Abstract: According to the types of South China Sea marine datasets, especially the cruise data format, based on the marine data specifications at home and abroad, and on the references of a large number of relevant specifications, we designed “Collection and Management Guide of the South China Sea Data”, which is suitable for the South China Sea Ocean Database. It includes six data management specifications. In terms of data collection, the guide regulates data factor, data information, data classification, and data format, in terms of data management and guide proposes of data format conversion specification. This achieves various marine data collection and management effectively, promotes the specification system of the South China Sea marine data and improves the sharing of marine data and application services.

Key words: South China Sea, marine data, collection and management, specification