MetOcean Programming and Data Analysis

Build practical skills in MetOcean data for offshore wind. Learn how to plan sensor deployments, access global ocean and weather datasets, and program for data processing and analysis. Explore techniques for cleaning, visualizing, and interpreting time series and spatial data. Apply your insights to real-world offshore wind projects, including site assessment, resource evaluation, and risk analysis—integrating environmental and engineering data for smarter decision-making.

Attendees of this course will gain knowledge in the following areas:

Overview of data needs and data sources for offshore wind metocean characterisation; sensors (ADCP, wave buoys), sensor set up and acquisition planning;
Accessing and downloading online datasets (ERA5, CMEMS, NOAA);
Programming for MetOcean data (Python, NetCDF, GRIB, CSV); Data processing and cleaning;
Time series and spatial data analysis;
Data visualization (plots, maps, statistical summaries);
Application to offshore wind projects (site characterisation, resource assessment, risk and downtime analysis, integration with engineering and environmental data).

This module runs for 12 weeks, with lectures taking place on Wednesday mornings from 9am – 11am, both online & in-person. Students will undergo continuous assessment as part of this course.

Skillnet Course Fee: € 500

Full Course Fee: €900

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €900. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed in 1 above, plus at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the module coordinator on a case by case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applications will also be considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.

Professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This course provides a strong foundation for progressing into a role as a Resource Analyst in the offshore wind sector. Resource Analysts play a critical role in project development by assessing wind resource data, conducting site feasibility studies, and supporting energy yield modelling. Their insights directly inform investment decisions and project design, making them a valuable asset in the successful delivery of offshore wind developments.

Progression:

Learners who complete this course can progress to a range of specialised micro-credentials to further develop their expertise in offshore wind. These include: