Best practices for Core Argo floats: Getting started, physical handling, metadata, and data considerations. Version 1. [GOOS ENDORSED PRACTICE]

Argo floats have been deployed in the global ocean for over 20 years. The Core mission of the Argo program (Core Argo) has contributed well over 2 million profiles of salinity and temperature of the upper 2000 m for a variety of operational and scientific applications. Core Argo floats have evolved such that the program currently consists of more than eight types of Core Argo float, some of which belong to second or third generation developments, three unique satellite communication systems and two types of Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) sensor systems. Coupled with a well-established data management system, with delayed mode quality control, makes for a very successful ocean observing network. Here we present the Best Practices for Core Argo floats in terms of float types, physical handling and deployments, recommended metadata parameters and the data management system. The objective is to encourage new and developing scientists, research teams and institutions to contribute to the OneArgo Program, specifically to the Core Argo mission. Only by leveraging sustained contributions of current Core Argo float groups with new and emerging Argo teams and users, can the OneArgo initiative be realised. This paper makes involvement with the Core Argo mission smoother by providing a framework endorsed by a wide community for these observations.