The 3rd training course was held at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia on 8-12 October 2011 with PICES and IOC/WESTPAC as co-organizers. The course was jointly sponsored by NOWPAP, PICES, IOC/WESTPAC and IOCCG (International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group). Among the 58 applications from 24 countries, the Organizing Committee selected and funded 7 trainees for the training course in addition to 15 self-funded trainees. The trainees are from the four NOWPAP member states (China, Korea, Japan and Russia) as well as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.