The Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) is an international program coordinating the use of autonomous data buoys to observe atmospheric and oceanographic conditions, over ocean areas where few other measurements are taken. DBCP is an official joint body of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). It consists of the data buoy component of the Joint WMO-IOC technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). It increases the quantity, quality and timeliness of atmospheric and oceanographic data in ocean areas, to improve global forecasts of weather and ocean conditions, plus also to contribute to climate study and oceanographic research. The aims of the DBCP are to: 1. review and analyse requirements for buoy data; 2. coordinate and facilitate deployment programmes to meet network requirements; 3. support information exchange and technology development; 4. improve quantity and quality of buoy data distributed on the Global Telecommunication System (GTS); 5. initiate and support action groups and 6. liaise with relevant international/national bodies and programmes.
