Quality policy
The Quality Management System (QMS) of the National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC) at the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS is committed to enhance the transparency, integrity, safety and economy of operations within the NODC region of responsibility. This includes receiving data from field acquisitions, checking its quality, archiving and safeguarding it. The NODC also provides users with accessibility to data and related products.
The NODC QMS complies with the IODE Quality Management Framework (IODE-QMF) defined by the IODE Committee at its 20th and 21st Sessions (IODE-XX, 2009 and IODE-XXI, 2011). The implementation of a QMS and compliance with IODE standards have enabled the NODC to be recognised by UNESCO as an IODE-accredited National Oceanographic Data Centre. IODE is the Programme for the International Exchange of Oceanographic Data and Information (IODE), established in 1961 by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

According to the IODE-QMF, the QMS is based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard, “Quality Management Systems - Requirements”, which was defined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
ISO 9001:2015 supports the data centre in:
- Understanding the purpose and context in the community in which the organisation operates
- Planning the strategic direction of the organisation
- Identifying and providing appropriate resources to achieve the planned objectives
- Achieving the consistent delivery of high-quality data and related products and services suited to the purpose of key stakeholders
- Evaluating and reviewing organisational practices, procedures and processes to guide continuous improvement towards transparency, integrity, safety and economy of operations within the area of responsibility.
Practical application of the following ISO 9001:2015 principles underpins and sustains this policy:
- Customer focus
- Leadership
- Engagement of people
- Process approach
- Improvement
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Relationship management
The policy is compliant with national and international regulatory requirements.