The National Oceanographic Data Center is managed in accordance with policies 

 and procedures determined by an Interagency Advisory Board. The Interagency Advisory 

 Board which determines the policies of the Data Center and guides its scientific operation 

 consists of representatives from each of the supporting agencies plus two representatives 

 selected by the National Academy of Sciences. The board members make up what is 

 probably one of the most informed groups on the Nation's oceanographic activities. 



The Data Center was established to function as a service activity for the Nation's 

 scientific community with respect to marine environmental data and information require- 

 ments. These data are now easily accessible to the public for use free of charge at the 

 NODC, or copies of the data may be obtained at cost. 



The NODC is primarily a central repository for the Nation's oceanographic data. 

 Part of its mission is: to receive, compile, process, and preserve oceanographic data for 

 rapid retrieval; establish procedures for insuring that the accuracy and general quality of 

 the incorporated data meet the criteria established by the Advisory Board, and prepare 

 data summaries, tabulations, and atlases showing annual, seasonal, and monthly 

 oceanographic conditions. 



