ESSO - Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

Background:

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO), is a dedicated institution for operational oceanography and the only institution of its kind in the Indian Ocean region that has been providing operational ocean information and advisory services over the past 10 years. It is capable of predicting the surface and subsurface features of the Indian Ocean reasonably well in advance (5 to 7 days presently). Since its inception, ESSO-INCOIS has been engaged in providing ocean information, warnings, advisories and ocean state forecasts to various stake holders namely, fisher folk, the coastal population, government agencies involved in coastal zone management and disaster management, the shipping industry, the oil and natural gas industry, the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, researchers, academia and students.

Information on sea state parameters, like locally generated wind waves, remotely generated swell waves, currents, winds, tides and storm surges is vital for smooth operational activities in the coastal zone, ports and harbours and the sea. Further, this information is important during contingencies like search and rescue operations in the sea and oil spills. During cyclones and other extreme situations, based on the forecast information, alerts are issued to the general public as well as the administrators of the coastal stretch under risk so that that the population under threat is relocated to safer places.

At present, INCOIS provides forecasts of

• Height, direction and period (of both wind waves and swell waves).
• Sea surface currents.
• Sea surface temperature.
• Mixed Layer Depth (the well mixed upper layer of the sea).
• Depth of the 20 degree C isotherm (a measure of the depth of the thermocline).
• Astronomical tides.
• Wind speed and direction.
• Oil-spill trajectory

INCOIS provides the following services in operational mode

• High Wave Alerts
• Location specific forecast
• Forecasts for Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands
• Coastal forecast (all coastal states of India)
• Regional forecast (basin scale e.g. Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal)
• Customised forecast products for Ports & Harbours
• Forecast along ship routes
• Web Map Services (forecast for any grid in the Indian Ocean region)
• Tide Predictions
• Inland Vessel Limits for ports/Maritime Boards
• Experimental forecasts (Oil Spill Advisory, Wave Steepness, Global wave forecast)

About the course:

The training program will focus on basics of waves, winds, currents, tides, cyclones, storm surges, OGCM and other general oceanographic information and its applications from the forecast perspective to prospective users such as Content Managers of NGOs, Fishery Officials, Marine Police and Disaster Managers. The training will include lecture sessions by specialists as well as visits to the various labs of the centre during the afternoon, along with practical sessions.

Course contents:

1. The Lectures will tentatively cover the following topics:
   • General physical oceanography with emphasis on waves, winds, currents, and tides with a forecast perspective.
   • Marine meteorology with focus on air-sea interaction, ocean general circulation modeling, tropical cyclones and storm surges.
   • Essential statistical methods and the usage of marine meteorological datasets.
   • Ocean State Forecast products generated by ESSO-INCOIS and how to access them from the website.
   • At the end of course, the Trainers will have exposure to handle the Ocean State Forecast data generated by ESSO-INCOIS and the Operators will be able to handle the web based services of ESSO-INCOIS. Subsequently, the centre will seek to provide the information desired by the participants on an operational basis using the latest multi-mode dissemination systems, in place for that purpose.
2. Practical Sessions on:
   • Ocean State forecast products and services
   • Search And Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)
   • Forecast Assessment and Support Tool (FAST)
   • Oil Spill Advisory System


Faculty:

The faculty for the course will consist of scientists/experts in different fields drawn from the host institute (ESSO-INCOIS). These experts have long and varied experience in the field of Oceanography with exposure to Modelling, Instrumentation and Applications.

Venue:

The training course will be held at ITCOocean, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, India.

Who can apply?

The training program is open to scientists, post-graduate fellows and doctoral students involved in oceanographic work with specific reference to Ocean State forecasting and its applications. Priority will be given to students from Indian Ocean RIM countries. The trainees are expected to have basic knowledge of oceanography along with basic computer skills. Preference will be given to the candidates pursuing their research or building a carrier in the above topics.
It is expected that participants should carry their own laptop computer.



Course Fee and Financial support:

A consolidated amount of Rs 6000/- is charged for the attending the course.This includes expenditure for accommodation on twin sharing basis, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Applicants need to find resources to fund themselves for attending the course and INCOIS will not be able to give any waiver or support in any form.

Important Dates :

• Last date for online application: 13^th May , 2019
• Course Date: 17 ^th - 21^st June, 2019


Application:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the course online using the link provided https://www.incois.gov.in/ITCOocean/login.jsp. on or before 13^th May , 2019 @ IST 05:00PM. Upon intimation about selection, the shortlisted candidates are required to transfer the amount to the account details given below and send the transfer receipt as confirmation for amount transfer to attend the course.

Name of Bank: Andhra Bank
Account Number: 171410100022294
IFSC code: ANDB0001714
MICR code: 500011157

Contact Address:

Coordinator
International Training Centre on Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
(Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India)
"Ocean Valley", Pragathi Nagar (B.O.)
Nizampet (S.O.), HYDERABAD - 500 090
TELANGANA
INDIA
Tel : +91 40 23895000
Fax : +91 40 23895001
E mail : itcoocean@incois.gov.in

Tentative Schedule