National Geo Science award ​for Incois scientist ​who developed ocean forecast and information system

INCOIS scientist team comprising of Dr. T M Balakrishnan Nair (Team Leader), Dr. R. Harikumar, Dr. Francis P A, and Ms. Sandhya K G selected for the National Geo-science Award, 2014 by Government of India for developing Ocean Forecast and Information System for India for maritime safety and boosting the blue economy. Hon. President of India, Sri. Pranab Mukarji will give away the awards on 5th April 2016 in grand function in Rashtrapathi Bhavan

The team developed a user driven operational ocean prediction system for early warning on ocean state for fisherman, oil industries, shipping, port and harbours, maritime boards, coastal tourism departments, marine police, Navy and Coast guard for safe navigations and operation courtesy. INCOIS has successfully forecasted the Sea State during Cyclone Phailin and Hudhud and saved a lot of life and property. Eight Lakh people are using this information on daily basis for operational planning and safe navigations at Sea. The products are generated after focused research and publishing in high impact factor scientific journals. The team placed India among few countries which have capabilities for operational ocean forecast services in the world

The system now is extended to neighbouring countries of Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The team also developed products such as forecast along the ship routes, web map services, Forecast for Port and Harbour, Marine Interactive Safety Tool (MINT), Search And Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT), offshore wind energy Maps for boosting the blue economy by serving the industry and strategic forces.