Bahamas
Permanent Representative
Mr Jeffrey W. SIMMONS
Hydrological Adviser
Mr John A. A. BOWLEG
Regional Association
Region IV: North America, Central America, Caribbean
Regional Involvement
Region IV: North America, Central America, Caribbean
Responsible Ministry
Ministry of Transport and Local Government
Date of WMO Membership
INFCOM
SERCOM
Expert Network
Focal Points
Commission for Observation, Infrastructure and Information Systems (INFCOM)
Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM)
NMHS Mandate & Structure
Observations, Data and Warnings
All Information
- Part 1 (NMS Mandate and Planning)
- Part 2 (NMS Capacity)
- Part 3 (Quality Management)
- Part 4 (Disaster Risk Reduction)
- Part 5 (Data and Observations)
- Part 6 (Services)
- Part 7 (Climate Services)
- Part 8 (Hydrology)
- Part 9 (Social Media)
1.14 Link to national drought policy
1.19 A consultative platform for the public sector, private sector, academia and civil society to foster regular cooperative dialogue
No
1.7 Title of primary legislative act determining NMS functions
Act in draft form
1.8 Other regulatory framework applicable to NMS functions
1.9 Mandate for provision of climate services
Yes
1.10 Unit dedicated to climate-related activities nn
Yes
1.12 Other organizations (governmental, academic, private, commercial, etc.) providing climate services in the country
1.17 Formal agreements between public and private sector (Service Delivery)
No
1.3 Legal status of the NMS
Government or state owned, providing Public Weather Service (PWS) or other services to the state or to the public only (commercial activities not allowed)
1.15 Studies on socio-economic benefits undertaken in the last 10 years
No
1.2 Title of the institution with authority over the service:
Ministry of Transport and Local Government
1.1 Title of the National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Service (NMS)
Bahamas Department of Meteorology
1.18 Legislation provisions concerning private sector participation in the delivery of information and services along the value chain
There is no specific legislation concerning the provision of information and services
2.1 Gender distribution of staff (Total)
57
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Climatologists/Climate Services (Male)
1
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Climatologists/Climate Services (Female)
2
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Climatologists/Climate Services
3
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Researchers (Male)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Researchers (Female)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Researchers
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Support Staff (Male)
4
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Support Staff (Female)
9
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Support Staff
13
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Other (Male)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Other (Female)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Other
0
2.14 Total annual budget
2,513,642.00
2.15 Main sources of funding
Government;
2.16 Percentage of budget coming from non-government budget
0
2.17 Budget trend in the recent 3-5 years
No significant year-to-year change
2.18 Sources of funding for improving the hydrometeorological infrastructure, etc.
2.19 Development/strategic plan in place in NMS, covering the next 3-5 years
Yes
2.1 Gender distribution of staff (Total Male)
30
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Management (Male)
3
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorologists
9
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorological Technicians (Male)
17
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorological Technicians (Female)
8
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorological Technicians
25
2.6 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years
Steadily increasing
2.23 Communications capacity and outreach
A press relations office that regularly interacts with the press;A presence on social media channels;checked
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorologists (Male)
5
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Meteorologists (Female)
4
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrologists (Male)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrologists (Female)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrologists
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrological Technicians (Male)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrological Technicians (Female)
0
2.2 Number of staff by professional category - Hydrological Technicians
0
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Climate)
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (hydrological Technician)
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Hydrologists)
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Management)
2
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Meteorological Technician)
2
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Meteorologists)
3
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Other)
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Researcher)
2.5 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (support staff)
1
3.7 NMS has ensured that personnel engaged in service provision have successfully completed the Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M)
Yes, in full
3.8 Percentage of aeronautical meteorological forecasters possessing a qualification in conformity with BIP-M
Between 75% and 99%
3.9 Timeline for BIP-M completion by aeronautical meteorological forecasters
3.1 Implementation of QMS for international air navigation
Yes, in part
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - WMO Information System - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - WMO Information System - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - WMO Information System - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Operational Forecasting (PWS) - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Operational Forecasting (PWS) - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Operational Forecasting (PWS) - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Weather Broadcasters and Communicators (PWS) - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Weather Broadcasters and Communicators (PWS) - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Weather Broadcasters and Communicators (PWS) - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - User Requirements (PWS) - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - User Requirements (PWS) - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - User Requirements (PWS) - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Satellite Skills and Knowledge - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Network Management (OBS) - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Meteorological Observations (OBS) - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Meteorological Observations (OBS) - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Meteorological Observations (OBS) - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Satellite Skills and Knowledge - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Satellite Skills and Knowledge - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Network Management (OBS) - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Network Management (OBS) - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Instrumentation (OBS) - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Instrumentation (OBS) - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - DRR (PWS) - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - DRR (PWS) - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Climate Services - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Climate Services - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Climate Services - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Calibration (OBS) - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Calibration (OBS) - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Observer - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Observer - Implementation status
Yes, in part
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Observer - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.5 Timeline for implementation of QMS for early warning services
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Marine Weather Forecasters - When to be in place
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Marine Weather Forecasters - Implementation status
Yes, in full
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Marine Weather Forecasters - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Instrumentation (OBS) - Assessment Frequency
Between 1 and 2 years
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Education and Training Providers - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Education and Training Providers - Implementation status
No
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Education and Training Providers - Assessment Frequency
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - DRR (PWS) - When to be in place
3 years or more
3.3 Timeline for full implementation of QMS for international air navigation?
3.2 Type of QMS for international air navigation implemented
QMS conforming to ISO 9001:2008 standard
3.4 Implementation of QMS for early warning services
Yes, in part
3.6 Training and assessment of personnel on WMO competency assessment frameworks - Calibration (OBS) - Implementation status
No
4.8 Percentage of local governments in the country having a plan to act on early warnings
100%
4.7 Number of people per 100,000 covered by early warning information through local governments or through national dissemination mechanisms in your country
4.5 Monitoring and forecasting systems in place for multiple hazards occurring simultaneously or cumulatively over time
Yes
4.4 Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) in place in the country
Yes
4.3 NMS membership in national committee or platform coordinating DRR activities
Yes
4.2 National committee or platform composed of ministries, agencies and other stakeholders in place at the national ro sub-national levels, which coordinates Disaster Risk Reduction activities
Yes
4.1 NMS warnings delivered using Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) format
No
4.10 NMS contribution and/or engagement in these risk assessments
Yes
4.11 Hazard, exposure and vulnerabilty information used in country as an input into emergency planning and the development of warning messages
Yes
4.12 Performance of MHEWS evaluated in the country
No
4.13 Feedback and lessons learned translated into improvements of the MHEWS
4.14 NMS engaged in performance reviews of the national MHEWS/DRR platform
4.9 Accessible, understandable, usable and relevant disaster risk information and assessment available to people at the national and local levels_x000D_
Yes
4.6 MHEWS warning of potential cascading impacts_x000D_
Yes
5.6 A National WIGOS Implementation Plan adopted/approved
No
5.5 A national process in place for acting on quality problem information received from the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System
No
5.4 Number of staff trained in OSCAR/Surface
0
5.3 A national WIGOS partnership agreement in place for integration and open-sharing of observations from NMS and non-NMS sources
Yes
5.2 A national WIGOS governance mechanism in place
No
5.1 Country/territory covered by a Regional WIGOS Centre (RWC)
Yes
5.11 Communication systems used to access data and products
GTS via Internet;Internet (other than GTS links);
5.12 Country participation in WMO Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) scheme for the collection and transmission of meteorological observations at sea
No
5.13 Number of marine meteorological and oceanographic observing stations operated in the country (Institutional partners - non-NMS)
5.13 Number of marine meteorological and oceanographic observing stations operated in the country (NMS)
0
5.13 Number of marine meteorological and oceanographic observing stations operated in the country (Private partners)
5.14 Marine meteorological and oceanographic observing data shared and exchanged with WMO
Not applicable
5.15 Collaborative agreements or partnerships in the country concerning integrated marine meteorological and oceanographic observations
No
6.9 Preparation and dissemination of marine forecasts or warning services by NMS as a Preparation Service of the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS) within the framework of the Global Marine Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Yes
6.8 NMS use of a Flash Flood Guidance System for issuing flash flood warnings
No
6.6 Production of decadal forecasts
No
6.5 Technical requirements necessary to enable NMS to produce/provide impact-based forecast and warning services
6.4 Impact-based forecast and warning services produced/provided by NMS
Yes
6.3 Communication channels used to disseminate products and services
TV;Radio;Printed media;Web application;Social media;
6.1 Services provided by NMS
Public Weather Services;Flash Flood Warnings;Impact-based forecast and warning services;Extreme heat;Cyclones;Climate Services;Aviation Services;Marine safety forecast and warning services for high seas, coastal waters and ports;Air/Water quality;
6.11 Forecasts and warnings received by NMS from the marine MetArea Issuing Service under GMDSS
Yes
6.15 NMS use of cooperative mechanisms, such as mentoring and sharing of expertise, in order to support Members in need to resolve existing deficiencies in the provision of marine meteorological services
No
7.1 NMHS participation in identification of climate-sensitive national development priorities in:
Nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Paris agreement;National Adaptation Plan (NAP);National development policy or strategy;National Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Strategy;National sectoral policies and strategies (e.g. food security, health, etc.);
7.2 NMHS participation in capacity assessment of key stakeholders (including NMHSs and NHSs) by:
Identifying key stakeholders for improving climate-related outcomes in priority sectors (UIPs focused on GFCS priorities: health, agriculture and food security, WRM , energy, DRM);Identifying key climatic factors of socio-economic significance at the national levels, establishing baseline knowledge based on capacity assessments and co-defining with stakeholders climate information needs for sectoral decision-making at national level;Identifying feasible climate services for meeting priority needs and capacity needs/requirements for their development and delivery;
7.3 NMHS participation in the implementation of national plans/frameworks (e.g. NAPs or national action plans) by:
Verifying status of and consulting/supporting development and/or implementation of NAP and other plans listed in 7.1 above reflecting priority needs;Co-developing national action plan for climate services (if appropriate, depending on status of/prospects for NAP) in response to priority needs;Establishing institutional mandates for providing climate services as well as for using climate services, with the aim to mainstream efficient and well-informed climate risk management practices at all levels;
7.4 NMHS has undertaken resources reviews of relevant ongoing and planned partner projects by:
Consulting list of planned or ongoing major adaptation (and mitigation) investment programmes (GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund, PPCR, development banks, RECs );Jointly meeting with national government Ministries/Departments and their counterpart(s) major international organizations (UNDP, IFIs, WFP, FAO, WHO etc.) as necessary to articulate NMHS needs to support development decisions;Negotiating access to financing from ongoing programmes and/or contributing to the development of new proposals to address identified needs;
7.5 NMHS participates in national planning, coordination, information sharing and monitoring structures by:
Yes
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Agriculture )
Agriculture - : CS provided for;1;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Aviation)
Aviation - : CS provided for;1;Aviation - data services;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Building )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Commercial )
Commercial - : CS provided for;1;Commercial - climate predictions;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Emergency planning and response )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Energy industry )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Environmental protection )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Finance and insurance )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Fisheries )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Forestry )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Government)
Government - : CS provided for;1;Government - data services;Government - climate predictions;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Human health )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Local authorities)
Local authorities - : CS provided for;1;Local authorities - data services;Local authorities - climate predictions;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Maritime transport )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Recreation, sport)
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Scientific )
Scientific - : CS provided for;1;Scientific - data services;Scientific - climate predictions;
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Tourism (incl. coastal zone))
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Transport )
7.6 User communities/sectors to which NMS provides climate products/information and estimated importance of users in various sectors for the NMS (Water resources)
Water resources - : CS provided for;1;
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Management) - Total
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Administrative support)
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Higher Education university level)
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Observers)
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Other staff)
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Specify other staff)
8.16 Staffing trend in recent 3-5 years (Technicians)
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Climatologists/Climate Services) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Climatologists/Climate Services) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Climatologists/Climate Services) - Total
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrological Technicians) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrological Technicians) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrological Technicians) - Total
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrologists) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrologists) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Hydrologists) - Total
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Management) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Management) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Other) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Other) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Other) - Total
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Researchers) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Researchers) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Researchers) - Total
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Support Staff) - Female
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Support Staff) - Male
8.12 Number of NHS staff (Support Staff) - Total
8.33 Use of flood hazard, exposure and vulnerability information in the country to carry-out risk assessments at the national, provincial and local levels
8.11 Gender distribution of NHS staff (Male)
8.11 Gender distribution of NHS staff (Total)
8.13 Number of NHS staff with university degree
8.19 Total annual budget of the NHS
8.20 Main sources of funding
8.21 Percentage of budget coming from non-government budget
8.22 Trend of the government component of the budget during the recent 3-5 years
No significant year-to-year change
8.23 Sources of funding for improving the hydrological infrastructure, etc.
8.24 Quality Management System (QMS) for hydrology in use in the country
8.25 Status of QMS implementation
8.26 NHS in the process of establishing a QMS
8.27 NHS planning to establlish a QMS in the near future
8.29 Impact-based forecast and warning services produced/provided by NHS staff
8.30 Flash flood warnings issued by NMS
8.31 Flash Flood Guidance System used for issuing flash flood warnings
8.32 Access to quantitative subseasonal or seasonal hydrological forecasts by sectoral users in the country
8.34 Relationships maintained by NHS with users of information products to understand their needs and level of satisfaction with the services provided
8.17 Fellowships requested by NHS under the WMO Fellowships Programme in 2016-2017
8.9 Flood management plan(s) established or under development
Yes
8.8 NHS areas of responsibility
8.7 Title of the primary legislative act determining the NHS mandate
8.6 Legislative act regulating hydrology (or hydrometeorology, or similar) in the country
8.5 Name(s) of the main institution(s) responsible for operational hydrology
8.4 Legal status of the NHS
8.3 Title of the institution with the authority over the service
8.2 Exact title of NHS
8.1 National Hydrological Service (NHS) combined with the National Meteorological Service in a single entity
8.10 NHS membership in a national committee or platform coordinating disaster risk reduction activities
8.11 Gender distribution of NHS staff (Female)
8.14 Number of staff by age category (<20 )
8.14 Number of staff by age category (>50)
8.14 Number of staff by age category (20-30)
8.14 Number of staff by age category (30-40)
8.14 Number of staff by age category (40-50)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Climatologist/Climate Services)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (hydrological Technician)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Hydrologists)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Management)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Other)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (Researcher)
8.15 Number of staff due to retire in next 5 years (support staff)
9.1 Social media and web contacts - Facebook
9.2 Accronym of NMHS
9.1 Social media and web contacts - Website
9.1 Social media and web contacts - Twitter
9.1 Social media and web contacts - Instagram
CENTRES
Centres
| Name | Centre type | Centre function | Principal GISC | Secundary GISC | CBS Endorsement | Technical Commission | Manual on WIS status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMC (Nassau) | NC | National Meteorological Centre | GISC Washington | Approved by Cg/EC | Equals Manual on WIS |