Oceanographer
Oceanographers are scientists concerned with the physics, maths, chemistry, biology and geology of the oceans. They observe and measure currents, tides and circulation, rocks under the sea, plants and animals, and how the sea and the atmosphere interact. They study how human activity and new developments at sea affect the environment. They also research into things like improving weather forecasts, safe ways to dispose of waste, or how to harness the ocean as a source of renewable energy.
Oceanographers are likely to specialise in an area such as:
· Physical Oceanography - investigating the properties of the ocean, including temperature, density, salinity and wave motions, tides and currents.
· Chemical Oceanography - analysing water quality, chemical pollutants and the properties of sea water.
· Marine Geology - studying the geology and geophysics of the seabed and coastal interactions.
· Marine Biology - analysing, classifying and quantifying marine bacteria, plankton, viruses, algae and creatures, and recording interactions between them.
· Surveying and Cartography - mapping the sea floor and monitoring coastal erosion.
They may also produce computer simulations of the physical, biological and chemical processes in the ocean to help predict things like climate change, fish stocks or changes in sea level.
Entry level
You would need a degree in a subject like oceanography, biology, zoology, chemistry, physics, maths, geology or geophysics. Related subjects, or joint oceanography with other science subjects, are also accepted. A postgraduate qualification is usually also needed. A number of universities offer taught postgraduate MSc degrees and research degrees.
For entry to a suitable first degree, you would need at least two A levels/three H grades (two sciences or a science and maths) and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications. English at GCSE/S grade (A-C/1-3) is usually required, and technological subjects and a foreign language are useful. Many universities demand more than the minimum qualifications.
Making the grade
Training is usually on the job, combined with short courses, seminars and conferences, 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.
Further qualifications and training are possible at MSc, PhD and postdoctoral level, in the UK and abroad. Moves are underway to develop the award of chartered marine scientist.
Promotion and career advancement is often achieved by moving from one employer to another.
Personal qualities
As an oceanographer, you would need a keen interest in science and the sea, combined with an enquiring mind and careful attention to detail and accuracy.
You would probably need to spend extended periods of time on a boat gathering data, and may need to go down to the seabed in a submarine vehicle or by diving. You would need IT skills to carry out detailed calculations.
Some of your work would be carried out on your own but you would also need to work as part of a team. You may need to write up reports and explain to people what you have found out or what you are aiming to explore. These may be other scientists but could also be people who do not share your technical knowledge, so you would need to be able to communicate clearly.
Looking ahead
Competition for jobs in marine biology is fierce, although prospects are better if you have a postgraduate degree or relevant experience.
Most posts are in centres funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), such as British Antarctic Survey, Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Southampton Oceanography Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Sea Mammal Research Unit, British Geological Survey. NERC has a number of research vessels, mainly based at Southampton, and some used in the Antarctic.
Oceanographers can also work for government research laboratories or universities, the armed services, industry, charities and pressure groups.
Many of the companies and organisations concerned operate worldwide, and offer opportunities for overseas travel.
It is a good idea to network with others in the profession through learned societies such as the Challenger Society for Marine Science, Royal Meteorological Society, the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Marine Biological Association.
Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include biologist, chartered surveyor, chemist, geologist, marine engineer, meteorologist or physicist.
Take-home pay
Typical starting salaries for recent graduates or MSc candidates range from £16,000 to £19,000, and from £18,000 to £28,000 for PhD candidates. Typical salaries for first time university lecturers are £27,000 to £34,000, while experienced senior lecturers can earn £36,000 to £54,000 plus. Oceanographers who work in private industry would be on a similar scale or slightly higher. Consultancy pay can be higher still, although most consultants start on a rate closer to £25,000, with pay levels increasing with suitable experience.
Effects
Most oceanographers work on fixed-term contracts, even those with strong academic qualifications and experience. In this type of work, you should expect to have long stretches of months at a time away at sea, sometimes in cramped conditions and in arduous weather conditions. However, most oceanographers view fieldwork as motivational and at the heart of their work.
Sources of information
British Antarctic Survey: www.antarctica.ac.uk
British Geological Survey: www.bgs.ac.uk
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory: www.pol.ac.uk
Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science: www.cefas.co.uk
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology: www.imarest.org
Marine Biological Association: www.mba.ac.uk
Marine Conservation Society: www.mcsuk.org
Natural Environment Research Council: www.nerc.ac.uk
Society for Underwater Technology: www.sut.org.uk
Southampton Oceanography Centre: www.soc.soton.ac.uk
CRCI: TB
