This 4-hour course is designed to empower ocean scientists by providing a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in using the Coastal Ocean Currents from Observations Virtual Laboratory (VLab) running in Blue-Cloud Virtual Research Environment (VRE). 

In this course, participants will learn how to use a multi-source approach framework to study and reconstruct surface currents through a variational inverse method: Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis in n dimensions (DIVAnd). By accessing various tools for coastal ocean dynamics research, participants will be able to use variational interpolation techniques to reconstruct surface currents and understand application in relevant scenarios, such as oil spill modeling.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Provide information about the Coastal Currents from Observations Virtual Laboratory, including partners and their roles.
• Explain the importance of coastal ocean surface currents for scientific research, modeling, and oceanography.
• Define variational interpolation and explain its purpose within the Virtual Laboratory.
• Recognize the Julia programming language used for Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis in n dimensions (DIVAnd).
• Utilize direct and indirect surface current measurements within the Virtual Laboratory.
• Create a surface current data product using DIVAnd within the Virtual Laboratory.
• Describe the uses of an oil spill model in the context of coastal ocean currents.
• Detail about Decision Support System (DSS) and its applications
• Apply DSS WITOIL in the oil spill scenario and for Blue-Cloud DSS.

Course content

• Module 1: Introduction to the Virtual Laboratory - This module introduces the Coastal Currents from Observations VLab, its services, the relevance of coastal ocean currents, the basics of variational interpolation, and the role of Julia in DIVAnd.
• Module 2:  Surface current data - This module offers guided learning about direct and indirect measurements of surface current data, including principles, strengths, and limitations.
• Module 3: Application of variational interpolation (DIVAnd) - This module provides hands-on experience in applying Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis in n dimensions (DIVAnd) to create surface current data products within the VLab, including setting parameters, running analysis, and visualizing the results. 
• Module 4: Use case: oil spill model - This module offers a brief introduction to oil spill modeling and demonstrates the application of surface current data within this context, highlighting the importance of accurate current information for predicting oil spill trajectories.

Target audience

• Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in marine and environmental sciences;
• IT professionals supporting research activities in scientific institutions; and
• Project managers and coordinators involved in research projects that utilise Virtual Research Environments (VREs).

Proficient in the following is required:

• 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)
• Basic computer skills
• Finding resources through search engines

Language of instruction

English

Instructors and Organizers

Content for this course was provided by:

• Abel Dechenne
• Alexander Barth
• Igor Atake

This training is organized by the EU BlueCloud2026 project in collaboration with the UNESCO IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy, RTC Belgium, and contributions from project partners experts (University of Liège, GeoHydrodynamics and Environment Research; CMCC Foundation Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change; and Flanders Marine Institute VLIZ).

Blue-Cloud 2026 aims at a further evolution of this pilot ecosystem into a Federated European Ecosystem to deliver FAIR & Open data and analytical services, instrumental for deepening research of oceans, EU seas, coastal & inland waters. It develops a thematic marine extension to EOSC for open web-based science, serving the needs of the EU Blue Economy, Marine Environment and Marine Knowledge agendas.

Assessments and Certificate

This course contain a set of multiple-question automated assessments to evaluate your learning. Participants will be required to complete a pre and post self-assessment related to the course content, and be requested to fill out a feedback survey at the end of the course to reflect on your learning experience and identify areas for improvement. This will also provide valuable feedback for course teachers and organisers to enhance future training sessions.

To receive a Certificate of Completion, learners must:

• Achieve a minimum score of 80% on all quizzes.
• Complete every lesson, activity, and assessment.
• Complete the mandatory pre-test and post-test.
• Submit the required feedback form, which is mandatory for all OTGA courses.

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Computer with a modern operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers
• JavaScript and cookies enabled
• Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
• Speakers or headphones, Microphone

Course duration and format

For this first round, the course will be available online between 15 September 2025 and 31 July 2026. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 4 hours. 

Cost: This course has no tuition fees. 

The training course is Funded by the European Union, with additional support from UNESCO IOC.

How to enrol

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-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert username and password.

First log-in OceanTeacher, then access the course page and click on self-enrolment. The enrolment key for all courses is VLab2*2025EN1

Contacts

• OTGA Secretariat: ioc.training@unesco.org

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat always using the name of the course as the email subject. 

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.