Topic outline

  • Lesson 5: International Coordination and Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service

    global iconIt is important that shipping operators are able to obtain the same services from different countries in the same way, whether the ship is sailing on the high seas or navigating in port. In this lesson, you will focus on international coordination agreements and the role of METAREA and NAVAREA coordinators. They play a primary role in ensuring that marine services are provided in a consistent and reliable manner, as detailed in various WMO publications.

    • METAREA and NAVAREA Coordinators are central to the international coordination of marine services. They are responsible for providing marine meteorological and navigational warning information to mariners across the globe. 

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      Overview of METAREA and NAVAREA Coordinators Page
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    • Reading Assignment: Read the following sections in the previously downloaded documents:

      PDF iconWMO-No. 471: Guide to Marine Meteorological Services: Sec. 2.7 and 2.8

      PDF iconWMO-No. 558: Manual on Marine Meteorological Services: Part I, pp. 1-24

       

      Optional reference material: Operations Handbook for METAREA Coordinators (available in English only)

    • iconAssignment - METAREA Information and the WWMIWS Website: The Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS) operates a website with information about the WWMIWS and with links to the latest marine forecasts and warning for each METAREA. Explore the site and collect information about your METAREA. See Assignment link below for details.

    • Assignment icon
      METAREA Information and the WWMIWS Website Assignment
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    • Aside from the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service, there are many other international efforts to improve maritime safety. A primary organization focused on such efforts is the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is a United Nations agency responsible for regulating shipping. Here is a video from their recent campaign to improve safety for ferry services.

    • Use this forum to share examples of interactions or critical situations with international entities, customers, and coordinators. If you do not have personal experiences, seek examples from colleagues.

    • Forum icon
      International Interactions Forum