WMO learning initiative links marine forecasts to search and rescue across the Americas

25 October 2026

A regional learning initiative of the World Meteorological Organization has examined how weather and ocean information travels from observing and forecasting systems to maritime authorities, rescue coordinators and people at sea.
It ran as nine sessions from April to August 2026, with more than 80 participants from 11 countries, and was organised by the Expert Team on Marine Meteorology and Oceanography of WMO Regional Association III.
The initiative began for South America and was opened to Spanish-speaking countries across the Americas, with named participating members including Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
Participants looked at how the United States Coast Guard uses ocean and meteorological model data in its Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System to estimate drift and plan search areas.
Chile's Maritime Authority shared real cases of forecasts feeding search-and-rescue and environmental emergency decisions, and Argentina combines satellite imagery, ocean currents and meteorological data to track marine pollution.
Brazil, Chile and Peru use NAVTEX, HF and VHF radio and satellite services together to send warnings to vessels.