1. United States Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program 2006 Report Robert Luke Operations Manager, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi

2. Port Meteorological Officers

3. 2006 Ships 1079 Ships –703 Selected –256 Supplementary –111 Auxillary –9 Other (VsslM Code 88) 295 ships Recruited 60 De-Recruited 13 VOSCLIM 0 Automated systems 68 Duplicate Ships (as of DECPub47) –Reduced to 12 as of MARPUB47) Now 7 as of SOT-IV

4. 2006 Observations 223,517 observations to GTS –~400-450 ships report weekly 462 SEAS2000 (binary) 160 Email (~40 Non US VOS Reporters)

5. 2006 U.S. VOS Observations 223,517

6. Typical Daily Observations

7. VOS Communications Stratus Skycell AMVER/SEAS NWSTG NDBC DAC Globe Wireless or WLO SITOR USCG NWS Alaska Region Global Telecommunications System TELENOR

8. Instruments/Supplies Provided Aneroid Barometer (Belfort) Barograph Belfort Barograph paper and pens Zeal Hygrometers and Shelters AMVER/SEAS Software Manual Logbook Forms Handbooks, Cloud & Sea posters Worldwide Marine Facsimile Schedule Book Pilot Charts Mariners Weather Log (3 issues/year)

9. 2006 Awards & Promotionals AWARDS –101 Individual Ship Awards (plaques) –1 Company Award (Horizon Lines LLC) Promotional Items –Ball caps –Pens –Mugs –Carabiner clips/lights

10. Concerns CONCERNS –Available Equipment –Shipping Volatility –Safety & Security –Antiquated Database –PMO retirement & Rehires –Funding