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Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Scheme and Port Meteorological Services
Ships' weather observations provide vital information needed to identify the prevailing weather systems and are especially important for the preparation of forecasts for the sea areas and the timely preparation of warnings of hazardous weather conditions.
Under the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Scheme of the World Meteorological Organization, the Hong Kong Observatory started in 1949 to recruit a fleet of locally based voluntary weather observing ships which ply between Hong Kong and various ports of the world. They are equipped with meteorological instruments supplied by the Hong Kong Observatory. Ship officers on board make regular weather reports and send them to coast earth stations for onward transmission to meteorological centres.
Port meteorological services are provided to all Hong Kong voluntary weather observing ships. When they call at Hong Kong, the Port Meteorological Officer (PMO) visits these ships, checks the instruments and advises ship officers on meteorological matters. The PMO is also responsible for maintaining close liaison with shipping companies.
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