Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, headquartered in Hyderabad. It serves as the national nodal agency for providing ocean data, information, and advisory services to various sectors, including fisheries, shipping, coastal management, and disaster mitigation. INCOIS plays a pivotal role in supporting India’s Blue Economy and ensuring maritime safety, sustainable ocean resource utilisation, and climate resilience.

Establishment and Objectives

INCOIS was established in 1999 as part of the Government of India’s initiative to strengthen the nation’s oceanographic capabilities and operational oceanography. It operates under the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) and collaborates closely with other national institutes such as the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), and Indian National Centre for Climate Services (INCCS).
The primary objectives of INCOIS include:

• Generation and dissemination of real-time oceanographic data.
• Provision of ocean state forecasts, fisheries advisories, and tsunami early warnings.
• Development of decision-support systems for coastal and marine resource management.
• Promotion of research and capacity building in operational oceanography and marine data science.

Organisational Structure and Governance

INCOIS is led by a Director and functions under the administrative control of the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. It operates through several specialised divisions that manage its technical and operational programmes:

• Ocean State Forecast (OSF) Group
• Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisory Services Division
• Tsunami Early Warning Centre (TEWC)
• Marine Geospatial Services
• Satellite Oceanography Division
• Ocean Observations and Data Management

Collaboration with national agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Indian Navy strengthens its data integration and service delivery capabilities.

Key Programmes and Services

Ocean State Forecast (OSF)

The Ocean State Forecast service provides real-time information on various oceanic parameters such as wave height, surface current, sea surface temperature, tide levels, and coastal conditions. This information is critical for mariners, coastal engineers, fishermen, offshore operators, and disaster management authorities. Forecasts are generated using numerical models like WAVEWATCH III and MITGCM and disseminated through web portals, mobile applications, and the GAGAN satellite network.

Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories

The PFZ advisory service, launched in collaboration with ISRO, identifies areas rich in fish resources by analysing sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll concentration derived from satellite data. This service aids fishermen by reducing search time, saving fuel, and increasing catch efficiency. PFZ advisories are disseminated in regional languages via mobile alerts, electronic display boards at fishing harbours, and the “Samudra” mobile application.

Tsunami Early Warning Centre (TEWC)

INCOIS operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre, established in 2007 following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The centre provides 24×7 monitoring, detection, and forecasting of tsunamis generated by undersea earthquakes in the Indian Ocean region. It uses data from:

• Seismic monitoring networks,
• Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART) buoys, and
• Tide gauges and sea-level sensors.

INCOIS serves as a Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) under the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) framework, offering warnings to 24 Indian Ocean rim countries.

Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS)

The ODIS framework provides a national repository for marine and oceanographic data collected from ships, buoys, Argo floats, and satellites. INCOIS facilitates data exchange through platforms like the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) and International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE). Researchers and policymakers utilise this data for marine studies, climate modelling, and resource management.

Technological Infrastructure and Innovations

INCOIS employs state-of-the-art technology for data acquisition, processing, and dissemination. Major components include:

• Satellite remote sensing for real-time ocean observations.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems for numerical modelling.
• GIS-based decision support tools for visualisation and analysis.
• Mobile and web-based applications to deliver services to stakeholders.

The organisation also manages the Ocean Science and Information System (OSIS) portal and the Digital Ocean Platform, which serves as an integrated marine data hub featuring visualisation tools, downloadable datasets, and marine geospatial analytics.

International Collaboration and Research

INCOIS actively collaborates with global oceanographic institutions and networks. It represents India in international programmes such as:

• Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS),
• Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS),
• Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS), and
• Group on Earth Observations (GEO).

Through these partnerships, INCOIS contributes to the global understanding of ocean–climate interactions, marine biodiversity, and sustainable ocean governance. It also undertakes capacity-building initiatives and training programmes for scientists and technicians from developing countries under the aegis of UNESCO-IOC and other multilateral frameworks.

Applications and Socio-Economic Benefits

INCOIS services provide immense socio-economic benefits across multiple sectors:

• Fisheries: PFZ advisories enhance fish catch efficiency and profitability for coastal fishermen.
• Shipping and Navigation: OSF data improves maritime safety and port operations.
• Disaster Management: TEWC reduces loss of life and property during tsunamis and storm surges.
• Coastal Management: Real-time sea-level and erosion data support sustainable coastal planning.
• Defence and Research: Ocean information aids naval operations and strategic marine studies.

According to official assessments, the economic benefit–cost ratio of INCOIS services exceeds 5:1, highlighting its value in supporting national development goals.

Future Directions and Vision

INCOIS continues to evolve with emerging technologies and scientific advances. Its Vision 2030 framework aligns with the Government of India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Key focus areas include:

• Development of next-generation ocean forecasting systems.
• Expansion of AI and machine learning applications in marine data analytics.
• Enhanced regional cooperation for multi-hazard early warning systems.
• Promotion of ocean literacy and public engagement through digital platforms.

Through these initiatives, INCOIS aims to strengthen India’s leadership in operational oceanography and ensure sustainable management of the country’s vast marine resources.