Global Telecommunications System Code Forms and Advisories

In-situ oceanographic observations, encoded and transmitted using World Meteorological Organization (WMO) communications systems, are used in weather prediction models, warnings of severe events, fisheries operations, monitoring of scientific experiments, ship routing, etc.  Broadcast of these data on the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) occurs within a period ranging from a few minutes to 30 days after the observation.  Most of the data are available within one or two days.

• Guide to Operational Procedures for the collection and exchange of JCOMMOceanographic Data. IOC Manuals and Guides No. 3 (3rd Rev. Ed.). UNESCO 1999
• FM 18-XII BUOY
  Drifting buoy observations (ZZYY)
• FM 62-VIII Ext. TRACKOB
  Report of marine surface observation along a ship's track (NNXX)
• FM 63-XI Ext. BATHY
  Report of bathythermal observations (JJVV)
• FM 64-X TESAC
  Temperature, salinity and current report from a sea station (KKYY)
• Previously valid BATHY reporting code form (JJYY)
• Previously valid TESAC reporting code form (KKXX)

WMO are currently undergoing a transition from ASCII Alphanumeric to Binary Table-Driven Code Forms. The code forms relevant to the data encoded in the forms described above are in BUFR form, and the documentation can be found on WMO's website.