How to Transmit a(n) observations/report:

Typically two separate computers are required, one for the AMVER/SEAS software and one for the INMARSAT C software. The AMVER/SEAS reports are saved on a diskette. It must be formatted, and this must be done on the INMARSAT C computer rather than the AMVER/SEAS computer (see INMARSAT C Instruction Sheets). Once the diskette is formatted it will be inserted into the AMVER/SEAS computer and the AMVER/SEAS binary reports/observations will be written on it. Once the reports are written to the diskette it is subsequently removed and inserted in the INMARSAT C computer for transmission. Alternatively some computers may have a seperate INMARSAT C transmitter connected to the AMVER/SEAS computer (see Transceiver).

The AMVER/SEAS reports can be saved on the floppy for transmission immediately after creating them, or the reports can be saved in folders under the AmversSEAS directory for later transmission. The different Amver reports are : Sail Plan -the transmitted binary file is named SP.bin, Deviation Report - DR.bin, Administration Report - Admin.bin, Arrival - FR.bin, Position Report - PR.bin. The different SEAS reports are: The Meteorological Observations binary report file, Met.bin. The Expendable Bathythermograph binary report file, XBT.bin. The Amver Reports can be saved and later found in the Reports_Amver directory. The SEAS reports can be saved and later found in the Reports_Seas directory.

Once the diskette has been placed in the INMARSAT C transceiver, the NOAA phone number information (see INMARSAT C Instruction Sheets) must be entered in the address book. By entering the number into the phonebook the observer can easily recall it without having to enter it each time an observation is to be sent. To find the NOAA phone number and to correctly setup the address book, please see the instruction sheet for your brand of INMARSAT C transceiver.

To create AMVER Reports or weather observations, see the Help Table of Contents. After the report/observation is entered and saved (written) to the diskette, carry the diskette to the INMARSAT C computer as described above. Select the address created during your setup and transmit your message. The AMVER messages will be forwarded to USCG and the weather messages will be forwarded to NOAA. Also, position reports will automatically be created from weather messages and forwarded to USCG.

Each time a weather observation is created, an archive file is updated on the AMVER/SEAS computer. This file should be processed on a quarterly basis. Refer to Archiving Meteorological Data of help for instructions on copying the archive files to the diskette. At the end of each quarter these diskettes should be mailed to:

NOAA
National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001

INMARSAT STD C is:
INMARSAT STD C is a global message system that stores and forwards messages and will be required aboard most ocean going vessels by 1999 as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Ships using this equipment and the AMVER/ SEAS software can send in their reports through Telenor earth stations at no cost to the vessel.

If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact Bob Decker at: (Bob.Decker@noaa.gov) or Jim Farrington at: (James.W.Farrington@noaa.gov)

NOAA AMVER SEAS home page http://seas.amverseas.noaa.gov/seas/