Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
This course prepares you to understand how ocean data is shared, regulated and negotiated at international level. 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, and you will learn to take part in digital ocean governance processes with technical and diplomatic judgement.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course?
This short course introduces you to ocean data diplomacy, an emerging field at the heart of international ocean cooperation. You will learn why ocean data matters for science, the economy and maritime security, how UNCLOS regulates marine scientific research and consent in zones under national jurisdiction, what the BBNJ Agreement means for data beyond national jurisdiction and for digital sequence information, and how bodies such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, IODE, the Global Ocean Observing System and the WMO shape data policy. You will also apply the FAIR and CARE principles, open data licences and data sovereignty, and practise science diplomacy, capacity development, marine technology transfer and multilateral negotiation.
What sets this course apart: an emerging topic that is key to international ocean cooperation; real frameworks such as UNCLOS, IOC-UNESCO, the BBNJ Agreement and the Ocean Decade; a technical and political view that brings data, infrastructure and negotiation together in one course; an equity focus on capacity, technology transfer and Indigenous data; and a practical case in which you draft a proposal for a data-sharing agreement.
Programme highlights
- Emerging topic: a key area of international ocean cooperation.
- Real frameworks: UNCLOS, IOC-UNESCO, the BBNJ Agreement and the Ocean Decade.
- Technical and political view: data, infrastructure and negotiation in one course.
- Equity focus: capacity development, technology transfer and Indigenous data.
- Data principles: FAIR, CARE, open licences and data sovereignty.
- Practical case: a proposal for a data-sharing agreement.
Syllabus of the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Ocean data as a strategic asset
- 1.1. Types of ocean data
- 1.2. Scientific and economic value
- 1.3. Data and maritime security
- 1.4. Public and private actors
- 1.5. Data gaps between regions
International legal framework
- 2.1. Marine scientific research under UNCLOS
- 2.2. Jurisdictional zones and consent
- 2.3. Data in areas beyond national jurisdiction
- 2.4. The BBNJ Agreement and digital sequence information
- 2.5. Data protection and intellectual property
Governance and international bodies
- 3.1. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
- 3.2. International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange
- 3.3. Global Ocean Observing System
- 3.4. WMO data policy
- 3.5. UN Decade of Ocean Science
Data principles and policies
- 4.1. FAIR principles
- 4.2. CARE principles and Indigenous data
- 4.3. Open data licences
- 4.4. Data sovereignty
- 4.5. Private-sector data and partnerships
Data diplomacy and negotiation
- 5.1. Science diplomacy
- 5.2. Capacity development
- 5.3. Transfer of marine technology
- 5.4. Multilateral negotiation techniques
- 5.5. Practical case: proposal for a data-sharing agreement
Duration and format of the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
Career opportunities after the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
Questions about the Ocean Data Diplomacy and Digital Governance Course
No. The technical concepts needed to follow the negotiations are explained during the course.
Yes, with attention to digital sequence information and technology transfer, as a framework that is still being implemented.
It combines law, policy and technology; no prior legal training is required.
No. It is a specialisation course and does not replace the training or entry routes to a diplomatic career.
You draft a proposal for an ocean data-sharing agreement between several parties.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enrol.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at international relations and diplomacy professionals interested in ocean affairs, scientific data managers coordinating international networks, lawyers working in the law of the sea or digital law, public officials who represent their country in ocean forums, and NGO and development cooperation professionals working in ocean science and capacity development; a background in international relations, law, political science, marine sciences or computing, or experience in scientific data management, is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.