World Meteorological

Organization

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC

COMMISSION (OF UNESCO)
_____________ _____________

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIFTH

INTERNATIONAL PORT METEOROLOGICAL
OFFICERS (PMO) WORKSHOP (VIÑA DEL MAR,
CHILE, 20-24 JULY 2015)

2015

JCOMM Technical Report No. 86

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC
COMMISSION (OF UNESCO)
_____________ ___________

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIFTH

INTERNATIONAL PORT METEOROLOGICAL
OFFICERS (PMO) WORKSHOP (VIÑA DEL MAR,
CHILE, 20-24 JULY 2015)

2015

JCOMM Technical Report No. 86

 NOTES

WMO DISCLAIMER

Regulation 42

Recommendations of working groups shall have no status within the Organization until they have
been approved by the responsible constituent body. In the case of joint working groups the
recommendations must be concurred with by the presidents of the constituent bodies concerned
before being submitted to the designated constituent body.

Regulation 43

In the case of a recommendation made by a working group between sessions of the responsible
constituent body, either in a session of a working group or by correspondence, the president of the
body may, as an exceptional measure, approve the recommendation on behalf of the constituent
body when the matter is, in his opinion, urgent, and does not appear to imply new obligations for
Members. He may then submit this recommendation for adoption by the Executive Council or to
the President of the Organization for action in accordance with Regulation 9(5).

© World Meteorological Organization, 2015

The right of publication in print, electronic and any other form and in any language is reserved by
WMO. Short extracts from WMO publications may be reproduced without authorization provided
that the complete source is clearly indicated. Editorial correspondence and requests to publish,
reproduce or translate this publication (articles) in part or in whole should be addressed to:

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World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
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The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the
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concerning the legal status of any country or territory, or its authorities, or concerning the
delimitation of the frontiers of any country or territory.

____________
 -5-

CONTENTS

Summary ................................................................................................................... 6

Recommendations of the workshop ....................................................................... 8

Annex I Programme of the workshop ..................................................................................... 14

Annex II List of participants ..................................................................................................... 18
Annex III Action items arising from the workshop..................................................................... 24
Annex IV Issues to be considered when installing AWS systems ............................................. 25
Annex V Outcome of the breakout group discussions ............................................................. 26
Annex VI Acronyms.................................................................................................................. 28
 -6-

SUMMARY

WMO is maintaining an international network of Port Meteorological Officers (PMO) as a

liaison between NMHSs and the Maritime Industry on weather and related maritime safety issues,
and to recruit vessels for the Voluntary Observing Ship Scheme (VOS).

As part of the activities of the JCOMM Ship Observations Team (SOT), the PMO
network provides a way to ensure that standard procedures proposed by WMO are followed
throughout the whole Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) fleet in every country, and that the data
produced are homogenous and comply with WMO standards. PMOs also provide marine
meteorological services, or information on such services, to shipping companies and port
authorities.

At its seventh session, Victoria, Canada, April 2013, the SOT had reinforced the view
that the work of Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs) was crucial for voluntary ship observations
and VOS Panel. A fifth International PMO workshop was therefore organized in Viña del Mar,
Chile, from 20 to 24 July 2015. The Workshop was kindly sponsored by the Servicio
Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile.

The role of PMOs is a very important one and the efficiency of the voluntary system of
ships’ observations often depends on the initiative displayed by these officers. For example PMOs
play a key role in the day to day operations of the VOS Scheme at the national level through
(i) ship recruitment, (ii) training provided to marine observers on VOS, (iii) checking and calibrating
the instruments, (iv) collecting metadata and delayed mode data (e.g. from e-logbooks),
(v) advising or assisting in meteorological matters upon request by the master of any ship, and
(vi) providing feedback to the master of the ship on data quality and use.

WMO regularly organizes International Port Meteorological Officers meetings as a way to

make sure the standard procedures proposed by WMO are followed throughout the whole VOS
fleet in every country, and the data produced are homogenous and comply with WMO standards.
The VOS Climate (VOSClim) class recruited VOS are providing higher quality, better documented,
and quality controlled data that are important for climate applications. In the context of the
developing Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), it will be important to make sure that
the procedures proposed under the VOSClim are properly followed by Members.

Major aims for the fifth International PMO workshop was to convey important recent
developments (e.g. regarding WMO publication No. 47, enhanced PMO communications), to
promote global standards of service for the VOS Scheme, as well as to provide information on the
state of the art marine meteorological services provided by National Meteorological Services that
are relevant to PMOs.

The workshop provided the opportunity to strengthen relationships in a role, which relies
heavily on international co-operation and is becoming more complex and requiring new skills such
as computer and IT related skills, deploying drifters and floats, using e-logbooks, retrieving delayed
mode data, installing AWS and providing information on marine meteorological services to shipping
companies and port authorities.

There is also a demand from the developing countries to develop ocean observing
programmes. Programmes relying on ships of opportunity are quite cost-effective, and can
realistically be supported by those countries. The training provided at the workshop will assist
those countries in this regard. In addition, developing countries also have research vessel fleets
that can be used for the deployment and servicing of ocean instruments, including tropical
moorings. This was an opportunity to build partnership between developed countries who
contribute expertise on ocean observing programme management and data use and developing
countries that have valuable ship logistical resources.
 -7-

The workshop was attended by 49 participants from 20 countries. The list of participants is
provided in Annex II. The workshop’s programme is provided in Annex I. Action items arising from
the workshop are provided in Annex III. The workshop proposed 57 recommendations. These
recommendations covered a wide area of topics (e.g. ship recruitment, operations, procedures,
quality management, PMO Health and safety, ship metadata, collaboration, training, capacity
development, and marine services), and are targeted to the PMOs, the JCOMM Observations
(OPA) and Services and Forecasting Systems (SFSPA) Programme Areas, the JCOMM in situ
Observations Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS), and the WMO and IOC Secretariats. The
workshop’s recommendations are summarized in this report.

The meeting particularly discussed issues to be considered when installing AWS systems,
and the workshop’s agreed list of issues in this regard is provided in Annex IV.

Breakout group discussions on (i) PMO health and safety, (ii) recruitment in data-sparse
areas, and (iii) liaison with shipping companies to instil the importance of VOS participation were
organized during the workshop. The summary of the outcome of such discussions is provided in
Annex V.

A professional visit of the Valparaíso port, the Naval and Maritime Museum, and the
Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA) was also organized during the
morning of 23 July 2015.

Information on the opening ceremony (Spanish) is available from the Directmar website 1.

More information about the workshop, including copies of the presentations that were made
is available through the following web site:

http://www.jcomm.info/pmo-5

____________

1 http://www.directemar.cl/noticias/999-armada-de-chile-desarrolla-el-v-taller-internacional-de-oficiales-meteorologicos-de-puerto-de-
la-comision-tecnica-mixta-de-oceanografia-y-meteorologia-de-la-organizacion-meteorologica-mundial.html
 -8-

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL PORT METEOROLOGICAL

OFFICERS (PMO) WORKSHOP (VIÑA DEL MAR, CHILE, 20-24 JULY 2015)

Following series of presentations (see the workshop’s programme in Annex I, and the
presentations on the event’s website 2), the workshop made the following recommendations, which
covered a wide area of topics:

• Ship recruitment,
• Operations, procedures, quality management,
• PMO Health and safety,
• Ship metadata,
• Collaboration,
• Training,
• Capacity development, and
• Marine Services.

The following recommendations are targeted to the PMOs, the JCOMM Observations (OPA) and
Services and Forecasting Systems (SFSPA) Programme Areas, the JCOMM in situ Observations
Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS), and the WMO and IOC Secretariats.

1. Recommendations to the PMOs

Ship recruitment

1 The PMOs recognize that it is important to get assistance from the ship owners in order to
get more VOS data. They recommend that efforts ought to be made in terms of ship design
simplifying and rationalizing the making of met-ocean observations.

2 The outcome of the breakout group discussions on (i) recruitment in data sparse areas, and
(ii) liaison with shipping companies to instill the importance of VOS participation is provided
in Annex V. PMOs are invited to consider the recommendations made in Annex V.

3 PMOs to think of new vessels and networks to access data sparse areas (e.g. fishing and
sailing vessels).

4 PMOs to make efforts to recruit more ships in polar regions in support of the Year of Polar
Prediction (YOPP) during the intensive observation period of YOPP. Smaller cruise ships
visiting the Arctic and Antarctic appear ideal for future AWS deployment.

5 PMOs to distribute the new VOS brochure.

Operations, procedures, quality management

6 Considering modern data assimilation techniques (e.g. 4DVar) observations can and
should also be made at non synoptic hours, and more frequently.

7 Standard operations procedures concerning PMO activities should be documented

nationally, possibly following ISO standards regarding Quality Management.

8 The PMO workshop highlighted the importance of preparing checklists when planning for
ship visit, and before leaving to the port for the visit. All PMOs are invited to prepare such
checklists.

2
http://www.jcomm.info/pmo-5
 -9-

9 PMOs are invited to consider the issues when installing AWS systems (see list in Annex IV)

10 PMOs are invited to make use of the monthly and annual ranking list 3 of the UK Metoffice.

11 PMOs to note that the criteria for all VOS is about to be tightened, which will result in more
ships being listed in UK Metoffice monthly suspect list 4.

12 PMOs are encouraged to use the E-SURFMAR quality monitoring tools 5 to monitor the
quality of the Vessels recruited or visited by them.

13 PMOs, by getting involved in each port’s Safety Council, making themselves available to
the local government officials during policy discussions or during inclement weather that
impacted their facilities, are able to show real value (reciprocity) for reducing or eliminating
fees associated with supporting the VOS Ships.

14 PMOs to make use of the email system in the E-SURFMAR database which allow quality
Control (QC) reports to be sent routinely and automatically.

PMO Health and safety

15 The outcome of the breakout group discussions on PMO health and safety is provided in
Annex V. PMOs are invited to consider the recommendations made in Annex V.

Metadata

16 Update metadata more frequently and add missing / correct wrong metadata

17 Workshop participants and VOS operators were reminded that the WMO Publication No. 47
(Pub47 6) remains for the time being the official repository of VOS metadata (long term
archive). An informal mechanism was put in place for the timely collection and recording of
ship metadata through E-SURFMAR 7. While VOS operators’ ship metadata submission to
Pub47 are also automatically forwarded to E-SURFMAR, it was noted that some Members
are submitting their metadata directly to E-SURFMAR. In that case, VOS operators are
reminded that the E-SURFMAR database allows the export of their submissions in Pub47
format, and are requested to make sure to continue to submit their ship metadata to Pub47
at WMO, e.g. by using this E-SURFMAR export function.

Collaboration

18 PMOs are encouraged to contribute to the TurboWin+/TurboWeb beta-testing of the E-

SURFMAR format 101 for visual data (testing manual to be sent by the Royal Netherlands
Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to the SOT Technical Coordinator (TC) for distribution to the
PMOs).

19 JCOMMOPS is working at setting up a ship list with unique identification numbers (e.g.
based on ICES ID). Assistance from the PMOs will be needed in this regard (e.g. collecting
and recording the ICES ID).

3 http://research.metoffice.gov.uk/research/nwp/observations/monitoring/marine/VOSranking/index.html
4 http://research.metoffice.gov.uk/research/nwp/observations/monitoring/marine/VOF/Pub47_SUSPECTS.html
5 http://www.meteo.shom.fr/qctools/
6 https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/ois/pub47/pub47-home.htm
7 http://surfmar.meteo.fr/doc/vosmetadata_v6/
 - 10 -

20 When visiting ships recruited by other countries, PMOs should fill in the SOT ship
inspection form 8 and include as much information as possible in it. The form should then be
forwarded to the country’s Focal Point and to the PMO assigned to that ship.

21 Involve the SOT Technical Coordinator as appropriate (recruiting metadata and data
issues, meetings, promotion materials such as video clips)

22 Subscribe to SOT mailing list(s) and use lists more systematically, and check credential
on jcomm.info

23 Provide feedback to the SOT Technical Coordinator on the mobile app project (for
metadata management, network status, observation submission etc.).

24 PMOs to assist with the distribution of the new VOS Questionnaire.

25 KNMI and NOAA/NWS to continue liaison on partnering with the major routing companies
for sharing observations.

Training

26 The workshop encouraged a cooperation between countries for sharing training videos, and
developing new ones in common (e.g. UK video library scheduled to be finished by the end
of the year). (Steve Bond and SOT TC to assist for creating an internet platform for sharing
videos).

27 Training cadets at the various maritime academies: Work with the various maritime
academies (worldwide) to ensure that the training that we (PMO’s) provide concurs with the
methodology and training syllabuses that are accepted by each institution. Provide varied
PowerPoint presentations, e.g. on the PMO activities and the service(s) they provide to the
observing ships, and on an overview of VOS as well as other observing practices (XBT,
SOOP, ASAP).

28 TurboWin software, developed and maintained by the KNMI, fulfills the compliancy and
observing scheme required by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). TurboWin is
now the primary tool for compiling marine weather reports. Distribution and training on this
software is recommended.

29 A sub-group of the SOT Task Team on training should be established to accomplish the
revision and include all updates necessary of the Marine Observers Handbook (UK) and
the NWS Handbook No. 1 (US).

30 The US is organizing regular webinars for the PMOs. The outcome of such webinars should
be posted on the JCOMM website, and consideration should be given to expand the scope
of such webinars in the SOT international framework.

Capacity Development

31 The participation conditions in the VOS donation programme and the process should be
better communicated and understood. The workshop recommended the creation of an
information sheet and brochure for the PMOs to distribute to the potential candidates.

32 The Global Drifter Programme (GDP) will be providing the list of beached drifters to
JCOMMOPS for distribution through the mailing lists. PMOs in turn are invited to check the
list and to recover the drifters close to their ports whenever feasible.

8 http://www.bom.gov.au/jcomm/vos/documents/vosp001.doc
 - 11 -

Marine Services

33 To explore new alternatives for small vessels to receive warnings and provide information
to ship masters

2. Recommendations to JCOMM Observations Programme Area (OPA)

34 The SOT is invited to consider how the PMO network could be more officially recognized
for playing a role beyond the VOS, i.e. to include support to all ship-based activities
overseen by the SOT (e.g. integrating observations of different sources: manual,
automated, other measurements than meteorological). This may involve updating the
current WMO Technical Regulations. The SOT is invited to develop a PMO flyer.

35 While met-ocean observations are made through a number of ship-based observing

programmes (VOS, SOOP, ASAP, GO-SHIP, IOCCP, GOSUD) the workshop recognized
that it may be useful to consider a new “brand” for the naming of such activities when
discussing with the shipping companies and ship masters. The SOT is invited to address
this issue and to propose a way forward.

36 The SOT is invited to discuss funding mechanisms for courtesy ship inspections.

37 Efforts should be made to establish an international repository or database of inspection

forms.

38 PMO-5 reaffirmed the importance of documenting and comparing the instrument practices
of different countries (at SOT-8 the VOSP requested its members to review, and update as
necessary, the content of their national observing guidance and documentation). PMO-5
invited the SOT to consider collecting information from SOT members on their national
practices through their national reports. JCOMMOPS was requested to provide a web-
based form to facilitate the collection of such information.

39 The PMO workshop recommended establishing a PMO exchange and mentoring

programme between countries to develop global standards, practices and functions for
PMOs. This would provide an extraordinary opportunity to broaden the experience,
techniques and provide a full appreciation towards a different perspective in VOS support
strategies. Framework and funding mechanisms can be discussed at the SOT level. Details
can also to be discussed and negotiated on a bilateral basis.

40 The SOT is invited to put in place some collaboration mechanisms for the PMOs between
the PMO workshops (perhaps with assistance from JCOMMOPS).

41 The PMO workshop noted the increasing importance of collecting third party observational
data, and invited the SOT to provide guidance in this regard.

42 Assist JCOMMOPS in setting up a universal ship list with unique IDs, and aiming to better
monitor the involvement of volunteer ships across all observing programs, and to match
WIGOS requirements

43 The Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) is invited to make a recommendation to the
manufacturers to design the drifters in such a way that they can be more easily
refurbishable (e.g. no foam inside).
 - 12 -

3. Recommendations to the JCOMM Services and Forecasting Systems Programme

Area (SFSPA)

44 National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) to work with PMO's for
increasing their outreach to the marine users and for being aware of their needs for marine
services, as well as for identifying the gaps in this regard. This can be done by:

• searching for feedback on clarity, usefulness and timeliness of their marine products;
• enhancing networking and keeping open communication channels, such as round
table regular discussions among marine users and NMHS' forecasters and experts;
• regularly updating user requirements for marine services; and
• providing the PMOs with survey and reporting tools on the above issues.

45 NMHS’s to facilitate easy access in a few steps, if possible, to web-based marine products
and the awareness of PMO’s;

46 NMHS’s to provide PMO’s with feedback on the usefulness of marine weather observations
for the provided marine services and for advance in research.

47 NMHS’s to communicate more effectively with all users on the availability of marine
products (for instance, those in small fishing vessels), by addressing the issue of the users’
possible lack of knowledge in particular regarding existing maritime safety information
transmission modes, such as NAVTEX.

48 NMHS’s to enhance their efforts towards impact-based forecasts based on the awareness
of users’ vulnerabilities and needs.

49 NMHS’s to consider AIS as a communication means to transmit weather information.

4. Recommendations to JCOMMOPS

50 JCOMMOPS to routinely prepare maps showing ship’s last position vs. last observation
(can be useful to see the recent activity of a VOS at a glance and before a ship visit).

51 The SOT Technical Coordinator to keep PMOs informed about the mobile application for
ship observations

5. Recommendations to WMO and IOC

Observations

52 The VOSClim and SOT certificates should be updated to reflect the appropriate signatures
as of 2016.

53 Metadata management needs to evolve for future and full integration of WMO Publication
No- 47 and other ship metadata in OSCAR, including in particular for third party data.
PMOs ought to be kept informed on those developments.

54 Virtual PMO workshops should be organized whenever possible

55 The WMO and IOC Secretariat are invited to relay the PMO-5 recommendations to the
JCOMM OPA and SFSPA as needed.
 - 13 -

Marine Services

56 To update, improve and promote among marine service users the JCOMM Marine
Meteorological Monitoring Survey and to provide feedback to PMO’s on the results.

57 To request PMO’s their input for improvement to the questionnaire and its distribution, and
consider small files in text format.

____________
 - 14 -

ANNEX I

PROGRAMME OF THE WORKSHOP

Note: A professional visit of the Valparaíso port, the Naval and Maritime Museum, and the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy
(SHOA) was also organized during the morning of 23 July 2015.

SESSION 1 – HIGH LEVEL STATEMENTS

Welcome by the host Commander Luis Vidal Lema (Chile)

Welcome by WMO Edgard Cabrera (WMO Secretariat)
The WMO Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Programme (MMOP) Edgard Cabrera
The WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), and observational data requirements Etienne Charpentier (WMO Secretariat)
Marine forecasting and services, a national perspective Zheqing Fang (China)
Dirección Meteorológica Chile (DMC) Gillermo Navarros S. (DMC, Chile)
Sarah North (United Kingdom), VOS Panel
The Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Scheme
Chair
The need for the VOS, a national perspective Steven Pritchett (USA)
The goals of the PMO-5 Workshop Paula Rychtar (USA)

SESSION 2 – NATIONAL REPORTS

Australia Joel Cabrié (Australia)

Chile - Experiences Puerto Mont PMO Mrs. Merle Donoso (Chile)
Chile - National coordination of VOS and PMO (2012-2014) Cmdr. Alejandro de la Maza (Chile)
Colombia Diego Andres Villate Daza (Colombia)
 - 15 -

Hong-Kong, China Dickson Lau (Hong Kong, China)

Indonesia Bayu Edo Pratama, M. Si (Indonesia)
Kenya Joseph Amollo (Kenya)
Bert de Vries, Rene Rozeboom
Netherlands
(Netherlands)
South Africa Mardené de Villiers (South Africa)
Sri Lanka Asoka Premaratne (Sri Lanka)
Thailand Wattana Kanbua (Thailand)
United Kingdom (VOS observations) Sarah North, Steven Bond (UK)
United Kingdom (marine services) Sarah North

SESSION 3 – OBSERVING PRACTICES IN SUPPORT OF THE VOS

The Role of the PMO Sarah North

Relevant WMO Technical Regulations Etienne Charpentier
Sustainable ISO certification Mardene de Villiers
Time management techniques for ship inspections and metadata collection strategies Paula Rychtar (USA)
Crew Training Rob Niemeyer (USA)
Training videos for observers Steve Bond (United Kingdom)
Ship inspections and Metadata Collection Matt Thompson (USA)
Instrument standards and practices Chris Fakes (USA)
Shipborne Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), including EUCAWS and AMOS systems Sarah North
Issues to be considered when installing AWS systems Sarah North
e-logbooks and TurboWin Bert de Vries (the Netherlands)
 - 16 -

The different versions of TurboWin Rene Rozeboom ( the Netherlands )

QC & RSMC Sarah North
E-SURFMAR Monitoring Tools Pierre Blouch (E-SURFMAR)
E-SURFMAR metadata database Pierre Blouch
Breakout group discussions on: Paula Rychtar, Sarah North
• PMO Health and safety
• Recruitment in data sparse areas
• Liaison with shipping companies to instill the importance of VOS participation
The operations of the German VOS fleet Anina Kroll (Germany)
Volunteer ships: a crucial factor for all in-situ ocean observing programmes. Support and services
Martin Kramp (JCOMMOPS)
provided by JCOMMOPS
Collaborations with Port Authorities and International PMOs David Dellinger (USA)
Promotional materials (incl. promotional issues arising from SOT-8) Martin Kramp (JCOMMOPS)
Training issues arising from SOT-8 Paula Rychtar (USA)
Deployment of drifters and other instruments; VOS Donation programme Shaun Dolk (USA)
Refurbishment of drifters for the VOS Donation Programme Pierre Blouch (E-SURFMAR)
Status of actions arising from PMO-4 Sarah North
VOS and PMO developments since PMO-4 Sarah North
Third Party Support for the VOS Sarah North
Changing role of the PMO; new expertise needed Paula Rychtar
Remote vetting and Assistance to ships overseas Steve Bond

SESSION 4 – PMO ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF MARINE SERVICES

Maritime Safety Services Edgard Cabrera

 - 17 -

METAREA VI: Marine Weather Forecasts Alicia Cejas (Argentina)

Model-based Marine Services: Ocean waves and coastal hazards Paula Etala (Argentina)
Marine services for ships and ports Zheqing Fang (China)
Experiences of PMO Punta Arenas Roberto Diaz Schall (Chile)
General discussion on marine services provided by PMOs Paula Etala

SESSION 5 – SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS AND WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Record of actions and recommendations of the Workshop Etienne Charpentier

Discussion
Closing remarks by the host Luis Vidal
Closing remarks by WMO Edgard Cabrera

____________
 - 18 -

ANNEX II

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Fifth International Workshop of Port Meteorological Officers

(Vina del Mar, Chile, 20-24 July 2015)

LOCAL ORGANIZERS PARTICIPANTS

Mr Luis VIDAL Lema Joseph Odhiambo AMOLLO

Capitán de Fragata Chief Meteorologist
Jefe del Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Kenya Meteorological Department
Chile Kenya Meteorological Service
lvidall@directemar.cl Marine Port Office
Subida Cementerio 300 P.O Box 98512
Playa Ancha Mombasa
Valparaíso 80100
Chile Kenya
Tel: +56322208947 Tel: +254 (0) 20 3867880
Fax: +56322208914 Email: amollo@meteo.go.ke
Email: lvidall@directemar.cl joseph_amollo@yahoo.co.uk

Mr Felipe RIFO Esposito Mr Camilo ARÁNGUIZ

Teniente 1° Teniente 2
Subjefe del Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada Meteorólogo
de Chile Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada
frifo@directemar.cl Subida Carvallo N° 150
Subida Cementerio 300 Playa Ancha
Playa Ancha Valparaíso
Valparaíso Chile
Chile Tel: 98405449
Tel: +56995401439 Email: caranguiz@armada.cl
Email: frifo@directemar.cl camilo212184@gmail.com

Mr Germán MONTANER Salinas Mr. Gonzalo BERTOLOTTO Quintana

Capitán de Navío Teniente 2°
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile Meteorologo
gmontaner@directemar.cl Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile
Subida Cementerio 300 Subida Carvallo N° 150
Playa Ancha Playa Ancha
Valparaíso Valparaíso
Chile Chile
Tel: +56322208618 Email: gbertolotto@armada.cl
Email: gmontaner@directemar.cl gbertolottoq@gmail.com

Mr. Miguel FUENTES Abarca Pierre BLOUCH

Meteorólogo E-SURFMAR Service Manager
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile Météo France
fuentesa@directemar.cl Centre de Météorologie Marine
Subida Cementerio 300 13 rue du Chatellier – CS 12804
Playa Ancha 29228 BREST CEDEX 2
Valparaíso France
Chile Tel: +33 (0)256 31 2665
Fax: +33 (0)256 31 2589
Email: pierre.blouch@meteo.fr
 - 19 -

Mr. Steve BOND Alejandro DE LA MAZA

Port Meteorological Officer, southwest England Capitán de Fragata
Met Office Head of Valparaiso Meteorological Center
Room 342/11 Chilean Navy Weather Service
National Oceanography Centre Gobernacion Maritima de Valparaiso
University of Southampton Subida Carvallo 150, Playa Ancha
Waterfront Campus Valparaiso
European Way Chile
Southampton Tel: 56-32-2208947
HAMPSHIRE Fax: 56-32-2208914
SO14 3ZH Email: adelamazad@armada.cl
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 2380 638339
Email: pmosouthampton@metoffice.gov.uk Mr David DELLINGER
PMO, Fort Lauderdale, FL
National Weather Service/National Oceanic
Mr Joel CABRIE Atmospheric Administration
Technical Officer, Marine Operation Group National Weather Service/NOAA
Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne 2550 Eisenhower Blvd., Suite 312
Bureau of Meteorology Fort Lauderdale Florida FL 33316
GPO Box 1289 United States
Melbourne VIC 3001 Tel: +1 954-463-4271
Australia Fax: +1 954-462-8963
Tel: +61 3 9669 4651 Email: pmomia@noaa.gov
Fax: +61 3 9669 4168
Email: j.cabrie@bom.gov.au
Mr. Roberto DIAZ Schall
Capitán de Corbeta
Ms Alicia CEJAS Punta Arenas Maritime Governature
Servicio Meteorológico Nacional Meteorological Center
25 de Mayo 658 rdiazsch@directemar.cl
1002 Avenida Libertador Bernardo OHiggins 1169
Buenos Aires Punta Arenas
Argentina Chile
Tel: +54 -11 5167 6705
Fax: +54-11 5167 6709 Mr Shaun R DOLK
Email: agcejas@smn.gov.ar Manager, Drifter Operation Center
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological
Ms. Claudia CID Medina Laboratory
Teniente 2° 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway
Meteorólogo Miami Florida FL 33149
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile United States
Subida Carvallo N° 150 Tel: +1 305 361 4546
Playa Ancha Fax: +1 305 361 4439
Valparaíso Email: Shaun.Dolk@noaa.gov
Chile
Email: ccidm@armada.cl
ClauCid_1988@hotmail.com Ms Merle DONOSO
Magister in Sciences of Environmental
Puerto Montt Maritime Governature
CPCB-HI Santiago CORAL CARRILLO Meteorological Center
Jefe de la División de Señalización Naútica y Avenida Angelmó N° 2201,
Ayudas a la Navegación del INOCAR Puerto Montt
Instituto Oceanográfico de la Armada del Ecuador Chile
Av. 25 de Julio vía Puerto Marítimo Tel: 56-65-561174 / 561150
Guayaquil Fax: 561196
Ecuador Email: mdonosor@directemar.cl
Tel: 593-4-2481300 Ext 2125
Email: santiago.coral@inocar.mil.ec
 - 20 -

Dr. María Paula ETALA Mr Clyde JOHNSON

Coordinator Meteorological Officer
Naval Hydrographic Service J.L. Center
25 de mayo 658 4th floor Blake Road
C1002ABN Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires P.O. Box N-8330
Argentina Nassau, N.P.
Tel: +54 (0)11 4317 6000 ext. 18320 Bahamas
Fax: +54 (0)11 4317 2309 Tel: (242) 327 7040
Email: paulaetala@hidro.gov.ar Fax: (242) 356 3739

Mr Chris FAKES Dr. Wattana KANBUA

PMO Director of Marine Meteorological Center
National Weather Service/National Oceanic Marine Meteorological Center, Thai
Atmospheric Administration Meteorological Department
National Weather Service, NOAA 4353 Sukhumvit Road, Bangna, Bangkok ,
1353 FM646 Thailand
Suite 202 10260
Dickinson Texas TX 77539 Thailand
United States Tel: +66 2 3994561
Tel: +1 281-534-2640 Ext. 277 Fax: +66 2 3669375
Fax: +1 281-534-4308 Email: watt_kan@hotmail.com
Email: pmohou@noaa.gov

Ms Annina KROLL
Dr Zheqing FANG PMO Supervisor
Chief Service Officer Deutscher Wetterdienst
Shanghai Meteorological Bureau Deutscher Wetterdienst
Shanghai Meteorological and Marine Center Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 76
Room 1301, No. 11, Lane 133 20359 Hamburg
Jigong Road Germany
Pudong District Tel: +49 69 8062 6310
Shanghai Fax: +49 69 8062 6319
China Email: annina.kroll@dwd.de
Tel: (+86) 18918206191
Fax: (+86) 18918206191
Email: fangzheq@163.com Mr. Dickson Dick Shum LAU
fangzhq@shnwp.org Port Meteorological Officer / Senior Experimental
Officer
Hong Kong Observatory
Mr. Felipe FERNÁNDEZ 134A Nathan Road, Kowloon
Teniente 2° Hong Kong
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada Tel: +852 2926 3113
Subida Carvallo N° 150 Fax: +852 2302 4521
Playa Ancha Email: hkopmo@hko.gov.hk
Valparaíso
Chile
Email: ffernandeza@armada.cl Ms Lilach LEV
Fernsea@gmail.com Port Meteorological Officer
Technical Infrastructure
Israel Meteorological Service
Mr Larry HUBBLE P.O. Box 25,
Focal Point Bet Dagan 5025001
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Israel
Silver Spring Tel: +972-3-9403117
National Weather Service Alaska Region Fax: +972-3-9604065
222 West 7th Avenue #23 Email: levl@ims.gov.il
Anchorage Alaska AK 99513-7575
United States
Tel: +1 907-271-5135
Fax: +1 907-271-3711
Email: pmoanc@noaa.gov
 - 21 -

Mr Robert NIEMEYER Mr. Piyadi Gamage Asoka PREMARATNE

PMO Senior Meteorological Officer Special grade
National Weather Service/National Oceanic 383,Bauddhaloka Mawathe,
Atmospheric Administration Colombo 7
National Weather Service, NOAA Sri Lanka
13701 Fang Road Tel: +94711693441
Jacksonville FL 32218-7933 Email: asokapre@gmail.com
United States
Tel: +1 904-607-3219
Fax: +1 904-741-0078 Steven PRITCHETT
Email: pmojax@noaa.gov VOS PM
NOAA EE UU
1325 East-West Highway
Ms Sarah NORTH Silver Spring, MD
Ship Observations Manager 20910
Met Office Silver Spring, MD
FitzRoy Road United States
Exeter Tel: +1 (301) 4279121
Devon Email: steven.pritchett@noaa.gov
EX1 3PB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1392 885 617 Mr Luis ROMERO Abarca
Fax: +44 (0) 1392 885 681 Teniente 2°
Email: sarah.north@metoffice.gov.uk Meteorólogo
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile
Subida Carvallo N° 150
Mr Ignacio OJEDA Horr Playa Ancha
Teniente 2° Valparaíso
Meteorólogo Chile
Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada de Chile Email: lromero@directemar.cl
Subida Carvallo N° 150
Playa Ancha
Valparaíso Mr. René ROZEBOOM
Chile Port Meteorological Officer
Email: iojeda@directemar.cl Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute
Utrechtseweg 297
PO Box 201 De Bilt
Mr Jamilthon ORTEGA MEDINA 3730 AE de Bilt
CBOP-HI Netherlands (The)
Pertenece a la División de Meteorología del Tel: +31 30 206678
INOCAR Email: rozeboom@knmi.nl
Instituto Oceanográfico de la Armada del Ecuador
Av. 25 de Julio vía Puerto Marítimo
Guayaquil Ms Paula RYCHTAR
Ecuador VOS Operations Manager
Tel: 593-4-2481300 Ext 1203 NOAA National Weather Service Office
Email: jamilton.ortega@inocar.mil.ec Headquarters
Building 3203, Room 324
Stennis Space Center MS 39529-6000
Mr Bayu Edo PRATAMA United States
Forecaster Marine Meteorology Tel: +1 228-688-1457
The Agency for Meteorogy, Climatology and Fax: +1 228-688-3923
Geophysics, Indonesia Email: paula.rychtar@noaa.gov
Head Office
Jl. Angkasa 1 No.2
Kemayoran
Jakarta Pusat 10720
Jakarta
Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 6546315
Fax: +62 21 6546315
Email: bayuedo_bmg@yahoo.com
 - 22 -

Mr Matthew THOMPSON Mr. Bert de VRIES

PMO Port Meteorological Officer
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute
Seattle Utrechtseweg 297
National Weather Service, NOAA 3731 AE de Bilt
7600 Sand Point Way, N.E. Netherlands (The)
BIN C15700 Tel: +31 30 2206851
Seattle WA 98115-6349 Email: vriesdea@knmi.nl
United States
Tel: 206-526-6100
Fax: 206-526-6094 Mr. Ron WILLIAMS
Email: pmosea@noaa.gov PMO
National Weather Service/National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration
Prof. Arnaldo TORRES CONTADOR National Weather Service, NOAA
Meteorologist Professor 5027 Miller trunk Hwy
Academia Politecnica Naval Duluth MN 55811-1442
Av. Jorge Montt s/n United States
Las Salinas Tel: 218-729-0651 x 371
Viña del Mar Fax: 218-729-0690
Chile Email: Ronald.williams@noaa.gov
Email: arnaldo.torres.contador@gmail.com

Ms Zhenling WU
Mr Victor Javier VALERA CHONA Deputy Director
Jefe del Grupo de Trabajo de Pronostico Tianjin Meteorological Observatory
Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología No. 100 Qixingtai Road
Caracas Hexi District
Venezuela 300074 Tianjin
Tel: +58 426 512 6873 China
Email: vvalera21@gmail.com Tel: +86-22-23333547
Fax: +86-22-23333544
Email: bigwiselyyn@yahoo.com
Diego A. VILLATE
Head Office of Meteorology
Centro de Investigaciones Oceanograficas e
Hidrograficas
Barrio Bosque
Sector Manzanillo Escuela Naval
Cartagena de Indias
Colombia
Email: dvillate@dimar.mil.co

Ms Mardene de VILLIERS
PMO
South African Weather Service
Weather Office,
P O Box 21,
International Airport
Cape Town
7525
South Africa
Tel: +27 21 934 5700
Fax: +27 21 934 3296
Email: Mardene.devilliers@weathersa.co.za
 - 23 -

SECRETARIAT

Edgard CABRERA Mr Etienne CHARPENTIER

Chief, Marine Meteorology and Ocean Affairs Scientific Officer
Division World Meteorological Organization
World Meteorological Organization Observing and Information Systems Department
7bis, avenue de la Paix Observing Systems Division
Case Postale 2300 World Meteorological Organization
1211 Geneva 7bis, av. de la Paix
Switzerland Case Postale 2300
Tel: +41 22 730 82 37 1211 Genève 2
Fax: +41 22 730 81 28 Switzerland
Email: ecabrera@wmo.int Tel: +41 22 730 82 23
Fax: +41 22 730 81 28
Email: ECharpentier@wmo.int

Mr Martin KRAMP
Ship Coordinator
JCOMM in-situ Observations Programme Support
Centre (JCOMMOPS)
Technopole / Campus Ifremer Brest
1625 Route de Sainte Anne
Z.I. Pointe du Diable
Blaise Pascal Hall
29280 PLOUZANE
France
Tel: +33 2 29 00 85 87
Email: mkramp@jcommops.org

____________
 - 24 -

ANNEX III

ACTION ITEMS ARISING FROM THE WORKSHOP

No. Action item By Deadline

1 to review and recall action items more frequently, similar M. Kramp PMO-6
to SOT TTs in the intersessional period
2 to distribute the list of ships sailing to Antarctica to the S. North asap
PMO mailing list; for them to possibly identify new ships to
recruit
3 to assist for creating an internet platform for sharing S. Bond & M. SOT-9
videos Kramp
4 to create an information sheet and brochure on the VOS M. Kramp End 2015
donation programme
5 GDP to provide the list of beached drifters to JCOMMOPS S. Dolk & M. asap, then
for distribution through the mailing lists Kramp ongoing
6 JCOMMOPS to provide a web-based form to facilitate the M. Kramp End 2015
collection of information on instrument practices for ship-
based observations.
7 JCOMMOPS to routinely prepare maps showing ship’s M. Kramp End 2015
last position vs. last observation (can be useful to see the
recent activity of a VOS at a glance and before a ship
visit)
8 to update the VOSClim and SOT certificates to reflect the E. Charpentier Mid-2016
appropriate signatures as of 2016
9 to relay the PMO-5 recommendations to the JCOMM OPA E. Charpentier asap
and SFSPA as needed.

____________
 - 25 -

ANNEX IV

ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN INSTALLING AWS SYSTEMS

The workshop agreed that the following issues ought to be considered when installing Automatic
Weather Stations systems on-board ships:

• Type of AWS – integrated or autonomous ?

• Suitability of ship and company (ship type/trading area – intrinsic safety?)
• Willingness crew to support AWS (assistance from ships electrician? Captain and Chief
Engineer approval of plans? )
• Time needed to install system (ship time in port)
• Data requirements – hourly obs? smart mode?
• Data format – BUFR compatible E-Surfmar format or raw format?
• Transmission costs (frequency of transmissions, Iridium or other system)
• Suitable location for the AWS (distance from other aerials/radar – potential interference, no
overhangs/vents/passengers, clear view of satellites etc)
• Testing prior to data release on GTS
• Cabling work required (deck or bulkhead penetrations, potential impact on class
requirements, do deck heads need to be removed)
• Available power source – voltage (AC/DC) – supply available at location or cabling needed
? Step down transformers, UPS needed? power indicators checked
• Compass for wind – need to swing ship for deviation?
• Fixing arrangements – hand rails?, is welding required? vibration levels? Conector caps
• Safety when installing system – risk assessments in place, electrocution hazards, working
at height for aerials, or in enclosed spaces for SST
• Equipment needed for installation and inspections
• Potential impact on ships systems – connections to gyro
• Planned maintenance/inspections (calibration dates/sensor replacement/ ease of
maintenance)
• Links to ships visual display or TurboWin+ ? (cables or bluetooth/wifi)
• Amount of cabling required and routes (e.g. for SST)
• Solar cells ? suitable for latitudes
• Ability to update software/configurations - via port or via LMF
• Accurate height of barometer (draft changes during service)
• Legal implications – need to sign agreement or MoU ?
• Metadata collection
• Asset management issues
• Suitable inspection forms

_______________
 - 26 -

ANNEX V

OUTCOME OF BREAKOUT GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Breakout group discussions on (i) PMO health and safety, (ii) recruitment in data-sparse areas,
and (iii) liaison with shipping companies to instill the importance of VOS participation were
organized during the workshop. Below is the summary of the outcome of such discussions.

1. PMO Health and safety

The breakout group was tasked to consider the risks and hazards associated with the following
scenario:

You have been requested to change out the current analog barometer and replace it with a digital
electronic barometer, and interface with the ships computer. This is a tanker which is anchored
off shore. Identify the equipment that you will need to mitigate the hazards during each stage;
– Transferring the equipment needed to your vehicle
– Transporting to the port
– Small boat launch transfer to the tanker
– Boarding the vessel via ships accommodation, ladder/Jacobs ladder
– Installation onboard.

The breakout group proposed the following:

• Transferring equipment needed to your vehicle

– No real training here other than self awareness and self health assessment

• - Transporting to the port

– Defensive driving/city
– Defensive driving on busy ports

• -Small Boat launch transfer to the tanker

– Wear and have proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Training on how to use the PPE
– Cold Weather Survival Suits for regions that require it
– Have a proper way to carry equipment safely to ship (protect from elements and
carry safely aboard ship)

• - Boarding the Vessel via ships accommodation ladder/jacobs ladder

– Assess your personal fitness/ability to climb Jacobs Ladder in light to moderate
seas
– Wear proper PPE (life vest, hard hat, etc)
– try to arrange, ahead of time, for crew to hoist supplies to ship to make personnel
transfer safer
– always use 3-point ingress at all times (2 feet, 1 hand - 2 hands 1 foot, etc)

• - Installing equipment on board ship

– Perform proper risk assessment of the job to ensure it is a safe work environment
– Ensure you have the proper tools/materials to complete he job
– Always wear the proper PPE (Gloves eye protection, electrical gloves, etc)
– Use PMO tools to ensure you have knowledge of their proper use and performance

In summary the breakout group agreed with the following:

Before leaving the dock, the PMO should have a plan in place and had prior communication with
the ship about the job at hand. Additionally, someone ashore should know the time the PMO
leaves the dock and when they are expected ashore. the PMO should have a communication
 - 27 -

device to call back to shore in the event there is an issue with the ship where they feel their safety
is compromised.

The breakout group suggested the following training:

1. Defensive driving in city and port environment

2. Small boat transfer training/jacob ladder climbing training
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training
4. Survival Suit (region specific)

2. Recruitment in data sparse areas

The breakout group task: Consider strategies to increase VOS observations in data sparse areas.

The breakout group made the following recommendations on how ships in data sparse areas
could be recruited and supported by PMOs:

• Identify potential ships using Satellite AIS, Company Websites, Internet Research;
• Consider: remote recruiting, all classes and types of ships, 3rd Party Data approach;
• PMOs to make efforts to recruit more ships in polar regions in support of the Year of Polar
Prediction (YOPP) during the intensive observation period of YOPP. Smaller cruise ships
visiting the Arctic and Antarctic appear ideal for future AWS deployment.

3. Liaison with shipping companies to instill the importance of VOS participation

The breakout group was proposed the following scenario and tasked to draw up an agenda of
potential discussion items that you would think would influence them towards participation:
• You are arranging a meeting with your local shipping company with a view towards
increasing participation and improving the volume and timeliness and quality of their data.

The breakout group proposed the following agenda:

1. Free participation ( no cost of software, training, .etc...) , which in return they receive free
weather information in return.
2. Safety of ship and life at sea, ( covered under SOLAS ).
3. Better Decision Support Services
4. More Efficient ship operations which includes Better Routing, Cost Savings in fuel and
transit time of product or passengers.
5. Better weather charts and products. More information in, better information out.
6. Better weather instruments provided for use of vessel(s). Some ships are issued more
accurate instruments that aid in weather observations, which in turn benefits the ship in
their use.
7. Public Relations, more positive visibility to public, shareholders, owners on their efforts in
environmental studies.

The breakout group made the following suggestions:

1. A standard guideline or checklist that all PMO's could reference to help them recruit ships
and companies to the program.
2. A Public Relations letter from WMO/JCOMM that they can release stating that they are
participants in the VOS program. Which could be used in their Company Public Relations.
3. Perhaps an updated WMO flyer that mentions more of the suggestions, and could be used
as part of the recruiting package.

_______________
 - 28 -

ANNEX VI

LIST OF ACRONYMS

4DVar Four dimensional variational

AIS Automatic Identification System
AMOS UK Met Office’s Autonomous Marine Observing System
ASAP Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme
AWS Automatic Weather Station
DBCP Data Buoy Cooperation Panel
DMC Dirección Meteorológica Chile
e-logbook Electronic logbook
EIG Economic Interest Group
E-SURFMAR Surface Marine Operational Service (E-SURFMAR) of EUMETNET
EUCAWS European Automatic Weather Station
EUMETNET EIG grouping of European National Meteorological Services
GDP Global Drifter Programme
GFCS Global Framework for Climate Services
GO-SHIP Global Ocean Ship-Based Hydrographic Investigations Programme
GOSUD Global Ocean Surface Underway data Pilot Project
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
ID Identification Number
IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
IOCCP International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project
ISO International Organization for Standardization
JCOMM Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine
Meteorology
JCOMMOPS JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre
KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute
MMOP WMO Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Programme
NAVTEX Navigational Telex
NMHS National Meteorological and Hydrological Services
NOAA US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NWS NOAA National Weather Service
OPA JCOMM Observations Programme Area
PMO Port Meteorological Officer
Pub47 WMO Publication No. 47
QC Quality Control
RSMC WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre
SFSPA JCOMM Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area
SHOA Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (Chile)
SOOP Ship of Opportunity Programme
VOS Voluntary Observing Ship
VOSP VOS Panel
VOSClim VOS Climate class of vessel
SOT Ship Observations Team
 - 29 -

TC Technical Coordinator
UK United Kingdom
UN United Nations
UNESCO UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
WIGOS WMO Integrated Global Observing System
WIS WMO Information System
WMO World Meteorological Organization
XBT Expendable Bathythermograph
YOPP Year of Polar Prediction

____________