This course provides a context-specific examination of physical oceanographic phenomena that impact the quality of hydrographic surveys. This includes a review of global scale ocean circulation followed by a particular focus on processes controlling the variability of coastal and continental shelf oceanography. The instruments used, and the available ocean climatological databases are emphasized. The course is designed to meet the oceanography requirement for the Category A FIG/IHO/ICA Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors.