This is the third edition of a manual developed for students participating in the oceanology program offered on the Orange County's Marine Science Floating Laboratory. The program is experience-centered and provides for the students utilizing much of the same equipment used by professional oceanologists. The manual is divided into two sections: (1) "The Immediate Environment I-Physical Properties of the Oceans" and (2) "The Immediate Environment II-Biological Properties of the Oceans". Included for each section is background information and a discussion of techniques for studying specific properties of the oceans. Pictorial taxonomic keys, a glossary of terms, and other pertinent information are appended. This work was prepared under an ESEA Title III contract. (RS)