NOAA prefix codes for cruises

[respondeat.cruiser]

On the NOAA's website, they have an updating list that thanks ships for voluntarily transmit weather info to the agency in a standardized format:

 

http://www.vos.noaa.gov

 

The first ship I saw listed was "MIA Prinsendam" "MIA Statendam" came up after that, and "JAX Carnival Splendor."

 

I'm glad to know my favorite cruise line is helping out our federal agency, but can any nautically minded people figure out what these prefix codes are?

 

At first blush, I'd say they mean "Miami" and "Jacksonville." But I imagine that the Prinsendam is very far away from Miami right now.

[JDinWA]

This was a fun research challenge. :)

 

I didn't find a definitive answer, but I have a good guess. A ship in the VOS (voluntary observing ship) program sends a report to a specific PMO (Port Meteorological Officer). Each PMO's email address is PMOxxx@noaa.gov, with the xxx portion equaling a three-letter code. The PMO in Miami (as you guessed) is PMOMIA, Norfolk is PMONOR, Charleston is PMOCHS, Baltimore is PMOBAL, and so on. (Pg 13 of the handbook at http://www.vos.noaa.gov/ObsHB-508/ObservingHandbook1_2010_508_compliant.pdf)

 

So the thank you message on the http://www.vos.noaa.gov/ page seems to begin with the PMO code that received that ship's report.

[bishop84]

On the NOAA's website, they have an updating list that thanks ships for voluntarily transmit weather info to the agency in a standardized format:

 

http://www.vos.noaa.gov

 

The first ship I saw listed was "MIA Prinsendam" "MIA Statendam" came up after that, and "JAX Carnival Splendor."

 

I'm glad to know my favorite cruise line is helping out our federal agency, but can any nautically minded people figure out what these prefix codes are?

 

At first blush, I'd say they mean "Miami" and "Jacksonville." But I imagine that the Prinsendam is very far away from Miami right now.

 

I think you are correct with the cities. I believe that they refer to which Port Meteorological Officer the ship is sending the reports. Even though the Prinsendam is in South America she may be reporting to the Miami PMO those office is apparently in Port Everglades!

[respondeat.cruiser]

Great job! And thanks!

 

It's neat to find out some really behind-the-scenes info.

 

RC

[Kansas Gal]

JDinWA, I showed this to my hubby (a retired NOAA meterologist). He said you are correct.

[JDinWA]

JDinWA, I showed this to my hubby (a retired NOAA meterologist). He said you are correct.

 

It's great to have it validated, Kansas Gal, thanks! :)