Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
·
in situ
observations from the marine environment (reports of surface observation
from sea stations; reports of buoy observations; reports of bathythermal observa-
tions; temperature, salinity and current report from sea stations; etc.);
·
data from upper air sounding networks (including upper-level pressure, temperat-
ure, humidity and wind reports from sea stations);
·
reports from the network of stations recommended by the regional associations as
necessary to provide a good representation of climate (including report of monthly
means and totals from ocean weather stations; reports of monthly aerological
means from ocean weather stations);
·
severe weather warnings and advisories for the protection of life and property tar-
geted upon end-users;
·
those data and products from operational meteorological satellites that are agreed
between WMO and satellite operators (including data and products necessary for
operations regarding severe weather warnings and tropical cyclone warnings).
It should be added that the collection of meteorological data for weather forecasts and
warnings, preferably in conformity with WMO technical regulations and recommenda-
tions, is foreseen by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
1974, as amended in 2004 (Regulation 5, Meteorological services and warnings). The Con-
vention specifies that '[f]orecasts, warnings, synoptic and other meteorological data inten-
ded for ships shall be issued and disseminated by the national meteorological service in
the best position to serve various coastal and high seas areas, in accordance with mutual
arrangements made by Contracting Governments, in particular as defined by the World
Meteorological Organization's system for the preparation and dissemination of meteorolo-
gical forecasts and warnings for the high seas under the global maritime distress and safety
system (GMDSS)'. The GMDSS is an integrated communications system using satellite
and terrestrial radiocommunications to ensure that no matter where a ship is in distress,
