IOC was established in 1960 under UNESCO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is promoting marine scientific investigations, ocean services and capacity building in developing countries through the concerted efforts of all the member states. India is a member of IOC. During the 19th session of the IOC Assembly in July,1997, Dr. A. E. Muthunayagam, secretary, Deptt. of Ocean Development was elected as one of the vice-Chairpersons of IOC. Being an advanced country in oceanographic research, India is a contributer to the cause of the international cooperation in oceanographic science and services.

IOC is now considering to review its statutes and structures and has set up a committee for the purpose. India is a member on this.

One of the major programmes of IOC is implementation of Global Ocean Observing System(GOOS) as a part of the recommendations contained in Chapter XVII of Earth Summit held in 1992. India is a founder member of the GOOS and has participated in its development . GOOS envisages development and promotion of operational oceanography nationally , regionally and globally. GOOS also envisages to develop regional and global models which would help to predict changes in climate and its effects on the oceans and coasts. As a major national counterpart of GOOS , DOD is implementing a programme called Ocean Observations and Information Services(OOIS) during the IX Plan.

IOC has a regional committee called IOC Committee for Central Indian Ocean -IOCINDIO , through which promotion of co-operation in oceanography among the countries of Central Indian Ocean is envisaged. The second session of IOCINDIO was held in India, Goa Assembly in July,1997, Dr. A. E. Muthunayagam, secretary, DOD was elected as the Chairman of the committee for a two year term. IOCINDIO has drawn up a programme which includes setting up of a network of sea level measuring stations, organising of trainings and workshops on storm surges, coral reefs, marine pollution etc.

The year 1998 has been declared as the International Year of the Ocean(IYO). The flag of the IYO was handed over to the Secretary, DOD, by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The flag was flown atop the vessel ORV Sagar Kanya during the Indian Ocean cruise in February, 1998.