IOC was established in 1960 as UNESCO body to promote marine scientific investigations and provide co-operation among the member states relating to ocean research and services. India is a member of IOC Assembly and also a member on its Executive Council. India is currently one of the four Vice-Chairmen of IOC. Besides, officials from India are involved as experts in various committees of IOC.

The regional workshop on capacity building was held in Goa during 18-19 November 1996. The meeting was convened by Director General UNESCO and hosted by the Government of India through Department of Ocean Development. The objective of this meeting was to discuss and assess the capacity building requirements such as infrastructure, equipment and training of personnel in the member countries of IOCINDIO region. The workshop has prioritised the GOOS modules in the Indian ocean region and identified the areas of interest where regional cooperation is required. The workshop was organised by the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.


Second Session of Regional Committee of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO)

The Second Session of Regional Committee of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission for the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO-II) was held in Goa during 20-22 November 1996 with an objective to promote cooperative ocenographic research and services in the waters of the Central Indian Ocean.The member countries of IOCINDIO region are Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Austrialia, United Kingdom , France and India. Out of these Qatar, Islamic Republic of Iran, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Australia and India participated in the meeting.

Dr. A.E. Muthunayagam, Secretary, DOD, was elected Chairman for the session, inter-session period and for the next session to be held in Islamic Republic of Iran. The agenda items discussed and adopted in sessions are (i) National programme and priorities, (ii) International Year of the Ocean and programmes of the regional committee for the 1997-98.

The recommendations of the IOCINDIO will be placed before the next ExecutiveCouncil and Assembly of IOC.


Intergovernmental Committee on Global Ocean Observing System

Shri B.N. Krishnamurthy, Director, DOD participated in the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Global Ocean Observing System which convened its Session in Washington 15-17 May, 1996. The Session discussed about the planning and establishment of GOOS globally, in particular, the socio-economic aspects of GOOS and its benefits to the member states of IOC and preparation of a report for holding a GOOS priority meeting was discussed. The number of areas to be covered under the GOOS are vast and wide. Hence, IOC is considering to prioritise the activities and convene a meeting of all the member states for approving the priorities for implementation.


Executive Council of IOC

Prof. M. Ravindran, Executive Director, National Institute of Ocean Technology and Shri B.N. Krishnamurthy, Director, DOD participated in the 29th Session of the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO at Paris from 24th September to 4th October, 1996. In association with the Permanent Delegation of India at UNESCO, the delegation participated effectively in the proceedings of the Session of the Executive Council. Executive Council discussed programmes of IOC particularly the climate, living resources and oceanographic data and the International Year of the Oceans. The subject of the International Year of the Oceans was the prime item on the agenda. The 49th Session of UNGA has proclaimed 1998 as the International Year of the Oceans. A number of programmes viz. training, international ocean expo, signing of the ocean charter by heads of the Governments, issue of special stamps, etc. were discussed in the meeting.


International Committee of IOC

India is a member of an International Committee set up by IOC to review the Statutes, Structures and Procedures of the IOC. Shri B.N. Krishnamurthy, Director, Department of Ocean Development is selected by IOC as one of the members on the Group. A special task of preparation of a draft report on the need for methodologies for regular evaluation of IOC programmes, statutes and structures. The draft report has been prepared and submitted to IOC which will be placed before the Assembly of IOC in due course.