The seven French agencies concerned by ocean research are developing together a strong capability in operational oceanography based on a triad including satellite altimetry (JASON), numerical modelling with assimilation (MERCATOR), and in-situ data (CORIOLIS). The CORIOLIS project aims to build a pre-operational structure to collect, validate and distribute ocean data (temperature/salinity profiles and currents) to the scientific community and modellers. The four goals of CORIOLIS are: • To build up a data management centre, part of the ARGO network for the GODAE experiment, able to provide quality-controlled data in real time and delay modes; • To contribute to ARGO floats deployment mainly in the Atlantic with about 300 floats during the 2001-2005 period; • To develop and improve the technology of the profiling Provor floats as a contribution to Argo; • To integrate into CORIOLIS other data presently collected at sea by French agencies from surface drifting buoys, PIRATA deep sea moorings, oceanographic research vessels (XBT, thermosalinograph and ADCP transmitted on a daily basis). By the end of 2005, recommendations will be done to transform the CORIOLIS activity into a permanent, routine contribution to ocean measurement, in accordance with international plans that will follow the ARGO/GODAE experiment.