The Shipboard Environmental [data] Acquisition System (SEAS) is a global volunteer observing ship program operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the collection of marine meteorological and ocean data. The program relies on volunteer observers to report weather, Meteorological Observations(Met Obs), at least four times per day at 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z. Ships are encouraged to also submit reports at 03Z, 09Z, 15Z and 21Z. SEAS in a program developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide accurate meteorological and oceanographic data in real time from ships at sea through the use of satellite data transmission techniques. The system transmits data through either the GOES or INMARSAT C satellites to NOAA for use in weather, climatological and ocean models. In addition the SEAS program includes Expendable Bathythermograph and TESAC reports.

How to Participate
SEAS participants are requested to take weather observations Meteorological Observations four times per day. The data is entered into the SEAS portion of the AMVER/SEAS software and transmitted to the SEAS Headquarters for global dissemination. Some ships may be requested make XBT reports. This requires dropping Expendable Bathythermographs (XBT's) into the ocean to obtain subsurface temperature data. In addition TESAC reports may also be made.

Use of Reported Information
This information is used in the preparation of the High Seas Forecast that is distributed to the marine community. Researchers and The data is used to create climate models. The models help predict long-term climate variability and change.