JOIN US Take your pick from a pool of varied roles and jobs in oceanography. Sandhya Prakash provides the details.
Oceanography is a division of earth science which deals with the physical and biological properties of ocean bodies. It is the study of the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed.
Oceanography is an exciting field that can offer the advantage of being involved with a variety of scientific disciplines and an opportunity for lifelong learning. It is an interdisciplinary science that integrates the principles of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology and Physics.
Oceanography is of great significance to developing countries. A career in this area is a challenging one as it is ideal for those with an intrinsic curiosity and a desire to venture into the vast realm of the ocean. The work involves collecting samples, conducting surveys, analysing and studying data using sophisticated equipment in the sea for long hours. Some of its specialised fields are:
Biological oceanography: It deals with the ocean processes that control the productivity and distribution of marine life including plants, animals and microbes. It is also known as marine biology.
Chemical oceanography: It deals with the chemistry of the ocean and its chemical interaction with the atmosphere. Because of its specialised nature, it is also known as marine chemistry.
Geological oceanography: It deals with the study of the geology of the ocean floor, including plate tectonics and paleoceanography. It is also known as marine geology.
Physical oceanography: It deals with the study of the ocean’s physical attributes, including the temperature-salinity structure, mixing, waves, internal waves, surface tides, internal tides and currents. It is also known as marine physics.
Marine archaeologists are involved in the systematic recovery and study of material evidence such as shipwrecks, graves, buildings, tools and pottery remains from the past, which are now covered under the water. This line of work requires a background in Archaeology or Anthropology.
Marine policy experts combine their knowledge of oceanography and Social Sciences (Law, Economics, Political Science or Business) to develop guidelines and policies for the wise use of the ocean and coastal resources. Marine policy requires a background in at least one of the Social Sciences.
The field of ocean engineering provides an important link between other Oceanographic disciplines such as Marine Biology, Chemical, Physical Oceanography, and Marine Geology and Geophysics. Just as the interests of oceanographers have driven the demand for design skills and technical expertise of ocean engineers, the innovations in instrumentation and equipment design made by engineers have revolutionised the field of oceanography.
Ocean engineering is a combination of several types of engineering — a mix of Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Acoustical, and Chemical engineering techniques coupled with a basic understanding of how oceans work. The importance of working in partnerships with oceanographers from other disciplines is critical because working in this environment requires a range of backgrounds and skills.
Study route
Those with a graduate degree in Pure Science can go for a course in Oceanography. In almost all cases, Mathematics is required as well. A doctorate or a master’s degree in basic sciences is essential to commence a career in marine research. Most courses in Oceanography are of three years duration.
A BSc in the above Sciences or in Geology could lead to a postgraduate course in Oceanography. A five-year integrated MSc or BS-MS or a four-year BS (as offered by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) after Class XII can provide the base for an MPhil or PhD in Oceanography/ Aquatic/ Fisheries Science, Ocean/ Marine Science/ Ocean Technology. As the work is highly specialised, professional training is mandatory to begin a career in this field.
Job prospects
Career opportunities for oceanographers are vast as well as varied. Those with the right qualification can seek employment in the public sector, private sector and various governmental establishments as a scientist, engineer or a technician. In the public sector, one can find opportunities in Oil India.
Government sector organisations include the Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography, etc. Companies in the private sector with interests in marine life, products or research also provide job options. Candidates with skill and ability can also choose teaching.
The oil industry, military and marine navigation fields also require engineering skills. Each of these sectors directly impact our lifestyle in some way, be it as a source of energy, transportation, or through our nation’s defence. The work of ocean engineers plays an important role in each of these employment sectors. As technology is central to the field of ocean engineering, future career prospects seem promising.
Job profiles
*Marine policy experts
*Marine and ocean engineers
*Marine archaeologists
*Marine biologist
*Physical oceanographers
*Marine environmentalists
*Geological oceanographers and geophysicists
*Physical oceanographers
*Chemical oceanographers and marine geochemists
*Biological oceanographers, marine biologists and fisheries scientists
*Marine and ocean engineer
*Hydrographer.
*Marine technician
Oceanography colleges in India
*Anna University, Institute for Ocean Management, Chennai
*Annamalai University, Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Parangipettai, Chennai
*Goa University: Department of Marine Sciences; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Bambolim, Goa
*Mangalore University: Department of Marine Geology, Mangalagangotri, Karnataka
*Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa
*Cochin University of Science and Technology: Department of Physical Oceanography, Kerala.
*National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa
*IIT — Madras
*University of Mumbai, Mumbai
*Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
*National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa (www.nio.org) focuses on research on the four traditional branches of oceanography — biological, chemical,geological/geophysical, physical and some other areas such as Marine Instrumentation and Archaeology.