Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Operational Oceanography and Ocean Services
Prepares you to work with the systems that continuously observe and forecast the ocean. You will follow the full operational oceanography chain, from real-time observing networks and forecast models for currents, waves and sea…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Operational Oceanography and Ocean Services?
The Diploma in Operational Oceanography and Ocean Services
Prepares you to work with the systems that continuously observe and forecast the ocean. You will follow the full operational oceanography chain, from real-time observing networks and forecast models for currents, waves and sea level to data assimilation and validation, and learn to design ocean services that are genuinely useful for ports, shipping, search and rescue, energy, fisheries and emergency management, drawing on products such as those from the Copernicus Marine Service.
Key advantages
- The whole chain: From observation to forecasting and the service delivered to users.
- Real products: Hands-on work with open operational forecasts and products.
- User-focused: Designing services for ports, shipping and emergencies.
- Quality and validation: Metrics and forecast verification.
- Your own case study: Designing an ocean service for a specific user.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Know the system: Understand the operational chain of observation and forecasting.
- Use the forecasts: Work with wave, current and sea level forecasts.
- Validate results: Apply verification metrics to forecasts.
- Design services: Create tailored products for marine users.
- Boost your career: Open doors to met-ocean services, ports and consultancies.
- Train to turn ocean science into day-to-day information for the people who work at sea.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Operational Oceanography
- What operational oceanography is
- History and development
- The operational value chain
- The Global Ocean Observing System
- National and international services
- Forecasting timescales
- Users and sectors
- Current challenges
02
Real-Time Observing Systems
- Wave and weather buoys
- Tide gauges
- High-frequency radar
- Argo floats
- Gliders and autonomous vehicles
- Near-real-time satellite data
- Data transmission and data centres
- Real-time quality control
03
Ocean Forecasting Models
- Operational circulation models
- Wave models
- Storm surge models
- High-resolution coastal models
- Meteorological forcing
- Data assimilation
- Ensemble forecasting
- Operational forecasting cycles
04
Copernicus Marine Products and Services
- Structure of the Copernicus Marine Service
- Regional production centres
- The product catalogue
- Analyses, forecasts and reanalyses
- Data access and tools
- Ocean state reports
- Ocean indicators
- Use cases
05
Forecast Validation and Quality
- Why validate
- Error metrics
- Wave verification
- Current verification
- Sea level verification
- Validating extreme events
- Quality monitoring dashboards
- Communicating reliability
06
Applications for Maritime Safety and Operations
- Navigation support
- Port operations
- Search and rescue
- Oil spill response
- Coastal warnings
- Offshore operations
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Water sports and tourism
07
Designing Ocean Services
- Identifying users
- Needs analysis
- Designing information products
- Visualisation and dissemination
- Warnings and thresholds
- Web services and APIs
- Assessing the value of a service
- Service sustainability
08
Case Study: An Ocean Service for a Real User
- Choosing the user and the area
- User interviews and requirements
- Selecting data sources
- Assessing available forecasts
- Product design
- Visualisation prototype
- Validation plan
- Presenting the service
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Graduates in marine science, physics or engineering: who want to work in ocean forecasting Port and maritime authority staff: who use forecasts in their operations Search and rescue and emergency professionals: who need reliable ocean information Offshore and marine energy personnel: who plan operations around sea conditions Environmental consultants: who integrate operational data into th
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand operational oceanography
- 02Know the observing systems
- 03Interpret forecasts
- 04Validate products
- 05Use existing services
- 06Design ocean services
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Ocean forecasting technician: Public and private met-ocean services.
02Operational data analyst: Managing and quality-controlling real-time data.
03Port support technician: Ocean information for port operations.
04Marine emergency specialist: Supporting search and rescue and spill response.
05Ocean services consultant: Designing products for marine businesses.
06Offshore operations technician: Planning around sea conditions.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Operational oceanography focuses on continuously observing and forecasting the ocean to serve users.
Yes. You use open forecasts and data from Copernicus Marine and other services.
It is not essential; you use visualisation tools and guided examples.
No. It is a non-official qualification and does not replace any regulated qualification or licence.
Designing an ocean service for a real user, from their needs through to a prototype.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Operational Oceanography and Ocean Services qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A degree in marine science, physics, environmental science, nautical studies, engineering or a related field; or professional experience in the maritime or port sector. 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.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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