Career Options in Oceanography


Oceanography is that branch of Earth Science which is related to the study of seas and oceans with special importance to coastal waters, estuaries, coastlines the ocean beds and shelves. The study of oceanography covers wide range of topics, including ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; the geology of the sea floor and plate tectonics; and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries and fluxes of various chemical substances. Many people relate careers in oceanography as consisting of swimming with marine animals at a marine life park or snorkeling in crystal-clear tropical waters studying coral reefs. But in reality these kinds of jobs are very rare and there is an intense competition for these jobs. Most oceanographers work in fields that use science to solve a particular problem in the ocean.

Oceanography Professionals in the field

A person who studies the various aspects of the oceans is known as Oceanographer or Marine Biologist. The work of an Oceanographer requires the scientific knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, mathematics and geophysics. This evolving field gives the chance to gain scientific knowledge as well engagement in various private and public firms. Oceanography takes students to the world within our oceans which is yet to be discovered. The student is given the knowledge via theoretical and also practical classes. The students during practical classes are assigned to conduct surveys, collect samples, and analyze data with the help of advanced tools and equipment in the sea for many hours.

Oceanography Eligibility Criteria

The basic educational requirement to qualify for a course in oceanography is a bachelor’s degree in science i.e. B.Sc. or in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Fishery Sciences, Agriculture, Applied Science, Microbiology or any similar or equivalent disciplines. There is usually an on job training which is pooled with seminars and conferences, short courses and self-managed learning through reading and personal research. Much of the training is by learning from others, both in your own and other scientific disciplines.

Job Prospects for Oceanographers

Making a career in Oceanography is inspiring and also very rewarding. There are many employment opportunities for Geographers, Meteorologists and also Oceanographers in both public and private sectors. A good oceanographer must be ready to spend at least 50 percent of his or her time at sea wherein he or she is either conducting some research or doing a survey. There are tremendous detriments involved in this type of sea duty but for those who enjoy this career, for them it is one of the best ways to shape up a career. Owing to this most of the oceanographers have found that the rewards and applauds that come from discovering the ocean's secrets far overshadow the hassle of long dispositions at sea.

Oceanography Pay-Package

A fresher, after completing post-graduation in Oceanography can earn a monthly salary which may range anything between Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 in public sector. The salary is a little higher in the private sector. With a Ph.D., one can earn more than Rs 15, 000 per month.

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