In September 1993, a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) was signed between IOC, WMO and ICSU on the co-sponsorship of the Joint GOOS Scientific and Technical Committee. The three co-sponsors agreed to establish a Joint GOOS Scientific and Technical Committee (J-GOOS) which should operate in accordance with the following principles:

1. The IOC-WMO Intergovernmental Committee for GOOS (I-GOOS) is the recognized forum for discussion between governments of the nations participating in GOOS, for the commitment of resources for GOOS implementation and related oversight.
2. The J-GOOS will be recognized as the primary international body responsible for the scientifically based design and planning phases and testing of GOOS, and related oversight.
3. The initial sponsors of J-GOOS should be IOC, WMO and ICSU. The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research of ICSU, being the principal ICSU body responsible for matters relating to ocean research, and, at the same time, the principal Scientific Advisory Body to the IOC, shall be involved in the scientifically based design and planning for GOOS.
4. The Executive Heads of IOC, WMO and ICSU after consultation with the appropriate Members of their organizations and in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Annex to this Memorandum, shall jointly:
   
   1. Appoint the Chairman and members of J-GOOS,
   2. Arrange for the expansion of the existing GOOS Support Office located within the IOC Secretariat to include a J-GOOS Director and staff,
   3. Arrange for the necessary financial support for J-GOOS and its support staff in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of the Annex to this Memorandum,
   4. Ensure the development of an appropriate mechanism for the co-ordination of I-GOOS and J-GOOS activities, and taking into account the financial support, staff, etc. made available by the sponsoring organizations of the two bodies.

The J-GOOS held four sessions: