Marine program weather service standards: chapter 1

1.0 Introduction

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Meteorological Service is the national marine weather service provider, as established by the Department of Environment Act (1985). The Meteorological Service of Canada’s (MSC’s) marine forecast and warning program operates year-round; except in regions where shipping is not possible due to prevailing ice conditions, or in areas where there are scheduled seasonal/recreational marine forecast programs. Operational meteorologists monitor weather conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The information provided by the MSC’s marine forecast and warning program enables mariners to make informed decisions about marine weather conditions that may impact their safety, security and/or operations. Furthermore, the MSC provides marine forecasts in order to meet Canada’s treaty obligations under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.