Manual on Marine Meteorological Services - Volume I — Global Aspects: Annex VI to the WMO Technical Regulations. 2012 edition, updated in 2018.

Abstract

Purpose and scope of the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services. 1.The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558) is issued in accordance with a decision of the Eighth World Meteorological Congress. 2.This Manual is designed: (a)To specify obligations of Members in the implementation of Marine Meteorological Services (MMS); (b)To facilitate cooperation in respect of the international coordination of MMS, in particular the delivery of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)/WMO Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS); (c)To facilitate cooperation between the World Weather Watch (WWW) and MMS;(d)To ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the practices and procedures followed to achieve (a), (b) and (c) above. 3.The Manual consists of Volumes I and II, dealing with global and regional aspects, respectively. Volume I is composed of seven parts, which contain the regulatory material dealing essentially with international obligations of Members to provide MMS for the high seas, offshore, coastal and local waters. Additional obligations, if any, for national marine activities should be met in accordance with local practices and procedures. 4.The regulatory material stems from recommendations of the Joint WMO/ IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) and the former Commission for Marine Meteorology (CMM), from resolutions of regional associations and from decisions taken by Congress and the Executive Council.5.Volume I of the Manual – Global Aspects – forms part of the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) and is referred to as Annex VI to the Technical Regulations. It should be read in conjunction with the three volumes and the set of annexes which together comprise the Technical Regulations.6.Volume II of the Manual – Regional Aspects – does not form part of the Technical Regulations. 7.Members will implement and operate their respective MMS in accordance with decisions of Congress, the Executive Council, the technical commissions and regional associations. Where those decisions are technical and regulatory in nature, they will, in due course, be documented in the Technical Regulations.8.The Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558) is supported by the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services ( WMO - No. 471