Policy Update
Elen0ra Tu’u
Background
The International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography operates under Earth System Science Organisation(ESSO)-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS). An autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, the centre – formally inaugurated in December 2018, now offers courses in satellite remote sensing, oceanography, storm surge forecasting, tsunami science, and more. ITCOocean operates under ESSO-INCOIS flagship campus in Hyderabad which is part of ESSO.
ITCOocean is a flagship initiative for capacity building, which focuses on operational oceanography. It delivers advanced training in data collection, forecasting, modeling, and advisory services on ocean science, all supported by ESSO-INCOIS personnel and infrastructure. Additionally, it is fully hosted at ESSO-INCOIS and recognised as a category -2 centre in collaboration with United Nations Educational ,Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
In brief, ITCOocean is not a separate entity rather a dedicated training division of ESSO-INCOIS, serving its mission of ensuring effective dissemination of oceanographic information and services throughout the Indian ocean region.
Primary Objective
- Equip scientists, professionals and researchers with the technical know-how to effectively utilize ocean data, forecasts and available information systems. This directly influences evidence based decision making in areas such as disaster risk reduction, marine resource management, climate adoption and coastal planning. Moreover, ITCOocean also contributes to the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development(2021-2030).
Timeline of key milestones
| Milestone | Year |
| Recognized as a UNESCO/IOC Category-2 Centre, supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. | 2016 |
| Officially inaugurated at INCOIS, Hyderabad; infrastructure and training programs initiated. | 2018 |
| Launch of regular international training programs in satellite oceanography, tsunami early warning systems, ocean modelling, and remote sensing, with participants from over 30 countries. | 2019 -2021 |
| Expanded role under the UN Ocean Decade, with emphasis on hybrid and online delivery, and regional cooperation. | 2022-2023 |
| Deepened partnerships with African and ASEAN nations; new training modules on climate services and marine ecosystem modelling introduced. | 2024-25 |
Function
ITCOocean operates as a high impact operational oceanography training nucleus, anchored within INCOIS’s global forecasting services. It facilitates to:
- Support operational ocean services.
- Provides expert faculties and international collaboration.
- Ensure hands-on immersive learning.
- Imparts advanced training and skill development.
- Ensures operational data pipelines and experience.
Operational Workflow overview
The institution focuses on course identification, encouraging participant engagement – with outreach to students, NGO, decision makers, government bodies,operational centres , industries and coastal planners. Additionally,it enhances learning through infrastructure -led learning(labs,vessel deployments,satellites,live access servers). Moreover, it facilitates hands-on interaction with INCOIS ODIS platforms for data system utilization, while strengthening networking and formal collaborations under IOC and POGO, enabling alumni to engage in international symposia and contribute regionally.
Structural and Institutional framework.
A fully integrated infrastructure with modern labs, a conference hall having a capacity of 400plus people, support services, and residential facilities funded by IMoES – India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Officially designated as a Category-2 Centre under UNESCO, ITCOocean advances technology-led transfer and marine capacity building, having delivered over six hundred courses and trained six thousand. It has been ensured that the participation remains gender neutral and therefore 40% of the participants were female.
In summary, ITCOocean blends
- Real world data operations
- International academic networks
- Robust technical pedagogy
- And hierarchical institutional backing, ensuring a continuous stream of skilled personnels prepared to bolster ocean based decision making in governance,safety,industry with sustainable best practices applicable for India and broader Indian Ocean region.
Key performance highlights
- Core Operational Outputs.
Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories enhanced daily advisories issued in multiple languages, reaching over 100,000 fishermen via SMS, radio, TV, and electronic boards. Additionally, Ocean State Forecasts update on Short-term forecasts (3–7 days) for waves, currents, and surface temperatures, serving fishermen, shipping navy, oil & gas sectors. Furthermore, Tsunami & Storm Surge Warning enhanced 24×7 coverage via the Tsunami Early Warning Centre (TEWS), designated as a Regional Tsunami Service Provider by UNESCO-IOC.Within the oil & gas sector – Oil Spill Advisory (OOSA), Operational 96‑h spill trajectory forecasts to assist the Coast Guard, oil industry, and clean-up teams which bolster the nation’s economy strategically significant components ,contributing in multiple direct and indirect ways.
- Data & Infrastructure Leadership.
Designated National Oceanographic Data Centre by IOC/IODE and Regional Argo Data Centre for the Indian Ocean. There’s Operational Ocean Data & Information System (ODIS) archives, a multidisciplinary ocean data and supports quality control, research, and forecasting which fosters consistency in data and information system. Moreover, data and infrastructure leadership provides a systematic trajectory maintaining a vast network of in‑situ observing platforms—buoys, tide gauges, Argo floats, seismic & GNSS stations—with VSAT-backed emergency communications.
- Capacity Building via ITCOocean.
The Signing of MoU with IOC‑UNESCO (July 2013) to conduct operational oceanography training, contributes to enhancing delivery of courses in ocean data collection, modelling, forecasting, and advisory systems – targeting professionals from India, Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, and other developing nations such as the Pacific who are prone to climate change impacts.
The centre widely uses infrastructure – observational systems onboard ships, satellite ground stations, GIS labs, simulators, and a pool of national/international experts to deliver expert learning within the specific specialities.
- Research Advancements & Technical Tools.
For example, SARAT (2024), which is a Search & Rescue Aid Tool, featured in a technical report under ESSO‑INCOIS‑OMARS‑TR‑02. Also RAIN with SLA assimilation (2024) for improved regional ocean analysis is a way forward to research advancement. Moreover, ADCIRC+SWAN downscaling with Kalpana data for coastal flood forecasting (2024), and Eddy Covariance Flux Measurement System installed on ORV Sagar Nidhi to improve ocean–atmosphere coupling in models.
Other Major Awards & Recognition
- SAR Award for Ashore Unit (2023–24) acknowledging INCOIS’s contribution to maritime and aeronautical search and rescue .
- Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (2025) awarded to INCOIS for excellence in ocean-related hazard early warning services.
- Geospatial World Excellence in Maritime Services (2024) for the SAMUDRA mobile app, which provides ocean data and advisories to end-users.
- Recognized among Top 10 Institutions Championing Women in STEM (CII, November 2024).
It is noteworthy to say ESSO-INCOIS demonstrates crucial excellence in ocean services from disaster warnings to fishery advisories. Recognised through certifications, national awards, and global designation paving the way forward in strengthening the climate and weather systems of the nation and broader indian ocean region. The advancement achieved through technology reaches from forecasting models,observing networks,data centers and advisory tools that simplify the forecasting systems and advisories all across.
International Training centre for Operational Oceanography is an impactful road map developing skilled professionals through globally aligned training. Its publications and research-driven tools further elevates the nation’s scientific prowess in oceanography through leveraging the art of technology further amplifying the nation’s commitments to climate resilience as a climate change advocate while addressing national concern simultaneously.
Impact of ITCOocean and ESSO-INCOIS
The impact of ITCOocean under ESSO-INCOIS was such that it first strengthened coastal resilience and disaster preparedness. For example the ITEWC at INCOIS provides around the clock early warning and monitoring for the nation and IOR neighbors. As it is a RTSP by United Nations Science,Educational and Cultural Organization – IOC, seeing the system significantly reducing fatality and improved preparedness by far as per UNESCO-IOC TIC, and MoES reports. According to PIB Release, October 2021, MoES Performance Dashboard, empowering coastal livelihoods via FAS(Fishing Advisory Services). The PFZ (Potential Fishing Zone) advisories provided through INCOIS led to an increase in savings for fuel by 15-40% with a 20-30% increase in per trip on fish catch.
Making advisories a crucial disseminating platform to enhance information through mobile apps like SAMUDRA ,sms,radio,led displays at harbor and ocean finder. The impact saw 100,000 fishermen racing daily in 9 coastal states. The impact by far recognised at international capacity building through ITCOocean entails the government’s focus on national building. By far recognised as a category -2 centre by UNESCO.
The centre has trained more than 6,0000 professionals from 40 plus countries around the global south rim,ASEAN and Africa -soon to be extended via the Pacific as India builds relations in its recent visits with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Training models offered by the centre include tsunami warning, ocean forecasting, satellite oceanography and GIS applications crucial for nevigation according to INCOIS ITCOocean portal and IOC–UNESCO annual reports.
ITCOoceans contributions to Global Ocean Science and Climate Models, and under INCOIS operates the National Argo Data Centre and the Indian Ocean Regional Argo Data Centre, contributing around 25% of Argo float data in the Indian Ocean. Exemplifying as a global actor as it supports global efforts like IPCC and CMIP6 assessments. Per INCOIS Argo Project Report this is an impactful data set used for ENSO tracking, monsoon prediction and sea level rise modeling.
Supporting Maritime Safety (SMS)and Blue Economy Development (BED) – INCOIS tools like Search and Rescue Aid Tools(SARAT) and Oil Spill Advisory Services (OOSA) are regularly used by coastal guards, Indian Navy, and oil and gas sector for real time risk management as per MoES technical reports and PIB marine services reports.Improved marine traffic safety, response efficiency during maritime accidents, and offshore operations planning. This is a direct alignment and commitment by India on SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 14 Life Below Water per CII-Women in STEM Recognition 2024 and INCOIS training reports. Strengthening female representation in marine science leadership
Impact highlights
- Real-time tsunami alerts within 10 minutes of a seismic event.
- ITCOocean alumni now serve in key roles in oceanography and marine policy institutions globally.
Note: Bar graph is analysed from data available.
Source: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1 //incois.gov.in/portal/technicalreports.jsp, https://incois.gov.in/ITCOocean/index.jsp
The impact scores of ITCOocean and ESSO-INCOIS across six key domains. The chart highlights the strongest areas—Disaster Preparedness and Capacity Building—with high scores of 9, while also showing areas like Maritime Safety and Gender Inclusion with moderate but meaningful impact scores of 7. This offers a clear, comparative view of institutional performance.
Emerging Issues & Challenges
| Gap | Issue | Impact |
| Digital Access and Outreach Gaps in Coastal Communities. | While INCOIS provides multilingual advisories through SMS and apps, many small-scale fishers in remote areas still lack consistent access to digital tools or do not understand the advisories fully. | Limits the full utility of PFZs, weather alerts, and real-time updates. |
| Low Visibility Among Non-Scientific Stakeholders. | INCOIS’s technical tools (e.g., OOSA, SARAT) are not widely known or used by state departments, civil society, or coastal planners. | missed opportunities to embed ocean data into local governance and disaster planning. |
| Underutilization of ITCOocean Alumni Networks. | Despite training 6,000+ professionals, there is no formal tracking or network to harness alumni knowledge or support South-South collaboration. | Reduces the long-term multiplier effect of capacity-building investments. |
| Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Still Nascent. | While ITCOocean sees ~40% female participation, broader gender-sensitive curriculum and leadership pathways are still underdeveloped. | Limits structural inclusion in the marine science ecosystem. |
| Climate-Linked Uncertainties in Indian Ocean Dynamics. | The Indian Ocean is warming faster than the global average, leading to non-linear changes in ocean currents, monsoons, and biodiversity. | Demands high-resolution forecasting and dynamic modelling systems beyond current operational capacities. |
| Funding Constraints for Regional Expansion. | ITCOocean’s role as a regional hub under the UN Ocean Decade is constrained by periodic funding and reliance on government support. | Affects the sustainability of multi-year training and research partnerships. |
Suggestions & Way Forward
| Issue | Priority Level | Suggested Action |
| Digital Access Gaps. | High | Launch a targeted “Blue Literacy & Digital Inclusion Mission” for fishers, including offline audio-visual PFZ content and field-based outreach teams. |
| Low Multi-stakeholder Use | High | Build open-data ocean dashboards and host quarterly stakeholder workshops with local governments, NGOs, and disaster managers. |
| Climate Uncertainties | High | Upgrade to AI-based dynamic ocean forecasting; collaborate with IITM, IMD, and global climate centres for regional scenario planning. |
| Alumni Underutilization. | Medium | Create an ITCOocean Global Alumni Portal with regional chapters, mentorship programmes, and joint research grants. |
| Gender Mainstreaming. | Medium | Integrate gender-responsive curricula, offer scholarships for women and coastal youth, and track gender-disaggregated outcomes. |
| Funding Sustainability. | Medium–High | Seek international co-financing (e.g., Green Climate Fund, IOC-UNESCO) and private-sector CSR partnerships for ocean education. |
Strategic way forward
For ITCOocean Through ESSO-INCOIS to remain leader in operational oceanography, it must evolve from being a data provider to an inclusive enabler, strengthening last mile reach, integrating social equity, and future proofing ocean knowledge in a climate uncertain world.
References.
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). (n.d.). ITCOocean: International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography. https://incois.gov.in/ITCOocean/index.jsp
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). (n.d.). Technical Reports. https://incois.gov.in/portal/technicalreports.jsp
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). (2023). Annual Report 2022–23. Government of India. https://moes.gov.in/sites/default/files/MoES_AR_English_2022-23.pdf
- Press Information Bureau (PIB). (2021, October). INCOIS providing real-time information and ocean advisory services. Government of India. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1767906
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). (n.d.). Tsunami Service Providers. https://www.tsunamiwave.info
- INCOIS. (n.d.). Argo Project – India.
- IPCC. (2021). Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group I – The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). (2024). Women in STEM Recognition List. https://www.cii.in
- Journal of the Indian Government. (n.d.). Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services – INCOIS. https://journalsofindia.com/indian-national-centre-for-ocean-information-services-incois/
- Ocean Prediction DCC. (n.d.). INCOIS Profile – United Nations Ocean Prediction Hall of Fame. https://www.unoceanprediction.org/en/halls/incois-indian-national-centre-ocean-information-services
About the contributor.
Elenora Tu’u is an undergraduate student specializing in Politics and Public Policy. This article is published as part of her course work with the IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute.
Acknowledgement: The author sincerely thanks Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the IMPRI team for their valuable support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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