Procedures to collect and reduce shipboard acoustic current profiles (ADCP) for application to quantitative estimates of transport variation on a synoptic scale are described. Transport estimates based on data from five consecutive cruises across the eastern Caribbean are discussed in terms of ensemble averaging and vertical smoothing of ADCP records and satellite navigation procedures. Comparison of smoothed ADCP with Pegasus dropsonde current profiles indicates an error of 4 cm s-1 for Earth-referenced ADCP eastward velocities. Comparisons with geostrophic current estimates in an area of significant and irregular ageostrophic effects indicate shipboard ADCP as a more accurate and reliable method for establishing seasonal and spatial variability of transport within instrument specific depth limitations. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1989