The Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program is organized for the purpose of obtaining weather and oceanographic observations from moving ships. An international program under World Meteorological Organization auspices, the VOS has forty nine country participants. The United States program is the largest in the world, with over 1600 vessels. Observations are taken by deck officers, coded in a special format known as ship's synoptic code, and transmitted without delay to the National Weather Service. They are then distributed on national and international circuits for use by meteorologists in weather forecasting, by oceanographers, ship routing services, fishermen, and many others.
Ship observations form the basis of marine weather forecasts in both coastal and high seas areas, providing on the spot data and details about local surface conditions.
Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs) support observing programs aboard Voluntary Observing Ships. In an effort to combine PMO/VOS services with a more extended outreach effort and increased maritime user interaction, the Texas Coast Marine Service Team was developed in July 1995. As part of this team, WFO Brownsville supports the PMO/VOS services at the Port of Brownsville by providing PMO duties.
The program operates at no cost to the vessel, with communications charges, observing equipment and reporting supplies furnished by the National Weather Service. To participate, contact Jim Campbell by e-mail or at our office address, or any Port Meteorological Officer.