Oceanography is one of the niche careers which is gaining popularity in India. Oceanography is also commonly known as oceanology or marine science. It is a branch of science that studies oceans and understands the processes within it. The research conducted by oceanographers is used by governments and the industry. The flora and fauna found in the ocean are used for medical research. Several new studies have found how oceanography has also branched in studying the consumption-worthiness of marine flora.
Branches of Oceanography:
- Marine Physics: It studies the physical attributes of the ocean.
- Marine chemistry or Chemical Oceanography: It deals with the study of composition and quality of water and ocean floor.
- Marine geology or Geological Oceanography: It studies the sea floor, its characteristics, etc.
- Marine biology: It studies marine life, its composition, and distribution.
- Marine policy: It requires knowledge of at least one social science i.e. political science, law or economics.
- Marine archeology: It requires familiarity related to the fields like archeology and anthropology.
Oceanographers should have good knowledge about basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, geology or engineering. This knowledge will come handy while studying oceanography. There are around sixty five courses of oceanography in India – chemical oceanography, marine biology and physical oceanography, etc. There is great scope for careers in oceanography in developing countries as it is still a niche and a growing profession.
Courses & Eligibility
In India, many institutions/universities offer postgraduate education in this field. Most of the oceanographers hold masters and doctoral degrees in oceanography. Here are top courses offered in this field are listed below:
Master Courses:
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Oceanography
- Master of Science in Marine Biology
- M.Tech in Ocean Engineering
- M.Tech in Ocean Technology
Doctoral Courses:
- M.Phil in Marine Biology
- M.Phil in Chemical Oceanography
- PhD in Oceanography
Eligibility Criteria to Study Oceanography:
For PG Courses: Candidates who have passed B.Sc. either in Zoology/Botany/Chemistry/Fishery Science/Earth Science/Physics/Agriculture/Microbiology/Applied Sciences or in other equivalent field are eligible to pursue M.Sc course in oceanography. Minimum educational eligibility for admission to M.Tech programme is B. Tech or equivalent degree/AMIE (Associate Member of Institution of Engineer) in Civil Engineering/ Environmental Sciences with 60% marks. Those holding M.Sc degree in the relevant field are also eligible.
Jobs & Career Opportunities:
The job of an oceanographer is generally research-oriented. They conduct surveys, collect samples and analyze data in the sea. Job opportunities are extensive for the professionals working in this field. Jobs for oceanographers are available in both public and private sector. Depending on the ability and knowledge, professionals of this field can join as scientist, engineer, and technician.
One can also get the job in government sector organizations like Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography, etc.
After finishing your degree, you can be employed in the public sector, private sector and various government organisations as a scientist, engineer or a technician. In public sector, candidates can avail career opportunities in Oil India also. Aspirants can find the employment in the government sector like the Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography etc. You can go for research studies in various colleges and research centers. It also provides many job options for research. Candidates can also choose teaching profession in most of the reputed colleges or universities.
Skills Required:
- Excellent scientific and mathematical skills.
- You should have the knowledge of different oceans of different area.
- Good Practical and problem-solving skills.
- Research skills are essential to you so, that you can research about whole properties of the particular ocean.
- Observational skills must be good.
- The communication skill is must in you and the complete knowledge of computer applications like digital mapping, remote sensing, and computer modeling.
- Good knowledge in the subject of the marine environment is required.
- The written skills are very necessary when it comes to publishing specific findings.
The career path in teaching field is also available for the candidates holding master or Ph.D. degree in oceanography.
What an Oceanographer does on the job:
- To investigate, organize, plan for oceanic activities.
- To collect data for future records.
- Test theory and further develop it.
- Prepare papers and reports on the basis of findings.
- Make policies on coastal and marine resources and environments.
How much does an oceanographer earn:
In India, the salary of oceanographer starts from Rs. 30,000 per month. Depending on experience and area you specialise in, the salary range can increase to Rs. 1 lakh. Countries like the UK, the US and France offer good salary package to oceanographers. Their remuneration is around $50,000 to $80,000 per year in abroad.
(Edvantage Point is India’s go-to platform for education-related products and services. We are into admissions management for schools, career advice and counselling services for students as well as recruitment services).
