast centres should not attemptto communicate directly, or through coastal radio sta-tions, with ships or aircraft involved in the SARoperation unless specifically requested by the RCC.3.2.3.4 Meteorological Services should encourageships operating under their national flag, when takingpart in any medium- or long-term SAR operation or inthe vicinity of a SAR operation but not necessarily par-ticipating, to make weather observations at main andintermediate standard times for surface synoptic obser-vations and to transmit them, in the internationalSHIP code form or plain language, immediately to theappropriate coastal radio station for onward transmis-sion, or through an LES directly to a MeteorologicalService.

RECOMMENDATION 7 107

In 1973, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)Assembly adopted a recommendation on the develop-ment of the maritime distress systems which laid downthe IMO policy for improved distress and safety com-munications at sea based on the most up-to-datetechniques. This policy foresaw, as an essential element,the advent of satellite and automatic terrestrial commu-nications. To achieve the former, IMO in 1976 adoptedan international convention establishing the Inmarsatorganization. The terrestrial element was achieved bythe development of the necessary techniques for digitalselective calling and direct-printing telegraphy. This wasaccomplished with the assistance of the InternationalTelecommunication Union’s (ITU) International RadioConsultative Committee (CCIR) and the WorldAdministrative Radio Conference (WARC).

In 1983 and 1987 the necessary frequencies wereallocated to test and prove the equipment and thisfacilitated the establishment of the GMDSS. The 1988GMDSS Conference adopted amendments to the 1974International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS) to introduce GMDSS. SafetyNET provides ship-ping with navigational and meteorological warnings,meteorological forecasts, shore-to-ship alerts and otherurgent information in accordance with the require-ments of SOLAS 1974. It is suitable for use in all sizesand types of surface craft. SafetyNET is a service ofInmarsat’s enhanced group call (EGC) system and wasspecifically designed for promulgation of maritimesafety information (MSI) as part of GMDSS. SafetyNETmeets international requirements for broadcasting area,regional or local navigational warnings, meteorologicalwarnings and forecasts and shore-to-ship distress alerts.It is designed with the capacity to provide serviceswithin the coverage areas of geostationary maritimecommunications satellites, that is in sea area A3 of theGMDSS. In addition to providing service to ships oper-ating in sea area A3, it also provides the means ofdisseminating MSI to coastal waters not covered byNAVTEX. SafetyNET messages can be originated by aregistered provider (e.g. a WMO Member) anywhere inthe world and broadcast to the appropriate ocean areavia an Inmarsat-C land Earth station (LES). Messagesare broadcast according to priority, i.e. distress, urgent,safety and routine.

Atlantic Ocean Region (west) (AOR(W)),Atlantic Ocean Region (east) (AOR(E)), Indian OceanRegion (IOR), Pacific Ocean Region (POR): Oceanareas within the footprints (0 elevation) of the Inmarsatsatellites located at 55.5°W, 18.5°W, 63°E and 180°E,respectively.Land Earth Station (LES): A land station in theInmarsat satellite communications system which pro-vides inter-connection between the satellite and shoresystems such as telex and telephone.

Enhanced Group Call (EGC): The system forbroadcasting messages via the mobile satellite commu-nications system operated by Inmarsat. EGC is a part ofthe Inmarsat-C system and currently supports two serv-ices: “SafetyNET” and “FleetNET”. (FleetNET: Acommercial service for the broadcast and automaticreceipt of fleet management and general public infor-mation by means of direct-printing through Inmarsat’sEnhanced Group Call system.)

International NAVTEX Service: The system forthe broadcast and automatic reception of maritimesafety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing on 518 kHz, using the English language.(NAVTEX receiving capability is part of the mandatoryequipment which is required to be carried in certainvessels under the provisions of the revised Chapter IVof the International Convention for the Safety of Life atSea (SOLAS), 1974).

International SafetyNET Services: The coordinat-ed broadcast and automated reception of MaritimeSafety Information via the Inmarsat EGC system usingthe English language to meet the requirements of theSOLAS Convention.

Maritime Safety Information (MSI):Navigational and meteorological warnings, meteoro-logical forecasts and other urgent safety-relatedmessages broadcast to ships.

National SafetyNET Services: The broadcast andautomated reception of Maritime Safety Informationvia the Inmarsat EGC system using languages as decid-ed by the administration concerned.

Network Coordination Station (NCS): A land sta-tion in the Inmarsat mobile satellite communicationssystem which controls channel assignments and othercommunications functions through a satellite for anentire ocean region.

Registered Provider: An authorized MSI providerwhich has an agreement with one or more LES for pro-viding SafetyNET broadcast information.

Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC): A unitresponsible for promoting efficient organization ofsearch and rescue services for coordinating the conductof search and rescue operations within a search and res-cue region.

SafetyNET: A service for the broadcast andautomatic reception of maritime safety information bymeans of direct-printing through Inmarsat’s EGC system.

Scheduled Broadcasts: The regular single trans-mission of weather and sea bulletins for the high seas,including gale and storm warnings as necessary. Eachbulletin broadcasts at least twice daily, in accordancewith a pre-arranged and published schedule coordinat-ed by WMO and in the prescribed high seas bulletinformat, as described in the Manual on MarineMeteorological Services. The EGC priority code (C1) for

108 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

APPENDIX I-1 BIS

GLOSSARY

messages intended for scheduled broadcast is C1 = 1 —Safety, and repetition code (C4 ) is C4 = 01 — Broadcastonce only. Scheduled broadcasts should be made with-in 15 minutes of the published schedule. If this is notpossible, a repetition should be used to ensure maxi-mum receipt.

Sea Area A1: An area within the radiotelephonecoverage of at least one very high frequency coast sta-tion in which continuous digital selective calling (DSC)alerting is available, as may be defined by a SOLASContracting Government.

Sea Area A2: An area, excluding sea area A1, with-in the radiotelephone coverage of at least one mediumfrequency coast station in which continuous DSC alert-ing is available, as may be defined by a ContractingGovernment.

Sea Area A3: An area, excluding sea areas A1 andA2, within the coverage of an Inmarsat geostationarysatellite in which continuous alerting is available.

Sea Area A4: An area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3.

Ship Earth Station (SES): A mobile Earth stationin the maritime mobile-satellite service located aboarda ship, or elsewhere.

Inmarsat-A: A satellite communications systemfor transmission of voice, telex, facsimile or data usingdirectional antennae in the Inmarsat satellite system.

Inmarsat-C: A satellite communications systemfor telex or data messaging using small terminals andomni-directional antennae in the Inmarsat satellite sys-tem.

Unscheduled Broadcasts: The contingent broad-cast, with a six-minute repetition, of urgentmeteorological information which is intended forimmediate delivery to shipping. When such urgentmeteorological information comprises or includes trop-ical cyclone warnings, the EGC priority code (C1 ) isC1 = 2 — URGENT and repetition code (C4 ) is C4 = 11 —Repeat six minutes after the initial transmission. Allother warnings (e.g. gale and storm) will have C1 = 1 —SAFETY and C4 = 11 — Repeat after six minutes.

RECOMMENDATION 7 109

APPENDIX I-2 BIS

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DESIGNATED NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES FOR THEISSUE OF WARNINGS AND WEATHER AND SEA BULLETINS FOR THE GMDSS

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

IX

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

RUSSIA

UK

FRANCEUSA USA

BRAZIL

ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND CHILE

USA

JAPAN

S. AFRICA

MEDITERRANEANGREECE

CHINA

USA

VI

V

XI

I

IIIV IV

VI X

XII

XVIII

XIV XV

XVI

VII

III

IX

XVII

XI

10°

18°12°

71°

48°27

7°

35°

30°

10°30

29°

50°53°

67°

45°

0°

180°

80° 45°

120°95

° 170°12

7°

141°12°

160°

55°

20°

67°

172°

VIII (N)INDIA

VIII (S)MAURITIUS/LA REUNION

PAKISTAN

RUSSIA

XIIIRUSSIA

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIGH SEAS (GMDSS)

TABLE 1

Metarea Issuing service Area LES for the issue of scheduledbroadcasts (see paragraph 2.2.3.5)

I United Kingdom GoonhillyII France Aussaguel (AOR (E))

Aussaguel (AOR (W))III Greece Thermopylae (AOR(E))IV United States Southbury (AOR (W))V Brazil TanguaVI Argentina Southbury (AOR (W))VII-Atlantic Ocean Region South Africa Burum (AOR (E))VII-Indian Ocean Region South Africa Burum (IOR)VIII (N) India AussaguelVIII (S) Mauritius/La Réunion* AussaguelIX Pakistan PerthX-Indian Ocean Region Australia Perth (IOR)X-Pacific Ocean Region Australia Perth (POR)XI-Indian Ocean Region China BeijingXI-Pacific Ocean Region Japan YamaguchiXII-Pacific Ocean Region United States Santa Paula (POR)XII-Atlantic Ocean Region United States Southbury (AOR (W))XIII Russian Federation Perth (POR)XIV New Zealand Albany (POR)XV Chile Southbury (AOR (W))XVI United States Southbury (AOR (W))XVII Russian Federation Perth (IOR)XVIII Russian Federation Perth (POR)________* Tropical cyclone warnings prepared and issued by RSMC La Réunion are also included in the regular bulletins issued by Mauritius.

110 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

60°W 60°E0° 120°E 180° 120°W 60°W

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

60° N

30° N

0°

30° S

60° S

VI

V

XI

VIII

I

IIIV IV

VI X

XII

XVIII

XIV XV

XVI

VII

III

IX

10°

18°12°

48°27

7°

35°

30°

10°30

29°

50°53°

67°

45°

0°

180°

80° 45°

120°95

° 170°12

7°

141°12°

160°

55°

20°

67°

172°

71°RUSSIA*

UK*

FRANCE*USA* USA*

BRAZIL*

ARGENTINA* AUSTRALIA* NEW ZEALAND* CHILE*

USA*

JAPAN*

INDIA*

S. AFRICA*

MEDITERRANEAN

(NAVTEX SERVICE)

(KENYA)

(MAURITIUS)

(REUNION)

(REUNION)

(FIJI)

( ) Denotes a preparation member*Denotes a preparation and issuing member

XICHINA*

(HONG KONG)

USA*

GREECE*(FRANCE)

(HONG KONG)(AUSTRALIA)

PAKISTAN

XVIIRUSSIA

XIIIRUSSIA

Coordinates for GMDSS MetareasArea I The North Atlantic Ocean east of 35°W,

from 48°27’N to 71°N including theNorth Sea and Baltic Sea sub-area.

Area II Atlantic waters east of 35°W, from 7°Nto 48°27’N, and east of 20°W from 7°Nto 6°S, including the Strait of Gibraltar.

Area III The Mediterranean and Black Seas, eastof the Strait of Gibraltar.

Area IV The western part of the North AtlanticOcean eastwards of the North Americancoast to 35°W, from 7°N to 67°N,including the Gulf of Mexico andCaribbean Sea.

Area V Atlantic waters west of 20°W from35°50’S to 7°N, narrowing in the coastalstrips at the extremities to the Uruguay/Brazil frontier in 33°45’S and theFrench Guyana/Brazil frontier in4°30’N.

Area VI The South Atlantic and SouthernOceans south of 35°50’S, from 20°W tothe longitude of Cape Horn, 67°16’W.

Area VII The South Atlantic and SouthernOceans south of 6°S from 20°W to thecoast of Africa, thence south to theCape of Good Hope; the South Indianand Southern Oceans south of 10°30’Sfrom the Cape to 55°E, thence south of30°S to 80°E.

Area VIII (N) The area of the Indian Ocean enclosedby lines from the Indo-Pakistan frontierin 23°45’N 68°E to 12°N 63°E, thence toCape Gardafui; the east African coastsouth to the Equator, thence to 95°E, to6°N, thence NE’wards to the Myanmar/Thailand frontier in 10N 98°30’E.

Area VIII (S) The east African coast from the Equatorsouth to 10°30’S, thence to 55°E, to30°S, to 95°E, to the Equator, to the eastAfrican coast.

Area IX The Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Seaand Persian Gulf, north of Area VIII.

Area X The South Indian and Southern Oceanseast of 80°E and south of 30°S to 95°E,to 12°S, to 127°E; thence the Timor Sea,South Pacific and Southern Oceanssouth of 10°S to 141°E to the Equator,to 170°E, to 29°S, thence SW’wards to45°S in 160°E, then the 160°E meridian.

Area XI The Indian Ocean, China Sea andNorth Pacific Ocean northward ofArea X and on the Equator to longitude180°, eastward of Area VIII and theAsian continent to the North Korea/Russian Federation frontier in 42°30’N130°E, thence to 135°E, NE’wards to45°N 138°E, to 45°N 180°.

Area XII The eastern part of the Pacific Ocean,west of the North and South Americancoast and east of 120°W, from 3°24’S tothe Equator, thence to 180°, to 50°Nthence NW’wards to 53°N 172°E,NE’wards following the marine frontierbetween the United States and RussianFederation waters to 67°N.

Area XIII Sea areas enclosed north of Area XI andwest of Area XII; also all Arctic watersfrom 170°W westwards to 20°E.

Area XIV The South Pacific and Southern Oceanssouth of the Equator, bounded by AreaX to the west, the Equator to the northand 120°W to the east.

Area XV The South Pacific and Southern Oceanssouth of 18°21’S following the coast ofChile to the longitude of Cape Horn in67°16’W, and 120°W.

Area XVI The South Pacific Ocean between18°21’S and 3°24’S bounded by thecoast of Peru and 120°W.

Area XVII The Arctic Ocean from south-westcorner 67°N, 44°E to north-east corner83°N, 125°E.

Area XVIII The Arctic Ocean from south-westcorner 63°30°N, 125°E to north-eastcorner 80°N, 165°W.

RECOMMENDATION 7 111

TABLE 2

Metarea Issuing service* Preparation service Area LES of issuing service Remarks(a) For scheduled broadcasts

(b) For unscheduled broadcasts

I United Kingdom United Kingdom, (a) Goonhilly (For AOR (W)) 1, 3Norway (b) Goonhilly (For AOR (W), AOR (E))

II France France (a) Aussaguel (For AOR (E)), 1, 3Aussaguel (For AOR (W))

(b) Aussaguel (For AOR (E)),Aussaguel (For AOR (W))

III Greece Greece, France (a) Thermopylae (For AOR(E)) 1, 3(b) Thermopylae (For AOR(E)),

Goonhilly (For AOR (W), AOR (E))

IV United States United States (a) Southbury (For AOR (W)) 1, 3(b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),

Southbury (For AOR (E))

V Brazil Brazil (a) Tangua (For AOR (E)) 1, 3(b) Tangua(For AOR (W))

Tangua (For AOR (E))

VI Argentina Argentina (a) Southbury (For AOR (W)) 1, 3(b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),

VII-AOR South Africa South Africa (a) Burum (For AOR (E)) 1, 3(b) Burum (For AOR (E) and (W))

VII-IOR South Africa South Africa, (a) Brum (For IOR) 1, 3La Réunion (b) Burum (For AOR (E) and IOR))

VIII (N) India India (a) Arvi (For IOR) 1, 3(b) Arvi (For IOR)

VIII (S) Mauritius,** Mauritius, (a) Aussaguel (For IOR) 2La Réunion La Réunion (b) Aussaguel (For IOR)

IX Pakistan Pakistan (a) Perth (For IOR) 2(b) Perth (For IOR)

X-IOR Australia Australia, (a) Perth (For IOR) 2Mauritius, (b) Perth (For IOR and POR)La Réunion

X-POR Australia Australia, (a) Perth (For POR) 2Fiji, (b) Perth (For POR and IOR)New Zealand

XI-IOR China China, (a) and (b) Beijing (For IOR) 1, 3Hong Kong

XI-POR Japan Japan, Hong (a) and (b) Yamaguchi (For POR) 1, 3Kong, Australia

XII United States United States (a) Santa Paula (For POR), 1, 3Southbury (For AOR (W))

(b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),Southbury (For AOR (E)),Santa Paula (For POR)

XIII Russian Russian (a) and (b) Perth 3Federation Federation (For POR)

XIV New Zealand Fiji (a) Albany (For POR) 2New Zealand (b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),

Albany (For POR)

112 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

XV Chile Chile (a) Southbury (For AOR (W)) 1, 3(b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),

XVI United States United States (a) Southbury (For AOR (W)) 4(b) Southbury (For AOR (W)),

Southbury (For AOR (E)),Santa Paula (For POR)

XVII Russian Russian (a) and (b) Perth (For IOR)Federation Federation

XVIII Russian Russian (a) and (b) Perth (For POR)Federation Federation

________* It is the responsibility of the issuing service to ensure that data are available to provide input for its entire areas of broadcast

responsibility and to develop appropriate procedures to rectify and data deficiency.

** Tropical cyclone warnings prepared by RSMC La Réunion are included in the regular bulletins issued by Mauritius.

1 = Full coverage via SafetyNET for areas not covered by NAVTEX.

2 = No NAVTEX coverage.

3 = Partial NAVTEX coverage.

4 = Full coastal coverage via SafetyNET.

APPENDIX I-3 BIS

TRANSFER OF INFORMATION FROM AN ISSUING SERVICE TO A LAND EARTH STATION (LES)PROVIDING Inmarsat-C SERVICES*

RECOMMENDATION 7 113

The transfer of warnings and forecasts by the issuingservice to an LES may be accomplished by:(1) Telex link from the issuing service directly to the LES;(2) X.25 packet switching networks;**(3) A dedicated landline;(4) The GTS to another National Meteorological

Service whose country hosts the relevant LES,thence by either (1) or (2) above by the cooperat-ing National Meteorological Services to the LES;

(5) At Inmarsat-C ship Earth station (SES) direct to theLES. [The approval of the national licensingauthority has to be obtained for this method.]Such an approach to message transfer could proveparticularly attractive to those issuing serviceslocated in countries without a LES, as potential

delays and problems in the international terrestri-al telecommunications networks could beavoided. It could also serve as an emergency back-up to normal terrestrial communications systemsfor urgent messages;

(6) Other means, as appropriate, to national require-ments and facilities.

________* Access to the SafetyNET service for the broadcast of meteoro-

logical data will be granted only to message originators

authorized by WMO and registered with one or more

Inmarsat-C LES operators.

** Such networks, which operate at transmission speeds higher

than telex, may attract lower charges for the land-line portion

of the transmission.

INTRODUCTIONMessages for transmission via the SafetyNET service arereceived and processed automatically. Because the sys-tem is automatic, it depends on accurate preparation ofthe traffic.

Messages are not reviewed for corruption or accu-racy at the LES. Therefore, the originator must takespecial care to adhere to the specified format as detailedin this appendix. It is for this reason that issuing serv-ices shall arrange for monitoring the broadcasts thatthey originate.

Participating LES transmit SafetyNET messagesover an interstation signalling link to the Ocean Regionnetwork coordination station (NCS) for transmissionover the broadcast channel.

Messages will be queued at the LES according topriority and scheduled for retransmission according toinstructions contained in the special address headers(C1 and C4). Messages with the highest priority will betransmitted first. Shore-to-ship distress alerts will bebroadcast first followed by urgency, safety and thenroutine traffic. The originator of each message will

APPENDIX I-4 BIS

MESSAGE ADDRESSING

specify in the message parameters the desired numberof repetitions and the interval between transmissions.

1. WARNING AND FORECAST ADDRESSINGFOR EGC MESSAGES

1.1 IntroductionThis appendix describes the methods by which EGCmessages are transmitted to LES and subsequentlytransmitted over the Inmarsat satellite system. The for-mat in which they are transmitted is also described. Itis the responsibility of issuing services to ensure thatthe correct C codes are used, irrespective of the proce-dures employed for routeing to the LES.

1.2 Routeing of messages to the LES by an issuingservice(see Appendix I.3 bis for methods)

1.3 Addressing of EGC packetsAfter having gained access to the LES, the issuing serv-ice must give EGC packet address information so thatthe ships in the right areas receive the EGC messages.The EGC packet address information is sent by the issu-ing service by means of a special message header at thebeginning of messages that are required to be transmit-ted. These message headers will consist of five specialcodes called C codes. The five codes may be prefixed byadditional characters to indicate that the message is anEGC transmission. [A Co code, to identify the oceanregion, may be necessary when addressing EGC mes-sages to LES which operate in more than one oceanregion.]

The following generalized message header formatusing C codes shall be adopted by all issuing services.C codes transmitted to the LES are: C1: C2: C3: C4: C5,where:

C1 is the priority code – 1 digitC2 is the service code – 2 digitsC3 is the address – up to 12 digitsC4 is the repetition rate – 2 digitsC5 is the presentation code – 2 digitsA digit in this context means an alphanumeric

character received from the terrestrial network. Themeaning of the C codes is explained later in this appen-dix, but for illustration purposes an example follows:

An incoming (to the LES) EGC “warning” telexwould appear as:1:31:01:11:00 (the C code message header)SECURITEMARINE WEATHER WARNING FOR METAREA IISSUED BY UK MET OFFICE0245 UTCSTORM WARNING. AT 190600 UTC, LOW 97057N 20W MOVING NE 15KT. WINDS STORM 10WITHIN 150 MILES RADIUS OF CENTRENNNNThis example is for “SAFETY” priority (C1 = 1) EGC

call containing a meteorological warning (C2 = 31) toMetarea 01, which will be repeated six minutes (C4 =

11) after the initial transmission. The text of the stormwarning is transmitted in International Alphabet 5(C5 = 00).

1.3.1 Priority codes (C1)Format as received at the LES — 1 digit. The C1 code isused to indicate to the LES the level of priority neededfor the message’s transmission. The priority number isgiven in ascending order as follows:

0 ROUTINE1 SAFETY Meteorological messages will be2 URGENCY either SAFETY (C1 = 1) or URGENCY3 DISTRESS (C1 = 2)

NOTE: Priority URGENCY (C1 = 2) to be used for tropical cyclone

warnings only. All other meteorological warnings to be

classified as SAFETY (C1 = 1).

1.3.2 Service codes (C2)Format as received at the LES — two digits. A C2 code isadopted that will explicitly indicate to the EGC receiv-er the length of the address it will need to decodeduring message processing. The service codes allocatedfor WMO use are described below together with thenumber of digits in the C3 code:(a) 13 – Coastal warnings and forecasts

C3 code – 4 digits24 – Meteorological and navigational warningsand search and rescue information to circular areasC3 code – 10 digits;

(b) 31 – Meteorological and Navarea warnings andmeteorological forecasts to pre-defined MetareasC3 code – 2 digits

1.3.3 Addresses (C3)The method that issuing services will use to transmitthe EGC packet addresses is given below for each serv-ice type described in paragraph 1.3.2 of this appendix.

1.3.3.1 Service code 13 — Coastal warnings and forecastsCoastal warnings and forecasts — C3 = X1 X2 to identi-fy the Metarea and B1 B2 to emulate NAVTEX. Note thatB1 codes will be allocated by IMO in accordance withthe procedure for allocating NAVTEX transmitter iden-tities laid down in the IMO NAVTEX Manual (IMOPublication 951 88.08). B2 will always be B for warningsand E for forecasts. The Metarea X1 X2 code and theNAVTEX B1 and B2 are sent to the LES as a four-character group, in the order X1 X2 B1 B2.

1.3.3.2 Service code 24 — Meteorological andnavigational warnings and search and rescueinformation to circular areas

The circular address consists of 10 characters as follows:

D1 D2 LaD3 D4 D5 LoM1 M2 M3, where

D1 D2 is latitude of centre in degrees with leadingzero if required;La is hemisphere N or S;

114 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

D3 D4 D5 is longitude of centre in degrees withleading zero, if required;Lo is longitude E or W;M1 M2 M3 is radius of circle in nautical miles (upto 999);A circle with a radius of 10 nautical miles is codedas 56N034W010

1.3.3.3 Service code 31 — Meteorological and Navareawarnings and meteorological forecasts to pre-defined Metareas

Meteorological and Navarea warnings and meteorolog-ical forecasts are addressed to the areas described inAppendix I-2 bis using the two digits N1N2 where N1N2is the numerical designation of the area.

1.3.4 Repetition codes (C4)Format as received at LES — two digits. The C4 repeti-tion codes are for messages that are required to berepeated at specified intervals until cancelled by theissuing Member and incorporate the needs of MSIproviders for the SafetyNET service.

1.3.4.1 Repetition codesA repetition code allows a message to be broadcast onceonly on receipt (C4 =01) or broadcast on receipt andrepeated six minutes later (C4 =11). Many other typesof repetition are possible, but are not relevant to mete-orological broadcasts.

1.3.4.2 Cancel facilityA cancellation facility for messages transmitted to anLES with repetition codes is necessary. An example of acancel instruction is as follows:

Cancel messages: message reference number at time;where message reference number is the numbergiven to the message provider by the LES on receiptof the initial message and time is of the form:

DDHHMMZ space MMM space YY e.g. 211430ZFEB 88

If the cancel instruction accompanies a broadcast mes-sage it will appear between the NNNN and ++++characters as follows:

C1: C2: C3: C4: C5SECURITE“text”NNNNCANCEL (message reference number) at (date/timegroup)++++

NOTES: (1) Only SECURITE plus “text” is for transmission.

(2) When included with a message for broadcasting,

the LES message cancellation instructions will

appear between the NNNN and the ++++ charac-

ters. There will only be one instruction to each

line, but the facility to provide for more than one

line of instructions is desirable.

(3) If the cancellation instruction terminates after the

message reference number, i.e. the (time/date) is

not included, then the instruction should be exe-

cuted immediately.

(4) It should also be possible for a cancel instruction to

be sent to the LES Store and Forward Unit.

1.3.5 Presentation codes (C5)The current allocation of presentation codes is as fol-lows PQ173:00 IA number 5 (IR.V version) odd parity01 Katakana odd parity02 Devnagiri odd parity03 Arabic odd parity04 Cyrillic odd parity05 Greek odd parity06 ITA 207 Data

For maritime safety information, C5 is always 00.

RECOMMENDATION 7 115

This annex contains operational guidance for the ben-efit of Registered Information Providers who areresponsible for preparing messages for broadcast viathe International SafetyNET Service. Use of the codesgiven in this annex is mandatory for all messages in thesystem.

Examples of the various types of messages andmessage formats are detailed in the subsections of thisannex:(a) Navigational warning services;(b) Meteorological services;(c) Search and rescue services;(d) Chart correction services (to be developed);(e) Piracy counter-measures broadcast messages.

The broadcast parameters are controlled by the useof 5 “C” codes which are combined into a generalizedmessage header format as follows:

C1: C2: C3: C4:C5(Spaces, colons or other delimiters between these

fields will be required, depending on the LESaddressed).

Each “C” code controls a different broadcast para-meter and is assigned a numerical value according to theavailable options which are fully tabulated in Annex 6.

Because distortion of the header format of a mes-sage may prevent its being released, MSI providers mustinstall an Inmarsat SafetyNET receiver and monitorbroadcasts of messages which they originate.

APPENDIX I-5 BIS

INTERNATIONAL SAFETYNET MANUALANNEX 4 — Operational guidance

ANNEX 4b — Meteorological services

1. The following sets out the arrangements to be usedfor the broadcast of meteorological forecasts andwarnings via SafetyNET for the GMDSS. They aremandatory for broadcasts in the InternationalSafetyNET Service.

2. These guidelines are to be read in conjunctionwith the WMO Manual on Marine MeteorologicalServices (WMO-No. 558), as revised for the GMDSS.

3. In order to ensure uniformity of the broadcast ofmeteorological bulletins and warnings globally,the following standard “C” codes should be usedfor meteorological forecasts and warnings issuedvia SafetyNET for the GMDSS.C1 — Message priority

Always C1 = 2 URGENCY for tropical cyclonewarnings onlyAlways C1 = 1 SAFETY for forecasts and forwarnings other than tropical cyclone warn-ings

C2 — Service codeMeteorological warnings (C1 = 1 or 2) to cir-cular area — C2 = 24Meteorological warnings or forecasts (C1 = 1or 2) to coastal area — C2 = 13Meteorological warnings or forecasts toMetarea — C2 = 31.

C3 — Address codeMeteorological warnings (C1 = 1 or 2) to circular

area (Service code C2 = 24) C3 = 10 characters. Addresscode for circular areas is fully described in Annex 6,paragraph 1.3.3.5, but repeated here for ease of refer-ence. Circular address will consist of 10 numbers asfollows:

D1 D2 LaD3 D4 D5 LoR1 R2 R3, where

D1 D2 La (three characters) is latitude of centre indegrees and La whether north (N) or south (S). Aleading zero should be used for latitudes less than10;D3 D4 D5 Lo (four characters) is longitude of centrein degrees and Lo whether east (E) or west (W) ofthe prime meridian. A leading zero should be usedfor longitudes less than 100;R1 R2 R3 (three characters) is radius of circle in nau-tical miles, up to 999.

Example: A circle centred at latitude 56°N longi-tude 34°W with radius of 10°NM iscoded as 56N034W010

Meteorological warnings (Service code 31) C3 = thetwo digits denoting the area of broadcast responsibility(the Metarea) with a leading zero where necessary, e.g.01, 06, 13.

C4 — Repetition codeMeteorological warning (category (a) repeti-tion code)

C4 = 11 On receipt followed by repeat sixminutes later. Note a six-minute repeat isused to ensure that the warning is received bythe maximum number of ships.Meteorological forecast (category (a) repeti-tion code)C4 = 01 Transmit once on receipt

C5 — Presentation codeAlways C5 = 00, international alphabetnumber 5.

Examples:Meteorological warning (to main broadcast area(Metarea))1:31:01:11:00SECURITE(text) storm warning. At 190600 UTC low 970 57N20W moving NE 15kts. Wind storm force 10 with-in 150 miles radius of centreNNNN.

Tropical cyclone warning (to circular area i.e. onlyintended to be received by ships within the area ofthe address)2:24:20N065W500:11:00PAN PAN (text) At 161200 UTC Hurricane Bettylocated 15 nm north of San Juan, Puerto Rico,moving NW 15 knots with hurricane force winds75 miles from centre NW and NE quadrants andwithin 30 miles SW and SE quadrants.NNNN

Meteorological forecast1:31:08:01:00SECURITE(text) forecast text as Manual on MarineMeteorological ServicesNNNN

116 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services

(WMO-No. 558) Volume I, Appendix I.13,(2) The final report of the eighth session of the

JCOMM Subgroup on Marine Climatology (JCOMMMeeting Report No. 2, Asheville, April 2000),

(3) The final report of the second meeting on theVOSClim Project (JCOMM Meeting Report No. 7,Asheville, November 2000),

RECOGNIZING:(1) That it was essential for the VOSClim Project that

additional observational and metadata should beincluded with each observational report submittedin IMMT to the Global Collecting Centres and sub-sequently to the Data Assembly Centre,

(2) That these data were already being collected andsubmitted within the context of this project,

CONSIDERING:(1) That these additional data and metadata would also

be of general value to the MCSS, to global climatestudies and to marine climate data applications,

(2) That it would simplify the work of ContributingMembers, the Global Collecting Centres andResponsible Members alike if the revised IMMT for-mat with the additional entries (IMMT-2) were tocompletely replace the existing IMMT-1 format,

RECOMMENDS:(1) That the amendments to the Manual on Marine

Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558) and the Guideto Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471), asdetailed in the annex to this recommendation beapproved;

(2) That the new version (IMMT-2) of the format beimplemented generally for all data collected as from1 January 2003;

REQUESTS the Expert Team on Marine Climatology tocontinue to review the implementation and value of therevised format, to provide technical assistance to theWMO Members concerned, as required, and to proposefurther amendments to the format as necessary;REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO to provideappropriate technical advisory assistance to WMOMembers concerned, as required, in the implementationof the revised format.

RECOMMENDATION 8 117

RECOMMENDATION 8 (JCOMM-I)

MODIFICATIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME METEOROLOGICALTAPE (IMMT) FORMAT

Additional requirements for the VOSCLIM Project

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 8 (JCOMM-I)

LAYOUT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME METEOROLOGICAL TAPE (IMMT)[VERSION IMMT-2]

Element Character Code Element Coding procedurenumber number

65 111 IMMT version 0 = IMMT version just prior to versionnumber being included

1 = IMMT-1 (previous version)2 = IMMT-2 (this version)3 = IMMT-3 (next version), etc.

86 132 Q21 Minimum quality control (MQC) standards 1 = MQC-I (Original version)version identification 2 = MQC-II (Version 2, May 1996)

3 = MQC-III (Version 3, May 2000)4 = MQC-IV (Version 4, June 2001)

87 133–135 HDG Ship’s heading; the direction to which (000–360); e.g.the bow is pointing, referenced to true North 360 = North

000 = No movement090 = East

88 136–138 COG Ship’s ground course; the direction the vessel (000–360); e.g.actually moves over the fixed Earth and 360 = Northreferenced to true North 000 = No movement

090 = East

89 139–140 SOG Ship’s ground speed; the speed the vessel (00–99); Round to nearest whole knotactually moves over the fixed Earth

90 141–142 SLL Maximum height in metres of deck cargo (00–99); Report to nearest whole metreabove summer maximum load line

NOTES:(1) Since the relative wind speed can be greater than the true wind speed, e.g., iW indicates knots and ff = 98, the relative wind speed

may be 101 knots; therefore, three positions must be allocated since iW cannot be adjusted and the relative wind speed convertedto metres per second as is done in element 15.

(2) Most of the codes (groups of letters) in the IMMT format with the exception of those added for the VOSClim Project are definedin the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) as they basically mirror the code groups used in the FM 13-X SHIP code. Because CBS didnot agree to expand the FM 13-X SHIP code for the VOSClim Project, the additional observed elements (selected codes) will notappear in the WMO Manual on Codes. Therefore an effort was made to select unique codes (groups of letters) not defined in theWMO Manual on Codes for the elements added to the IMMT-2 format version modified for the VOSClim Project. This was deliber-ately done to try and prevent a difference in meaning for a given code group (identical symbolic letters) in the WMO Manual onCodes versus that in IMMT.

118 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services

(WMO-No. 558), Volume I, Part I, Section 5 andAppendix I.15,

(2) The final report of the eighth session of theJCOMM Subgroup on Marine Climatology (JCOMMMeeting Report No. 2, Asheville, April 2000),

(3) Recommendation 10 (JCOMM-I) — Amendmentsto the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services(WMO-No. 471),

CONSIDERING:(1) The importance of the minimum quality control

standards to the quality of the data contained inthe MCSS data archives,

(2) That no ocean current data obtained from ship’s setand drift had been submitted to the InternationalSurface Current Data Centre (ISCDC, Bracknell,United Kingdom) for more than 10 years and thatno requests had been made to the Centre for suchdata in the same period,

RECOMMENDS:(1) That the amendments as detailed in Annex 1 to this

recommendation be included in the Manual onMarine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558) andin the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services(WMO-No. 471);

(2) That the revised minimum quality control standards asgiven in Annex 2 to this recommendation be includedin Volume I, Part I, Appendix I.15 of the Manual onMarine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558).

Element Character Code Element Coding procedurenumber number

91 143–145 sLhh Departure of reference level (summer Position 143 (sL) sign position;maximum load line) from actual sea level. 0 = positive or zero, 1 = negativeConsider the difference positive when thesummer maximum load line is above the Positions 144–145 (hh); (00–99) is thelevel of the sea and negative if below the difference to the nearest whole metrewater line between the summer maximum load

line and the sea level

92 146–148 RWD Relative wind direction in degrees off Relative wind direction; e.g. 000 = nothe bow apparent relative wind speed (calm

conditions on deck). Reported directionfor relative wind = 001–360 degrees in aclockwise direction off the bow of theship. When directly on the bow,RWD = 360

93 149–151 RWS Relative wind speed reported in units Reported in either whole knots or wholeindicated by iW (knots or m s–1) metres per second (e.g. 010 knots or

005 m s–1). Units established by iW asindicated in character number 27

RECOMMENDATION 9 (JCOMM-I)

FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL ON MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES(WMO-No. 558)

ANNEX 2 TO RECOMMENDATION 9 (JCOMM-I)

MINIMUM QUALITY CONTROL STANDARDS(VERSION 4, JUNE 2001)

NOTE: See specification for quality control indicators Q1 to Q20 at the end of this appendix. ∆ = space (ASCII 32)

Element Error Action

1 iT ≠ 3–5 Correct manually otherwise = ∆2 AAAA ≠ valid year Correct manually otherwise reject3 MM ≠ 01–12 Correct manually otherwise reject4 YY ≠ valid day of month Correct manually otherwise reject5 GG ≠ 00–23 Correct manually otherwise reject6 Q ≠ 1, 3, 5, 7 Correct manually and Q20 = 5, otherwise Q20 = 4

Q = ∆ Q20 = 27 LaLaLa ≠ 000–900 Correct manually and Q20 = 5, otherwise Q20 = 4

LaLaLa = ∆ ∆ ∆ Q20 = 28 LoLoLoLo ≠ 0000–1800 Correct manually and Q20 = 5, otherwise Q20 = 4

LoLoLoLo = ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ Q20 = 2LaLaLa = LoLoLoLo = ∆ ∆ ∆ (∆) Correct manually otherwise reject

Time sequence checksChange in latitude > 0.7°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3Change in longitude > 0.7°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3when latitude 00–39.9Change in longitude > 1.0°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3when latitude 40–49.9Change in longitude > 1.4°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3when latitude 50–59.9Change in longitude > 2.0°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3when latitude 60–69.9Change in longitude > 2.7°/hr Correct manually otherwise Q20 = 3when latitude 70–79.9

9 No checking10 h ≠ 0–9, ∆ Correct manually and Q1 = 5, otherwise Q1 = 4

h = ∆ Q1 = 911 VV ≠ 90–99, ∆ ∆ Correct manually and Q2 = 5, otherwise Q2 = 4

VV = ∆ ∆ Q2 = 912 N ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually and Q3 = 5, otherwise Q3 = 4

N < Nh Correct manually and Q3 = 5, otherwise Q3 = 213 dd ≠ 00–36, 99 Correct manually and Q4 = 5, otherwise Q4 = 4

dd = ∆∆, // Q4 = 9dd versus ffdd = 00, ff ≠ 00 Correct manually and Q4 or Q5 = 5 otherwise

Q4 = Q5 = 2dd ≠ 00, ff = 00 Correct manually and Q4 or Q5 = 5 otherwise

Q4 = Q5 = 214 iw ≠ 0, 1, 3, 4 Correct manually, otherwise Q5 = 4

RECOMMENDATION 9 119

Delete entirely Section 6.2.2 — Exchange of sea-sur-face current data obtained from a ship’s set and drift.

Maintain Appendix I.17 as documented metadata ofthe procedures previously used.

ANNEX 1 TO RECOMMENDATION 9 (JCOMM-I)

AMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL ON MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-No. 558)

Element Error Action

15 ff > 80 knots Correct manually and Q5 = 5, otherwise Q5 = 3ff = ∆ ∆, // Q5 = 9

16 sn ≠ 0, 1 Correct manually, otherwise Q6 = 417 TTT = ∆ ∆ ∆, /// Q6 = 9

If –25 > TTT >40 thenwhen latitude < 45.0TTT < –25 Q6 = 4TTT > 40 Q6 = 3when latitude ≥ 45.0TTT < –25 Q6 = 3TTT > 40 Q6 = 4

TTT versus humidity parametersTTT < WB (wet bulb) Correct manually and Q6 = 5, otherwise Q6 = Q19 = 2TTT < DP (dew point) Correct manually and Q6 = Q7 = 5, otherwise Q6 =

Q7 = 218 st ≠ 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 Correct manually, otherwise Q7 =419 DP > WB Correct manually and Q7 = 5, otherwise Q7 = Q19 = 2

DP > TTT Correct manually and Q7 = 5, otherwise Q7 = Q6 = 2WB = DP = ∆ ∆ ∆ Q7 = 9

20 930 > PPPP > 1050 hPa Correct manually and Q8 = 5, otherwise Q8 = 3870 > PPPP > 1070 hPa Correct manually and Q8 = 5, otherwise Q8 = 4PPPP = ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ Q8 = 9

21 ww = 22–24, 26, 36–39, 48, 49, Correct manually and Q9 = 5, otherwise Q9= 456, 57, 66–79, 83–88, 93–94and latitude <20°ww = ∆ ∆, // Q9 = 9

22, 23 W1 or W2 = 7 and latitude <20° Correct manually and Q9 = 5, otherwise Q9 = 4W1 < W2 Correct manually and Q9 = 5, otherwise Q9 = 2W1 = W2 = ∆, / Q9 = 9

24–27 N = 0 and NhCLCMCH ≠ 0 Correct manually and Q3 = 5, otherwise Q3 = 2N = ∆ and NhCLCMCH ≠ ∆ Correct manually and Q3 = 5, otherwise Q3 = 2N = 9 and not (Nh = 9 and Correct manually and Q3 = 5, otherwise Q3 = 2

CLCMCH = ∆)N=∆,/ and NhCLCMCH = ∆,/ Q3 = 9

28 sn ≠ 0, 1 Correct manually otherwise Q10 = 429 TwTwTw = ∆ , /// Q10 = 9

if –2.0 > TwTwTw > 37.0 thenwhen latitude < 45.0TwTwTw < –2.0 Control manually and Q10 = 5, otherwise Q10 = 4TwTwTw > 37.0 Control manually and Q10 = 5, otherwise Q10 = 3when latitude ≥ 45.0TwTwTw < –2.0 Control manually and Q10 = 5, otherwise Q10 = 3TwTwTw > 37.0 Control manually and Q10 = 5, otherwise Q10 = 4

30 Indicator ≠ 0–7, ∆ Correct manually, make it ∆ if not correctable31 Indicator ≠ 0–9, ∆ Correct manually, make it ∆ if not correctable32 20 < PwPw < 30 Q11 = 3

PwPw ≥ 30 and ≠ 99 Q11 = 4PwPw = ∆ ∆, // Q11 = 9

33 35< HwHw < 50 Q12 = 3HwHw ≥ 50 Q12 = 4HwHw = ∆ ∆, // Q12 = 9

34 dw1 dw1 ≠ 00–36, 99, ∆ ∆ Correct manually and Q13 = 5, otherwise Q13 = 4swell1 = swell2 = ∆ Q13 = 9

35 25 < Pw1Pw1 < 30 Q13 = 3Pw1Pw1 ≥ 30 and ≠ 99 Q13 = 4

120 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Element Error Action

36 35 < Hw1Hw1 < 50 Q13 = 3Hw1Hw1 ≥ 50 Q13 = 4

37 Is ≠ 1–5, ∆ Correct manually, otherwise ∆38 EsEs ≠ 00–99, ∆∆ Correct manually, otherwise ∆∆39 Rs ≠ 0–4, ∆ Correct manually, otherwise ∆40 Source ≠ 0–6 Correct manually, otherwise ∆41 Platform ≠ 0–9 Correct manually, otherwise ∆42 No call sign Insert manually, mandatory entry43 No country code Insert manually44 No quality control45 Q ≠ 0–6, 9 Correct manually, otherwise ∆46 ix ≠ 1–7 Correct manually, otherwise ∆47 iR = 0–2 and RRR = 000, ///, ∆∆∆ Correct manually, otherwise Q14 = 4

iR = 3 and RRR ≠ 000, ///, ∆∆∆ Correct manually, otherwise Q14 = 2iR = 4 and RRR ≠ ///, ∆∆∆ Correct manually, otherwise Q14 = 2iR ≠ 0–4 Correct manually, otherwise Q14 = 4

48 RRR ≠ 001–999 and iR = 1, 2 Correct manually and Q14 = 5, otherwise Q14 = 249 tR ≠ 0–9 Correct manually and Q14 = 5, otherwise Q14 = 450 sw ≠ 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 Correct manually, otherwise Q19 = 451 WB < DP Correct manually and Q19 = 5, otherwise Q19 = Q7 = 2

WB = ///, ∆∆∆ Q19 = 9WB > TTT Correct manually and Q19 = 5, otherwise Q19 = Q6 = 2

52 a ≠ 0–8, ∆ Correct manually and Q15 = 5, otherwise Q15 = 4a = 4 and ppp ≠ 000 Correct manually and Q15 or Q16 = 5, otherwise

Q15 = Q16 = 2a = 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and ppp = 0 Correct manually and Q15 or Q16 = 5, otherwise

Q15 = Q16 = 2a = ∆ Q15 = 9

53 250 ≥ ppp > 150 Correct manually and Q16 = 5, otherwise Q16 = 3 ppp > 250 Correct manually and Q16 = 5 otherwise Q16 = 4ppp = ∆∆∆ Q16 = 9

54 Ds ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually and Q17 = 5, otherwise Q17 = 4Ds = ∆, / Q17 = 9

55 Vs ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually and Q18 = 5, otherwise Q18 = 4Vs = ∆ , / Q18 = 9

56 dw2dw2 ≠ 00–36, 99 Correct manually and Q13 = 5, otherwise Q13 = 457 25 < Pw2Pw2 < 30 Q13 = 3

Pw2Pw2 ≥ 30 and ≠ 99 Q13 = 458 35 < Hw2Hw2 < 50 Q13 = 3

Hw2Hw2 ≥ 50 Q13 = 459 ci ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually, otherwise ∆60 Si ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually, otherwise ∆61 bi ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually, otherwise ∆62 Di ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually, otherwise ∆63 zi ≠ 0–9, ∆, / Correct manually, otherwise ∆86 Minimum quality control (MQC) 1 = MQC-I (Original version)

standards version identification 2 = MQC-II (Version 2, May 1996)3 = MQC-III (Version 3, May 2000)4 = Present version

Specifications for quality control indicators Q1 to Q200 No quality control (QC) has been performed on this element1 QC has been performed; element appears to be correct2 QC has been performed; element appears to be inconsistent with other elements3 QC has been performed; element appears to be doubtful4 QC has been performed; element appears to be erroneous5 The value has been changed as a result of QC6 Reserved for GCC7 Reserved for GCC8 Reserve9 The value of the element is missing

RECOMMENDATION 9 121

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Recommendation 20 (CMM-VII) — Exchanges, for

climatological purposes, of sea-surface current dataobtained from ship’s drift,

(2) Recommendation 10 (CMM-XII) — Guide to MarineMeteorological Services (WMO-No. 471),

(3) The final report of the eighth session of theJCOMM Subgroup on Marine Climatology(Asheville, April 2000), item 7,

CONSIDERING:(1) That no ocean current data obtained from ship’s

drift had been submitted to the InternationalSurface Current Data Centre (ISCDC, Bracknell,United Kingdom) for more than 10 years and that

no requests had been made to the Centre for suchdata in the same period,

(2) That changes in shipping practices had lead to theeffective discontinuation of such observations on-board the VOS,

(3) The need to keep the Guide to Marine MeteorologicalServices fully up-to-date,

EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to the Met Office (UnitedKingdom) for having created the ISCDC and for havingmaintained the database for more that 20 years;RECOMMENDS:(1) That the amendments as detailed in the annex to

this recommendation be included in the Guide toMarine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471);

(2) That the data in the ISCDC archive be copied to theWorld Data Centres for Oceanography.

122 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RECOMMENDATION 10 (JCOMM-I)

AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDE TO MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-No. 471)

Add at the end of the first paragraph of Section3.2.9.2 — Minimum quality control:Nevertheless, it is stressed that, while flagging dataas doubtful is an accepted procedure, all effortsshould first be made to correct those data.

Delete entirely Section 3.3.2 — Exchange of sea sur-face current data obtained from ships’ set and drift.Maintain Annex 6.D of the Guide associated withSection 3.3.2, as documented metadata of the pro-cedures previously used.

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 10 (JCOMM-I)

AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDE TO MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-No. 471)

RECOMMENDATION 11 (JCOMM-I)

DYNAMIC PART OF THE GUIDE TO THE APPLICATIONS OF MARINE CLIMATOLOGY(WMO-No. 781)

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) The Guide to the Applications of Marine Climatology

(WMO-No. 781),(2) General summary paragraphs 7.3.1–7.3.3 of the

Abridged Final Report with Resolutions andRecommendations of the Twelfth Session of theCommission for Marine Meteorology (WMO-No. 860),

(3) The Proceedings of the Workshop on Advances inMarine Climatology (CLIMAR99) (JCOMM TechnicalReport No. 10, WMO/TD-No. 1062),

(4) The final report of the eighth session of theJCOMM Subgroup on Marine Climatology(Asheville, April 2000), general summary para-graphs 8.1.1–8.1.6 and Annex XI,

CONSIDERING:(1) The value to Members/Member States of the Guide

to the Applications of Marine Climatology and theimportance of maintaining it up-to-date,

(2) The rapid, ongoing changes in aspects of the sub-ject such as technologies for data management andunderstanding of climate change,

(3) The proposal of JCOMM to commemorate in somesubstantive way the 150th anniversary in 2003 ofthe Brussels Conference of 1853,

EXPRESSES ITS APPLICATION to the Meteorological Serviceof Canada and the Office of Global Programmes and theNational Weather Service, NOAA (United States), forhosting and supporting CLIMAR99;

RECOMMENDS:(1) That the Guide to the Applications of Marine

Climatology should in the future comprise both stat-ic and dynamic parts;

(2) That the Guide as presently published should bemaintained as the static part;

(3) That the dynamic part of the Guide should comprisethose papers listed in the annex to this recommen-dation;

1.3 COADS updates and the blend with the UKMeteorological Office marine data bankS. D. Woodruff, H. F. Diaz, S. J. Lubker, NOAA/ERLClimate Diagnostics Center, Boulder, Colorado,United States;S. J. Worley, National Center for AtmosphericResearch, Boulder, Colorado, United States;J. A. Arnott, M. Jackson, D. E. Parker, HadleyCentre, UK Met Office, Bracknell, UnitedKingdom;J. D. Elms, NOAA/NCDC, Asheville, NorthCarolina, United States.

1.4 The Kobe collection (newly digitized Japanese his-torical surface marine meteorological observations)Teruko Manabe, Maritime MeteorologicalDivision, Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo,Japan.

1.5 An archive of underway surface meteorology datafrom WOCEDavid M. Legler, Shawn R. Smith, James J. O’Brien,Center for Ocean Atmospheric Prediction Studies(COAPS), Florida State University, Tallahassee,Florida, United States.

2.1 The accuracy of marine surface winds from shipsand buoysPeter K. Taylor, Elizabeth C. Kent, Margaret J.Yelland, Ben I. Moat, Southampton OceanographyCentre, Southampton, United Kingdom.

3.1 An intercomparison of in situ, voluntary observing,satellite data, and modelling wind and wave clima-tologiesP. David Cotton, Satellite Observing Systems,Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom;Peter G. Challenor, Lisa Redbourn-Marsh,Southampton Oceanography Centre,Southampton, United Kingdom;Sergey K. Gulev, P. Shirshov Institute ofOceanology, Moscow, Russia;Andreas Sterl, Royal Netherlands MeteorologicalInstitute, De Bilt, The Netherlands;Roman S. Bortkovskii, Main GeophysicalObservatory, St Petersburg, Russia.

3.2 The joint calibration of altimeter and in situ waveheightsP. G. Challenor, Southampton OceanographyCentre, Southampton, United Kingdom;P. D. Cotton, Satellite Observing Systems Ltd.,Surrey, United Kingdom.

3.3 On the use of in situ and satellite wave measurementsfor evaluation of wave hindcastsAndrew T. Cox, Vincent J. Cardone, OceanweatherInc. — Cos Cob, Connecticut, United States;Val R. Swail, Environment Canada, Toronto,Ontario, Canada.

3.4 Scatterometry datasets: high quality winds overwaterMark A. Bourassa, David M. Legler, JamesJ. O’Brien, Center for Ocean AtmosphericPrediction Studies (COAPS), Florida StateUniversity, Tallahassee, Florida, United States.

4.1 Evaluation of ocean wind and wind wave fields fromCOADSSergey Gulev, Institut fur Meereskunde,Dusternbrooker Weg, Kiel, Germany;Konstantin Selemenov, P. P. Shirshov, Institute ofOceanology, RAS, Moscow, Russia.

5.1 Evaluation of NCEP reanalysis surface marine windfields for ocean wave hindcastsVincent J. Cardone, Andrew T. Cox, OceanweatherInc., Cos Cob, Connecticut, United States;Val R. Swail, Environment Canada, Toronto,Ontario, Canada.

6.4 Analysis of wave climate trends and variabilityVal R. Swail, Environment Canada, Toronto,Ontario, Canada;Andrew T. Cox, Vincent J. Cardone, OceanweatherInc., Cos Cob, Connecticut, United States.

7.1 Outlier detection in gridded ship’s datasetsPascal Terray, Laboratoire d’océanographiedynamique et de climatologie, Université de Paris7, Paris, France.

RECOMMENDATION 11 123

(4) That this part should be published primarily in elec-tronic form, available through the WMO Web site,with the papers in the original languages only, withconsideration being given to also making this partavailable to Members/Member States in printedform;

REQUESTS the co-presidents of JCOMM, in consultationwith the Secretary-General of WMO and the ExecutiveSecretary IOC, to develop a proposal for a conference,taking account of the wish to follow up CLIMAR99, toprovide a further updating for the dynamic part of theGuide.

ANNEX TO RECOMMENDATION 11 (JCOMM-I)

PAPERS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DYNAMIC PART OF THE GUIDE TO THEAPPLICATIONS OF MARINE CLIMATOLOGY (WMO-No. 781)

7.2 A methodology for integrating wave data from dif-ferent sources permitting a multiscale description ofwave climate variabilityG. A. Athanassoulis, Ch. N. Stefanakos, NationalTechnical University of Athens, Department ofNaval Architecture and Marine Engineering,Athens, Greece;S. F. Barstow, OCEANOR, OceanographicCompany of Norway, Trondheim, Norway.

7.3 Reduced space approach to the optimal analysis ofhistorical marine observations: accomplishments,difficulties, and prospectsA. Kaplan, M. A. Cane, Y. Kushnir, LamontDoherty Earth Observatory of ColumbiaUniversity, Palisades, New York, United States.

8.1 Improving global flux climatology: the role ofmetadataElizabeth C. Kent, Peter K. Taylor, Simon A. Josey,Southampton Oceanography Centre, South-hampton, United Kingdom.

8.2 Establishing more truth in true windsShawn R. Smith, Mark A. Bourassa, Ryan J. Sharp,Center for Ocean Atmospheric Prediction Studies,

Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida,United States.

8.4 Quality control in recent and pending COADSreleasesKlaus Wolter, S. J. Lubker and Scott Woodruff,NOAA/ERL Climate Diagnostics Center, Boulder,Colorado, United States.

9.1 Offshore industry requirements and recent metoceantechnology developmentsC. J. Shaw, Chairperson of the OGP MetoceanCommittee, and Shell EP Technology, The Netherlands.

9.2 Specific contributions to the observing system: sea-surface temperatures;Richard W. Reynolds, National Climate Data Center,NESDIS, Camp Springs, Maryland, United States.

10.1 Importance of marine data to seasonal forecasting inAustraliaScott Power, Australian National Climate Centre,Melbourne, Australia.

Developments in the Beaufort equivalent scaleRalf Lindau, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.

124 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

RECOMMENDATION 12 (JCOMM-I)

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN WMO AND THE INTERNATIONAL MOBILESATELLITE ORGANIZATION (IMSO)

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING:(1) Resolution 19 (Cg-XI) — The collection and dis-

semination of marine meteorological andoceanographic information using INMARSAT,

(2) Recommendation 8 (CMM-XI) — The collection ofmeteorological and oceanographic informationusing INMARSAT,

(3) The Convention of the International MobileSatellite Organization, as amended,

CONSIDERING:(1) That the INMARSAT system is now the primary

mechanism for the collection of meteorological andoceanographic reports from ships at sea, as well asfor providing a major facility for the dissemination

of meteorological and oceanographic informationto maritime users under the GMDSS,

(2) That IMSO is the intergovernmental organizationcharged with providing the necessary oversight forthe provision of satellite services for the GMDSS,

RECOGNIZING that WMO will need to continue to interactclosely in the future with IMSO on many issues relatingto the use of the INMARSAT system for the disseminationof meteorological and oceanographic information essen-tial to the safety of life and property at sea,RECOMMENDS that WMO establish formal workingarrangements with IMSO to facilitate this interaction;REQUESTS the Secretary-General of WMO, in consultationwith the Secretary-General of IMSO, to prepare appropri-ate draft working arrangements, for the consideration ofthe WMO Executive Council and the IMSO Assembly.

THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOROCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY,NOTING with satisfaction the action taken by the WMOand IOC governing bodies on the previous recom-mendations of the Commission for Marine Meteorologyand of the Joint IOC/WMO Committee for IGOSS, aswell as on other matters related to the work of those twobodies,

CONSIDERING that many of these recommendations havebecome redundant in the meantime,RECOMMENDS:(1) That WMO Resolutions 2 (EC-XLVIII), 8 (EC-XLIX)

and 10 (EC-XLI), and IOC Resolution EC-XXIX.3 beno longer considered necessary;

(2) That WMO Resolutions 15 (EC-XXI), 12 (EC-XXV)and 3 (EC-XLVIII) be kept in force.

RECOMMENDATION 13 125

RECOMMENDATION 13 (JCOMM-I)

REVISION OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE WMO AND IOC GOVERNING BODIES BASED ONPREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR MARINE METEOROLOGY

AND OF THE JOINT IOC/WMO COMMITTEE FOR IGOSS

Narrative summary of questionnaire, comments andsuggestionsThe overwhelming majority of comments concerningmarine meteorological services were positive. Allmariners recognize the importance of weather to theiroperations and have a keen appreciation of accurate, up-to-date meteorological data and products. Theseproducts and data, used in conjunction with in situshipboard weather observations, are essential to ships’officers in developing their local forecast.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) information: The reception of GMDSS infor-mation via Inmarsat SafetyNet has been judged to beexcellent whereas the reception via NAVTEX was seen torequire some improvement. While many near-shoreocean areas are covered by reliable, well-spaced NAVTEXtransmission facilities, many locations need considerableimprovement or, indeed, initial installation. An exami-nation of the specific comments indicates geographicareas where improvements would have a significant ben-eficial effect for mariners. Suggested items requiringattention are concentrated in the areas of: (a) additionalcoverage in neglected marine areas; and (b) improvedtransmission reliability for stations that already exist.

Storm and gale warnings: In this area the com-ments concerned primarily the quality, rather than thereception, of the product. Clarity, accuracy and timeli-ness of warnings were judged to be quite good.Suggested improvements were related to a desire formore accurate geographic positioning for warnings andforecast movement of storms, and an increase in thelead time for predicting this movement. These areas ofaccuracy and timeliness are well known to marine

forecasters who are constantly striving to improve bothfields. It should be noted that continued support for theVoluntary Observing Ship programme for reporting syn-optic marine weather will have a direct impact onimproved forecast capabilities.

Weather bulletins: Comments in this area are adirect reflection of those mentioned in the previoustopic of storm and gale warnings: a desire for improvedpositional information and lead-time in forecastingmovement. The areas of clarity, accuracy and timelinesswere judged to be quite good, as was the additional areaof terminology.

Radiofacsimile broadcasts: The usefulness of theradiofacsimile broadcast received the highest positiveresponse of any field reported (96.48 per cent “yes”).Conversely, in the areas of quality of reception and read-ability, it received the lowest percentage of goodresponses, between good and fair. The agreed consensusamong mariners is that radiofacsimile broadcasts areextremely useful, but need the most improvement. It isrecognized that this technology is based on high fre-quency radio communications and must deal with allinherent problems associated with this technology, i.e.atmospheric disruptions, frequency fade and path dis-tortion, etc. This service is slowly being phased out inmany countries, often without sufficient notification tothe mariner. Satellite capability for delivery of theseproducts is being developed but is not yet available glob-ally on a cost-effective basis.

Coast Earth stations: Establishment of contact anddelivery of data through the CES’s was found to be good,with some problems in the willingness of a few CESs toaccept marine meteorological observations.

ANNEXES

ANNEX IAnnex to paragraph 6.6.4 of the general summary

SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF THE MMS MONITORING SURVEY

General summation of problems and suggestions for improvements provided by ships’ masters

1. Reception of GMDSS information Good Fair Poor Totals

(a) via INMARSAT SafetyNet 519 28 3 550(94.36%) (5.09%) (0.55%)

(b) via Navtex 393 107 25 525(74.86%) (20.38%) (4.76%)

2. Storm and gale warnings

(a) Clarity of information 540 59 6 605(89.26%) (9.75%) (0.99%)

(b) Accuracy of information 465 136 3 604(76.99%) (22.52%) (0.49%)

(c) Timeliness 481 109 7 597(80.57%) (18.26%) (1.17%)

3. Weather bulletins

(a) Clarity of information 515 79 7 601(85.69%) (13.14%) (1.16%)

(b) Accuracy of information 452 147 4 603(74.96%) (24.38%) (0.66%)

(c) Timeliness 482 104 8 594(81.14%) (17.51%) (1.35%)

(d) Terminology used 500 79 9 588(85.03%) (13.44%) (1.53%)

4. Radiofacsimile broadcasts

(a) Maintaining schedules 356 79 26 461(77.22%) (17.14%) (5.64%)

(b) Accuracy of information 369 79 12 460(80.22%) (17.17%) (2.61%)

(c) Readability 296 139 23 458(64.63%) (30.35%) (5.02%)

(d) Symbology 318 113 18 449(70.82%) (25.17%) (4.01%)

(e) Quality of reception 234 178 30 442(52.94%) (40.27%) (6.79%)

(f) Useful service? Yes No439 16 455

(96.48%) (3.52%)

5. Coast Earth stations (CES)

(a) Establishing contact with receiving CES 300 37 4 341(87.98%) (10.85%) (1.17%)

(b) Delays of obs messages Yes No38 349 387

(9.82%) (90.18%)

(c) CES refusal to accept obs messages Yes33

ANNEX I 127

ANNEX IIAnnex to paragraph 7.4.13 of the general summary

STATUS OF INMARSAT SATELLITE COVERAGE

128 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

1. For several years, the Permanent Service for MeanSea Level (PSMSL) has provided a regular summary ofthe status of each of the 287 sites in the GLOSS CoreNetwork (GCN), based on data and information provid-ed by GLOSS contacts. A review of the status of the GCNas of October 2000 can be found at:

http://www.pol.ac.uk/psmsl/programmes/gloss.info.html2. The figure shows the status of the GCN, which hasbeen essentially unchanged for several years.Approximately two-thirds of the stations in the GCN canbe considered to be operational, using data receipts bythe PSMSL as a guide to operational status, or somewhatbetter if additional factors are considered. These factorsinclude the fact that, at some locations, the gauges takethe form of simple pressure transducers, which provideuseful information for oceanography, even if they do notprovide MSL data for the PSMSL. However, the statussummary hides major problems in several regions. Onthe plus side, there has been expenditure on new tidegauge equipment in a number of countries, which hasimproved the network. On the negative side, this has tobe balanced against the fact that many GLOSS stations inother countries either have been terminated, are beingterminated, or require major upgrades. In addition, the

investments made in tide gauges for international pro-grammes (notably WOCE) are unlikely to be repeated infuture. Consequently, it is possible that GLOSS status,measured in terms of data received by the PSMSL, mayhave reached a plateau.3. Improvements in the GCN may occur in future as aresult of an increase in demand for coastal tide gauges tomeet the anticipated requirements for investment inthese devices by, for example, the Coastal OceanObservations Panel of GOOS. An ‘operational’ stationfrom a PSMSL viewpoint means that recent MSL monthlyand annual values have been received at Bidston, havebeen checked as far as possible and have been includedin the data bank. For each of the GLOSS stations we haveused the year of the last data entered into the data bank,if any, to place the station into one of four categories:

Category 1: ‘Operational’ stations for which the lat-est data is 1996 or later;Category 2: ‘Probably operational’ stations forwhich the latest data is within the period1986–1995;Category 3: ‘Historical’ stations for which the latestdata is earlier than 1986;Category 4: For which no PSMSL data exist.

ANNEX IIIAnnex to paragraph 8.4.3 of the general summary

GLOSS CORE NETWORK (GCN) STATUS FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THEPERMANENT SERVICE FOR MEAN SEA LEVEL (PSMSL)

Code Title Date Comments

IOC M and G #1 Guide to IGOSS Data Archives and Exchange 1993 Under IODE responsibility(BATHY & TESAC) — Second revised edition

IOC M and G #3 Guide to Operational Procedures for the Collection and 1999 Being criticized by some GSCExchange of JCOMM Oceanographic Data — Third members. To be reviewed.revised edition Action: Observations

Coordination Group/GSC

IOC M and G #4 Guide to Oceanographic and Marine Meteorological 1975 Obsolete. To define: (a) need forInstruments and Observing Practices such a Guide; (b) what to include

in the Guide; (c) possibility ofmerging with another. Action:Observations CoordinationGroup

IOC M and G #19 Guide to IGOSS Specialized Oceanographic 1988 Still valid. To be reviewed fromCentres (SOCs) JCOMM standpoint to determine

requirement for, and responsibi-lities of, centres. Action:Management Committee

IOC M and G #20 Guide to Drifting Data Buoys 1988 Probably out of date. RequestDBCP to review and decide onaction. Action: DBCP

ANNEX IV 129

ANNEX IVAnnex to paragraph 10.4 of the general summary

IGOSS-RELATED TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

GLOSS status within the PSMSL dataset, October 2000.

180° 150° 120° 90° 60° 30° 0° 30° 60° 90° 120° 150°

Status category: ★ 1 ● 2 ∆ 3 ❍ 4

90°

60°

30°

0°

30°

60°

90°

Code Title Date Comments

IOC M and G #22 GTSPP Real-time Quality Control Manual 1990 MEDS is updating the Guideon-line*

IOC M and G #24 Guide to Satellite Remote Sensing of the Marine 1992 May need some updating.Environment Entrust satellite expert to check.

Action: ObservationsCoordination Group

WMO-No. 623 Guide to the IGOSS Data Processing and Services 1983 Discontinued for the time beingSystem by IGOSS-VII (1995). May be

“revived” at any time, shouldthe need arise. Action: ServicesCoordination Group

on Oceanographic Products issued byInformation National Centres since To be transferred on the Web andService Bulletins late updated in near-real-time

on non-drifting ODAS 1970s

IGOSS Glossary 1987 Never published. To be reviewedfor possible future publication.Action: Management Committee

________

* http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ALPHAPRO/gtspp/qcmans/MG22/guide22_e.htm

130 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

ANNEX VAnnex to paragraph 10.15 of the general summary

LIST OF WEB SITE ADDRESSES

The First International Conference on OceanObservations for Climate.http://www.bom.gov.au/OceanObs99/Papers/Statement.pdf

The Strategic Plan for the Global Ocean DataAssimilation Experiment (GODAE)http://www.bom.gov.au/bmrc/mrlr/nrs/oopc/godae/strate-

gic_plan.pdf

The Global Digital Sea-ice Data Bank (GDSIDB)http://www.aari.nw.ru/gdsidb/gdsidb_2.html (AARI,

St.Petersburg, Russia)

http://www.dmi.dk/pub/gdsidb_mirror/content.html (mirror

of AARI site at DMI)

http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/NOAA/index.html (NSIDC,

Boulder, Colorado, USA)

The Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP)http://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/

DBCP vandalismhttp://dbcp.nos.noaa.gov/dbcp/vandalism.html

DBCP Internet mailing listshttp://www.jcommops.org/mailing_lists.html#DBCP

DBCP an electronic forumhttp://www-dbcp.cls.fr/

Argo Science Team (AST)http://www.argo.ucsd.edu

Global Sea-level Observing System (GLOSS)

Core Network (GCN) of the Permanent Service forMean Sea Level (PSMSL)http://www.pol.ac.uk/psmsl/gloss.html

GLOSS Handbookhttp://www.bodc.ac.uk/services/glosshb/

PSMSL traininghttp://www.pol.ac.uk/psmsl/training/training.html

Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/doclist.htm.

Basic GOOS documentshttp://ioc.unesco.org/goos/key1.htm

Marine Environmental Data Information ReferralCatalogue (MEDI)http://www.aodc.gov.au/iode/medi.

JCOMM Electronic Products Bulletinhttp://iri.ldeo.columbia.edu/climate/monitoring/ipb/

http://iri.ldeo.columbia.edu/climate/cid/Dec2000/

Executive summary

IntroductionThe increasing population of the world imposes newchallenges on society to manage the finite resources ofthe planet in a sustainable and environmentally-respon-sible manner. The WMO/IOC Joint TechnicalCommission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology(JCOMM) is committed to improving and expanding theavailability of operational marine data necessary formonitoring, understanding and forecasting both short-and long-term meteorological variations. JCOMM alsoneeds to respond, within the limits of its own responsi-bilities, to assist in bringing accurate and dependableinformation to all countries of the world.

It will be the vision of the JCOMM CapacityBuilding programme to understand the needs ofMember States and to address these deficiencies throughthe dedication and mutual cooperation of all countries,under the guidance of a global plan for JCOMM.

General principlesThe JCOMM is jointly sponsored by WMO and IOC andtherefore its capacity building programme must operatewithin, and draw upon, the overall principles of its gov-erning bodies. The programme must also cooperate withother programmes, such as WWW, GOOS and GCOSand seek partnerships with funding agencies to pursuemutual objectives.

Following along the lines of the goals and objec-tives of the capacity building programmes of the twogoverning bodies, the general principles for JCOMM,include the following:(a) The programme will have, as its prime directive, a

focus on increasing the national participation inJCOMM activities and on the improvement of oper-ational ocean and meteorological services to theusers and peoples of all countries;

(b) The programme will maintain consistent goals overa long term;

(c) Emphasis will be laid on the development of localexpertise, so as to provide sound advice to policy makersfor the sustainable development of marine resourcesand the preservation of the marine environment;

(d) For a sustainable capacity building programme, apartnership must be forged between the donor andthe recipient organization(s) or country(ies);

(e) Programmes must be tailored to the requirementsof the targeted country or region. In all cases, theactive involvement of the community in the recip-ient country is essential;

(f) Clear methods must be used to measure how effec-tive each mission is in meeting its goals;

(g) For all programmes, attention must be paid to theinteraction among local, regional and global sys-tems, without which the full benefits of JCOMMcannot be achieved;

(h) Where possible, regional cooperation should beused to maximize resources, to encourage mutuallybeneficial activities among countries with similarrequirements and to establish robust regionalsystems;

(i) Every effort shall be made to entrain the support ofGovernments, international organizations, the pri-vate sector and other donors;

(j) Creation of awareness in the minds of the publicand policy makers in different sectors is essentialfor raising national and international support.

Programme considerationsCapacity building programmes come in a huge variety offorms and it will be up to JCOMM to choose the mosteffective forms of delivery. Priority must be given tothose programmes that are aimed at the expansion andimprovement of activities and projects under JCOMM.For example, JCOMM can identify, but not respond to,basic educational deficiencies in any country. It should,however, provide oversight for the preparation and pro-vision of documents directly related to JCOMMactivities and for identifying relevant bibliographies.

ANNEX VI 131

Voluntary Observing Ships (VOS) Climate SubsetProject (VOSClim)http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/VOSClim.html/

Ship-of-Opportunity Programmehttp://www.brest.ird.fr/soopip

WMO home pagehttp://www.wmo.ch

WMO Marine Programmehttp://www.wmo.ch/web/aom/marprog/

WMO ftp serverftp://www.wmo.ch/documents/lpc

Data flow monitoring reportshttp://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-

mpo.gc.ca/meds/Prog_Int/GTSPP/GTSPP_e.htm

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/GTSPP/gtspp-home.html

Marine climate datahttp://www.dwd.de/research/gcc/gcc.html

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/

ANNEX VIAnnex to paragraph 11.2.2 of the general summary

JCOMM CAPACITY BUILDING STRATEGY

In many ways, training courses are the easiest wayto address capacity building efforts, but success is diffi-cult to assess. The JCOMM capacity building programmemust pay attention to the expected outcomes from eachcourse. The electronic age may revolutionize trainingmethods over the next decade and produce newchallenges.

Capacity building programmes must not ignore theneed for the transfer of knowledge so that scientistsfrom all countries can be involved in the planning andexecution of global and regional programmes. Equallyimportant is the more practical requirement of technicalassistance to set up and operate observational and pre-dictive systems, including the provision of hardware. Forthe latter, JCOMM itself has no access to such equip-ment and requests must be channelled to otherpotential donor sources.

Access to regional and global data, especially thosethat could have the potential to save life and property orprevent hardship is essential. Of particular importanceare satellite data, which have universal coverage andhave no jurisdictional problems other than ownershipand the access to the output from computer models. Themaximum use should be made of the new WMO VirtualLaboratory for Training in Satellite Meteorology, expand-ed, as necessary, to also include satellite oceanography.

Infrastructure is needed in all countries, but puttingit in place is a type of programme best addressed by bilat-eral aid, within the framework of regional cooperation.

A consistent failure of most capacity building pro-grammes in intergovernmental organizations is inaddressing the accountability and results of the activi-ties. Successful programmes must be recognized andfailures must be noted and used to amend approaches. Itshould be assumed that all assistance programmeswould have specific objectives that could be used, in ret-rospect, to judge the relative success of projects andprogrammes and it should be the responsibility of therecipients to comment on whether the results met orfailed to meet expectations.

To oversee the capacity building programme,JCOMM should establish a panel of experts drawn appro-priately from both recipient and donor communities.

Priorities and actionsThe JCOMM Capacity Building Strategy outlines a set ofprinciples and actions to guide the JCOMM capacitybuilding efforts. The priorities and actions that shouldprovide the initial focus for the programme are outlinedbelow.

National organizations and Governments must takeresponsibilities for capacity building actions whetherthey are donor or recipient countries. Technicallyadvanced countries must agree to capacity buildingobjectives and consider actively ways of contributing.Commitments must be made by the receivingGovernments and institutions to develop and maintainan infrastructure that will continue to participate in theJCOMM activities over the long term.

The regional subsidiary bodies of WMO and IOCshould be informed of JCOMM activities at every meet-ing and actions should be requested or recommendationsreceived. JCOMM members, under JCOMM guidanceand/or through regional WMO and IOC bodies, shouldaddress how regional observational and informationresources can be best used to mutual advantage. Theyshould investigate how resources may be made availablethrough collective regional submissions to funding agen-cies. The efficiency and effectiveness of using regionalbodies to coordinate and facilitate common require-ments in a region from training through operationalsystems must be emphasized.

At the global level, JCOMM itself must provide thenecessary guidance through the identification of globalobjectives and the overall deficiencies in the pro-gramme. These must be spelt out clearly, as must thepotential benefits to the programme and to the recipientnations from capacity building efforts. JCOMM mustoversee the preparation of suitable standards, Manualsand Guides against which the national and regional pro-grammes can be judged and deficiencies recognized. Itmust also prepare brochures and assist in the develop-ment of proposals, on potential benefits from theJCOMM programme, in particular how these relate tothe overall aim of raising the social and economic well-being of developing countries.

JCOMM must provide a clear outline of how capac-ity building programmes are monitored and audited forsuccess and failures. There must also be a mechanismfor updating the programme based on what is seen to behappening. The task for the JCOMM Panel of Experts isto maximize the available resources by ensuring thatthe JCOMM capacity building principles are adhered to,that priorities are addressed and that the results areaudited. JCOMM can work with Governments andspace agencies to increase the timely availability anduse of remotely-sensed data. Finally the JCOMMSecretariat and elected officers must take advantage ofpartnering opportunities where these can further theJCOMM objectives.

132 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Priority Reference Task By whom Target

High priority Paragraph 5.2.1 Set in process mechanisms to assess user requirements and the satisfaction Co-presidents, Management Inter-sessionalof users with the products available. Committee

Paragraph 5.2.3 Appoint expert(s) to participate in CBS Rolling Requirements Review process Co-presidents in consultation ASAPwith appropriate CBS expert teams. with Management Committee

and GOOS officers

Paragraph 7.4.24 Review former IGOSS SOC’s system and make concrete proposals for its Data Management JCOMM-IIrestructuring in context of agreed JCOMM requirements, role and operations. Coodinating Group

Paragraph 13.3.2 Plan and oversee relevant JCOMM implementation activities in consultation Management Committee, Continuingwith the GOOS Steering Committee. Observations Coordination

Group

Paragraph 14.1 Keep the WMO 5LTP constantly under review and contribute to the first Management Committee Before WMOreport on the evaluation of the impacts of activities within the WMO EC 2002Marine Programme performed under the Plan, covering the first twoyears (2000–2001).

Paragraph 14.4 Develop the input of the marine component to the preparation of the Co-presidents with Inter-sessionalWMO 6LTP to be eventually presented to Fourteenth Congress in 2003 Management Committeefor adoption.

Paragraph 15.2 Prepare a set of scientific lectures for JCOMM-II. Management Committee Before JCOMM-II

Resolution 1 Identify and develop a way of mobilizing resources for the implementation Management Committee Inter-sessionalof the work programme.

Resolution 1 Review and, if necessary, develop proposals for modification of the internal Management Committee JCOMM-IIstructure and working methods of JCOMM including its relationship toother bodies.

Medium Paragraph 3.4 Develop some guideline to assist Members/Member States in developing Management Committee Inter-sessionalpriority national coordination and integration.

Paragraph 3.6 (a) Assist the Secretary-General of WMO and the Executive Secretary IOC Co-presidents WMO/IOC ECto develop a specific proposal for involvement in the 150th anniversary, 2002in 2003, of the Brussels Conference of 1853;

(b) Establish an interim Organizing Committee for a conference on the 150th Management Committee ASAPanniversary.

AN

NEX

VII

133

ANNEX VIIAnnex to agenda item 17 of the general summary

WORK PLAN FOR JCOMM FOR THE PERIOD 2001–2005

Organizational

Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Paragraph 5.1.4 Coordinate the implementation of significant issues arising from the Management Committee Inter-sessionalwork of the OOPC and referred to JCOMM by the OOPC.

Paragraph 9.3 Review possibilities for the preparation of a set of IOC technical regulations Services Coordination Group Inter-sessionalrelating to the provision of oceanographic services, with a view todeveloping some draft technical regulations for further considerationby the JCOMM Management Committee, JCOMM-II and eventually theIOC Governing Bodies.

Paragraph 12.1.16 (a) Develop a position paper on the strategy that JCOMM should adopt for Rapporteur on the New Strategy Before the firstnew activities beyond those in the present work programme and in meeting of theparticular those of the GOOS COOP and other non-physical requirements; Management

Committee(b) Review the report by the Rapporteur on the new JCOMM strategy for non- Management Committee Inter-sessional

physical, data and plan follow-up.

Paragraph 13.4.1 Ensure that the experience and monitoring work undertaken under the Management Committee Continuingconventions relevant to JCOMM, including ICES, HELCOM, OSPAR andthe Barcelona Convention, are properly taken into account and used inthe implementation of JCOMM programme activities.

Paragraph 13.5.1 Identify potential additional partners within industry and commerce and Management Committee Inter-sessionalensure that they are involved to the extent possible in the future workof JCOMM.

High priority Paragraph 6.1.5 Develop a facility within SafetyNET for transmission of graphical information ET on MSS ASAPin digital form via Inmarsat-C and for its reconstitution on-board ships.

Paragraph 6.1.12 Review the matter on the designation of the Kenya Meteorological Department ET on MSS ASAPas a GMDSS Preparation Services and make an appropriate recommendationfor the consideration of the co-presidents and the Management Committeeon behalf of JCOMM.

Paragraph 6.2.14 Cooperate with the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme and provide expert ET on WS Inter-sessionalassistance for the IOC/IHP/WMO project on storm-surge disaster reductionin the northern India Ocean area.

Paragraph 6.3.9 Review a draft-revised version of the WMO Sea-ice Nomenclature ET on SI ASAP(WMO-No. 259.TP.145), prior to submission to co-presidents for formalapproval on behalf of JCOMM and publication by WMO.

Paragraph 12.2.6 Ascertain the requirements of the maritime community regarding the ET on MSS Prior to future CBScontinuance of high frequency broadcasts and to provide this information and RA II sessionsto future CBS and RA II sessions (see also action below from paragraph 6.1.6).

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Services

Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Resolution 2 Review effectiveness of the Services work programme. Services Coordination Group Inter-sessional

Medium Paragraph 6.1.4 Consider the possibilities for designating additional Metareas to cover the ET on MSS in consultation Inter-sessionalpriority remaining Arctic waters. with Canada, Russia, the

United States, IHO and IMO

Paragraph 6.1.6 Develop a new text relating to non-GMDSS marine broadcast services for ET on MSS Inter-sessionalinclusion in the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558).

Paragraph 6.1.13 Keep under review the possibility of designation of a new issuing service ET on MSS Continuingfor the WMO marine broadcast system for the GMDSS within Merarea VIII.

Paragraph 6.2.6 Develop technical advice on wave and storm surge modelling, forecasting ET on WS Inter-sessionalResolution 2 and service provision and prepare an outline for guidance material on storm

surge prediction, as well as for its preparation, for consideration and futureaction by the Management Committee.

Paragraph 6.2.10 Monitor projects for verification of operational wind wave and storm surge ET on WS Inter-sessionalResolution 16/2 model output and develop procedures for the distribution of information

on the wave forecast verification scheme.

Paragraph 6.2.15 Review the requirements for, and if necessary develop, related programmes Management Committee, Inter-sessionalencompassing modelling, product preparation and service provision for Services Coordination Groupocean processes depending largely on atmospheric forcing.

Paragraph 6.3.8 Develop appropriate amendments to the WMO Sea-ice Nomenclature for ET on SI Inter-sessionalcoding sea ice decay from radar backscatter.

Paragraph 6.3.15 (a) Develop and revise the WMO Sea-ice Nomenclature, terminology, data ET on SI Inter-sessionalformats and software codes;

(b) Prepare historical sea ice datasets for sea ice covered areas;(c) Develop cooperation and coordination with climate oriented programmes

such as WCRP, WCP and CLIC;(d) Develop techniques and capabilities to measure systematically ice thickness;(e) Provide support to southern hemisphere countries to enhance Antarctic

sea-ice service.

Paragraph 6.3.19 Continue collaboration between ET on SI and BSIM, IICWG and ECDIS. ET on SI Continuing

Paragraph 6.4.4 Prepare specific proposals based on the appropriate recommendations of the Services Coordination Group Inter-sessionalMARPOLSER98 Workshop for consideration and agreement by Members/Member States.

Paragraph 6.4.4 Prepare an update version of the system plan based on recommendations Services Coordinatiom Croup Inter-sessionalof the MARPOLSER98 for review by the Management Committee andeventual distribution to Members/Member States.

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Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Paragraph 6.4.6 Identify appropriate funding support for a second workshop on MPERSS. Co-presidents, Services By 2002Coordination Group

Paragraph 6.4.6 Develop a mechanism to deal with technical and scientific issues related Service Coordination Group Inter-sessionalto implementation of MPERSS.

Paragraph 6.4.6 Develop appropriate technical guidance on MPERSS. Service Coordination Group Inter-sessional

Paragraph 6.5.3 Develop a concrete proposal for a workshop on JCOMM products in Management Committee, Inter-sessionalsupport of operational oceanography. Bulletin Editor (ASAP)

Paragraph 6.5.4 Prepare a detailed proposal and implementation plan for the JCOMM Management Committee Inter-sessionalElectronic Products Bulletin, including identification of the required Bulletin Editorresources for its long-term maintenance.

Paragraph 6.6.6 (a) Review the questionnaire and response format for MMS monitoring ET on MSS By 2004prior to its distribution in 2004;

(b) Consider the possibilities for disseminating the survey in future to ET on MSS Inter-sessionalships’ masters via SafetyNET.

Paragraph 6.6.9 Review requirements of all marine users for improved, expanded and new Services Coordination Group Continuingservices and service types on an ongoing basis and coordinate thepreparation of advice and guidance, as appropriate.

Recommendation 7 Keep the implementation of, and user response to, the WMO GMDSS ET on MSS Continuingmarine broadcast system under review and develop proposals foramendments, as necessary.

Resolution 2 Assemble requirements and give advice on services to be implemented Services Coordination Group Inter-sessionaland discontinued.

Resolution 2 Review and catalogue the products and services required in sea-ice areas. ET on SI Inter-sessional

Resolution 2 Keep under review and provide guidance on operation of the Global DigitalSea-ice Data Bank including appropriate quality control, error analysis andarchiving mechanism. Make recommendation on quality control erroranalysis and archiving mechanisms. ET on SI Inter-sessional

Low priority Paragraph 10.3 Review the contents of the Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting ET on WS Inter-sessional(WMO-No. 702) and advise on the need for future updating, as required.

High priority Paragraph 8.1.23 Make a concrete proposal regarding procedures for evaluating and Management Committee Inter-sessionalaccrediting instrumentation and develop a mechanism to ensure that datacollected by observing system operators conform to agreed on basicstandards, formats and levels of data quality.

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Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Paragraph 8.5.6 Consider the benefit and efficiencies that could be realized by extending the Observations Coordination JCOMM-IIterms of reference of JCOMMOPS to include support for VOS and ASAP. Group

Paragraph 8.5.12 Review and advise JCOMM on the integration of new observing components Management Committee Continuinginto the overall operational system.

Paragraph 12.2.10 Consult with CIMO regarding the operation of RICs, with a view to preparing Observations Coordination JCOMM-IIa more detailed proposal for JCOMM instrument evaluation and inter- Groupcomparison procedures, for consideration by the Management Committee.

Resolution 3 Develop performance measurement against scientific requirements, Observations Coordination Inter-sessionaldelivery of raw data, measurement standards, logistics and resources. Group

Medium/ Resolution 3 Review requirements and give advice on possible solutions, regarding Observations Coordination Inter-sessionalhigh priority trade-offs and use of new technique/developments. Group Satellite Rapporteur

Resolution 3 Support the development and maintenance of the VOSClim Project. SOT Continuing

Medium Paragraph 8.1.2 Consider the possibilities for some form of international award scheme SOT Inter-sessionalpriority for VOS.

Paragraph 8.1.18 Identify upper ocean temperature and salinity data obtained by research SOT and Technical Coordinator Continuinginstitutes, but not available on GTS and ensure their quality control andtimely distribution on the GTS.

Paragraph 8.1.22 Review the use of TRACKOB and advise on its continuation. SOT/SOOPIP Inter-sessional

Paragraph 8.1.36 Arrange for appropriate cooperation and coordination with EUMETNET SOT Inter-sessionalwith regard to evaluation of all meteorological and oceanographicobservations networks in Europe and surrounding ocean area.

Paragraph 8.2.8 Address the funding of DBCP and SOOP Coordinator and make relevant DBCP, SOOPIP Inter-sessionalproposals to the Observations Coordination Group for long-term funding.

Paragraph 8.2.21 Review the progress of the Argo project with a view towards a full integration Observations Coordination Inter-sessionalinto the JCOMM overall observing system at an appropriate time. Group in consultation with

the Argo Data ManagementSubcommittee and ET on DMP

Paragraph 8.3.22 Consider eventually preparing a comprehensive report on the EuroROSE EuroROSE participants Inter-sessionalproject, for publication in the JCOMM technical report series.

Paragraph 8.3.24 (a) Identify a suitable expert to liaise with relevant ROSE groups worldwide; Observations Coordination ASAP(b) Review on an ongoing basis the status of such systems and prepare Group Inter-sessional

appropriate technical guidance.

Paragraph 8.4.10 Provide advice to, and coordinate with, the GLOSS Technical Secretariat at Management Committee Inter-sessionalIOC with regard to obtaining funding necessary to modernize and extendthe GLOSS programme.

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Paragraph 10.9 Continue preparing Technical Documents series and making them available DBCP Continuingboth on the Web site and as printed documents.

Paragraph 10.10 Continue publishing GLOSS training course reports and making a GLOSS GLOSS community Continuingbrochure available on the Web.

Paragraph 10.11 Prepare additional technical information relating to ASAP and its benefit for SOT/ASAPP Continuingdistribution to Members/Member States.

Paragraph 13.1.4 Keep the matter of vandalism under review and suggest possible remedial Observations Continuingactions, as and when feasible. CoordinationGroup

Resolution 3 Review and analyse requirements for ship-board observational data and SOT Continuingcoordinate actions to implement and maintain the network.

Resolution 3 Review marine telecommunications facilities and procedures for SOT Continuingobservational data collection, processing and transmission andpropose actions for improvements.

Resolution 3 Implement specific terms of reference. SOT/SOOPIP Continuing

Resolution 3 Coordinate the overall implementation of the ASAP, including SOT/ASAPP Continuingrecommending routes and expand where possible.

Resolution 3 Review and coordinate the implementation of new specialized shipboard SOT Continuinginstrumentation, siting and observing practices.

High priority Paragraph 7.1.5 Finalize the International Maritime Meteorological Archive (IMMA) format ET on MC Within one yearwith a view to eventual submission to the Commission for formal adoption. Co-presidents, chairpersons of ASAP

Paragraph 7.1.9 Identify a centre to host a metadata base for ODAS. DBCP and Data ManagementCoordination Group

Paragraph 7.2.5 Develop procedures for, and coordinate JCOMM input to, the pilot project of Data Management ASAPsurface salinity data management. Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.2.6 (a) Consider the overall issue of end-to-end data management for ocean ET on DMP ASAPand meteorological measurements and develop a strategy for theCommission;

(b) Recommend a mechanism for effective participation on the IODE sea Data Management Coordination ASAPsurface salinity pilot project. Group, ET on DMP

Paragraph 7.2.11 Review and assess the general requirements for end-to-end data Management Committee, Inter-sessionalmanagement practices, with IODE. Data Management

Coordination Group

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Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Paragraph 7.3.9 Review the development of Argo data management procedures and closely Data Management Inter-sessionalliaise with the Argo Data Management Group. Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.4.4 Keep under review the requirement for the exchange of new oceanographic Observation and Data ASAPdata and initiate actions for BUFR encoding and GTS distribution of new Management Coordinationoceanograophic data at the appropriate time. Groups, Argo community

Paragraph 7.4.5 Develop an appropriate practical solution regarding the difficulties of the SOT, Data Management Inter-sessionalon-board manual encoding of CREX messages, in consultation with CBS. Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.4.11 Develop a common policy and approach to the application of Code 41, in Management Committee, Inter-sessionalparticular which minimize restriction. SOT, Data Management

Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.4.18 Ensure appropriate JCOMM participation in CBS activities related to Management Committee, Continuingdata exchange. Data Management

Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.4.25 Develop an integrated strategy for monitoring of data flow and quality. Management Committee Inter-sessional

Paragraph 7.4.25 Implement a mechanism to provide timely and accurate information on Data Management Continuingdata and products. Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.4.29 (a) Keep the work by the Inter-programme Task Team on Future WMO Data Management Inter-sessionalInformation Systems under review and develop specific JCOMM Coordination Grouprequirements for input to the work by the Task Team;

(b) Assign an expert to represent JCOMM’s interests about codes and Data Management ASAPformats in the Inter-programme Task Team on Future WMO Coordination GroupInformation Systems.

Paragraph 7.4.34 Address the issue of an agreed standard marine metadata language for Data Management ASAPJCOMM activities, in particular, develop a strategy that takes account Coordination Groupof the marine extensible markup language (XML) consortium, of therelated activities of CBS, and of the many national activities related tostandard marine metadata language.

Paragraph 7.4.43 Work with the proponents of the Ocean and Marine Meteorology Data and Data Management ASAPInformation Technology initiative to explore opportunities for the Coordination Group,Commission to collaborate. ET on DMP

Paragraph 7.5.1 Review existing operations and procedures, with the aim of developing a Data Management JCOMM-IIdetailed plan for end-to-end, integrated JCOMM data management, for Coordination Groupconsideration by the Management Committee, eventually by JCOMM-II.

Paragraph 7.5.2 Address concerns regarding integration between different geographic scales, Management Committee Inter-sessionaland between different levels of scientific and administrative detail. Keyfactors could be summarized and presented effectively to JCOMM.

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Paragraph 12.2.3 Provide support to CCl scientific and technical conference to be held ET on MC, Data Management Prior toimmediately prior to the thirteenth session of CCl. Coordination Group with November 2001

appropriate CCl subsidiarybody

Resolution 4 Develop the strategy, and initiate and oversee the implementation of the Data Management Inter-sessionalData Management Programme Area and identify priorities and actions Coordination Groupfor the Data Management Programme Area.

Medium/ Paragraph 7.1.6 Continue the study to verify the availability of documentation relating ET on MC Inter-sessionalhigh priority to the history of marine ship codes.

Paragraph 7.1.8 Review the situation of oceanographic and marine meteorological data Data Management Inter-sessionalholdings in existence and propose appropriate follow up actions. Coordination Group

Paragraph 7.1.9 Establish an organizing committee for the proposed second WMO Co-presidents, Data Prior to JCOMM-IIParagraph 10.2 International Workshop on Advances in Marine Climatology and Management CoordinationRecommendation 11 convene the Workshop ( see also action regarding Brussels anniversary). Group

Paragraph 7.1.13 Develop a mechanism for close collaboration with relevant bodies of GOOS ET on MC Continuingand GCOS, such as AOPC.

Paragraph 7.1.14 Reactivate and finalize the compilation of a catalogue of global storm surge ET on MC Inter-sessionaldata holdings and work closely with IODE in this regard.

Paragraph 7.2.7 Investigate eventually transmitting full-resolution XBT data in BUFR code SOT ASAPthrough GTS on a real-time basis.

Paragraph 7.3.2 Address the matter of having several international data centres dealing with DBCP Inter-sessionalthe same kinds of data and make appropriate recommendations to the DataManagement Coordination Group.

Resolution 4 Keep under review, assess and coordinate the adoption of appropriate new Data Management Continuinginformation technology. Coordination Group

Resolution 4 Recommend best data management practices, in particular for standards of ET on DMP Inter-sessionalmetadata and formats, quality control and data assembly, and data andproducts flow.

Resolution 4 Review and assess the effectiveness of data management practices, including ET on DMP Inter-sessionalintegration data management practices.

Resolution 4 Determine procedures and principles for the development and management ET on MC Inter-sessionalof global and regional oceanographic and marine meteorological datasets.

Resolution 4 Review and assess the climatological elements of the Commission, including ET on MC Inter-sessionalthe operation of the MCSS, and the development of required oceanographicand marine meteorological products.

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Resolution 4 Develop procedures and standards for data assembly and the creation of ET on MC Inter-sessionalclimatological datasets, including the establishment of dedicated facilitiesand centres.

Medium Paragraph 6.2.3 Investigate the possibility to re-establish a global wave metadata archive ET on MC Inter-sessionalpriority centre.

Paragraph 7.4.22/23 Extend the monitoring of the flow of marine data on the GTS, undertaken JCOMMOPS, Météo-France Inter-sessionalby Météo-France, to cover other marine variables, including subsurface.

Paragraph 12.2.2 Assign experts to assist CCl in preparing the revised Guide to Climatological Co-presidents, chairpersons Inter-sessionalPractices (WMO-No. 100). of Data Management

Coordination Group andET on MC

Resolution 4 Keep under review and propose procedures of the preparation and/or ET on MC Continuingupdating of relevant technical publications.

Low priority Paragraph 7.1.6 Continue with the digitization of non-electronic earlier versions of the ET on MC ContinuingInternational List of Selected, Supplementary and Auxiliary Ships (WMO-No. 47).

High priority Paragraph 11.1.4 Investigate new sources for funding JCOMM training activities. Task Team on Resources Inter-sessional

Paragraph 11.1.8 Review as a matter of urgency the entry on “Marine Meteorology” in the Capacity Building October 2001preliminary version of the Guidelines for the Education and Training of Coordination GroupPersonnel in Meteorology and Operational Hydrology (WMO-No. 258),fourth edition, Volume 1, Meteorology.

Resolution 5 Implement the JCOMM Capacity Building Strategy. Capacity Building Inter-sessionalCoordination Group

Medium Paragraph 11.2.9 Discuss with IODE the possibility to expand the scope of OceanTeacher to Capacity Building Inter-sessionalpriority cater for JCOMM training requirements. Coordination Group

Paragraph 11.3.5 Review the requirements for cooperative projects in ocean regions and Capacity Building Inter-sessionalsubregions and assist in the development of detailed proposals, as appropriate. Coordination Group

Paragraph 11.3.5 Develop close links with all GOOS regional alliances, with a view to Capacity Building Continuingimplementing mutually-supportive capacity building projects. Coordination Group

Paragraph 11.3.9 Investigate with IODE the possibilities to use the ODINAFRICA (and other Capacity Building Inter-sessionalexisting or planned ODIN networks) network as a mechanism for relevant Coordination Groupaspects of JCOMM regional capacity building.

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Capacity building (Specialized training, cooperation development projects)

Priority Reference Task By whom Target

Paragraph 12.1.7 Work with the GCOS, GOOS and the JCOMM Secretariats in organizing Capacity Building Inter-sessionalregional workshops so that ocean observations and related services are Coordination Groupincluded to the extent possible.

Resolution 2 Develop technical guidance material, software exchange, specialized training ET on SI with Capacity Continuingand other capacity building support with regard to sea-ice observations and Building Coordination Groupservices.

Resolution 5 Develop a plan for obtaining resources for the JCOMM capacity building in Task Team on Resources Inter-sessionalcollaboration with GOOS and GCOS.

Resolution 5 Keep under review existing training and guidance material and advise on Capacity Building Inter-sessionalupdating and on the development of new material. Coordination Group

Resolution 5 Review and assess the resources needed for capacity building actions in Capacity Building Inter-sessionallight of the resources plan of the Task Team on Resources. Coordination Group

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Australia A. McEwan Principal delegateBureau of MeteorologyMacquarie StreetHobart, Tasmania 7000Tel: (61-3) 622 12090Fax: (61-3) 622 12089E-mail: a.mcewan@bom.gov.au

A. M. Forbes DelegateCSIRO Marine ResearchG.P.O. Box 1538Hobart, Tasmania 7001Tel: (61-3) 623 25292Fax: (61-3) 623 25125E-mail: andrew.forbes@marine.csiro.au

P. R. Parker DelegateBureau of Meteorology150 Lonsdale St.Melbourne, 3001Tel: (61-3) 96 69 45 10Fax: (61-3) 96 69 46 95E-mail: p.parker@bom.gov.au

C. Roy DelegateDirector, Oceanography and MeteorologyMaritime HeadquartersRoyal Australian NavyWylde StreetPotts Point NSW 2011Tel.: (61-2) 935 93140Fax: (61-2) 935 93120E-mail: dom@metoc.navy.gov.au

N. Smith DelegateBMRCBox 1289KMelbourne, Vic. 3001Tel: (61-3) 966 94434Fax: (61-3) 966 94660E-mail: n.smith@bom.gov.au

Belgium D. Dehenauw Principal delegateHead, Marine Forecasting BranchRoyal Meteorological Institute3, Avenue CirculaireB-1180 BruxellesTel: (32-2) 373.06.37E-mail: dehenauw@oma.be

Canada S. Narayanan Principal delegateMarine Environmental (19–22.VI.2001)Data Service AlternateWO82, 12th floor (23–29.VI.2001)200 Kent St.Ottawa, OntarioCanada K1A 0E6Tel: (1-613) 990 0265Fax: (1-613) 993 4658E-mail: narayanans@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Canada (contd.) D. Grimes Principal delegateMeteorological Service of (23–29.VI.2001)CanadaEnvironment Canada10 Wellington StHull, Quebec K1A 0H3Tel: (1 613) 997 0142Fax: (1 613) 994 8864E-mail: david.grimes@ec.gc.ca

B. Angle DelegateNorth Tower – 4th floorLes Terrasses de la Claveière10 WellingtonHull QCCanada K1A 0H3Tel: (1-819) 997 9844Fax: (1-819) 994 8854E-mail: bruce.angle@ec.gc.ca

J. Falkingham DelegateCanadian Sea Ice373 Sussex DriveOttawa, OntarioCanada K1A 0H3Tel: (1-613) 996 4552Fax: (1-613) 996 4218E-mail: john.falkingham@ec.gc.ca

J. R. Keeley DelegateMEDS, Department of Fisheries andOceansW082, 12 floor, 200 Kent StOttawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0E6Tel: (1-613) 990 0246Fax: (1-613) 993 4658E-mail: keeley@meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

D. Wartman Delegate16th floor, Queen Square45 Alderney DriveDarmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 2N6Tel: (1-902) 426 9120Fax: (1-902) 490 0720E-mail: dave.wartman@ec.gc.ca

Chile R. Nuñez Principal delegateErrazuriz 232Playa AnchaValparaisoFax: (56-32) 266 542E-mail: rnunez@shoa.cl

China Li Huang Principal delegateChina Meteorological AdministrationZhongguancun Nandajie No. 46Haidian DistrictBeijng 100081Tel: (86-10) 68 40 66 42Fax: (86-10) 62 17 42 39E-mail: hl@rays.cma.gov.cn

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

A. REPRESENTATIVES OF WMO MEMBERS AND IOC MEMBER STATES

APPENDIX A

LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING THE SESSION

144 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

China (contd.) Meng Chan (Ms) DelegateChina Meteorological AdministrationBaishiqiaolu No. 46Haidian DistrictBeijng 100081Fax: (86-10) 68 40 66 82E-mail: ybyo@rays.cma.gov.cn

Mao Hengqing DelegateNational Meteorological CentreBaishiqiaolu No. 46Haidian DistrictBeijng 100081Tel: (86-10) 68 40 72 05Fax: (86-10) 68 40 72 05E-mail: maoheng@263.net

Yu Zhouwen DelegateNational Centre for Marine EnvironmentForecast, SOA8 Dahuisi RoadHaidian DistrictBeijng 100081Tel: (86-10) 62 17 35 64Fax: (86-10) 62 17 36 20E-mail: yuzw@nmefc.gov.cn

Croatia Milan Hodzic Principal delegateRepublic of CroatiaMeteorological and Hydrological ServiceMarine Meteorological ServiceGlagoljaska 11HR-21000 Split, CroatiaTel: (385-21) 589 378Fax: (385-21) 591 033E-mail: hodzic@cirus.dhz.hr

Denmark K. Hedegaard Principal delegateDanish Meteorological (19–21.VI.2001)InstituteLyngbyvej 1002100 CopenhagenTel: (45) 39.15.75.00Fax: (45) 39.27.10.80E-mail: kh@dmi.dk

E. Svendsen Principal delegate(see address under Norway) (22–29.VI.2001)

Finland M.-L. Komulainen (Ms) Principal delegateFinnish Meteorological InstituteP.O. Box 503(Vuorikatu 24)00101 HelsinkiTel: (358-9) 1929.33.20Fax: (358-9) 1929.33.03E-mail: marja-leena.komulainen@fmi.fi

H. Grönvall DelegateFinnish Institute of Marine ResearchP.O. Box 3300931 HelsinkiTel: (358-9) 61.39.41Fax: (358-9) 61.39.44.94E-mail: gronvall@fimr.fi

France F. Gérard Principal delegateMétéo-France1, quai Branly75340 Paris Cédex 07Tel: (33-1) 45 56 70 24Fax: (33-1) 45 56 74 47E-mail: francois.gerard@meteo.fr

France (contd.) P. Marchand AlternateIFREMERB.P. 7029280 PlouzanéTel: (33 2) 98 22 41 26Fax: (33 2) 98 22 46 50E-mail: philippe.marchand@ifremer.fr

P. Dandin DelegateMétéo-France, DPrévi/Mar42, avenue Coriolis31057 Toulouse Cédex 1Tel: (33-5) 61 07 82 90Fax: (33-1) 61 07 82 09E-mail: philippe.dandin@meteo.fr

P. Daniel DelegateMétéo-France, DPrévi/Mar42, avenue Coriolis31057 Toulouse Cédex 1Tel: (33-5) 61 07 82 92Fax: (33-5) 61 07 82 09E-mail: pierre.daniel@meteo.fr

C. Maillard (Ms) DelegateCentre IFREMER de BrestB.P. 7029280 PlouzanéTel: (33-2) 98 22 42 79Fax: (33-2) 98 22 46 44E-mail: catherine.maillard@ifremer.fr

H. Savina DelegateMétéo-France DPrévi/Mar42, avenue Coriolis31057 Toulouse Cédex 1Tel: (33-5) 61 07 82 91Fax: (33-5) 61 07 82 09E-mail: henri.savina@meteo.fr

Germany A. Kresling Principal delegateDeutscher WetterdienstJenfelder Allee 70a22043 HamburgTel: (49-40) 66 90 18 50Fax: (49-40) 66 90 19 52E-mail: andreas.kresling@dwd.de

D. Kohnke AlternateBundesamt fuer Seeschifffahrt undHydrographiePostfach 30 12 2020305 HamburgTel: (49-40) 31 90 34 00Fax: (49-40) 31 90 50 00E-mail: kohnke@bsh.d400.de

S. Dick DelegateBundesamt fuer Seeschifffahrt undHydrographiePostfach 30 12 2020305 HamburgTel: (49-40) 31 90 31 31Fax: (49-40) 31 90 50 32E-mail: dick@bsh.d400.de

R. Zöllner DelegateDeutscher WetterdienstJenfelder Allee 70a22043 HamburgTel: (49-40) 66 90 14 00Fax: (49-40) 66 90 14 99E-mail: reinhard.zoellner@dwd.de

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

Ghana K. Wurodu Principal delegateGhana Meteorological DepartmentP.O. Box 9471Airport-AccraTel: (233-21) 77.71.72/51 19 81/2Fax: (233-21) 30.26.00/51 19 78E-mail: meteokla@africanonline.com.gh

Greece G. Kassimidis Principal delegateHellenic National Meteorological ServiceP.O. Box 73502Hellenikon 167 77AthensTel: (30-1) 969.90.13Fax: (30-1) 962.89.52E-mail: gkas@hnms.gr

T. Soukissian DelegateNational Centre for Marine ResearchAg Kosmas-Ellinikon 166 04AthensTel: (30-1) 994 61.63Fax: (30-1) 994 61.62E-mail: tsouki@ncmv.gr

Hong Kong, Tam Cheuk-ming Principal delegateChina Hong Kong Observatory

134A Nathan RoadKowloon, Hong KongTel: (852) 2926 8430Fax: (852) 2311 9448E-mail: cmtam@hko.gov.hk

Iceland T. E. Jakobsson Principal delegateIcelandic Meteorological OfficeBustadavegur 9IS-150 ReykjavikTel: (354) 522 6000Fax: (354) 522 6001E-mail: thor@vedur.is

B. Thorkelsson DelegateIcelandic Meteorological OfficeBustadavegur 9IS-150 ReykjavikTel: (354) 522 6000Fax: (354) 522 6001E-mail: bardi@vedur.is

H. Hjartarson DelegateIcelandic Meteorological OfficeBustadavegur 9IS-150 ReykjavikE-mail: hreinn@vedur.is

H. Valdimarsson DelegateMarine Research InstituteSkulagata 425-101 ReykjavikE-mail: hv@hafro.is

B. S. Einarsson DelegateIcelandic Meteorological OfficeBustadavegur 9IS-150 ReykjavikTel: (354) 522 6000Fax: (354) 522 6001E-mail: bjornse@vedur.is

Ireland E. Murphy (Ms) Principal delegateMarine UnitMet ÉireannGlasnevin HillDublin 9Tel: (353-1) 8064290Fax: (353-1) 8064247E-mail: evelyn.murphy@met.ie

Israel M. Weiss Principal delegateIsrael Meteorological ServiceBet Dagan 50250Tel: (972) 39682106Fax: (972) 39682126E-mail: weissm@ims.gov.il

Japan M. Saiki Principal delegateJapan Meteorological Agency1-3-4 OtemachiChiyoda-kuTokyo, 100-8122Tel: (81-3) 3212-8341Fax: (81-3) 3211-8309E-mail: masaro.saiki@met.kishou.go.jp

T. Yoshida DelegateOffice of Marine PredictionJapan Meteorological Agency1-3-4 OtemachiChiyoda-kuTokyo, 100-8122Tel: (81-3) 3212-8341 Ext 5128Fax: (81-3) 3211-3047E-mail: tyoshida@met.kishou.go.jp

Kuwait F. Al-Yamani (Ms) ObserverKISRP.O. Box 1638Salmiyah 22017Tel: (965) 5711296Fax: (965) 5711293E-mail: fyamani@kisr.edu.kw

Latvia N. N. Mikhailov Principal delegate(see address under Russian Federation)

Lithuania M. Ziemianski Principal delegate(see address under Poland)

Malaysia A. B. Bahari ObserverMalaysian Meteorological ServiceJalan Sultan46667 Petaling Jaya SelangorDarul EhsanTel: (60-3) 7958 7422Fax: (60-3) 7955 0964E-mail: alui@kjc.gov.my

Malta A. Drago Principal delegateIOI-Malta Operational CentreUniversity of MaltaMSIDA MSD06MaltaTel: (356) 241176 Ext 204Fax: (356) 24 11 77E-mail: adra1@um.edu.mt

APPENDIX A 145

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

Mauritius V. S. Soondron Principal delegateMauritius Oceanography Institute4th Floor, Victoria AvenueQuatre BornesFax: (230) 4274433E-mail: moi@intnet.mu

Mexico A. J. Melo Moya Principal delegateSecretaría de MarinaEje 2 OteTramo H. Escuela NavalDeleg. CoyoacanTel: (5) 3708642E-mail: amolo@latinmail.com

Morocco H. Bouksim Principal delegateDirection de la météorologie nationaleB.P. 8106Casa Oasis20103 CasablancaFax: (212) 22 91 36 98E-mail: bouksim@mtpnet.gov.ma orh.bouksim@caramail.com

Netherlands F. B. Koek Principal delegateRoyal Netherlands Meteorological InstituteMarine Knowledge CentreWilhelminalaan 10P.O. Box 2013730 AE De BiltTel: (31) 302 206 860Fax: (31) 302 204 614E-mail: frits.koek@knmi.nl

J. Verbeek DelegateRoyal Netherlands Meteorological InstituteWilhelminalaan 10P.O. Box 2013730 AE De BiltTel: (31) 302 206 759Fax: (31) 302 210 407E-mail: verbeek@knmi.nl

New Zealand R. Stainer Principal delegateMeteorological Service of New ZealandP.O. Box 722WellingtonTel: (64-4) 470 0744Fax: (64-4) 473 5231E-mail: stainer@met.co.nz

A. Laing DelegateNational institute of Water andAtmospheric ResearchP.O. Box 14-901KilbirnieWellingtonTel: (64-4) 386 0300Fax: (64-4) 386 2153E-mail: a.laing@niwa.co.nz

Nigeria L. Edafienene Principal delegateDepartment of Meteorological ServicesPMB 12542LagosTel: (234 1) 263 3371Fax: (234 1) 263 6097E-mail: louis.edafienene@usa.net

Nigeria (contd.) R. Folorunsho (Ms) AlternateNigerian Institute for Oceanographyand Marine ResearchPMB 12729Victoria IslandLagosFax: (234-1) 261 9517E-mail: niomr@linkserve.com.ng

Norway J. Guddal Principal delegateNorwegian Meteorological InstituteRegion WestAllegt. 705007 BergenTel: (47) 55.23.66.26Fax: (47) 55.23.67.03E-mail: j.guddal@dnmi.no

K.-H. Doublet (Ms) AlternateNorwegian Meteorological InstituteRegion WestAllegt. 705007 BergenTel: (47) 55.23.66.31Fax: (47) 55.23.67.03E-mail: k.doublet@dnmi.no

E. Svendsen DelegateInstitute of Marine ResearchP.O. Box 1870Nordnes5817 BergenTel: (47) 55.23.85.00Fax: (47) 55.23.85.84E-mail: einar.svendsen@imr.no

Peru H. S. Soldi Principal delegateCasilla Postal 80CallaoTel: (51-1) 4658312Fax: (51-1) 4299054E-mail: hsoldi@dhn.mil.pe

Poland M. Mietus Principal delegateInstitute of Meteorology and WaterManagement – Maritime BranchWaszyngtona 4281-342 GdyniaTel: (48-58) 620 3532Fax: (48-58) 620 7101E-mail: mietus@imgw.gdynia.pl

M. Ziemianski AlternateInstitute of Meteorology and WaterManagement – Maritime BranchWaszyngtona 4281-342 GdyniaTel: (48-58) 620 5221Fax: (48-58) 620 5493E-mail: ziemians@imgw.gdynia.pl

Portugal I. Ambar (Ms) Principal delegateInstituto de OceanografiaFaculdade de Ciencias da Universidade de Lisboa1749-016 LisboaTel : (351) 21750.00.80Fax : (351) 21750.00.09E-mail : iambar@fc.ul.pt

146 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

Portugal (contd.) F. Carvalho DelegateInstituto de MeteorologiaRua C - Aeroporto de Lisboa1749-077 LisboaTel: (351) 21 848.39.61Fax: (351) 21 840.23.70E-mail: fernando.carvalho@meteo.pt

A. Soares dos Santos (Ms) DelegateInstituto de MeteorologiaRua C - Aeroporto de Lisboa1749-077 LisboaTel: (351) 21 848.39.61Fax: (351) 21 840.23.70E-mail: alice.soares@meteo.pt

Republic of Kwang-Joon Park Principal delegateKorea Korea Meteorological Administration

460-18 Shindaebang-dongDongjak-guSeoul, 156-120Tel: (82-2) 841.5105Fax: (82-2) 836.6753E-mail: kjpark@kma.go.kr

Jae-Cheol Nam DelegateKorea Meteorological Administration460-18 Shindaebang-dongDongjak-guSeoul, 156-120Tel: (82-2) 847.2495Fax: (82-2) 847.2496E-mail: jcnam@metri.re.kr

Moon-Sik Suk DelegateKORDIAnsan P.O. Box 29Seoul, 425-600Tel: (82-31) 400.6100Fax: (82-31) 408.5829E-mail: mssuk@kordi.re.kr

Russian Y. S. Tsaturov Principal delegateFederation Federal Service for Hydrometeorology

and Environmental Monitoring12 Novovagankovsky Street123242 MoscowTel: (7-095) 252 24 29Fax: (7-095) 255 24 00E-mail: adm@tsaturov.mskw.mecom.ru

V. A. Martyshchenko AlternateFederal Service for Hydrometeorologyand Environmental Monitoring12 Novovagankovsky Street123242 MoscowTel: (7-095) 252 45 11Fax: (7-095) 255 20 90E-mail: aamu@mecom.ruI.

I. E. Frolov DelegateArctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI)38, Bering Str.St Petersburg 199397Tel: (7 812) 352 15 20Fax: (7 812) 352 27 91E-mail: ief@aari.nw.ru

Russian N. N. Mikhailov DelegateFederation Russian National Oceanographic(contd.) Data Centre

Koroleva StreetObninsk 249020Tel: (7 084) 397 49 07Fax: (7 095) 255 22 25E-mail: nodc@meteo.ru

V. M. Smolyanitsky DelegateArctic and Antarctic ResearchInstitute (AARI)38, Bering Str.St Petersburg 199397Tel: (7 812) 352 21 52Fax: (7 812) 352 26 88E-mail : vms@aari.nw.ru

A. S. Studenetsky Delegate11, Tuerskaya StreetMoscow 103905Tel: (7-095) 229 42 51Fax: (7-095) 925 96 09E-mail: studenetsky@minstd.ru

Saudi Arabia A. Y. A. Hussain Principal delegateP.O. Box 42100Jeddah 21431Fax: (996) 26820400E-mail: metobah@yahoo.com

South I. T. Hunter Principal delegateAfrica South African Weather Bureau

Department of EnvironmentalAffairs and TourismPrivate Bag X097Pretoria 0001Tel: (27-12) 309.31.04Fax: (27-12) 309.39.90E-mail: ian@weathersa.co.za

Spain G. Parrilla Principal delegateInstituto Nacional de MeteorologiaApartado de Correos 28528002 MadridTel: (34-91) 347 36 08Fax: (34-91) 413 55 97E-mail: gregorio.parrilla@md.leo.es

Sweden B.G. Hakansson Principal delegateSwedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI)Mia Varvet 31SE-42871 Vastra FrolundaTel: (46-31) 751 8960Fax: (46-31) 751 8980E-mail: bertil.hakansson@smhi.se

H. Dahlin AlternateSwedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI)Folkborgsvägen 1601 76 NorrköpingTel: (46-11) 495 8305Fax: (46-11) 495 8350E-mail: hans.dahlin@smhi.se

APPENDIX A 147

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

United R. J. Shearman Principal delegateKingdom of Met OfficeGreat Britain Beaufort Parkand Northern EasthampsteadIreland Wokingham

Berkshire RG40 3DNTel: (44-1344) 85 56 00Fax: (44-1344) 85 58 97E-mail: rjshearman@metoffice.com

T. Guymer AlternateSouthampton Oceanography CentreEmpress DockSouthamptonTel: (44-2390) 59 64 30Fax: (44-2380) 59 62 04E-mail: trevorguymer@soc.soton.ac.uk

D. Pugh DelegateSouthampton Oceanography CentreEmpress DockSouthamptonTel: (44-2380) 59 66 12Fax: (44-2380) 59 62 04E-mail: d.pugh@soc.soton.ac.uk

J. D. Turton DelegateRoom 244Ocean ApplicationsMeteorological OfficeLondon Rd.Bracknell, Berks RG12 2SZTel: (44 1344) 85 64 78Fax: (44 1344) 85 44 99E-mail: jon.turton@metoffice.com

W. R. Turrell DelegateFRS Marine LaboratoryP.O. Box 101Victoria RoadAberdeenTel: (44 1224) 87 65 44Fax: (44 1224) 29 55 11E-mail: turrellb@marlab.ac.uk

M. Windsor DelegateMSD Main BuildingWhitehallLondon SW1A 2HBTel; (44 207) 80 70 167Fax: (44 207) 80 70 180E-mail: dnsom@dial.pipex.com

United States R. C. Landis Principal delegateof America W/OS2

National Weather Service/NOAA1325 East-West HighwaySilver Spring, MD 20910Tel: (1 301) 713 1858 Ext 108E-mail: robert.landis@noaa.gov

W. S. Wilson AlternateNOAA, HCHB 522414th & Constitution, NWWashington, DC 20230Tel: (1-202) 482 3385Fax: (1-202) 482 5231E-mail: stan.wilson@noaa.gov

United States D. Feit Delegateof America National Weather Service(contd.) W/NP41, 5200 Auth Road

Camp Springs, MDTel: (1 301) 763 8000, ext. 7401Fax: (1 301) 763 8085E-mail: david.feit@noaa.gov

M. Johnson DelegateNOAA/Office of Global Programs1100 Wayne Avenue, No. 1210Silver Spring, MD 20910Tel: (1 301) 427 2089Fax: (1 301) 427 2073E-mail: m.Johnson@noaa,gov

J. P. Rigney DelegateNaval Oceanographic Office, N31002 Balch BlvdStennis Space Center, MS 39522Tel: (1 228) 688 5634Fax: (1 228) 688 4078E-mail: rigneyj@navo.navy.mil

K. Schnebele DelegateNational Oceanographic Data Center1315 East-West HighwaySilver Spring, MD 20910Tel: (1 301) 713 3270Fax: (1 301) 713 3300E-mail: kurt.j.schnebele@noaa.gov

S. D. Woodruff DelegateClimate Diagnostics CenterNOAA/OAR/CDC325 BroadwayBoulder, CO 80305Tel: (1 303) 497 6747Fax: (1 303) 497 7013E-mail: sdw@cdc.noaa.gov

Venezuela R. Aparicio Castro ObserverUniversidad de OrienteInstituto Oceanografico de VenezuelaCumana Edo. SucreTel: (58 93) 302417Fax: (58 93) 30 22 40E-mail: raparici@sucre,udo,edu,ve

Viet Nam, Bui Xuan Thong Principal delegateSocialist Service hydrométéorologiqueRepublic of 4, Dang Thai Than Str., Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 775 1120Fax: (84-4) 826.07.79/835 0606E-mail: tuongkttv@hn.vnn.vn

B. INVITED EXPERTS

E. CharpentierData Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) andShip-of-Opportunity Programme (SOOP)JCOMMOPS, 8-10, rue Hermès31926 Ramonville St AgneFranceTel: (33 5) 61 39 47 82Fax: (33 5) 61 75 10 14E-mail: charpentier@jcommops.org

148 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

P. MasonChairperson of the GCOS Steering CommitteeMeteorological OfficeLondon RoadBracknell, Berks RG12 2SZUnited KingdomTel: (44 1344) 85 46 04Fax: (44 1344) 85 69 09E-mail: paul.mason@metoffice.com

D. MeldrumData Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP)Dunstaffnage Marine LaboratoryOban PA34 4ADScotlandTel: (44 1631) 55 92 73Fax: (44 1631) 55 90 01E-mail: dtm@dml.ac.uk

W. NowlinChairperson of the GOOS Steering CommitteeTexas A & M University, OceanographyCollege Station, Texas 77643USATel: (1 979) 845 3900Fax: (1 979) 847 8879E-mail: wnowlin@tamu.edu

B. SearleChairperson of the IOC Committee onInternational Oceanographic Data andInformation Exchange (IODE)AODC, Level 2, Building 89Garden Island, NSW 2011AustraliaTel: (61 2) 9358 3139Fax: (61 2) 9359 3120E-mail: ben@aodc.gov.au

Y. M. TourreScientific Editor, JCOMM Electronic Products BulletinLDEO of Columbia University – OceanographyPalisades, NY 10964USAE-mail: tourre@ldeo.columbia.edu

P. L. WoodworthChairperson of the GLOSS Group of ExpertsProudman Oceanographic LaboratoryBidston ObservatoryBirkenhead CH43 7RAUnited KingdomTel: (44 151) 653 8633Fax: (44 151) 653 6269E-mail: plw@pol.ac.uk

C. SCIENTIFIC LECTURERS

S. DickBundesamt fuer Seeschifffahrt und HydrologieBernhard-Nocht-Str. 7820305 HamburgTel: (49-40) 31 90 31 31Fax: (49-40) 31 90 50 32E-mail: dick@bsh.d400.de

M. SaikiJapan Meteorological Agency1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-kuTokyo, 100Tel: (81-3) 3212-8341Fax: (81-3) 3211.8309E-mail: masaro.saiki@met.kishou.go.jp

N. SmithBMRCBox 1289KMelbourne, Vic. 3001Tel: (61-3) 9669 4434Fax: (61-3) 9669 4660E-mail: n.smith@bom.gov.au

S. WilsonNOAA, HCHB 522414th & Constitution, NWWashington, DC 20230Tel: (1-202) 482 3385Fax: (1-202) 482 5231E-mail: stan.wilson@noaa.gov

D. REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations Educational, P. BernalScientific and Cultural Assistant Director-GeneralOrganization (UNESCO) UNESCO

Place de Fontenoy75732 Paris Cédex 15FranceTel: (33 1) 45 68 10 00Fax: (33 1) 45 47 16 90

Argos Collecte Localisation C. OrtegaSatellites (CLS/Service Argos) CLS/Argos

8-10, rue HermèsParc technologique du canal31526 Ramonville St AgneFranceTel: (33 5)61 39 47 29Fax: (33 5) 61 39 47 97E-mail: christian.ortega@cls.fr

European Global Ocean N. M FlemmingObserving System (EuroGOOS) EuroGOOS Office

Southampton OceanographyCentreEmpress DockSouthampton, Hants S014 3ZHUnited KingdomTel: (44 2380) 596 242Fax: (44 2380) 596 399E-mail: n.flemming@soc.soton.ac.uk

European Meteorological F. GérardNetwork (EUMETNET) Météo-France

1, quai Branly75340 Paris Cédex 07Tel: (33-1) 45 56 70 24Fax: (33-1) 45 56 74 47E-mail: francois.gerard@meteo.fr

APPENDIX A 149

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

European Organization for S. Burnsthe Exploitation of EUMETSATMeteorological Satellites Am Kavalliersand 31(EUMETSAT) Darmstadt 64291

GermanyTel: (49 6151) 807571Fax: (49 6151) 807304E-mail: burns@eumetsat.de

European Space Agency (ESA) E. Oriol-Pibernat (Ms)G. Galilei00044 FrascatiItalyTel: (39 69) 418 0408Fax: (39 69) 418 0402E-mail: eoriol@esa.int

International Mobile Satellite A. C. FullerOrganization (IMSO) IMSO

99 City RoadLondon EC1A 1AXUnited KingdomTel: (44-207) 728 1378Fax: (44-207) 728 1172Email: andy_fuller@imso.org

International Ocean V. RyabininInstitute (IOI) IOI

P.O. Box 3, GziraMalta GZR01Tel: (356) 346528Fax: (356) 346502E-mail: ioimla@kemmunet.net.mt

International SeaKeepers R. ZikaSociety University of Miami/RSMAS

4600 Rickenbacker CswzMiami, FL 33149USATel: (1 305) 361 4922E-mail: rzika@rsmas.miami.edu

International Union of Geodesy P. L. Woodworthand Geophysics (IUGG) Proudman Oceanographic

LaboratoryBidston ObservatoryBirkenhead CH43 7RAUnited KingdomTel: (44 151) 653 8633Fax: (44 151) 653 6269E-mail: plw@pol.ac.ukF.

Permanent Commission for H. S. Soldithe South Pacific (CPPS) Casilla Postal 80

CallaoTel: (51-1) 4658312Fax: (51-1) 4299054E-mail: hsoldi@dhn.mil.pe

E. IOC SECRETARIAT

P. BernalC. SummerhayesP. PissierssensY. Tréglos

F. WMO SECRETARIAT

G. O. P. ObasiE. I. SarukhanianP. DexterM. KrasnoperovT. Manabe (Ms)E. Dar-Ziv (Ms)

150 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Member Name CapacityMember Name Capacity

Agenda item Document Nos. PINK Nos. and person Resolutions andsubmitting recommendations

adopted

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION 1, co-president of JCOMM

2. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION 2, co-president of JCOMM2.1 Consideration of the report on credentials2.2 Adoption of the agenda 2.2(1); 2.2(2)2.3 Establishment of committees2.4 Other organizational matters

3. REPORT BY THE INTERIM CO-PRESIDENTS OF THE 3 3, chairperson,COMMISSION Committee of the Whole

4. REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE MAJOR 4(1); 4(2); 4(3); 4, chairperson,SUBSIDIARY AND REPORTING BODIES 4(4); 4(5); 4(6) Committee of the Whole

5. SCIENTIFIC INPUT AND REQUIREMENTS 5, chairperson,Committee A

5.1 Climate research and prediction 5.15.2 Operational users 5.2 and 5.35.3 Other 5.2 and 5.3

6. MARINE METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC

SERVICES

6.1 Maritime safety services 6.1; 6.1, ADD. 1; 6.1, chairperson,Committee A

6.2 Wind waves and storm surges 6.2 6.2, chairperson,Committee A

6.3 Sea ice 6.3 6.3, vice-chairperson,Committee A

6.4 Marine pollution related services 6.4 6.4, chairperson,Committee A

6.5 JCOMM Products Bulletin 6.5 6.5, vice-chairperson,Committee A

6.6 Other service issues 6.6 6.6, chairperson,Committee A

7. DATA MANAGEMENT

7.1 Marine climatology 7.1 7.1, vice-chairperson,Committee B

7.2 Ocean data 7.2 7.2, vice-chairperson,Committee B

7.3 Buoys and floats 7.3 7.3, vice-chairperson,Committee B

7.4 Infrastructure 7.4; 7.4, ADD. 1; 7.4, vice-chairperson, Rec. 17.4, ADD. 2; Committee B7.4, ADD. 3

7.5 Integration issues 7.5 and 8.5 7.5, vice-chairperson,Committee B

8. OBSERVING SYSTEMS

8.1 Ship-based observations 8.1; 8.1, ADD. 1 8.1, chairperson, Rec. 2; 3Committee B

APPENDIX B

AGENDA

8.2 Buoys and floats 8.2 8.2, chairperson, Rec. 4Committee B

8.3 Remote sensing 8.3 8.3, chairperson,Committee B

8.4 Sea level 8.4 8.4, chairperson, Rec. 5Committee B

8.5 Integration issues 7.5 and 8.5 8.5, vice-chairperson, Rec. 6Committee B

9. REVIEW OF TECHNICAL REGULATIONS OF 9; 9, CORR. 1; 9, co-president of JCOMM Rec. 7; 8; 9INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION 9, ADD. 1;

10. GUIDES AND OTHER TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS 10 10, co-president of JCOMM Rec. 10; 11

11. EDUCATION AND TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY 11 11, chairperson,TRANSFER AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT Committee of the Whole

11.1 Specialized education and training11.2 Technology transfer and implementation support11.3 Regional development11.4 Resources

12. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PROGRAMMES/BODIES

OF WMO/IOC12.1 Global Ocean Observing System and 12.1(1); 12.1(2); 12.1, chairperson,

Global Climate Observing System 12.1(2), ADD. 1 Committee A12.2 Other WMO and joint WMO/IOC Programmes 12.2 12.2, co-president of JCOMM12.3 Other IOC Programmes 12.3 12.3, co-president of JCOMM

13. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND 13 13, co-president of JCOMMBODIES

13.1 United Nations sytem agencies (Inter-SecretariatCommittee on Scientific Programmes Relating toOceanography, Advisory Committee onCoordination/Subcommitttee on Oceans andCoastal Areas)

13.2 United Nations Conference on Environment andDevelopment follow-up, Commission onSustainable Development and the Conventions

13.3 Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership13.4 Non-United Nations system organizations and Rec. 12

programmes13.5 Industry and commerce

14. LONG-TERM PLANNING 14 14, chairperson,Committee of the Whole

15. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES 15 15, co-president of JCOMM

16. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING GROUPS AND 16; 16, REV. 1 16, chairperson, Res. 1; 2; 3;NOMINATION OF RAPPORTEURS Committee of the Whole 4; 5

17. INTER-SESSIONAL WORK PROGRAMME 17 17, chairperson,Committee of the Whole

152 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

Agenda item Document Nos. PINK Nos. and person Resolutions andsubmitting recommendations

adopted

18. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND 18 18, co-president of JCOMM Res. 6;RECOMMENDATIONS OF CMM AND IGOSS AND OF Rec. 13RELEVANT RESOLUTIONS OF THE GOVERNING BODIES

WMO AND IOC

19. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 19(1), chairperson,Nomination Committee19(2), co-president of JCOMM

20. DATE AND PLACE OF THE SECOND SESSION 20, co-president of JCOMM

21. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION 21, co-president of JCOMM

APPENDIX B 153

Agenda item Document Nos. PINK Nos. and person Resolutions andsubmitting recommendations

adopted

APPENDIX C

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AARI Arctic and Antarctic Research InstituteACC Advisory Committee on CoordinationAIC Argo Information CentreAMC Area Meteorological CoordinatorAOPC Atmospheric Observation Panel for ClimateASAP Automated Shipboard Aerological ProgrammeASEAN Association of South-East Asian NationsASPeCT Antarctic Sea-ice Processes, Ecosystems and Climate

BSIM Baltic Sea-ice Meeting

CAS Commission for Atmospheric SciencesCBS Commission for Basic SystemsCCl Commission for ClimatologyCEOS Committee on Earth Observation SatellitesCES Coast Earth StationCGMS Coordination Group for Meteorological SatellitesCIMO Commission for Instruments and Methods of ObservationCIWG Canadian Ice Working GroupCLIC Climate and CryosphereCLIMAR Workshop on Advances in Marine ClimatologyCLIPS Climate Information and Prediction ServicesCLIVAR Climate Variability and PredictabilityCLS Collection, Location, SatellitesCMM Commission for Marine MeteorologyCNES National Centre for Space StudiesCOADS Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere DatasetCOMET Cooperative Programme for Operational Meteorology Education and TrainingCOOP CLIVAR Ocean Observations PanelCOOP Coastal Ocean Observations Panel (GOOS)COP Conference of the PartiesCOST European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical ResearchCRS Coastal Radio StationCSD United Nations Commission on Sustainable DevelopmentCTD Conductivity-temperature-depth

DBCP Data Buoy Cooperation PanelDNA Delegated National AgencyDSC Digital Selection Calling

ECDIS Electronic Chart Display Information SystemECMWF European Centre for Medium-range Weather ForecastsEGC Enhanced Group CallESA European Space AgencyESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the PacificEUMETNET European Meteorological NetworkEUMETSAT European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological SatellitesEuroGOOS European GOOS

5LTP Fifth WMO Long-term PlanFAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

GCC Global Collecting CentreGCMD Global Change Master DirectoryGCN GLOSS Core Network

GCOS Global Climate Observing SystemGDSIDB Global Digital Sea-ice Data BankGESAMP Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental ProtectionGLOSS Global Sea-level Observing SystemGMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety SystemGODAE Global Ocean Data Assimilation ExperimentGOOS Global Ocean Observing SystemGPS Global Positioning SystemGTOS Global Terrestrial Observing SystemGTS Global Telecommunication SystemGTSPP Global Temperature Salinity Profile Programme

HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

IAEA International Atomic Energy AgencyICES International Council for the Exploration of the SeaICS International Chamber of ShippingICSPRO Inter-Secretariat Committee on Scientific Programmes Relating to OceanographyICSU International Council for ScienceIDCS International Data Collection SystemIDNDR International Decade for Natural Disaster ReductionIFSMA International Federation of Shipmasters’ AssociationsIGBP International Geosphere-Biosphere ProgrammeIGOS Integrated Global Observing StrategyIGOSS Integrated Global Ocean Services SystemIHO International Hydrographic OrganizationIHP International Hydrological ProgrammeIICWG International Ice Charting Working GroupIMMA International Maritime Meteorological ArchiveIMMT International Maritime Meteorological TapeIMSO International Mobile Satellite OrganizationIMO International Maritime OrganizationINFOCLIMA World Climate Data Information Referral ServiceIOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic CommissionIOCINCWIO IOC Regional Committee for the Cooperative Investigation in the North and Central Western

Indian OceanIODE International Data and Information ExchangeIOI International Ocean InstituteIPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeISCDC International Surface Current Data CentreISRO Indian Space Research OrganizationITSU International Coordination Group for the Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific

JCOMM Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine MeteorologyJCOMMOPS JCOMM In Situ Observing Platform Support CentreJCOMMTRAN JCOMM Transition Planning Meeting

KEWL Knowledge Environment for Web-based LearningKMD Kenya Meteorological Department

LES Land Earth Station

MARPOLSER International Seminar/Workshop on the Marine Pollution Emergency Response SupportSystem

MCSS Marine Climatological Summaries SchemeMEDI Marine Environmental Data and Information Referral SystemMEDS Marine Environmental Data ServiceMMS Marine Meteorological ServicesMPERSS Marine Pollution Emergency Response Support SystemMPI Marine Pollution Incident

APPENDIX C 155

MQC Minimum Quality ControlMSI Maritime Safety Information

NASA National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNASDA National Space Development AgencyNCDC National Climatic Data CenterNCS Network Coordination StationNEAR-GOOS North East Asian Regional GOOSNMS National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological ServiceNOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNSIDC National Snow and Ice Data Center

OceanObs International Conference on the Ocean Observing System for ClimateODAS Ocean Data Acquisition SystemODINAFRICA Ocean Data and Information Network for AfricaODINEA Ocean Data and Information Network for East AfricaODINLAC Ocean Data and Information Network for the Latin American and Caribbean RegionsOOPC Ocean Observations Panel for ClimateOSPAR Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic

PIRATA Pilot Research Moored Array in the Tropical AtlanticPLANETA Scientific and Research Centre on Space HydrometeorologyPMO Port Meteorological OfficerPOGO Partnership for Observations of the Global OceanPSMSL Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level

RA Regional AssociationRCC Rescue Coordination CentreRIC Regional Instrument CentreRMTC Regional Meteorological Training CentreROSE Radar Ocean SensingROSHYDROMET Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental MonitoringRSMC Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre

6LTP Sixth WMO Long-term PlanSAR Search and RescueSBSTA Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological AdviceSCOR Scientific Committee on Oceanic ResearchSEACAMP South-East Asian Centre for Atmospheric and Marine PredictionSES Ship Earth StationSIGRID Format for the Archival of Sea-ice Data in Digital FormSOC Specialized Oceanographic CentreSOCA Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal AreasSOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at SeaSOOP Ship-of-Opportunity ProgrammeSOOPIP Ship-of-Opportunity Programme Implementation Panel

TAO Tropical Atmosphere OceanTCP Tropical Cyclone ProgrammeTIP Tropical Moored Buoy Implementation PanelTRITON Triangle Trans-ocean Buoy Network

UCAR University Cooperation for Atmospheric ResearchUNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and DevelopmentUNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the SeaUNEP United Nations Environment ProgrammeUNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeUNICPOLOS United Nations Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea

156 ABRIDGED FINAL REPORT OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE WMO/IOC JCOMM

VCP Voluntary Cooperation ProgrammeVOS Voluntary Observing ShipVSOP VOS Special Observing ProjectVSOP-NA VOS Special Observing Project – North AtlanticVTS Vessel Traffic Service

WCP World Climate ProgrammeWCRP World Climate Research ProgrammeWDC World Data CentreWHO World Health OrganizationWIOMAP Western Indian Ocean Marine Applications ProjectWMO World Meteorological OrganizationWOCE World Ocean Circulation ExperimentWWW World Weather Watch

XBT Expendable BathythermographXCTD Expendable Conductivity-temperature-depth ProbeXML Extensible Mark-up Language

APPENDIX C 157