Voluntary Observing Ship Project

International Cooperation to Collect Ocean Weather Observation Data

Aug 5, 2007

Observations made by shipboard observers are the basis of the Voluntary Observing Ship Program. This weather data is needed to develop accurate ocean weather forecasts

Worldwide, there are thousands of voluntary ship observers providing real time weather data for a variety of international meteorological organizations including the United Stated National Weather Service (NWS). Observational data helps with development of forecasts and improving accuracy of weather models. Ships participate in the program at no cost. The NWS provides reimbursement for communication costs, supplies observation equipment, and reporting materials.

History - International observation of ocean weather has been taking place since 1853 when ten maritime countries agreed to collect meteorological and oceanographical data, and then share it with other stakeholders. Originally observational data was entered into a standardized logbook with instructions provided on how to collect the necessary information.

Present Practice - Forty-nine countries organized throughout the World Meteorological Organization take part in the program. In the United States, the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Project accounts for about a quarter of the participating fleet worldwide. Observations are taken by a ships officer is what is known as synoptic code and sent directly to NWS. Agency personnel forward the data to meteorologists, oceanographers, commercial fishermen and weather routing services for more refinement and use in weather forecasts. All data is stored and archived at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina for future use.

Observations - Standard and reliable observations are required by VOS participants for making complex marine weather forecasts. Observations made by vessels participating in the VOS program are taken carefully using standardized procedures at set reporting times of 0000, 0600, 1200, 1800 UTC. Elements recorded in observations:

Future Needs - The increased concern for understanding global warming and concerns for the ocean environment have heightened the need for accurate weather data in areas far away from a meteorological forecaster's office. There is increased understanding among researchers that the world's oceans play a major role in climate change and generating severe weather.

NOAA encourages ship owners to participate in the VOS program. VOS observations improve the quality of weather forecasts and warnings, boosting the safety of ships at sea. Mariners Weather Log (MWL) is published to provide news about ocean weather, VOS participants, unique weather phenomena and weather forecasting. Quoting VOS, "Only YOU know the weather at your position. Report it!"

The copyright of the article Voluntary Observing Ship Project in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Voluntary Observing Ship Project in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.