Among the Indian Ocean rim countries, India is endowed with a very long coastline of over 7500 km (including Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands). With the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean to the south, a wide range of marine activities dominate the maritime zone of India. Prior information on the state of the seas surrounding the Indian subcontinent is vital for the smooth operational activities not only for those venturing out into the sea but also for those on the shore. Users can take appropriate informed decisions based on the forecast sea state conditions, saving life and property. There is thus an inherent economic benefit to the users of ocean state forecast information.
Activities along the Indian coastline vary from traditional fishing to high-tech oil exploration. Numerous ports—both major and minor—dot the coastline and have significantly contributed to the nation's economic growth. Most major ports are located near large coastal cities. For their efficient operation, critical information on sea state parameters like wind waves, swell waves, currents, winds, and tides is essential. The entry and exit of vessels—from small fishing boats to huge oil tankers—depend on such data. Offshore activities like Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations also require accurate sea state forecasts.
Sea state information supports not just port operations but also recreational coastal tourism, including the functioning of newly introduced sea planes. Marine activity in Indian waters ranges from fishing to high-tech mineral and oil exploration, marine research, transportation, and defence. It also plays a vital role during emergencies such as search and rescue missions, oil spills, and extreme weather events. Forecasts help issue timely alerts to both authorities and the public to enable evacuations from vulnerable coastal areas.
To meet these diverse needs, the Earth System Science Organisation – Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS) developed the integrated INDian Ocean FOrecasting System (INDOFOS), capable of predicting surface and subsurface features of the Indian Ocean 5 to 7 days in advance. Forecasted parameters include: height, direction and period of wind and swell waves; sea surface currents and temperature; mixed layer depth; depth of the 20-degree isotherm (thermocline depth); astronomical tides; wind speed and direction; and oil spill trajectory.
