Oceanographers study different aspects of the seas. They may investigate the creatures that live in the oceans, the rocks on the seabed, tides and currents, or how the sea affects climate. Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Most oceanographers specialise in one of four main fields of research:
- marine biology
- marine chemistry
- marine geology
- physical oceanography
They collect and analyse data from a range of sources, including personal observation at sea. They work closely with scientific colleagues and share new findings.
Oceanographers use data collected from a wide range of sources, including ship-based instruments, satellites, buoys and robotic sea vehicles. They use computers and mathematical techniques to analyse this data.
Oceanographers spend much of their time in a laboratory or office. They may also carry out fieldwork, either from the shore, or from boats or offshore platforms. The job involves frequent travel to attend meetings and conferences.
Salaries range from around £18,000 to £60,000 a year.
Oceanographers need to be:
- skilled in science and maths
- inquisitive and persistent
- physically fit
- computer literate, with strong communication skills
- able to work well alone and as part of a team
- prepared to work at sea
- interested in ocean life and environmental issues.
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Employers include research laboratories, government agencies, fisheries and oil companies. Competition for jobs can be fierce.
Most oceanographers have a postgraduate degree, as well as a first degree in a relevant science subject, such as biology, marine biology, chemistry, geochemistry, geology or physics.
After gaining employment, oceanographers receive further training and development on the job. This is usually combined with short courses, seminars and conferences.
Most jobs are based on short-term contracts, so it may be necessary to change employers on a regular basis to advance in this career.
What is the work like?
Oceanographers are scientists involved in studying the seas. Oceanography covers a very wide range of topics and activities. For example, oceanographers may help to unlock secrets of the earth’s history by studying the ocean floor. They may focus on some of the billions of creatures who live in the oceans, or explore how the seas are affecting climate change.
Their research has many practical uses for industry and for government policy.
Oceanographers can be grouped into a number of disciplines:
- marine biology - the study of ocean plants and animals, and how they relate to each other
- marine chemistry - analysis of the chemical make-up of seawater, the movement of currents and the effects of pollution
- marine geology - the exploration of the ocean floor, including the discovery of oil, gas and mineral resources
- physical oceanography - the investigation of the ocean’s physical properties, such as temperature, current speed and direction, the ocean’s relationship with the atmosphere, and how it influences climate.
In recent years there has also been an increase in the discipline of biochemistry, which involves using DNA techniques and computer modelling to study marine life forms.
Scientists working in these different branches need to work together to build up a complete picture. Many scientists develop expertise across different strands. They also meet international colleagues regularly to present their work and share new findings.
Oceanographers use data collected from a wide range of sources, including ship-based instruments, satellites, buoys and robotic sea vehicles.
They use computers and mathematical techniques to analyse this data. Computer modellers use software to simulate the way the oceans change - for example, to predict the path an oil slick will follow.
Salaries for oceanographers start at around £18,000 a year.
Hours and environment
When working ashore, oceanographers generally work normal office hours, from Monday to Friday. They may need to work longer hours and at weekends when undertaking fieldwork, or to complete projects on schedule.
Much of the time is spent in a laboratory or office. Oceanographers may also go to sea, perhaps for six or more weeks at a time, to gather data for analysis.
Fieldwork on the open sea may be carried out on a research ship or an offshore platform. This may mean working night or day, seven days a week, perhaps in poor weather and uncomfortable conditions. Coastal and inshore fieldwork is carried out on foot from the seashore, or on small boats.
The use of remotely-controlled vehicles is becoming more common, but some oceanographers still work underwater using diving equipment.
The work involves close co-operation with scientists all over the world. Oceanographers travel to attend meetings and conferences on a regular basis.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Starting salaries are around £18,000 a year.
- With experience, an oceanographer can expect to earn around £28,000.
- The most senior oceanographers with management responsibilities may earn up to £60,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
Oceanographers should be:
- skilled in science and maths
- inquisitive and persistent
- accurate and methodical
- physically fit
- good at communicating, both in person and in writing
- computer literate
- able to present results to an audience
- able to work well alone and as part of a team
- flexible and adaptable
- willing to travel and prepared to work at sea
- able to work on their own initiative.
Interests
It helps to have an interest in:
- ocean life and environmental issues
- science, maths and engineering.
Getting in
There are around 3,500 employees working in oceanography, as well as approximately 150 volunteers. The main employers are the marine research laboratories funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC):
- National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory
- Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Liverpool
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, St Andrews
- British Antarctic Survey
- British Geological Survey.
Other employers include:
- government agencies, eg the Centre for the Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and Fisheries Research Services
- universities
- the Armed Forces
- offshore survey companies
- oil and gas companies
- water companies
- port and harbour authorities
- civil engineering firms
- manufacturers of ocean instruments
- meteorology offices
- pressure groups and charities
- conservation agencies
- environmental consultants.
The competition for oceanographic vacancies can be fierce, especially for biologists. Employment is often on short-term contracts of up to three years.
Gaining some work experience with a NERC laboratory or shadowing an oceanographer can increase work or study prospects.
Involvement in a relevant society also demonstrates commitment and helps to broaden knowledge and contacts. Relevant societies include The Challenger Society for Marine Science, the Society for Underwater Technology, the Royal Meteorological Society and the Marine Biological Association.
Entry for young people
Oceanographers need a relevant science degree, depending on the field they work in.
- Marine biology - most entrants have a degree in biology, marine biology or a joint degree with oceanography.
- Chemical oceanography - a degree in chemistry, geochemistry or oceanography and chemistry combined are the most common routes.
- Geological oceanography - many entrants have a degree in geology, geophysics, or either of these subjects combined with oceanography.
- Physical oceanography - the best degree subjects are physics, maths or oceanography. Subjects such as astronomy, astrophysics and meteorology are also popular.
In each specialism, postgraduate study or specialist training is usually required. Almost all vacancies require at least a Masters degree, and increasingly employers look for a PhD.
For a first degree, applicants need:
- at least three A levels/four H grades, preferably including maths and science subjects; even if A level/H grade maths is not specified, universities and employers will be looking for competence in maths or statistics
- five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications; besides science subjects, maths and English, other useful subjects include foreign languages, information technology and geography.
Entry to a postgraduate degree course is usually with a relevant first degree.
Entry for adults
There is no upper age limit for entry. Entry requirements are the same as for younger applicants.
Training
Degree courses usually include some fieldwork in addition to academic study.
Several universities offer taught Masters degrees and research doctorates. It is sometimes possible to enter work with a first degree and study for postgraduate qualifications part time, with support from an employer.
Once employed, oceanographers receive on-the-job training. This is usually combined with short courses, seminars and conferences.
Getting on
Due to the short-term nature of most contracts, it is often necessary to move between employers to gain promotion.
Further information
British Antarctic Survey (BAS), High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET. 01233 221400. Website: www.antarctica.ac.uk
British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG. 0115 936 3100. Website: www.bgs.ac.uk
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), CEFAS Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OHT. 01502 562244. Website: www.cefas.co.uk
Challenger Society for Marine Science, c/o Jennifer Jones, Executive Secretary, Room 251/20, Southampton Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, Southampton SO14 3ZH. Website: www.challenger-society.org.uk
Institute of Biology (IOB), 20 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DZ. 020 7581 8333. Website: www.iob.org
The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (MBA), The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PB. 01752 633207. Website: www.mba.ac.uk
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH. 023 8059 6666. Website: www.noc.soton.ac.uk
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1EU. 01793 411500. Website: www.nerc.ac.uk
Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH. 01752 633100. Website: www.pml.ac.uk
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Joseph Proudman Building, 6 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L3 5DA. 0151 795 4800. Website: www.pol.ac.uk
The Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA. 01631 559000. Website: www.sams.ac.uk
Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ. 020 7382 2601. Website: www.sut.org.uk
Further reading
Exploration and Extraction of Natural Resources - AGCAS
Oceans of Opportunity - SUT
Working in geography - Connexions
Magazines/journals:
Nature
New Scientist
Planet Earth
(Some may be priced)
For further details please see:
http://www.connexions-direct.com
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