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). 

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

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 October 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 from 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.