1. Coordinating Operational Oceanography and Marine Meteorology
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY
Coordinating Operational Oceanography and Marine Meteorology
It is my pleasure and privilege to present to you a progress report on the activities
of JCOMM.. As you remember, JCOMM-I took place in 2001 in Iceland, at
which the JCOMM structure, the Terms of Reference for each of its groups and
a preliminary workplan were established. The initial focus for JCOMM was on
recruiting the members of its coordination groups and expert teams and to hold
their inaugural meetings. Such activities resulted in a strong team to lead JCOMM
and a challenging and realistic workplan. At the last EC, I had the pleasure of
giving you a progress report on JCOMM’s activities since its inception. In this
report, I will focus on its subsequent activities, and highlight some of the key
challenges that we have to meet collectively.
Peter Dexter
Co-President of JCOMM

2. JCOMM Concept and Objectives
NWP, climate studies, maritime services, ocean modeling and forecasting, ocean research, all require integrated metocean data and information streams
To address these requirements and realize potential benefits, JCOMM jointly sponsored by WMO and IOC
Combines and benefits from the strengths and expertise of the met. and ocean communities, avoids duplication of effort, integrates existing activities
User oriented, functions at global, regional and national levels
Integrated marine observing, data management and services system; extensive outreach programme
An implementation mechanism for global GOOS, the ocean component of GCOS, and in situ marine component of GOS

3. Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services
JCOMM as the bridge between meteorology and oceanography
Operational oceanography now a reality
Community welfare, socio-economic impacts, hazard mitigation, climate change….
National and international cooperation essential – IOC, WMO, met and ocean agencies
Climate Services
Weather Services
Atmosphere
Marine Weather Services
Ocean Climate Services
Ocean
Oceanographic Services

4. Linkages
It is my pleasure and privilege to present to you a progress report on the activities
of JCOMM.. As you remember, JCOMM-I took place in 2001 in Iceland, at
which the JCOMM structure, the Terms of Reference for each of its groups and
a preliminary workplan were established. The initial focus for JCOMM was on
recruiting the members of its coordination groups and expert teams and to hold
their inaugural meetings. Such activities resulted in a strong team to lead JCOMM
and a challenging and realistic workplan. At the last EC, I had the pleasure of
giving you a progress report on JCOMM’s activities since its inception. In this
report, I will focus on its subsequent activities, and highlight some of the key
challenges that we have to meet collectively.

5. Requirements and Interactions
Ongoing support for and response to World Weather Watch
Maintenance of the in situ marine component of the WWW/GOS
Specialized public good marine services and products, including maritime safety services
Implementation mechanism for GOOS
Requirements set by OOPC and GSSC/PICO
Support for GCOS
Implementation of ocean components of GCOS IP
Interactions with users
Maritime safety, offshore industry
Interactions with the research community
Transition of pilot projects to operations (e.g. GODAE)

6. National Input and Support
JCOMM is a coordination mechanism only
Implementation of JCOMM programmes by national agencies and institutions
National representation in the work of JCOMM
Single national focal point and coordinator for JCOMM
High level, to coordinate met and ocean communities and ensure priority and budget for JCOMM activities
National members of the Commission
Technical experts to support JCOMM work nationally
Both met and ocean experts
National representation on expert teams and panels
Technical experts in specific fields covered by JCOMM

7. JCOMM Structure

8. JCOMM Web Site

9. JCOMM Priorities Programme Areas Cross-cutting
Standards and best practices for operational ocean data, products and services
Full implementation of operational ocean observing system
Long-term maintenance of system, including pilots, and key ocean satellite missions
Response to the requirements of operational oceanography
Pilot projects and integration with WIGOS, WIS and IODE
Transitioning the results of GODAE to operations
Cross-cutting
Marine multi-hazard warning systems
Support for coastal GOOS implementation
Engagement with the private sector
Focused CB to support implementation, especially in smaller maritime countries

10. JCOMM Priorities JCOMM Development Strategic Development
Funding issues
50% of planned work from regular budget
Need for extra-budgetary support
Strategic Development
Strategy Document
Implementation plan to address expected results of WMO and IOC
System-wide monitoring based on IP
JCOMM review
Communications
Communications plan
Brochure update, electronic newsletter
Integrated website development

11. JCOMM and Argo (1)
Potential benefits to Argo from a more formal link to JCOMM
Provides direct access to Governments, through both WMO and IOC, to press for long-term funding support
Further strengthening of coordination with other components of the in situ observing system, e.g. SOOP, DBCP
Possible additional Secretariat support from JCOMM Secretariat
Enhanced direct coordination with major users, e.g. ET/OOFS and GOV
Enhanced direct coordination with other components of WMO and IOC, e.g. WCRP, GCOS, GOOS, CAS/WGNE, IODE
Potential benefits to WMO/IOC Member States from a formal link to Argo
Presentation of an intergovernmental, fully coordinated in situ ocean observing system to Member States
Strengthened input to WIGOS and WIS in WMO
Enhanced coordination across JCOMM Programme Areas and with IODE

12. JCOMM and Argo (2) Potential disadvantages
Formal reporting requirements on Argo
Possibility of requests to Argo emanating from Governing Bodies
The process to establish a formal link
Proposal from AST to JCOMM co-presidents and Secretariat
Document JCOMM-III (Marrakech, November 2009)
Agreement by JCOMM-III
Argo Status under JCOMM
Expert Team within Observations Programme Area (c.f. DBCP, SOT, GLOSS)
Retain full self-management rights for AST composition, chairs, funding, etc (c.f. DBCP)
Self-management of programme goals and implementation, but with an obligation to coordinate with broader JCOMM/WMO/IOC goals, requirements and procedures
Opening Argo meetings/workshops to all Member States