SMA Visits INCOIS to Strengthen Cooperation in Ocean Observation, Services and Forecasting
A delegation from the Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vincent Amelie, is undertaking an official visit to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad, India, from 26 to 29 October 2026, to discuss the work plan and implementation arrangements for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions.
The visit comes at a particularly important time as SMA prepares to expand its operational forecasting capabilities through the introduction of a dedicated marine forecasting function. Currently, SMA has two operational forecasters on duty, and the planned expansion aims to establish a more specialised approach to marine weather and ocean forecasting, ensuring that Seychelles' maritime sector receives more focused, accurate and timely information.
Mr Amelie highlighted that this development forms part of SMA's broader ambition to strengthen the quality, reliability and sustainability of its services. The Authority is working towards achieving ISO certification and establishing appropriate cost-recovery mechanisms for specialised marine forecasting services. Achieving these objectives will require a well-structured operational system, supported by robust technical infrastructure, reliable ocean observations, skilled personnel and clearly defined service delivery procedures.
The cooperation with INCOIS is therefore particularly significant in supporting SMA's transition towards a more comprehensive and specialised marine forecasting service. Through technical assistance, knowledge transfer and capacity building, the partnership is expected to help SMA develop the systems, expertise and operational procedures necessary to deliver marine services in line with internationally recognised quality standards.
The MoU, signed during the official State Visit of Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie to India in February 2026, establishes a framework for technical and scientific cooperation in ocean observation, ocean prediction and services, capacity building, data sharing and marine scientific research. Building on earlier technical discussions between SMA and INCOIS, the visit focuses on translating the agreement into a practical work plan, identifying priority activities, establishing implementation timelines and clarifying the respective responsibilities of both institutions.
A key area of cooperation is strengthening Seychelles' ocean observing network through the provision and deployment of specialised equipment, including a wave rider buoy equipped with a current meter, a radar tide gauge, an automatic weather station and offshore wave drifting buoys. These observing systems will provide essential oceanographic and meteorological data to support marine forecasting, improve monitoring of sea conditions and enhance the delivery of ocean information services.
The two institutions have also identified opportunities for joint ocean glider operations to expand ocean observations and improve scientific understanding of ocean conditions across the Indian Ocean.
Capacity building will be central to supporting SMA's planned expansion of marine forecasting operations. Proposed activities include specialised training in wave and current forecasting, ocean data processing and analysis, marine prediction systems, equipment maintenance and operational service delivery. Scientific exchanges and technical attachments at INCOIS will provide SMA personnel with practical experience and expertise to support the development of a dedicated marine forecasting function.
The collaboration also provides opportunities to strengthen Seychelles' coastal hazard early warning capabilities, particularly for swell-related coastal flooding and tsunami inundation. This includes exploring the adaptation of INCOIS' Swell-surge Inundation Vulnerability Advisory System (SIVAS) to support improved coastal risk assessment and the provision of timely advisories to vulnerable coastal communities.
The visit is expected to further define the practical steps, technical requirements and institutional arrangements needed to implement these initiatives, with INCOIS providing technical expertise and support, and SMA facilitating local deployment, operational logistics and maintenance of the observing systems.