Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Supports Marine Operations: A Look from the U.S. Coast Guard

Abstract

AbstractThe U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is primarily a user of ocean observations but is also a provider of observations—especially in high-latitude regions. USCG has a long history of making ocean observations for mission activities and in support of other federal agencies. USCG uses the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) to understand maritime conditions while conducting the Coast Guard’s roles of Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, and Maritime Stewardship. IOOS data are critical in planning search and rescue operations, ensuring safe navigation at high latitudes, responding to oil and hazardous spills, providing vessel traffic services, and maintaining maritime domain awareness (MDA). The International Ice Patrol makes and uses ocean observations to estimate drift and deterioration of icebergs. The North American Ice Service products are needed in polar and domestic ice operations. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and the USCG are developing a way to disseminate the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System data via the USCG Automatic Identification System. The Coast Guard provides personnel and vessel support for the National Data Buoy Center observational program, a component of the IOOS. Many key oceanographic, biologic, and geologic discoveries in the Arctic and Antarctic have been made from Coast Guard cutters. As oceanographic data acquisition moves from vessel observations to satellite remote sensing and unmanned in situ data acquisition systems, the USCG will continue to support this effort.