The IPMA
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, I. P. (IPMA, I.P.) is a public institute, part of the Portuguese state's indirect administration, endowed with administrative and financial autonomy and its own assets. It is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Sea, under the superintendence and oversight of the respective minister. It takes on responsibilities concerning national territory with regards to the sea and atmosphere, concentrating its investigative efforts on projects with direct operational application, seeking progressive improvement to the information it provides to its users, whether intended for both commercial endeavors or as a public service, with a particular concern in the latter case, with the safety of people and property.