LAWS OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

[1996 EDITION]

CHAPTER 146

METEOROLOGY

AN ACT TO MAKE PROVISIONS FOR EFFECTIVE AND PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES IN THE ECONOMIC AND NATIONAL INTEREST OF SOLOMON ISLANDS AND TO DEAL WITH OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH AND INCIDENTAL THERETO.

[6th January 1986]

4 of 1985

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Meteorology Act.

Interpretation

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

"Director" means the person appointed Director of the Meteorological Service under section 3;

"meteorological officer" means a meteorological officer appointed under section 3; and

"Meteorological Service" means the Solomon Islands Meteorological Division in the Ministry of Posts and Communications or such other department of Government for the time being dealing with meteorology in Solomon Islands.

Appointment of director and other officers

3. (1) The Meteorological Service shall consist of—

(a) a Director appointed by the Minister; and

(b) such other officers from the public service as may from time to time be appointed pursuant to the Constitution.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and to such instructions and directions as he may receive from time to time from the Minister, the Director shall have direction and control of the Meteorological Service and shall administer this Act.

General purposes and functions

4. The general purposes and functions of the Meteorological Service shall be to—

(a) advise the Government on all matters relating to meteorology;

(b) promote the most effective use of meteorological services;

(c) further the science of meteorology, with special reference to Solomon Islands;

(d) establish and maintain a national network of meteorology stations and observing stations ensuring a high standard of quality;

(e) provide information and advise the Government of severe weather conditions likely to affect the safety of human life or property in Solomon Islands;

(f) provide meteorological services in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of aviation and marine services;

(g) provide meteorological data and advice in support of selected national development projects and other important weather sensitive economic activities;

(h) collect, collate, archive and make available meteorological data as requested for the purpose of assisting persons and authorities engaged in primary production, industry, trade and commerce;

(i) co-operate with any authority administering meteorological services and other relevant scientific institutions of any other country;

(j) participate in the work of the appropriate international organisations particularly in the World Meteorological Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation;

(k) make arrangements and enter into any contract or agreement with any ministry, authority or person in Solomon Islands or outside Solomon Islands to compile and record meteorogical reports and information;

(l) arrange means of communication for the transmission and reception of meteorological reports and information in Solomon Islands or outside Solomon Islands; and

(m) conduct or make arrangements for the training of persons in meteorology.

Regulations

5. The Minister may make regulations prescribing or providing for—

(a) fees and charges to be made for any information supplied or services provided; and

(b) generally, the carrying into effect of the provision of this Act.

Offences

6. Any person who unlawfully interferes with or obstructs a meteorological officer in the exercise of any function under this Act shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

------------------------------------------

(No Subsidiary Legislation.)