Status and Near-Term Plans for the U.S. IOOS Quality Assurance / Quality Control of Real-time Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) Project

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Quality Assurance / Quality Control of Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) project has produced a series of real-time quality control manuals for specific core variables and other variables of interest to the oceanographic community. Not all core variables warrant a QARTOD manual. We consider each remaining variable for which a QARTOD manual has not been produced and discuss the potential for development of a manual in the near term.QARTOD QC tests are presently being implemented by IOOS Regional Associations. We review the challenges anticipated and encountered in this process and provide an example of a successful effort. Manuals are updated to ensure they remain accurate and relevant; feedback following implementation is a key component of the update process.QARTOD manuals are used internationally, and we will continue to expand our global collaborative efforts. These include a review of the Global Ocean Observing System essential ocean variables to consider further candidates for a QC manual, and partnerships supportive of QC, QA, measurement uncertainty, and best practices. QARTOD manuals are also used by universities to train the individuals who will implement the next generation of advanced QC tests.