The main focus is on harmonizing the format and structure of maritime services, taking user needs into account, leading ultimately to the implementation of improved and more efficient technical services. ![]() WMO works closely with IMO to support greater use of digitalization to integrate data on weather forecasts and related information into maritime services in the context of “e-navigation.” Their goal is to harmonize the collection and integration of marine information to support safety and security at sea and the protection of the marine environment. The three Organizations coordinate to provide maritime safety information, 7 undoubtedly contributing to safer voyage planning. ![]() This includes navigational warnings, meteorological warnings and forecasts through the IMO/WMO Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS) 5 and the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) 6. Today, the close cooperation between IMO, WMO and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) ensures that ships have automatic access to maritime safety information. The SOLAS chapter on radiocommunications contains the provisions of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and requires ships to have equipment on board to receive and transmit distress alerts, maritime safety information, search and rescue related communications and other general radiocommunications. 3 The SOLAS Safety of Navigation chapter 4 sets out the Contracting Governments obligations to issue and disseminate weather information, forecasts and warnings and encourages ships to collect and exchange meteorological data. IMO – established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations to develop standards for safe, environment-friendly, secure and efficient shipping – adopted and updated the SOLAS Convention, which now has 166 Contracting Governments, representing 98.98% of global shipping by tonnage. The 1914 SOLAS treaty established the international ice patrol, active to this day, to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic and included a “ Code for the transmission by Radiotelegraphy of Information Related to Ice, Derelicts and Weather.” 2 This was recognized in the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), adopted in the wake of the infamous 1912 Titanic disaster. ![]() 1 High winds, waves, fog and storms can be encountered on every voyage – weather that impacts the safety of navigation. The world’s 60 000 ocean going cargo ships are operated by some 1.6 million seafarers, traversing the globe and carrying 11 billion tons of trade annually which represents 80% of global trade. “What maximum winds are expected in the storm area?” That is one of Standard Marine Communication Phrases under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that officers in charge of navigation on ships, whatever their nationality, must be able to use and understand in English.
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