Terms of Reference
(As approved by JCOMM-5, on the basis of excerpt of annex to Resolution 12.2/2 (JCOMM-5))

The Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Panel shall: 

(a) Review, recommend and coordinate the implementation of new and improved specialized shipboard meteorological instrumentation, siting and observing practices, as well as of associated software;

(b) Support the development and maintenance of new pilot projects;

(c) Oversee the upgrade of ships to VOS Climate standard, and encourage other new ships to be recruited to the VOS Climate;

(d) Develop and implement activities to optimize ship inspections and recruitment, including promotional brochures and training videos;

(e) Prepare annually a report on the status of VOS operations, data availability and data quality.