This page brings together all the operational and technical resources that support the day-to-day work of VOS Program Managers, Port Meteorological Officers, and ships' observers. Resources are organised by theme. Use the navigation links to jump directly to the section you need.
The VOS Panel has developed dedicated best practice guides to support both PMOs and VOS Program Managers. These guides help newly appointed personnel understand their responsibilities and serve as a field reference for experienced practitioners.
Official manuals and guides equip ships' officers with everything they need to make accurate, consistent, and internationally comparable observations.
Accurate, up-to-date metadata is fundamental to the correct interpretation of ship observations. The global VOS fleet is recorded in international databases that PMOs and VOS Program Managers are responsible for maintaining.
WIGOS Metadata Requirements:
VOS Databases:
Electronic logbook software replaces paper observation registers and automates key tasks: calculating true wind, mean sea level pressure, and dew point; quality-checking entries; coding observations for transmission; and formatting data for digitisation. Two internationally supported packages:
VOS observations are transmitted by email (preferred) or via Inmarsat-C satellite using Special Access Code 41 (SAC41) through Land Earth Stations (LES) that accept BBXX. The following resource lists all currently participating LES:
Standardised forms ensure that recruitment, inspection, and de-recruitment data are captured consistently across the global network.
Online monitoring tools allow Program Managers and PMOs to assess the quantity, quality, and timeliness of their fleet's observations in near real time.
VOS observations use WMO-standard codes for real-time exchange and internationally agreed formats for delayed-mode archival.
WMO Codes:
International Maritime Meteorological Tape (IMMT):
Minimum Quality Control Standards:
Correct sensor placement on a ship is critical to data quality — particularly for wind and dew point sensors, where ship superstructure can distort airflow.
The Ship Observations Team issues a Certificate of Appreciation for ships that have made a sustained and significant contribution to the VOS Scheme. PMOs may present certificates to qualifying ships in their fleet. Guidelines and issuing criteria are included in the download. Download the files from the following link and email OceanOPS Technical Support to request password. Email a copy of each certificate issued to:
sot-certificate[at]groups.wmo.int.
National meteorological services may maintain specific requirements or practices in certain observation elements. The following resource documents nationally specific approaches:
