SP_ODM2026
Ocean Data Management 2026
This online, fully self-paced training course provides a comprehensive introduction to the management of marine data, including the guiding principles of data management and typical responsibilities for data managers, data stewards and scientists.
This course is developed by, and for, marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data.
During this training course, you will be introduced to several general aspects related to the management of marine data, including, metadata, quality control, data policy, data sharing and publishing, data management plans and the research data life cycle. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe and implement the core tasks required for the processing of marine data, explain the importance of metadata, advise researchers on the research data life cycle and explain why a good data management plan is key from the very first initiation steps of a project.
Needs and priorities
This training contributes to IOC action on enhancing the capacity of its Member States to access technology, physical infrastructure, data and information (output 2; IOC Capacity Development Strategy, 2023-2030).
It links to IOC Strategic Plan for Ocean Data and Information Management (2023-2029) by adding to the support of community data principles such as FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable), CARE (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, Ethics), and TRUST (Transparency, Responsibility, User Focus, Sustainability, Technology); and by providing training to facilitate publishing of research findings by scientists (with special attention to scientists in developing countries).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this training, participants should be able to:
- Describe the phases of the Research Data Life Cycle
- Explain the concept of a Data Management Plan
- Explain the concept and importance of metadata
- identify suitable file formats for data preservation and sharing
- Identify appropriate repositories for your data
- Summarise the goal of assigning a data licence
- Explain the common concerns related to data reuse
Course content
- General overview of data management, its principles and organisation
- Research Data Life Cycle
- Data Management Plan
- Open & FAIR data
- Data licences
- Metadata
- Data standards & quality control
Target audience
This course is open to any person interested in learning about Ocean Data Management.
It was prepared for: marine data managers, data stewards and researchers, working in institutions responsible for the collection and good management of marine data.
Language and computer skills required:
- a good working knowledge of English
- basic computer skills
- the ability to find resources through search engines
- the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)
Instructors/Organisers
This course is organised by the OceanTeacher Global Academy with the assistance of the Flanders Marine Institute, with the contribuitions of:
- Leen Vandepitte
- Greg Reed
- Katrina Exter
- Laurian Van Maldeghem
- Marie Robberecht
- Charlotte Dhondt
- Ruben Perez Perez
- Alice Pohle
Course duration and format
The course will be delivered online continuously on a yearly basis. This cohort is open until 31 December 2026. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 35 hours.
Learner Assessment
This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:
- complete all lessons in each Module of the course;
- successfully complete the pre- and post-assessment; and
- complete all quizzes (70% minimum score for each quiz).
Note: submitting the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate.
Technology requirements
To complete this course, participants should have access to:
- Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
- Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
How to enroll
Please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is approved (this is not done immediately), you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enroll in the course using your OceanExpert username and password. Enrolment is available till 31 December 2026.
First log in OceanTeacher, then access the course page and click on self-enrollment.
The enrolment key is Odm**2026
For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.
There are no tuition fees.
UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
Feedback survey
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.
Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset (February 2026)
The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) is a partnership of UK organisations committed to improving access to marine data. MEDIN is open to all with an interest in marine data and information. MEDIN is funded by a consortium of 16 sponsors and has over 60 partners that represent government departments and agencies, research organisations and private companies committed to practise good data management. MEDIN reports to the UK Marine Science Coordination Committee.
This ONLINE course demonstrates how data management ‘best practice’ can improve organisational efficiency in data acquisition, analysis, curation and sharing. It covers data use with respect to corporate risk, re-use, audit and traceability, whilst at the same time helping minimising costs.
The course will equip attendees to better meet the challenge of keeping on top of the ever-increasing volumes and types of data that is being created and how to manage this data and make it available to users as meaningful information, whether using proprietary or open-source software and systems as enablers.
Aims & Objectives
The course aims to give participants a broad understanding of data governance, management principles, and system components and how data can be published information and re-used with a focus on the tools that the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) provides as examples of best practice.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of MEDIN and why data management is important and how it can reduce costs, risk, and add value through extending its original purpose.
- An understanding of the fundamentals of how data is collected, managed, published and used plus how important metadata is!
- An appreciation of data management components based on the International Data Management Association Book of Knowledge (DM-BOK)
- Knowledge of the importance of metadata and practical guidance in its creation, maintenance and dissemination
- Have an appreciation of the need to use words, phrases and terms to describe or explain marine data content and to understand how controlled vocabularies are used within the MEDIN standard and guidelines
- Appreciate how geospatial data can be accurately represented
- Understand the role and value of adopting data governance and how this relates to business management and corporate governance.
- Understand what discovery metadata is, what the MEDIN discovery metadata standard is and how it is used on the MEDIN portal.
- Be able to use the online metadata editor and metadata maestro to create MEDIN compliant discovery metadata records.
- Understand the ways in which data is now published and considerations associated with sharing and re-use
- Appreciate that the MEDIN data guidelines are a tool to create consistent datasets with comprehensive metadata, that allows data to be shared, understood and reused by others with ease.
Course content
The course comprises a series of presentations, demonstrations and check-point reviews, with a large practical element to help users become familiar with:
- Why data management is important and how it can and arguably should be part of an organisations business management framework alongside quality, occupational health and safety, and information security, all of which are covered by ISO accreditation.
- The role of a data policy and management plan, and things to consider and how data can be shared, published and re-used.
- Data management principles, standards and components, including data lifecycle and quality, the role of vocabularies (or data dictionaries) and the importance of creating, maintaining and publishing metadata.
- The resources and other benefits of MEDIN and practical instruction in the use of the MEDIN data guidelines, metadata standard and controlled vocabularies.
Course modules include:
- Module 1. Course content and objectives
- Module 2. Introduction to MEDIN as an exemplar data partnership and management framework
- Module 3. Data management overview, principles and organisation
- Module 4. Data in a Business Management Framework (Policy, Planning, Review)
- Module 5. Standards Overview
- Module 6. Data management components frameworks and infrastructure
- Module 7. Practical session
- Module 8. MEDIN Data Guidelines
- Module 9. Data Sharing and Publishing
- Module 10. Course Summary
Target audience and prerequisites
This training course is suitable for anyone responsible for collecting or managing marine environmental data in the public sector, industry, or for education or research, for example:
- Existing and potential data managers who wish to gain an overview of data governance, policy and principles and/or want to learn more about using the MEDIN metadata standard data guidelines in their day to day work.
- Contractors who want to implement good data management practice and/or have been asked to supply MEDIN compliant metadata.
- Bachelors/masters/PhD students or recent graduates interested in data management best practice and adding to their professional skill set.
Pre-requisites: An understanding of marine data collection is beneficial, however no prior knowledge of MEDIN or data management is required. Familiarity with different marine data types, and how data is acquired and used, would be helpful but not essential. Prior knowledge or practical experience in data management is not required.
Language of Instruction: English
Instructors
- Roseanna Wright (MEDIN/NOC)
- Colm Walsh (MEDIN/NOC)
- Alice Rysiecki (MEDIN/NOC)
- Chloe Figueroa-Ashforth (DASSH/MBA)
- Mike Osborne (OceanWise)
Course Format and Duration
The course takes place over 5 days with online lectures delivered in live sessions (2-3 hours, with regular breaks) in the mornings (UK time) and independent-study and practical assignments in the afternoons.
Monday-Friday: approx. 09:00-12:00 GMT/BST + drop-in sessions 14:00-14:30 GMT/BST
Attendance not mandatory, sessions are recorded.
Application Process
Please self-enroll on the course on the OceanTeacher Global Academy e-Learning Platform:
The course enrolment key can be requested from the course organiser (MEDIN). Number of places is limited to 60 participants.
Contacts:
-
MEDIN: Roseanna Wright (roswri@bodc.ac.uk) (Course Organiser)
-
OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org
In case of need for further clarifications please use the contacts above, always using as email subject:
(Online) Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset, February 2026
Costs
No tuition fee.
This course is organised by MEDIN in collaboration with UNESCO IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy.
More information about MEDIN's workshops can be found on https://www.medin.org.uk/medin-workshops
Assessment and Certificates
A combination of quizzes and assignments to ensure understanding and practical application of knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
Certificates will be issues based on the required activities (chapters, quizzes and assignments) for each pathway (Governance, Practical MEDIN, or Combined) being completed.
The course has been awarded official recognition as contributing to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology’s (IMarEST’s) members.
Feedback survey:
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.
Cancellation policy:
In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
OBIS2026EN
Contributing and publishing datasets to OBIS (self-paced)
The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) is the most comprehensive gateway to the world’s ocean biodiversity and biogeographic data and information. OBIS provides open access to this quality-controlled data that adhere to biodiversity standards (Darwin Core, EML). This course is a continuation of the Contributing and publishing datasets to OBIS (self-paced), which remained open only for staff and collaborators of OBIS Nodes (under invitation of OBIS Secretariat).
The aim of this course is to teach the step-by-step basics for how to format and publish datasets according to these standards to contribute to OBIS, and adopt best practices in the management of marine life data. This training course is self-guided and designed to teach learners how to structure datasets to contribute to OBIS. The course will guide users step-by-step through the OBIS data life cycle, including: identifying an appropriate data structure, applying Darwin Core Archive formatting, conducting quality control steps, publishing data, and accessing data from OBIS.
This course is an updated version - 2025/2026.
Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.
https://oceanexpert.org/event/4930
Watch the video below for a brief overview and introduction by the course instructor, Elizabeth Lawrence.
Learning goals
- Describe the OBIS data life cycle
- Restructure a flat dataset into a Darwin Core-Archive format, following OBIS best practices
- Identify appropriate Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) vocabulary for your dataset
- Interpret and resolve quality control flags
- Publish data and metadata on an IPT
- Obtain OBIS data from the Mapper tool, R, API
Target audience
Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.
Course content
The course is divided into the following Modules:
Module 1. Introduction to data publishing and Darwin Core
Module 2. Introduction to data formatting
Module 3. Formatting data tables
Module 4. DNA Derived Data
Module 5. Controlled Vocabulary
Module 6. Conducting Quality Control
Module 7. Publishing your Data
Module 8. Accessing Data from OBIS
These modules will cover:
- Darwin Core standards (Relational databases, Core and Extension tables)
- Formatting data to publish in OBIS (Creating Event, Occurrence, and ExtendedMeasurementOrFact tables; Mapping standardized vocabulary; Using World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) Taxon Match tool; Understand how to compile genetic, acoustic, habitat, imaging, and/or tracking data for OBIS)
- Conducting quality control (Dealing with uncertain data fields e.g. temporal, spatial, taxonomic; Troubleshooting difficult data types or missing data)
- Publishing data (Filling metadata; Using, publishing, and updating datasets on IPT)
- Accessing and downloading data from OBIS (Full data exports, R, API; Using Mapper tool to subset data)
Duration
This is a 32-hour self-paced online course (asynchronously), open continuously from 15 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Lead Instructor
- Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence (OBIS training officer)
Other course contributors
- Carolina Peralta Brichtova
- Ruben Perez Perez
- Pieter Provoost
- Saara Suominen
- Leen Vandepitte
- Marcos Zárate
- Mr. Ward Appeltans (OBIS project manager)
Language
English
Learner assessment
This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:
- complete all lessons in each Module of the course;
- complete all quizzes (80% minimum score);
- submit the assignments and receive a minimum grade of 80% or 'satisfactory' according to the exercise type.
Note: Filling in the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate, as well as a pre and post assessment.
Pre-requisites:
- be a staff or collaborator in an OBIS Node
- a working knowledge of English
- background knowledge in biological and marine sciences
- basic computer skills (either Windows or Mac systems)
- the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)
Technology requirements
To complete this course, participants should have access to:
- Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
- JavaScript and cookies enabled
- Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
- Speakers or headphones, Microphone
How to enrol
If you are a member of an OBIS node, please contact OBIS secretariat (helpdesk@obis.org) for instructions on how to enroll.
For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) or the OBIS secretariat (helpdesk@obis.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.
UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Participation from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
Costs
There are no tuition fees.
This training course has been developed with financial support from NORAD and LifeWatch ERIC.
Feedback survey
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.
Cancellation policy:
In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
MSPglobal2024EN
MSPglobal Online Training Course (ENGLISH)
This course covers a wide range of topics related to marine/maritime spatial planning (MSP), including the connections with integrated ocean governance approaches, the process for developing a marine spatial plan, and how to use a marine spatial plan at the global, regional, and local levels. It will explore the definition and elements of an effective MSP from a theoretical perspective and further present how these theoretical approaches are delivered through the MSP process.
The learning resources explain the importance of marine spatial planning (MSP) and the activities aim to increase understanding about how to develop a marine spatial plan, how to use this plan for better decision-making, the importance of setting the scene for plan development, how to conduct inclusive stakeholder engagement, gender considerations, transboundary aspects, and robust data evidence. The course also has case studies from around the world exploring different approaches to MSP development and uses of marine spatial plans.
MSPglobal2024ES
Curso de formación en línea de MSPglobal (ESPAÑOL)
), su relación con otros enfoques de gobernanza integrada de los océanos, el proceso de elaboración de un plan espacial marino/marítimo y cómo utilizar un plan espacial marino/marítimo. Explora la definición y los elementos de la planificación espacial marina/marítima efectiva desde una perspectiva teórica y luego presenta cómo se aplican estos enfoques teóricos a través del proceso PEM.
Se explorará la importancia de la planificación espacial marina/marítima (PEM) y se realizarán actividades de aprendizaje para apoyar la comprensión de la PEM, cómo desarrollar un plan espacial marino/marítimo y cómo utilizar la PEM para una buena toma de decisiones. Se explorará la importancia de establecer el escenario para el desarrollo del plan, la participación inclusiva de las partes interesadas y las consideraciones de género, los aspectos transfronterizos y la evidencia de datos sólidos como base de la PEM. Se incluirán estudios de casos de todo el mundo sobre distintos enfoques de la elaboración y el uso de planes espaciales marinos/marítimos.
MSPglobal2024FR
Cours de formation en ligne de MSPglobal (FRANÇAIS)
Planification de l’Espace Marin/Maritime (PEM), sa relation avec d'autres approches de gouvernance intégrée de l’océan, le processus d'élaboration d'un plan de l’espace marin et comment l’utiliser. Il explore la définition et les éléments d'un plan de l’espace marin efficace d'un point de vue théorique et cherche ensuite à présenter la mise en œuvre de ces approches théoriques dans le cadre du processus de PEM.
Planification de l’Espace Marin/Maritime (PEM) sera explorée et des activités d'apprentissage seront organisées pour aider à comprendre la PEM, comment développer un plan d'espace marin et comment utiliser la PEM pour une bonne prise de décision. L'importance de préparer le contexte pour le développement du plan, l'engagement inclusif des parties prenantes et les considérations de genre, les aspects transfrontaliers ainsi que l’acquisition des données solides comme base de la planification de l'espace marin seront explorés. Des études de cas provenant du monde entier et portant sur différentes approches de l'élaboration et de l'utilisation des PEM seront également présentées.
TsunamiAware2024
UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Awareness
This online, self-paced course is the first of a series of tsunami courses organized by the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Resilience Section and its Tsunami Information Centres. Tsunami Awareness provides a basic understanding of the tsunami phenomenon, tsunami hazards and risks, tsunami warning systems, and tsunami preparedness. Tsunami Awareness is a pre-requisite for enrolling in later UNESCO-IOC tsunami courses.
Learning outcomes
The purpose of this course is to create awareness on tsunamis. By the end of the training, you should be able to:
- Describe the tsunami phenomena, and the causes and impacts of tsunamis.
- Understand what a tsunami warning system is, how tsunami warning centres work, and what products they issue.
- Explain the different preparedness actions that communities can take to be ready for the next tsunami
- Identify the natural tsunami warning signs and response actions for a local tsunami
Course content
The course is divided into the following lessons:
- Lesson 1. Tsunami Basics. The goal of this lesson is to introduce basic tsunami science, including the hazards produced by tsunamis, the causes and generation mechanisms of tsunamis, the propagation of tsunamis, and the ways tsunamis manifest themselves near or at the shore.
- Lesson 2. Tsunami Warning Systems. The goal of this lesson is to provide an overview of an end-to-end tsunami warning system with a focus on the operational components of a tsunami warning system, the processes involved in detecting and warning for a tsunami, and the products issued by a tsunami warning centre.
- Lesson 3. Tsunami Preparedness. The goal of this lesson is to highlight the importance of preparedness, with a focus on community response strategies that will effectively reduce tsunami risk.
- Resources. Tsunami Glossary. The UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Glossary (2019) includes the definitions of tsunami-related technical terms, and information on the global intergovernmental coordination groups for tsunami warning and mitigation.
Target audience
The audience for this course includes Government decision-makers and Community leaders, Emergency management officials, Response personnel, such as Police, Fire, and First Responders, Coastal Zone managers and planners, School principals and staff, Public and Private sector, including Tourism sector, non-government organizations, Media, General Public.
Proficiency in the following is required:
- The ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)
- Basic computer skills
- Finding resources through search engines
Language of instruction
English
Certificate
This is a self-paced course that includes presentations and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a certificate of completion, the following is mandatory:
- Complete all modules/topics in sequence. You cannot proceed to the next lesson or activity before completing the preceding lesson.
- Complete the Post Test and receive a pass grade 70%. The Post Test should take up to about 1 hour and 3 attempts are allowed.
A Tsunami Awareness certificate is a pre-requisite for all later UNESCO-IOC Tsunami courses.
Technology requirements
To complete this course, participants should have access to:
- Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
- Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
Pre-requisites
No
Course duration and format
The course will be available online between 20 January 2025 and 15 December 2025. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 6 hours.
How to enrol
Please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is approved (this is not done immediately), you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert username and password. Enrolment is available until 15 December 2025.
- Step 1. Log in OceanTeacher, then access the course page https://classroom.oceanteacher.org/course/view.php?id=707
- Step 2. Click on self-enrolment. The enrolment key for the course is: Aware2025
The self-paced course will be open until 15 December 2025 (23:59 CEST: Central European Time).
UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as the email subject.
Contacts
- OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org
For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat always using the name of the course as the email subject.
Costs: There are no tuition fees.
Feedback survey
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses. Note: submitting the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate.
Cancellation policy
In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
TsunamiReady2024
UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready
This online course is the second of a series of tsunami courses organized by the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Resilience Section and its Tsunami Information Centres. Tsunami Ready provides a basic understanding of the tsunami hazards and the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready programme.
Note: The successful completion of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Awareness is a pre-requisite for enrolling in this course. Go to https://oceanexpert.org/event/4369 for details on how to enrol in the Tsunami Awareness course.
Learning outcomes
The purpose of this course is to introduce the concept, process and indicators of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. By the end of the training, you should be able to:
- Describe tsunami hazards and tsunami early warning system.
- Describe the background and importance of Tsunami Ready.
- Explain general information about the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme.
- Explain the process to obtain UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready recognition
- List the 12 UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme indicators.
Course content
The course is divided into the following lessons:
Lesson 1. Tsunami Ready Background. This lesson will review the global tsunami hazards, discuss the global coordination of the Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System and learn about the history of Tsunami Ready (UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme).
Lesson 2. Tsunami Ready Implementation Process. This lesson will describe the implementation and recognition process of Tsunami Ready, review the roles of the National Tsunami Ready Board, Regional Tsunami Ready Board, Tsunami Ready Local Committee and Tsunami National Contacts.
Lesson 3. Tsunami Ready Indicators. This lesson will describe the 12 UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Indicators.
Target audience
The audience for this course includes:
- Persons whose line of work is in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
- Staff of Disaster Management Offices
- Staff of Tsunami Warning Centres
- Non-Government Organizations
- Scientist-researchers from the University or research agencies
- Community members interested in applying for UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition
Proficient in the following is required:
- The ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)
- Basic computer skills
- Finding resources through search engines
Language of instruction
English
Certificate
This is a self-paced course that includes presentations and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a certificate of completion, the following is mandatory:
- Complete all modules/topics in sequence. You cannot proceed to the next lesson or activity before completing the preceding lesson.
- Complete the Post Test and receive a pass grade 70%. The Post Test should take up to about 1 hour and 3 attempts are allowed.
Technology requirements
To complete this course, participants should have access to:
- Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
- Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
Pre-requisites
The successful completion of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Awareness course.
Course duration and format
The course will be available online between 17 January 2025 and 15 December 2025. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 6 hours.
How to enrol
If you have successfully completed the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Awareness then you will be provided with details on how to enrol.
UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as the email subject.
Contacts
- OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org
For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat always using the name of the course as the email subject.
There are no tuition fees.
Feedback survey
At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.
Please note that filling out the feedback survey is a criteria to obtain the certificate
Cost: This course has no tuition fees.
Cancellation policy
In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.
SP_OL_Gen
Ocean Literacy: Why the ocean should matter to us all (Self Paced)
We all depend on the ocean, yet Ocean Literacy needs to be further enhanced worldwide. Ocean Literacy (OL) is ‘the understanding of human influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on people’. It is not only about increasing awareness on the state of the ocean, but it is also about providing tools and approaches to transform ocean knowledge into actions that promote ocean sustainability.
This is a self-taught course that includes presentations, references and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a Certificate, it is a requirement to complete all quizzes ((unlimited attempts allowed).
To enrol, please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is Approved, you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert user name and password.
The enrolment key is Ol**2025
SP_OL_Gov
Mainstreaming Ocean Literacy in Governance (Self Paced)
The ocean provides numerous public benefits yet there is a pressing need to further mainstream Ocean Literacy in governance. Ocean Literacy (OL) is ‘the understanding of human influence on the Ocean and the Ocean’s influence on people’. This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This is a self-taught course that includes presentations, references and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a Certificate, it is a requirement to complete all quizzes ((unlimited attempts allowed).
To enrol, please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is Approved, you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert user name and password.
The enrolment key is Ol**2025
SP_OL_Edu
Educating about the Ocean: Waves of change (Self Paced)
The ocean provides numerous public benefits yet there is a pressing need to further mainstream Ocean Literacy in governance. Ocean Literacy (OL) is ‘the understanding of human influence on the Ocean and the Ocean’s influence on people’. This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This is a self-taught course that includes presentations, references and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a Certificate, it is a requirement to complete all quizzes ((unlimited attempts allowed).
To enrol, please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is Approved, you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert user name and password.
The enrolment key is Ol**2025
SP_OL_Media
iSea Stories: Understanding the Ocean for Media and Press (Self Paced)
The ocean provides numerous public benefits yet there is a pressing need to further mainstream Ocean Literacy in governance. Ocean Literacy (OL) is ‘the understanding of human influence on the Ocean and the Ocean’s influence on people’. This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This course will provide government officials with an overview of the importance of the Ocean. It will showcase the ocean as a source for development, present challenges and introduce tools and approaches for decision-making and governance regarding ocean sustainability.
This is a self-taught course that includes presentations, references and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a Certificate, it is a requirement to complete all quizzes ((unlimited attempts allowed).
To enrol, please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is Approved, you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert user name and password.
The enrolment key is Ol**2025
SP_OLArchitect
Ocean Literacy Training for architects and urban planners (self-paced)
The ocean is intrinsically connected to our lives, our coast, our heritage, architecture, and to how our cities are planned. Ocean Literacy (OL) is the understanding of human influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on people.
This course will provide architects, urban planners, marine planners, and designers with an overview of the importance of the ocean and how to consider it when planning and designing. It will showcase examples of how the ocean can be considered in diverse scales, from the design of a small product that can later connect to the ocean with its materials, the design of buildings and infrastructure that interact with the architecture and infrastructure and the overall planning of our cities, which have a deep interaction with our oceanic common systems. This training aims to provide professionals with diverse tools so they can consider sustainable ways to consider the ocean in their decision-making process.
This is a self-taught course that includes presentations, references and quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and receive a Certificate, it is a requirement to complete all quizzes ((unlimited attempts allowed).
To enrol, please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is Approved, you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert user name and password.
The enrolment key is Ol**2025