The Maritime GEOMETOC Centre of Excellence successfully conducted the inaugural INT-MO-37241 Military Oceanography Course in Lisbon from 16 to 20 March 2026. Organized on behalf of the NATO Military Oceanography Technical Panel. The course welcomed participants from 12 NATO nations (Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom, and United States) bringing together METOC Subject Matter Experts, Sonar Operators, and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Tactical Advisors from across the Alliance.
Course overview
This one-week residential course was designed to bridge the gap between environmental data and tactical application, emphasizing the practical use of operational oceanography in direct support of ASW. Participants developed skills to interpret oceanographic products,
understand acoustic implications, and integrate environmental considerations into mission planning, execution, and post-mission assessment.
The course aimed to strengthen environmental literacy across the maritime community, ensuring that oceanographic insight is not treated as background information, but as a decisive combat multiplier in the undersea fight. Ultimately, the program sought to cultivate operators and planners capable of translating environmental awareness into tactical advantage, enhancing ASW effectiveness in both national and multinational operations. A multinational team of instructors from across NATO, alongside a COE expert, delivered training on the following key operational topics.
Key Topics Covered
- Acoustic oceanography
- Effects on sensors, platforms, and weapons
- Environmental and battlespace characterization
- Environmental considerations
- Modelling and decision-support tools
- Oceanographic impacts on ASW
- Physical oceanography and maritime operations
- Polar and littoral oceanography
The successful completion of this first edition represents a significant milestone in increasing understanding of the role of operational Military Oceanography in support of ASW. Lessons learned during the pilot will inform and enhance future iterations of the course.
The Maritime GEOMETOC COE extends its gratitude to all instructors and participating nations for their vital role in making this inaugural course a success.
