OceanTeacher Global Academy

This training course is aimed at researchers at the post-graduate level and provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of marine datasets and formats and the use of software for synthesis and analysis of marine data. The importance of good research data management practices and the role of researchers will also be highlighted. Personal projects are presented by the students at the end of the course.

The course will deliver training in ocean-colour data and their applications in climate studies. Remote sensing experts from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) will guide students through a combination of lectures and computer-based exercises covering the following topics:

1. Introduction to ocean colour;
2. Modelling primary production;
3. Ocean colour applications for ecosystem state assessment;
4. Climate impacts and feedbacks;
5. Ocean colour in data assimilation;
6. Dataset archive, management, visualisation and analysis.

Students will also have opportunity of informal discussion with instructors outside of the formal lectures. A visit of the NERC Earth Observation Data Acquisition and Analysis Service (NEODAAS) that is hosted at PML will be provided.

This training course will focus on raising the awareness for the need for Quality Assurance and Quality Control on Marine Ecosystem-based Management. Participants will be introduced to up-to-date best practices and standards as well as the quality assurance and quality control on marine ecosystem observation, and marine instrument measurement testing, specifically on the four important sectors of the whole process of QA and QC, namely sensors, laboratory, data processing, and product application. The course will use case studies relevant for the Western Pacific.

Overview

The IODE maintains a global network of National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODC) and Associate Data Units (ADU) responsible for the collection, quality control, archive and online publication of many millions of ocean observations. The concept of quality management has become increasingly significant for these centres to meet national and international competency standards for delivery of data products and services. The IODE Quality Management Framework encourages NODCs and ADUs to implement a quality management system which will lead to the accreditation.

Objectives

This training workshop provides an introduction for NODCs and ADUs involved in the development, implementation and management of a Quality Management System which will assist in the adoption of comprehensive management practices and increased confidence in the quality of their data, products and services. The objectives are to:

• Introduce the IODE Quality Management Framework
• Introduce the ISO 9000 series of standards
• Provide a description of a Quality Management System
• Describe the importance of quality management for oceanographic data 
• Describe the accreditation process for NODCs and ADUs

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

• Understand the fundamental requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 international standard
• Identify situations and processes within their own organisations to be included in the quality management system
• Understand the requirements of the IODE accreditation process

Assessment

This is a practical workshop. The participants will work in teams to complete exercises on each topic to reinforce learning and understanding of the requirements for a quality management system and the IODE accreditation for NODCs and ADUs.

This course provides an overview of requirements for organizing a Research Cruise within a project and/or submitting a request for ship time. The course takes place mainly in a classroom but includes a visit to a Marine station and a research vessel, where participants will be introduced to sampling equipment and marine research infrastructure used for onboard research, including demonstrations of the use and maintenance of marine sampling equipment, oceanographic (biological, chemical and physical data) sampling, data collection and data management. 

Basic scientific research requires sound data management practices to support the collection and curation of data to encourage data sharing using internationally agreed rules of data exchange, and to facilitate data discovery and use in the long term. Research Data Management (RDM) covers the planning, creating, storing, organizing, accessing, sharing, describing, publishing and curating of data. RDM is mandated by many funding agencies and increasingly by governments to provide access to funded research results. The management of data, particularly large-scale data, has many challenges, and the roles of researchers, facilities that manage marine data, repositories and libraries are coming together to provide access, preservation and archive of this data and the scholarly products associated with it.

The learning outcomes of this course are to:

• Understand the importance of maintaining integrity (accuracy and completeness) of data.
• Develop skills in writing and implementing a (Research) Data Management Plan, including those associated with Funding agency requirements and mandates.
• Gain knowledge of the terminology of Open Access and Open Data as it applies to Research Data Management.
• Advance knowledge in the current landscape of Research Data Management, and internationally organized efforts to develop standards and tools in this field.
• Recognize the importance of good research data management practice.
• Gain knowledge of the data publishing and citation process.
• Access to European marine data repositories.
• Awareness of main European based marine research projects (e.g. EMODNET, SeaDataCloud, etc)

Research Design, Data Management & Data Communication in Marine Sciences

MOOC 2018 edition Module 1: Project Management

Research Design, Data Management & Data Communication in Marine Sciences - MOOC 2018 edition

Module 2: Data Management

Research Design, Data Management & Data Communication in Marine Sciences

Module 3: Scientific Communication

The Strengthening Sea Level Monitoring and Data Management in East Africa for Coastal Resilience and Community Safety Technical Training – SEAMARCS is a five-day technical capacity development course designed to strengthen national and regional capabilities in sea-level observation, data management, and applied sea-level science within the Sub-Saharan Africa and South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region

The course aims to provide participants with practical and theoretical knowledge required to install, operate and maintain tide gauge stations contributing to the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS). Core content includes:

1. Sea-level measurement technologies, station installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
2. Data telemetry and operational data exchange with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other international data centres
3. Sea-level data processing, quality control (including automated QC using the IOC SLSMF API), tidal analysis and interpretation
4. Fundamental sea-level science, including tides, surges, seiches, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and vertical land motion
5. Practical field exercises, including a site visit to operational tide gauge stations and basic surveying and levelling techniques (optical and GNSS).
6. The training targets technicians, hydrographers, surveyors, and early-career oceanographers who are directly involved in water level observations and data analysis, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and operational problem-solving in a real-world context.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Strengthening Sea Level Monitoring and Data Management in East Africa for Coastal Resilience and Community Safety Technical Training – SEAMARCS, participants will be able to:

 Identify and describe the main sea-level measurement technologies used in GLOSS tide gauge stations and explain their operational strengths and limitations.

• Configure and manage data telemetry systems to enable timely transmission of sea-level data from national stations to the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other relevant international data centres.
• Apply standard sea-level data processing and quality control procedures, including the use of automated quality control tools and the IOC SLSMF API.
• Interpret sea-level time series (mareograms) to identify and distinguish physical phenomena such as tides, seiches, storm surges, tsunamis, and longer-term sea-level variability.
• Perform basic tidal analysis and explain the concept and use of tidal datums in hydrographic, oceanographic, and maritime applications.
• Explain the role of vertical land motion and site stability in sea-level observations and integrate levelling and GNSS information into station assessments.
• Demonstrate practical field skills through site visits and hands-on exercises, including basic surveying and inspection of operational tide gauge infrastructure.

Course content

The training will support the subsequent installation of SEAMARCS tide gauge stations at locations in Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelle. The training will strengthen the technical and operational capacities of personnel responsible for sea-level monitoring systems and associated data management in participating countries. The training will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge on tide gauge operation, calibration, maintenance, quality control and data management.

The training combines theoretical lectures, practical exercises, system demonstrations, and a field visit to ensure participants gain applied operational skills in sea-level observation and data management.

1. Introduction and Regional Context

• Overview of the GLOSS and its role within IOC programmes
• Network reports and experience-sharing by participating Member States
• Regional sea-level monitoring challenges and priorities in the Indian Ocean region

2. Sea-Level Measurement Technologies

• Overview of sea-level measurement principles
• Types of tide gauges and sensors used in GLOSS stations
• Strengths, limitations, and suitability of different technologies for operational monitoring

3. Tide Gauge Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

• Anatomy and components of a tide gauge station
• Installation requirements and best practices
• Routine maintenance procedures and operational checks
• Troubleshooting common technical problems affecting station performance

4. Data Telemetry and International Data Exchange

• Data transmission systems and telemetry options
• Establishing and maintaining data delivery links with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF)
• Overview of other international and GLOSS sea-level data centres
• Practical troubleshooting session to establish or improve data links

5. Sea-Level Data Processing and Quality Control

• Introduction to sea-level data formats and processing workflows
• Manual and automated quality control procedures
• Use of the IOC SLSMF API for automated quality control
• Practical exercises using real sea-level datasets
• Tidal analysis using TTide

6. Sea-Level Science and Data Interpretation

• Interpretation of mareograms and sea-level records
• Identification of physical processes affecting sea level, including:
• Tides
• Seiches
• Storm surges
• Tsunamis
• Sea-level rise and variability
• Overview of tidal analysis methods and tidal datums

7. Vertical Land Motion and Site Stability

• Concepts of vertical land motion (VLM) and its impact on sea-level observations
• Theory of levelling methods (optical levelling and GNSS)
• Integration of GNSS and levelling data with sea-level observations
• Overview of GNSS and VLM data centres supporting sea-level monitoring

8. Practical Field Activities

• Site visit to an operational tide gauge station
• Hands-on inspection of station components and surroundings
• Basic surveying and levelling exercises in the field
• Application of learned concepts in a real operational environment

Target audience 

The training is intended for professionals from IOC Member States in Sub-Saharan Africa and SWIO region who are currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea-level observation and data management activities. Specifically, the target audience includes:

• Technicians responsible for the operation and maintenance of tide gauge stations including the prospective SEAMARCS stations
• Hydrographers and surveyors working with coastal and water level measurements
• Data analysts involved in processing and quality control of sea-level data
• Early-career or entry-level oceanographers engaged in sea-level or coastal observation programmes

Participants are typically affiliated with national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institutions contributing, or planning to contribute, sea-level data to IOC systems such as GLOSS and the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF).

Prerequisites

• No prior specialised knowledge of tides or advanced sea-level science is required
• Basic understanding of oceanographic or tidal concepts is desirable
• Basic computer skills are required, including the ability to work with digital data and software tools
• Some familiarity with water level data processing requirements or operational measurement environments is expected
• Willingness and ability to participate in hands-on fieldwork, including a site visit to a tide gauge station and basic survey exercises

Selection Criteria

Professional relevance

• Candidates must be currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea‑level observation, tide gauge operation, or water‑level data analysis within a national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institution

 Institutional role and applicability

 Priority is given to nominees whose responsibilities allow them to directly apply the training outcomes to the operation, maintenance, or data management of tide gauge stations contributing to GLOSS and IOC systems

 Regional eligibility

• Applicants have been selected from countries which are in the scope of the SEAMARCS project and a follow-on project.

 Basic computer skills

• Some familiarity with water‑level data processing or measurement environments
• An ability to participate fully in hands‑on technical and field activities

 Language proficiency

• Sufficient working knowledge of English, as the training will be conducted entirely in English

Commitment to full participation

• Availability to attend the entire onsite training period (29 June – 03 July 2026), including practical sessions and the site visit
• Gender and geographic balance (where applicable)
• Selection may take into account equitable geographic representation and gender balance, in line with IOC capacity development principles

Course language: English

Instructors

• Angela Hibbert
• Jeff Pugh
• Francisco Hernandez
• Sinibaldo Canhanga

Duration: 37 hours - 5 days onsite

Learner assessment

Written and oral assessments throughout the training course

Certificate

After completing the written and oral assessment, and the feedback survey, a certificate will be provided.

Technology requirements

Participants should be able to:

• Use a personal computer confidently, including basic operating system functions (file management, installing or running software, connecting to networks)
• Work with digital datasets, including opening, viewing, and managing sea-level or time‑series data files
• Use common productivity software, such as spreadsheets and document viewers, to review, organize, and inspect data outputs
• Access and use web-based platforms and online tools, including browser-based data portals and APIs demonstrated during the training (e.g. IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility tools)

Technical Skills:

• Basic knowledge of water level data processing requirements, sufficient to follow instruction on data quality control and analysis workflows
• Familiarity with digital communication and data transmission concepts, supporting understanding of telemetry and data exchange with international data centres

Willingness and ability to engage in hands-on technical sessions, including practical exercises using IOC tools, APIs, and real sea-level dataset

Venue

Hotel Tivoli Maputo, Av. 25 Setembro, nº 1321

340 Maputo, Moçambique

Organisers

• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO‑IOC)’s Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS)
  Ex-employees of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), United Kingdom
• Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
• UNESCO‑IOC Project Office for IODE (Ostend, Belgium)

Contacts

For course organization, please contact: Angela Hibbert (course organiser)

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

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.