MS/I QC/INF -16 (Continued) 



Acti on by the IOC 



The greater and more effective use of fixed observing 

 stations of the various types noted above could be promoted by 

 the cooperative efforts of the member states of IOC in a number 

 of ways: 



1. Collection and dissemination of information on what stations 

 of the various types are now in operation, what data are 

 being gathered from them, at what time intervals, and plans 

 for future developments. 



2„ Planning for the types, numbers and locations of stations 

 needed for an ocean-wide synoptic network. 



3. Arriving at joint decisions on time-intervals at which 

 various kinds of observations should be taken and setting, 

 where necessary, standard observing hours. 



4. Promoting necessary intergovernmental or other international 

 arrangements for establishment of coastal and island 

 stations, 



5o Clarify the legal status of unmanned and manned anchored 

 buoys - i.e., the rights and duties of persons and states 

 placing them in the sea. 



6„ Joint action with ICAC and other agencies for the use of 

 ocean station vessels for oceanography. 



7. Exchanging of technical information on engineering and 

 instrumental problems with relation to development of 

 unmanned anchored stations. 



It would be useful if there were established by the ICC a 

 standing committee to carry out these functions on a continuing 

 basis, with the aid of the IOC Secretariat and, where required, 

 (e„g., for items 5 and 7 above) the assistance of other 

 experts . 



