Division 1 Euro-Argo ERIC shall:

supervise the operation of the infrastructure and ensure that it evolves in accordance with the requirements set forth by the research and operational communities;

coordinate and supervise float deployments to ensure that International Argo and Euro-Argo objectives are fulfilled (e.g. contribution to the International Argo global array, filling gaps, improved regional coverage in the European regional and marginal seas, open data access);

supervise and organise data processing, quality control, and access to ensure easy and timely availability to all users;

monitor the operation of the infrastructure (e.g. array performance monitoring);

decide on the evolution of the Euro-Argo infrastructure (e.g. data system, products, technology and new sensors, number of floats deployed per year);

share expertise on all scientific/technological developments and use of International Argo data;

organise float procurement at the European level;

carry out continuous research and development required for the evolution of the observing array (e.g. float technology) and of the data delivery system;

maintain the links with the research and operational (including GMES/Copernicus Marine Service) user communities; and

liaise with the International Argo infrastructure (Argo Project Office, international Argo Steering Team, Argo Information Centre). The European infrastructure will complement and strengthen the international one; it will consolidate and make more efficient the European contributions to International Argo and develop a leading European role in International Argo and its future evolution.