There was, during the recent world war, and is still, an urgent A need to provide coverage over meteorological conditions in the North Atlantic, with particular reference to temperate and high latitudes, where changes are rapid and non-seasonal. In addition, and of great importance to the security of trans-ocean flying, is the need to provide intermediate points on the air routes for air-sea-rescue duties and to act, if required, as communication links. If ships can be permanently stationed at specially selected points they can form valuable additions to the W/T direction-finding network, and more accurate fixes will be obtained of any distress signals which may be sent out by aircraft.