The Ship Observations Team (SOT) was established to build on synergies between the three Panels involved in coordinating global ship-based observing programmes, i.e. the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Scheme, the Ship-of-Opportunity Programme (SOOP), and the Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (ASAP), with a view to an eventual possible full-integration of ship-based observing systems on commercial and research vessels. Membership to the Team is open, and comprises operators of VOS, SOOP and ASAP, as well as representatives from other groups using ships as observing platforms. It also includes representatives from: monitoring centres; data management centres and bodies; INMARSAT and other communication systems; manufacturers; scientific advisory bodies; and users as appropriate. The SOT-8 will commence at 09:00 hours on Monday, 20 April 2015. It will consist of a common session for the three programmes; the nineth session of the VOS Panel (VOSP); and the eleventh session of the SOOP Implementation Panel (SOOPIP). As for previous Sessions ASAP aspects will be considered as part of the VOSP Session and the relevant SOT Task Team. In this respect, it should be noted that a Scientific and Technical Workshop on New Initiatives and New Developments will take place on the first day of the meeting. The session will be conducted in English language.