I have a comment on the item by Neville Nichols (6 Sept 11) regarding a certification program for consulting meteorologists. I think it is a reasonably sensible approach for AMOS not to launch into that yet, given the small number of members likely to be interested.
As a CCM through AMS, I think the US program is well designed and operated, with a fair level of resourcing reflecting the larger membership. Particularly as an Australian CCM, I wonder about its value, but ocne you have made the effort to get in, staying there is not too difficult.
I suspect it might be a stretch for AMOS at this stage, certainly to emulate the US program, but there might be ways of doing a CCM-lite program that would not devalue it too much - that would need some discussion without doubt.
At present I chair a committee in the Clean Air Society of Aust & NZ beginning to consider the merits of a certification program for air quality modellers. The AMS model is a great place to start looking at design but again CASANZ may decide it doesn't have the resources and membership to justify it. There is interest but is there enough?
In perspective , probably the greatest effort is in setting up the design of the program to satisfy all likely needs. This is why modelling it on a successful program is the most efficient starting point. However it would then need a core of people willing to maintain the effort of examining candidates, maintaining member interest, monitoring performance and promoting the program.
But first, the most important question needs to be clearly answered - why do it? When the answer is clear and agreed it should surely help with the next steps.
Robin Ormerod, Brisbane Centre