Hong Kong, China One of the First WMO Members Implemented Competency Assessment System

Since the implementation of the ISO certified Quality Management System (QMS) by the Hong Kong Observatory at its Airport Meteorological Office (AMO) in 2002, all Hong Kong Aviation Forecasters and Observers have to comply with pre-defined standards. To further enhance aviation safety, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) introduced for worldwide adoption the competence standards for Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel (AMP) which will be applicable from 1 December 2013. Basing on the framework of the WMO Competency Assessment Toolkit (CAT), the Observatory has implemented the Competency Assessment System (CAS) for its AMP, one of the first batch to fulfil WMO competency standards and requirements. 

The pre-existing training and performance evaluation methods have been enhanced and refined. The scope covers weather monitoring and analysis, forecast and warning, communication of meteorological information, as well as ensuring quality of meteorological information and services for the area and airspace of responsibility. Evidence to form the basis of the assessment results include direct observation, experiential questions, written assessment and case studies/simulations. All the aviation weather observers and forecasters successfully completed the assessments by the end of 2011. The assessment will be conducted once every two years.

Figure 1 Aviation weather observer (top) and forecaster (bottom) undertaking competency assessment by direct observation by the assessor.