(Excerpts from an article published in Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Vol. 18, No. 3,, p. 122-130, 1986 NOTE: Since this article was written a number of changes have taken place. More countries have joined the International Tsunami Warning System and more seismic and tidal stations have been added to the network. Look for Updates.)
Several nonmember states and territories maintain stations for the ITWS. The System makes use of 69 seismic stations, 65 tide stations, and 101 dissemination points scattered throughout the Pacific Basin under the varying control of the member states of ITSU. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach near Honolulu is operated by the U.S. National Weather Service, Pacific Region (see adjacent NOAA diagram).Also, a program of preparedness has been developed alerting coastal populations, industries, and Civil Defense agencies to respond to tsunami warnings. The International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC) has the responsibility of coordinating public educational programs for each participating country. ITIC works closely with government agencies, private institutions, and Civil Defense authorities, developing sound coastal management policies which include zoning and planning for coastal areas, as well as standard operating procedures in case of an actual event.[snip]
Finally, the International Tsunami Warning System is one of the most successful international programs ever undertaken involving a multitude of nations with the direct responsibility of mitigating the effects of tsunamis, the saving of lives, and the preservation of property. It is an effective operational program with a direct humanitarian objective-the protection of human lives in the Pacific Ocean coastal areas. The system has been made possible by the generous contributions and participation of the Community of Nations of the Pacific, by IOC's involvement, and by the active and effective coordination of ITIC and of the International Coordination Group.
http://ioc.unesco.org/itsu/contents.php?id=73
This is the ITSU-XIX Action Sheet, based upon the ITSU-XIX Summary report, adopted by the Group on 2 October 2003. It provides an overview of the status of implementation of the ITSU-XIX work plan.
ACTION SHEET ITSU-XIX (LAST UPDATE ON 25 November 2004). Note: status as per 25/11/04 was discussed at 2004 Officers Meeting (6-10 December 2004, ITIC Honolulu)
6. REGIONAL AND OTHER TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEMS
6.1 NORTHWEST PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM
190 The Group regretted that there are currently no seismic stations available for tsunami warning close to the Philippines and Indonesia, although data are needed in that region. It was noted however, that there are 2 CTBTO (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization) stations in the Philippines and 6 in Indonesia. The Group requested the countries owning the stations to make them available for tsunami and earthquake warning purposes.
Action: Chair
Deadline: March 2004
Status: No action - 8 April 2004: Chair will send text by endof April. Secretariat to send letter. - 22/9/04: Postponed: Chair will submit text in October.
Status 25/11/04: Chair will report during Dec 2004 Officers Meeting.[snip]
6.3
215 The Group adopted Recommendation ITSU-XIX.4 (WORKING GROUP ON THE TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AND INDIAN OCEAN)
Action: Working Group
Deadline: ITSU-XX
Status: Ongoing. 8 April 2004: secretariat reminded Mr Ibnu Purwana. 22/9/04: New Indonesia contact is Dr Mastur Masturyono.
Status 25/11/04: To be discussed at Dec 2004 Officers Meeting