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Port Meteorological Officer Member of the National Weather Service (NWS) who serves as main point of liaison between the NWS and the shipping community. They are the main source of support to observing programs in the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) program. The position is abbreviated PMO, they are located in 17 US ports. They visit ships and shipping companies, assisting deck officers with observing methods, codes, and communications. They also distribute forms, and handbooks, as well as assisting with weather instrument calibration and training. They encourage and coordinate new vessels entering the program and review observations to ensure quality and completeness. Activities and news of the PMO's around the country is included in the Mariner's Weather Log. The local office of the PMO is often the best resource for mariners when contacting the NWS for practical matters of marine weather. A list of PMO officers is included in the Source Book. See also Voluntary Observing Ship program.

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