Oceanography is a career option for those who have a desire to learn
about the sea in detail and who want to explore the sea. Oceanography involves
studying all aspects of the ocean, their boundaries and their continents. To understand
it better we can say oceanography is the study of the seas, its coastline, coastal
waters, estuaries, shelves and the ocean bed. It is an interdisciplinary
science that integrates principles of Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Meteorology
and Physics.
The functions of a oceanography scientist involves collecting samples,
conducting surveys, analyzing data using sophisticated equipment in the sea for
long hours. This job requires lot of patience as a person has to work for long
hours in the sea.
The study oceanography is the study of world’s oceans, coastal waters, the
motion and circulation of the ocean waters and their physical and chemical
properties, and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and
weather. This is a research oriented profession and people from diverse field
work in it. Mainly chemists, physicists, biologists, or geologists work together
and brings their special skills to ocean studies.
Eligibility
Minimum graduation in science stream with mathematics is
required for admission in oceanography course. A doctorate, a master’s degree in any basic
science is essential to start marine research. Most of the courses in
oceanography are of three years duration.
This work is highly specialised that’s why professional
training is mandatory for a career in this field. In oceanography’s specialised
branches are chemical, geological, physical and marine biology.
Job Prospects and Career Options
Many career opportunities for oceanographers are available. A
trained professional can get employment in public sector, private sector and
various governmental establishments as a scientist, engineer or a technician.
In public sector, one can find opportunities in Geological Survey of India,
Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography etc. Private sector companies
with interests in the marine industries, products or research also provide job
options. Candidates with right skill and ability can also choose teaching.
Career Options
Chemical Oceanography: This deals with the chemical
composition of sea water and quality of water. Chemical oceanographer’s works
to know the distribution of chemical compounds and the many chemical
interactions that occur in the ocean and the seafloor. The aim is to research
and develop such technology that will be able to recover valuable elements from
the sea.
Geological Oceanography: Geological and
geophysical oceanography involves the study of the surface and sub-surface, and
geological and geophysical characteristics of coastal margins, for the
selection of suitable locations of marine structures as well as the
exploitation of the oceans mineral resources.
Physical Oceanography: Physical
oceanographers investigate ocean properties such as temperature, density, wave
motions, tides, and currents. Remote sensing is one of the important areas in
this field. This field of work looks at the relationship between the sea, the
weather and the climate.
Marine Biology: Marine biologists study the
ocean processes that control the productivity and distribution of marine life.
Marine archaeologists: These people are
involved in the systematic recovery and study of material evidence, such as
shipwrecks, buildings, tools, graves, and pottery remaining from past human
life and culture that is now covered by the sea. They require a background in
archaeology or anthropology.
Marine and ocean engineers apply scientific
and technical knowledge to practical uses.
Marine policy experts: These people use
their knowledge of oceanography and social sciences such as law, economics,
political science or business to develop guidelines and policies for the wise
use of the ocean and coastal resources.
Remuneration
The starting salary for fresh graduate can be in the range of
Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per month in the government sector and higher in the
private sector. With a Ph.D., you can earn about Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per
month.
Top institute offering
Oceanography courses are:
- IIT Madras,
- Mumbai Institute of Technology,
- Cochin University of Science and Technology,
- Annamalai University
- Karnataka Engineering College.
