Attachment 1 - DRAFT Statement of Objectives.pdf

Attachment 1 DRAFT Statement of Objectives (SOO)

NDBC Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program Commercial Services

1. Background

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, National Weather Service (NWS), National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program collects high-quality ship observations to advance the nation’s maritime safety and resilience by delivering accurate, high-resolution, and timely marine observations from challenging and traditionally inaccessible regions, enabling informed decision-making and stronger protection of lives, property, and maritime infrastructure. These consistent, reliable data streams support critical forecast and warning operations for the National Hurricane Center, the Ocean Prediction Center (OPC), coastal Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), Environmental Modeling Center (EMC), state and federal operations, commercial and recreational maritime activities, and international meteorological centers. These observations are essential for numerical weather prediction, forecasts, and warnings that safeguard the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and coastal communities, while also contributing to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and international models.

The marine environment has a major influence on weather both on land and at sea. Because the ocean covers such a vast area, many marine regions remain data-sparse. To improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, the NWS needs more marine observations. The VOS Program supplies critical in-situ ship reports that support global forecasting and enhance maritime safety. Despite advances in buoy and satellite technology and using new marine collection platforms, significant gaps in ocean observations persist, making ship-based data essential.

The Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs) work together with maritime industry contacts, ship captains and crew members on thousands of ships around the world to observe in situ weather observations. These ships are part of a vast interconnected network of floating weather stations known as the U.S. VOS Program. The PMOs conduct software and hardware installations, provide ship crews with weather observer training, handbooks, posters, observation encoding software, barometer checks/adjustments, and weather observing tools. PMOs are the VOS field liaison and primary points of contact for ships.

The U.S. VOS Program is currently servicing approximately 2,880 ships, 40% of the world's VOS fleet. These vessels are categorized under 3 collection processes; automated, hybrid and manual. The ships that are categorized as automated, typically have Automated Weather Systems (AWS) integrated with ship software to collect weather observations. These observations are placed in a comma delimited format and sent every 15 minutes to a VOS ingest via ship email.

The Hybrid systems use a VOS based Enhanced Manual Observing System (EMOS). This process leverages integrated GPS location, pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors for automated observations and software for visual/manual observations entry. These observations are sent on an hourly basis using ship email. Manual observations can be collected in a number of ways, but typically use Turbowin software to enter all observations into collection forms and are sent via ship email. This software is open-source and helps collect observations and encodes them into an FM13 format for transmission. Manual observations are requested to be sent 4 times per day around the main synoptic hours of 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC.

DRAFT

The VOS Program presently lacks large scale integration of automated wind and wave measurements. The limited volume of wind and wave observations being collected is a significant gap in the program and is driven by manual entry.

SHIP

COUNT

TYPE OF COLLECTION PROCESS

120 Automated (Automatic Weather Station Integrated with email, sent every 15 minutes)

350 Hybrid (Automated Integrated sensor with collection system (Turbowin), with manual options for additional observations entry, sent every hour)

2,410 Manual (Collecting manual weather observations that are entered into the collection system (Turbowin), requested to be sent 4 times per day)

2. Objectives:

Maintain a weather observing capability to generate a minimum of 2.5 million yearly marine surface observations. The minimum number of weather observations shall increase by 10% each year.

● Report on a monthly basis, consistent, high quality observation counts, that provide evidence that the yearly target will be met

● Track quality of instrumentation and report on a monthly/yearly basis. (i.e. Atmospheric Pressure Measure Bias is less than 1.3 hPa, Gross Errors must have less than or equal to 5 Gross Errors, Standard Deviation is less than 1.6 hPa between observations and model output)

● A planned maintenance schedule shall be implemented to make sure the equipment functions properly and ensures quality in accordance with WMO best practices.

● Maintain ship and equipment metadata for quality and long-term scientific analysis

● Provide an observation collection plan including frequency

● Organize and execute a plan to increase wind and wave observations

● Provide schedule from time of award to collection and distribution of ship observations

Note: 5% of participating commercial vessels may leave the program due to companies selling, salvage, or reflaging ships.

3. Performance Reporting

Performance regarding observation collection and ship services will be reviewed for timeliness and successful completion on a monthly basis. Summary reports should be provided to ensure the program is on target with the minimum 2.5 million observations yearly. This report should include a section on efforts to grow ships and observations to reach the 10% yearly growth expectations.

4. Technical, Operational, and Safety Competence

Knowledge and Expertise:

● Possess knowledge of WMO and NOAA/NWS operational forecast products, observational procedures, policy directives, marine communications, meteorology, oceanography, international ship protocol, and security regulations.

● Possess knowledge of U.S. and foreign meteorological and oceanographic instruments, including the ability to repair, adjust, and recommend calibration or replacement.

● Possess a broad understanding of marine lore of the maritime industry, including vessel types, routes, cargos, and port facilities.

● Understand behaviors, mannerisms, with some education by the marine industry to enhance interaction with captains and officers on a ship.

Independent Operation and Judgment:

● Operations are conducted effectively with minimal oversight, resulting in timely resolution of local technical challenges related to IT systems, instrumentation, and observational processes while maintaining overall program efficiency.

● Decisions regarding ship equipment provision, ship visit scheduling, and recruitment are made in a timely and well-informed manner that supports uninterrupted program operations and mission objectives. Internal program coordination is maintained such that approaches, solutions, and management practices remain consistent and aligned across the program.

● Internal program coordination is maintained such that approaches, solutions, and management practices remain consistent and aligned across the program.

Safety Experience and Safety training:

● Personnel should have knowledge of ship safety and receive training to ensure that they are communicating and operating with safety first mindset. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that safety training is delivered and the individuals under their care are complying with safety measures. These processes will be clearly communicated and reported on a monthly basis.

5. General Deliverables and Work Expectations:

Deliverables or work expectations will be outlined in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) and will likely include:

● Regular reports on observing platform visits, recruitment efforts, and training sessions.

● Maintenance and calibration records for meteorological equipment.

● Contributions to the VOS national database.

● Technical reports on identified issues and solution to build the knowledge database

● Oversight and monitoring of program activities

● Managing daily, monthly and quarterly observations totals ensure yearly observation goals are met and recommendation on how this will be accomplished should be included in the response.

● Baseline observations should include GPS Location atmospheric pressure, pressure tendency, air temperature including dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature for dew point and humidity, wind speed and direction, wave height, period and direction, sea surface temperature, cloud amount, height and type, visibility, present and past weather based on the observation, and ice conditions when available.

Key meteorological elements to be observed

The following are the principal meteorological elements that observers on VOS-recruited ships are required to measure or estimate:

● Atmospheric pressure: Both the current pressure and the three-hour pressure tendency (change) must be recorded.

● Air temperature: Both dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures are needed to determine the dew point and humidity.

● Wind: Speed and direction. These can be measured with an anemometer or estimated visually using the Beaufort scale.

● Waves: Wind swell/wave height, period, and direction.

● Sea surface temperature (SST): Measured to the nearest tenth of a degree Celsius.

● Clouds: Amount, height, and type.

● Visibility: The maximum distance at which an object can be seen and identified.

● Present and past weather: Descriptions of weather conditions based on a set of WMO codes.

● Ice conditions: Including the type of ice and any icing on the ship.

Observation Requirements (Example)

Minimal rate of Sampling

Elements Desired Accuracy Minimum Rate of Sampling Air Pressure (Electronic) +/– 0.1 hPa 1 Minute Air Pressure (Aneroid) +/– 0.3 hPa Time of Observation Air Temperature +/– 0.2° Celsius 1 Minute Wet Bulb Temperature +/– 0.2° Celsius 1 Minute Relative Humidity +/– 5% 1 Minute

Wind Direction (Sonic) +/– 5° degrees 5 Second for Display 10 Minute Average Data Reporting

Wind Speed (Sonic) +/– 1.0 knot 5 Second for Display 10 Minute Average Data Reporting

Sea Surface Temperature +/– 0.2° Celsius 1 Minute

Observing Handbook No.1, Guide to making quality meteorological measurements, Meteorological Message format

VOS Encoding Format: VOS reports are coded into a special format, known as the ship's synoptic code ("BBXX" format), for international distribution (Observing Handbook No.1).

6. Place of Performance:

https://vos.noaa.gov/ObsHB-508/ObservingHandbook1_2010_508_compliant.pdf https://samos.coaps.fsu.edu/html/docs/NOAA-TM_OAR_PSD-311.pdf https://vos.noaa.gov/ObsHB-508/ObservingHandbook1_2010_508_compliant.pdf

NDBC aims to collect observations in the map below. Starting at the left R48, R47, R46, R51, R43, R42, R41, R44, R13. Ships transit all over the world so it is important to increase the number of participating ships in order to have consistent coverage in the areas of interest.

An additional reference map published under the WMO, displays this area of interest as Region IV https://wmo.int/about-wmo/regions?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

There are a number of ports/terminals across the U.S. and in U.S. territories where PMOs work to provide VOS services. The following information provides more details for each VOS port/locations where ships are supported.

All locations are not staffed. This is for information purposes only.

https://wmo.int/about-wmo/regions?utm_source=chatgpt.com

New York PMO

● Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal

● Port Jersey Marine Terminal

● Howland Hook Marine Terminal

● Red Hook Marine Terminal Cruise and passenger terminals

● Manhattan Cruise Terminal

● Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

● Cape Liberty Cruise Port Other Terminals Supported

● Bayonne Military Ocean Terminal

● Brooklyn Navy Yard

Baltimore PMO

● Dundalk Marine Terminal

● Seagirt Marine Terminal

● Fairfield Marine Automobile Terminal

● North Locust Point

● South Locust Point Cruise and passenger terminals

● Cruse Maryland

DRAFT

https://www.google.com/search?q=Port+Newark-Elizabeth+Marine+Terminal&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&oq=what+are+the+ports+around+the+city+of+new+york&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTg0MjFqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfDdkj0iJHWVO8PywW6XNgrDiBGkMl9VytUNQmavkVgq0xqfe4sxSMfhVSmoPM1x3aEEeG6EdBHbz8NNGqHkwTPodEP8Ry_mp5_sn7AjvrlPwXi6w56UczJErWxHtTabwUk&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjB0pG3iOaQAxUr1fACHYP5ArEQgK4QegQIAxAB https://www.google.com/search?q=Port+Jersey+Marine+Terminal&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&oq=what+are+the+ports+around+the+city+of+new+york&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTg0MjFqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfDdkj0iJHWVO8PywW6XNgrDiBGkMl9VytUNQmavkVgq0xqfe4sxSMfhVSmoPM1x3aEEeG6EdBHbz8NNGqHkwTPodEP8Ry_mp5_sn7AjvrlPwXi6w56UczJErWxHtTabwUk&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjB0pG3iOaQAxUr1fACHYP5ArEQgK4QegQIAxAD https://www.google.com/search?q=Howland+Hook+Marine+Terminal&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&oq=what+are+the+ports+around+the+city+of+new+york&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTg0MjFqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfDdkj0iJHWVO8PywW6XNgrDiBGkMl9VytUNQmavkVgq0xqfe4sxSMfhVSmoPM1x3aEEeG6EdBHbz8NNGqHkwTPodEP8Ry_mp5_sn7AjvrlPwXi6w56UczJErWxHtTabwUk&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjB0pG3iOaQAxUr1fACHYP5ArEQgK4QegQIAxAF https://www.google.com/search?q=Red+Hook+Marine+Terminal&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&oq=what+are+the+ports+around+the+city+of+new+york&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTg0MjFqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfDdkj0iJHWVO8PywW6XNgrDiBGkMl9VytUNQmavkVgq0xqfe4sxSMfhVSmoPM1x3aEEeG6EdBHbz8NNGqHkwTPodEP8Ry_mp5_sn7AjvrlPwXi6w56UczJErWxHtTabwUk&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjB0pG3iOaQAxUr1fACHYP5ArEQgK4QegQIAxAH https://cruise.nyc/manhattan-terminal https://cruise.nyc/ https://www.cruiseliberty.com/ https://portlibertybayonne.com/ https://www.brooklynnavyyard.org/ https://www.google.com/search?q=Dundalk+Marine+Terminal&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIAxAB https://www.google.com/search?q=Seagirt+Marine+Terminal&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIAxAD https://www.google.com/search?q=Fairfield+Marine+Automobile+Terminal&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIAxAF https://www.google.com/search?q=North+Locust+Point&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIAxAH https://www.google.com/search?q=South+Locust+Point&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIAxAJ https://cruise.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Other terminals Supported

● Trade Point Atlantic Terminal

● Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF).

● Port of Wilmington, DE

● Port of Philadelphia, PA

Norfolk PMO

● Norfolk International Terminal (NIT)

● Newport New Marine Terminal

● Port of Norfolk (Virginia International Gateway)

● Portsmouth Marine terminal (USCG)

● Lamberts Port Yard and Pier

● DT Norfolk

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center

Charleston PMO

● Port of Charleston, SC

• Wando Terminal

• Hugh Leatherman Terminal

• North Charleston Terminal

• Columbus Street Terminal

• Kinder Morgan

• Detyens Shipyard

• Carver Pier J

● Port of Savannah, GA

• Ocean Terminal

• Garden City Terminal

● Port of Wilmington, NC

• NC Container Terminal

• Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal

● Morehead City, NC

• NC Ocean Terminal

• Periodic support of cruise ships for Carnival (Recently Limited)

Jacksonville PMO

● Port of Jacksonville, FL

● Port Canaveral, FL

● Port Fernandina Beach, FL

● Port Brunswick, GA

DRAFT

https://www.google.com/search?q=TradePoint+Atlantic+Terminal&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIBhAB https://www.google.com/search?q=Intermodal+Container+Transfer+Facility+%28ICTF%29&sca_esv=0ee4ec0584c087f7&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=uA4RaZifJ7GLptQP8cePyAY&oq=What+ports+are+around+baltimore&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiH1doYXQgcG9ydHMgYXJlIGFyb3VuZCBiYWx0aW1vcmUqAggDMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&mstk=AUtExfCFFL1Ywsi-cqwC6oiRAyga52G4oH7ckjMw37C4hG7NvppGpR52acdEsehUqQGd6alnCnbr9njg8c6igxMUcMW9Bax103y7Ris_J3Km_ZuSelMG0K0A7rOgzImOS21lFnY&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjf8fXtiOaQAxXIv4kEHRKAHqcQgK4QegQIBhAD https://portwilmington.com/ https://www.philaport.com/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://operations.portofvirginia.com/terminal-directions/ https://www.visitnorfolk.com/attraction/half-moone-cruise-and-celebration-center/ https://scspa.com/toolkit/cargo-owners/why-sc-ports/?&utm_campaign=FY26_Trade_traffic_consideration_cd_b2b&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_term=sc%20ports&utm_content=ctr_searchads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23035624535&gbraid=0AAAAABx_I43pUuXtFthepvtEQJ9vrAoVM&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIid3tvo_mkAMVCWVHAR2teCGHEAAYAiAAEgKghfD_BwE https://scspa.com/facilities/wando-welch-terminal/ https://scspa.com/facilities/hugh-k-leatherman-terminal/ https://scspa.com/facilities/north-charleston-terminal/ https://ice-eng.com/projects/columbus-st-terminal-charleston-sc/ https://www.kindermorgan.com/Operations/Terminals/Shipyard-River-Terminal https://www.detyens.com/ https://www.carvercompanies.com/carver-maritime-charleston/projects/ https://gaports.com/facilities/port-of-savannah/ https://gaports.com/facilities/port-of-savannah/ocean-terminal/ https://gaports.com/facilities/port-of-savannah/garden-city-terminal/ https://ncports.com/port-facilities/port-of-wilmington/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=124076113&gbraid=0AAAAADydRUeqGhXTJhc3Ti1NW4b8tvOte&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsIjR-47mkAMVqTIIBR173ge8EAAYASAAEgJREfD_BwE https://ncports.com/port-facilities/port-of-wilmington/ https://ourncmilitary.nc.gov/blog/2022/10/04/military-ocean-terminal-sunny-point https://ncports.com/port-facilities/port-of-morehead-city/ https://ncports.com/port-facilities/port-of-morehead-city/ https://www.jaxport.com/ https://www.portcanaveral.com/ https://www.portoffernandina.org/port-features https://gaports.com/facilities/port-of-brunswick/

● Port of Savannah, GA

● Port Canaveral, FL

● Jacksonville, FL

Miami PMO

● Port of Miami

● Port Everglades

● Port Tampa Bay

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Miami Cruise terminal

● Port Everglades Terminal

● Port of Key West

● Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal

New Orleans PMO

● Port Nola (Port of New Orleans)

● Port of Lake Charles, LA

● MS River Ports, LA

● Gulfport, MS

● Pascagoula, MS (State Port and Chevron Refinery)

● Port Mobile, AL

● Pot Pensacola, FL

● Panama City, FL

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Port New Orleans Cruise Terminal

● Mobile Cruise Terminals, AL

Houston PMO

● Houston

• Port of Houston

• Turning Basin Terminal

• Woodhouse Terminal

• Bulk Materials Handling Plant

• Care Terminal

• Cargill Terminal

• JacintoPort Terminal

• Barbours Cut Container Terminal

• Bayport Container

DRAFT

https://gaports.com/facilities/port-of-savannah/ https://www.portcanaveral.com/ https://www.jaxport.com/cruise/ https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/home.page https://www.porteverglades.net/ https://www.porttb.com/ https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/cruise-terminals.page https://www.porteverglades.net/cruise/terminals/ https://flaports.org/ports/port-of-key-west/ https://www.porttb.com/cruise/cruise-overview/ https://portnola.com/ https://portlc.com/ https://mdot.ms.gov/ports/index.html https://shipmspa.com/ https://portpascagoula.com/ https://www.alports.com/facilities/ https://www.cityofpensacola.com/683/Port-of-Pensacola https://www.panamacity.gov/178/Port-Panama-City https://portnola.com/cruise https://www.mobile.org/cruises/ https://porthouston.com/ https://porthouston.com/toolbox/multi-purpose-terminals/schedules-gate-information/ https://www.cma-cgm.com/ebusiness/schedules/terminal/detail/USHOU-WDH https://www.ship-technology.com/projects/portofhouston/ https://www.gulfstreammarine.com/care-terminal/ https://www.chsinc.com/news-and-stories/2023/01/13/temco-terminal-houston-tx https://www.jacintoport.com/ https://porthouston.com/infrastructure/facilities-capabilities/barbours-cut-container-terminal/ https://porthouston.com/infrastructure/facilities-capabilities/bayport-container-terminal/

• Various Tanker Terminals

• Baytown Other Terminal

● City Docks

● Texas City (Petrochemical Vessels)

● Port Galveston

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Galveston Cruise Terminal

Other Ports and Terminals

● Port of Beaumont

● Port of Orange

● Port of Freeport

● Port Arthur

● Port of Lake Charles

● Port of Corpus Christi

Los Angeles PMO

● Port of Los Angeles

● Port of Long Beach

● Port of San Francisco

● Port of Oakland

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Port of Long Beach Cruise Terminal

● Los Angeles World Cruise Center

Seattle PMO

● Port of Seattle

● Port of Tacoma

● Port of Everett

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Port of Seattle Cruises

Anchorage Alaska PMO

● Port of Anchorage

● Port of Valdez

● Port of Nikiski

● Port of Whittier

Cruise and passenger terminals

● Seward Cruise Ship Terminal

DRAFT

https://porthouston.com/infrastructure/facilities-capabilities/map/ https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d2fa72479429c903&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&q=Baytown+houston+port+address&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjVrur9mPmQAxX0MVkFHVizCtIQ1QJ6BAhUEAE&biw=1280&bih=630&dpr=1.5 https://www.c-pa.com/turningcity https://www.valero.com/about/locations/texas-city-refinery https://live-galveston-wharves.pantheonsite.io/cargo-vessels/ https://www.portofgalveston.com/ https://www.pobtx.com/ https://www.portoforange.com/ https://www.portfreeport.com/ https://portpa.com/cargo/terminals/ https://portlc.com/our-port/ https://portofcc.com/ https://www.portoflosangeles.org/ https://polb.com/ https://www.sfport.com/ https://www.portofoakland.com/ https://long-beach-cruise.edan.io/#google_vignette https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/terminals/passenger/cruise https://www.portseattle.org/page/northwest-seaport-alliance https://www.portoftacoma.com/ https://www.portofeverett.com/ https://www.portseattle.org/maritime/cruise https://www.portofalaska.com/ https://alyeska-pipe.com/valdez-marine-terminal/ https://www.cogoport.com/en/knowledge-center/resources/port-info/nikiski https://www.whittieralaska.gov/whittier-harbor https://www.seward.com/maritime/dock-facilities/seward-cruise-ship-terminal/

● Skagway Cruise ship Terminal

● Ketchikan Cruise ship Terminal

● Whittier Cruise Port

Duluth (Great Lakes) PMO

● Duluth, MN

● Two Harbors, MN

● Port of Cleveland

● Port of Chicago

6a. VOS Port Locations Outside of Current Footprint

● Dutch Harbor, AK

● Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal, AK

● Port of Guam, GU

● San Francisco, CA

● Honolulu, HI

● Port of Boston, MA

● Port of Rhode Island, RI

7. Security Requirements:

The contractor and its personnel must comply with all relevant Homeland Security, USCG, and Port Authority security regulations to gain access to port facilities and vessels. All training guidelines and TWIC/port access requirements must be followed. When boarding research, government and company vessels the contractor should follow the organizational requirements to gain access to the ship.

8. Government Furnished Equipment (GFE):

The contractors supporting ship observations will be available to use NDBC Government laptops and CAC to access the IVOS program. Those using GFE are responsible for following all Government rules and guidelines to access Government systems and are required to take yearly IT security training to maintain the CAC and YubiKeys.

9. Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The contractor must understand, whether acting as the primary collector of observations or as an agent contracting the work, that the physical demands on personnel are strenuous. These resources must be capable of performing duties that involve significant walking and climbing stairs on ships while carrying equipment. Personnel will work in busy marine terminals and loading docks, often exposed to various environmental conditions and mechanical equipment, where maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety measures are critical. Qualifying and managing these resources is the responsibility of the contractor.

DRAFT

https://alaskashoreexcursions.com/interest/skagway/cruise-port https://www.ketchikan.gov/port https://www.cogoport.com/en/knowledge-center/resources/port-info/nikiski https://duluthport.com/ https://www.google.com/search?q=two+harbors+Mn&sca_esv=e5fbcc06bbcda539&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1022US1025&ei=5VQSaai0BvCkiLMPys2W8QQ&ved=0ahUKEwjoupO_v-iQAxVwEmIAHcqmJU4Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=two+harbors+Mn&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp https://www.portofcleveland.com/ https://www.iipd.com/ https://www.unalaska.gov/portsandharbors https://alaskashoreexcursions.com/interest/juneau/cruise-port https://www.portofguam.com/ https://www.sfport.com/maritime https://dedola.com/ports/port-of-honolulu/ https://www.massport.com/conley-terminal https://www.provport.com/#:~:text=One%20of%20only%20two%20deep,vessels%20at%20any%20one%20time.

Appendices The appendices below are intended to provide additional context and examples for the present state of the VOS Program.

Appendix A - VOS Equipment and Measurement Example Appendix B - Reporting Format and Transmission Examples Appendix C - VOS Program Information Examples

Appendix A – VOS Equipment and Measurement Example

Metadata

Careful documentation of the sensor installation, calibration practices, and known instrument faults are crucial to the future application of the observations. For example, it is sometimes unavoidable that the location of the sensor is less than optimal. Providing that the location is carefully documented, seemingly anomalous data from that sensor can often be explained, and in some cases, corrected. Equally, data from a sensor known to be badly exposed for a given relative wind direction can be flagged as erroneous without fearing that the information is being lost.

General

● Ship name

● Vessel identifiers call sign)

● Station identifiers (SOT-ID)

● Vessel dimensions (LOA, draft, max. Cargo height, etc)

Instrument Details

● Make, model and serial number

● The date and source of each calibration (indicates stability of instrument)

● Dates of instrument deployment period

● Description of location (e.g., foremast, monkey deck)

● Distance from bow or centre line

● Height above/below the water, and/or height above Summer Load Line

● Height above the deck immediately below the sensor

● Recorded units of observations (preferably SI)

● Data sampling rates

● Averaging or calculation methods (e.g., true wind vs. relative winds)

Observations must be taken using calibrated equipment and following specific procedures to ensure high-quality, standardized data. The international standards for marine meteorological observations are coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Ship Observations Team (SOT) and implemented through the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) scheme.

The information below provides additional information related to the VOS program examples.

Planned maintenance on equipment, location of equipment on the platform all directly impact equipment quality control.

● Instrument adjustments: Ship's equipment, particularly barometers, must be checked adjusted regularly on a planned maintenance schedule. On board ship checks and adjustments should be conducted every 6-8 months to ensure precision, and quality of observations.

● Location: Instruments, such as thermometers and anemometers, must be placed on the windward side of the vessel, away from the influence of the ship's structure, which could alter readings.

● Manual Observing Times: Observations are most valuable when submitted around the main synoptic hours of 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC. Observations at intermediate times are also requested when possible.

● Hourly Hybrid Solution: The Enhanced Manual Observing System sensor that uses the collection and encoding software to obtain observations for barometric pressure, temperature and humidity along with GPS location, and UTC time, can be configured to allow other data elements to be added manually or automatically. The encoded weather observations will be automatically sent at the top of the hour. The ship's computer and this equipment must be maintained and running for hourly observations to be collected.

● Fully Automated Collection Processes: Another process that has oversight is the fully automated process that can deliver weather observations from research and commercial ships that have their own Automated Weather Observing System. This data can be collected every 15 minutes or close to near-real time.

● Quality Control: Metadata about the type and location of instruments is essential for meteorological services to properly interpret and use the data. For the highest standard (VOSClim ships), a certified set of instruments and an electronic logbook are required. These observations are compared to the models to determine when observation equipment needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Appendix B – Reporting Format and Transmission Examples

● VOS Encoding Format: VOS reports are coded into a special format, known as the ship's synoptic code ("BBXX" format), for international distribution (Observing Handbook No.1).

Observers then transmit the report to a National Meteorological Service via email or Inmarsat-C satellite communication. As back end systems are updated the expectation is that this will be moved to a BUFR table format. This will require that all metadata within the IVOS business application are up-to-date.

● Quality Control: Metadata about the type and location of instruments is essential for meteorological services to properly interpret and use the data. For the highest standard (VOSClim ships), a certified set of instruments and an electronic logbook are required.

Instruments, such as barometers, thermometers and anemometers, must be placed on the windward side of the vessel, away from the influence of the ship's structure, which could alter readings.

● International Standards: The international standards for marine meteorological observations are coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Ship Observations Team (SOT) and implemented through the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) scheme. The standards ensure consistency and accuracy in the data collected for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and maritime safety.

● Liaison with the maritime community: PMOs build and maintain a strong relationship with key company contacts, ship captains, and ship crew. This cooperation secures support for the program directly from the company and ships that are supported. Building relationships is also extended to the port authorities, maritime academies and the U.S. Coast Guard and other marine-oriented organizations.

https://vos.noaa.gov/ObsHB-508/ObservingHandbook1_2010_508_compliant.pdf https://community.wmo.int/site/knowledge-hub/programmes-and-initiatives/wmo-information-system-wis/template-examples

Appendix C - VOS Program Information Examples

The topics below, Observing Program Support and Training, Data Availability and Sensor Accuracy, and Acceptable Quality Level, provide examples based on current VOS Program services.

Observing Program Support and Training (VOS example)

● Recruit Ships to support VOS: Recruiting ships is an important function because each year ships are sold, salvaged and new ships are birthed. It cannot be assumed that these new ships will become part of the VOS program and active recruitment and retirement must be managed in order to maintain/grow marine surface observations.

● Recruit Companies/ Management: Work with company contacts such as operations, safety and security, and IT to ensure ongoing company management to assist with oversight of ships within their organization.

● Attend Company and Captains Meetings for Presentations and Training: Work with companies to attend captains and crew meetings to provide briefs on the VOS program and provide high level equipment training

● NWS Liaison: Serve as the primary link between the NWS/NOAA and the ships, providing links to products and resources across the organization.

● Provide NWS Services: Deliver information and details regarding NWS products and services to the ship captain and crew and assist with knowledge transfer as captain and crew change.

● Deliver Feedback: Deliver feedback to the ship and work directly with shipping companies to communicate monthly observation count, data elements collected, and QC.

● Train Observers: Train weather observers (Captains and officers) on observing best practices and the use of collection and encoding software tools.

● Support Severe Weather Operations: Provide support for the operational marine forecasting and warning service. Process special requests from the NWS for in situ ship observations during severe weather events contacting ships for spot observations and ensure observations are entered into the system for forecaster reference.

● Maintain Coordination with Peers/PMOs: It is critical to maintain communication with peers/PMOs for training purposes, ensure standards are followed and share common solutions with different ships types and shipping lines

● Maintain Communication with the Program Management Team: On a weekly/monthly basis track and provide updates to the program management team on ships that have been added to the program, ships that have dropped out of the program, issues that have been unresolved for more than 7 days, and the quality and quantity of ship observations under the PMO port of service. If a new company contact has reached out for engagement a list of ships should also be identified and communicated to the management team.

● International VOS Program Awareness: Ships from different companies travel all over the world. When recruiting ships, the PMO needs to confirm that they are not part of another country's VOS program. This is done by using the OceanOPS system for verification before the ship is recruited.

● Support Commerce and NOAA Initiatives: Coordinate between NOAA Programs such as drifter buoys and Argo Floats initiatives to deploy equipment to commercial vessels for ship deployment.

● Maintain Security Clearance at Ports: Maintain awareness of the rules and requirements for local port authority to ensure access to each port where ships are supported. Maintain security and port training to obtain TWIC / badging for access.

● Maintain Government Security Clearance and IT Training: Personnel must receive proper security clearance and meet IT training requirements to use Government furnished equipment.

Data Availability and Sensor Accuracy (VOS Example)

● Maintain Equipment: Maintain the ship's meteorological instruments and equipment service records.

● Install Systems: Work with organizations to install VOS necessary hardware, software, and update firmware on VOS equipment.

● Coordinate Equipment and Consumables Shipping: Coordinate with shipping agent, captain and crew to deliver equipment and consumables such as batteries, and retrieve equipment as necessary, during equipment replacement and when ships are no longer participating.

● Perform Adjustments: Conduct on-ship adjustments of VOS related sensors, such as a barometer adjustment, using a standard barometer that is calibrated yearly, conduct remote pressure sensor comparisons every 6 months or as requested by vessels.

● Manage Metadata: Maintain ship particulars and comprehensive metadata for all instrumentation.

● Timely Resolution of Technical Issues: Collaborate with ship crew and adjust equipment, and resolve any transmission and communication issues as they develop in a timely manner. If communications fail then each hour will result in a significant loss of weather observations.

● Ensure Software Compliance: Work with the shipping companies, research vessels, and government ship IT support to ensure current software updates are maintained and collection software is configured and running.

● Ensure Training for New Software: Install software when available, making sure the crew is properly trained on its use and capabilities.

● Ensure Periodic Observer Training: The ship captain and crew will change every 4-8 months and it is critical that the new crew members are trained on the observation collection process and software to ensure ship participation and the quality of the observations.

● Record Ship and Company Interaction: Maintain log of company and ship contact including emails, phone calls and in person visits.

● Maintain Communication: Conduct visits and maintain consistent communication with the ship crew to build relationships to promote remote support and contact coordination, build awareness of ship and company changes, and crew and captain rotation. Contact information should be tracked and managed for customer support and service.

● Testing New Software and Hardware Releases: The PMOs are active in testing new hardware and software releases to ensure they meet current standards, operational stability, and assess new features to determine the value and impact to ship observer training.

4.3 Acceptable Quality Level (VOS Example)

● Monitor Data: Monitor and review ship observations quantity and QC data by leveraging quality reports and QC dashboard.

● Provide Quality Feedback: Provide feedback on both the quality and quantity of the observations received with Program management and ship crew

● Analyze Data: Analyze observation data to recommend process changes, training, or corrections as needed.

● Troubleshoot Concerns: Troubleshoot and resolve any quality issues by coordinating with the Captains, Crew, and Company IT.

● Work with International OceanOps Team: Work with international OceanOPS team to ensure that U.S. VOS reporting is correct and all quality issues are addressed as shared with the Met Centers and international systems.

● Work with NDBC Mission Control Center: Support the NDBC Mission Control Center when ships visits are necessary regarding hands on troubleshooting of equipment and software.