Guangdong Ocean University (Chinese: 广东海洋大学, GDOU) was established in 1997 to provide courses in oceanography and maritime sciences.

In 1998, the university was granted permission to offer master's degrees and enroll foreign students.

In 1999, the university passed the Undergraduate Teaching Qualification Assessment conducted by the Education Ministry of China.

In 2003, it passed the Nautical Education and Training Quality System Examination and Authentication certified from the National Maritime Bureau.

[2] In 2001, Zhanjiang Meteorological School with 48 years of history was merged into the Zhanjiang Ocean University giving it a comprehensive depth in Oceanic and Meteorological expertise.