Shipboard Hydrometeorological Station

a hydrometeorological station on board an oceangoing vessel, designed to conduct both standard and special hydrometeorological observations at sea. The data collected is immediately transmitted by radio to offices of the weather service, where they are used in compiling forecasts and reports. Shipboard hydrometeorological stations are equipped with both graphic recording instruments and instruments that deliver discrete readings. A standard program includes observations of air and water temperatures, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, cloud formations, precipitation, ice cover, and wave conditions. Special observations include aerological, actinometric, and bathymetric measurements. Shipboard hydrometeorological stations are classified by work load into three types; two of the station types are staffed with their own observers, and the third type relies on observations made by the ship’s navigation personnel.

Shipboard hydrometeorological stations play a vital role in the collection of marine hydrometeorological data for forecasts and scientific research.