CIMH Training Programmes
Since the first training course which commenced in 1968, more than 1400 students have been trained at the Institute in the various branches of meteorology, while more than 200 have been trained in hydrology since this programme started in 1982. Students for these courses come from the sixteen member countries of the CMO, as well as from non-member countries such as the Bahamas, Suriname, and some African countries. The training programme is designed to ensure that meteorology and hydrology make their maximum contribution to the economic development of the region.

The meteorology programme is conducted at the four WMO classified levels. The hydrology programme is offered at the two WMO classified levels for lower and higher technicians. The programmes are designed to upgrade the skills of personnel working in the field of water resources at the operational level.

Meteorology
Entry-Level Technician (Meteorological Assistants - Observers), formerly Class IV
This is a four-months course which is followed by two months of on-the-job training at one of the main Meteorological Offices in the Region. Minimum entry requirements are four GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) Certificates, including English Language and Mathematics. Classes usually commence in March and August annually. (Click for Course Outline)

Mid-Level Technicians (Senior Meteorological Assistants), formerly Class III
This course lasts for eight months with students specialising in Climatology, Agrometeorology, Aeronautical Meteorology, Operational Radar Meteorology, or Instrument Maintenance and Repair. Entry requirements are similar to an Entry-Level Technician, but students should also hold a Entry-Level Technician Certificate or have extensive experience. Classes commence in September annually. (Click for Course Outline)

Senior-Level Technicians (Forecasters), formerly Class II
This is an eighteen months course which is followed by three months on-the-job training at one of the main Meteorological Offices. The course provides students with the basic theoretical background in dynamic, physical, and synoptic meteorology, while emphasising the practical applications of this theory to weather analysis and forecasting, particularly in the tropics.

The minimum entry requirements are four GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) Certificates including English Language, Mathematics, and Physics. Candidates should also hold an Entry-Level Technician Certificate or have extensive experience. Classes commence in January in alternate years. (Click for Course Outline)

Applications of Meteorology
This course is designed to train personnel in the application of meteorology to other sectors, particularly agriculture and water resources. It brings together inter-related areas of Agrometeorology, Hydrology, and Climatology into one comprehensive package. The course will be offered at the Mid- and Senior-levels. (Click for Course Outline)

Meteorologist, (B. Sc. Degree), formerly Class I
This programme is conducted in association with the University of the West Indies. Students in this programme are fully registered at the University but receive instructions in meteorology from staff of the Institute. Entry qualifications are a minimum of five GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) passes which must include English Language and Mathematics, in which case the programme may be completed in four years. If, however, the student holds at least two passes at the Advanced Level GCE in relevant science subjects, the programme may be completed in three years.

The course is designed to train meteorologists whose duties include development and research. (Click for Course Outline)

Hydrology
Hydrological Observers
This is a four week course designed to train hydrological observers. - (Click for Course Outline)

General Technicians
The duration of this course which commences in September annually is eight months. The level of this course is similar to that of the WMO Mid-Level Technician meteorology course. Minimum entry qualifications are four GCE (Ordinary Level) or CXC (General Proficiency - Grades I, II & III) Certificates, including English Language, Mathematics, and Physics.

This course is designed for personnel without any skills in hydrology. (Click for Course Outline)

Higher Technicians
This is an eighteen months course and is designed to allow personnel with several years experience to gain further knowledge in hydrology. Minimum entry qualifications are similar to those for the General Technicians course plus the General Technicians Certificate or several years experience. Classes commence in January of alternate years. (Click for Course Outline)

Other training activities
The Institute offers a number of short specialised courses and workshops aimed at upgrading the skills and expertise of experienced meteorologists and hydrologists.

Admission
Candidates who are Government employees and are seeking admission to any of the courses at the Institute should do so through the Heads of their Department. Other candidates may write directly to the Institute.

All candidates for the B. Sc. degree programme should write directly to the University.

The addresses are:

The Principal Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology P.O. Box 130 Bridgetown BARBADOS

The Assistant Registrar Admissions Section Cave Hill Campus University of the West Indies P.O. Box 64 Bridgetown BARBADOS