
Course in Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance
The Course in Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Prepares you to understand how ocean data is shared, regulated and negotiated internationally. You will study the UNCLOS framework for marine scientific research, the IOC-U
Prior Knowledge Assessment
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What is the Course in Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance?
The Course in Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance
Prepares you to understand how ocean data is shared, regulated and negotiated internationally. You will study the UNCLOS framework for marine scientific research, the IOC-UNESCO data exchange policy, the BBNJ Agreement and digital sequence information, the FAIR and CARE principles, data sovereignty and digital cooperation. You will also learn to take part in the digital governance of the ocean with sound technical judgement and diplomatic skill.
Key advantages
- An emerging field: A key area of international ocean cooperation.
- Real frameworks: UNCLOS, IOC-UNESCO, the BBNJ Agreement and the UN Ocean Decade.
- Technical and political: Data, infrastructure and negotiation in one course.
- A focus on equity: Capacity building, technology transfer and Indigenous data.
- Case study: A proposed data-sharing agreement.
Programme highlights
- Know the framework: Master the international law that applies to marine data.
- Share by the rules: Apply the FAIR and CARE principles.
- Understand the interests: Analyse sovereignty and equity in data use.
- Negotiate: Prepare data-sharing agreements.
- Boost your career: Open doors to international organisations, public bodies and NGOs.
- Train to make ocean data a shared and well-governed resource.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
Ocean Data as a Strategic Asset
- Types of ocean data
- Scientific and economic value
- Data and maritime security
- Public and private actors
- Data gaps between regions
International Legal Framework
- Marine scientific research under UNCLOS
- Jurisdictional zones and consent
- Data from areas beyond national jurisdiction
- The BBNJ Agreement and digital sequence information
- Data protection and intellectual property
Governance and International Bodies
- The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
- International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange
- The Global Ocean Observing System
- WMO data policy
- The UN Ocean Decade
Data Principles and Policies
- FAIR principles
- CARE principles and Indigenous data
- Open data licences
- Data sovereignty
- Private sector data and partnerships
Data Diplomacy and Negotiation
- Science diplomacy
- Capacity building
- Transfer of marine technology
- Multilateral negotiation techniques
- Case study: a proposed data-sharing agreement
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
International relations and diplomacy professionals: interested in ocean affairs Scientific data managers: who coordinate international networks Lawyers: working in the law of the sea or digital law Civil servants: who represent their country in ocean forums NGO and development professionals: working on ocean science and capacity building
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.








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Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand the value of ocean data
- 02Know the legal framework
- 03Analyse global governance
- 04Apply data principles
- 05Assess equity
- 06Prepare negotiations
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry profile: Students or graduates in international relations, law, political science, marine science, computer science or related fields, or professionals in scientific data management. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
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