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Tell me about it
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
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