Scope of Oceanography in India

In recent years, the Oceanology or Oceanography field has grown rapidly with people becoming more sound and conscious about the environment. Read this Shiksha article to get a detailed elaboration of the scope of Oceanology in India.

With humans becoming more aware of environmental degradation, oceanography is one of the career paths that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Also known as Oceanology, it is the study of biological and physical aspects of the ocean. An oceanographer is a scientist who investigates the ecology of complex interactions between marine organisms, seawater, freshwater, the atmosphere and many others.

Branches of Oceanography

There are four major branches of Oceanology, which are given below:

• Biological Oceanography or Marine Biology: Study of marine ecosystems, biological composition and distribution of aquatic plants and animals

• Chemical Oceanography or Marine Chemistry: As the ocean consists of various chemicals, the professional studies its composition and formation. The relationship between the chemical compounds, how the chemical inputs to the ocean affect it, the chemistry of the ocean is affected by the biological, geological, and physical factors are studied as well.

• Physical Oceanography or Marine Physics: Study of physical attributes of the ocean like the movement of water and the forces that cause motion (winds, waves and tides) using satellite technology. A detailed combination of theory, observations and experiments are performed to validate the data.

• Geological Oceanography or Marine Geology: The Mapping of seafloors like ridges and valleys is done using remote sensing technology. Sediment characteristics such as size, shape, color, age, origin, transport are examined in detail.

Scope of Oceanography in India

The scope of Oceanography is tremendously increasing as there is a dire need for ocean and resource management in India. As the youth is becoming more aware and concerned about the same, they are willing to contribute to the cause.

Jobs and Career Opportunities

Making a career in the Oceanography field is challenging as well as rewarding. The jobs are available in both the public and private sectors. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) holds exams for placements in Central Government Agencies like the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board. An Oceanographer can also be absorbed as an Environmental Scientist, Hydrographer, Geographer, Geophysicist, and Mining Engineer in India and abroad.

• Average Salary: Approx. INR 2 to 9 lac per annum

• Other Top Recruiting Companies: Meteorological Survey of India, Coal India, Department of Oceanography, Mineral Exploration Authority, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Hindustan Zinc, Marine Industries, etc

• Job Positions: Ocean Import Manager, Oceanographer, Ocean Freight Manager, Wellness Ocean Resource Person, etc

Oceanography: Basic Roles and Responsibilities

Ideally, the roles and responsibilities depend on whether one is undertaking a lab/office-based work, which involves computer modelling, or whether it is a field job, that is, at sea on a research vessel, gathering data from subsurface instruments. Your work will also depend on the type of employer you work for and your level of training and experience.

However, as an oceanographer, you will typically need to:

• An oceanographer needs to plan and lead research trips, often to explore and study ocean environments.

   

• Organize and manage various marine activities, ensuring everything operates smoothly and safely.

   

• An oceanographer uses specialized tools and techniques to collect ocean samples and data for ongoing study.

   

• An oceanographer needs to analyze the collected samples and data to test theories for the scientific understanding of marine systems.

• An oceanographer needs to write research papers and detailed reports based on their findings.

• Help shape environmental policies related to coastal and marine ecosystems. 

• Oceanographers need to create simulations or computer models to understand ocean behaviors and phenomena in a better way.

• Teach university students through lectures and on-field experiences.

Also Read: National Institute Of Oceanography (NIO) Admission Process

Oceanography: Basic Skills Required

Given below are a few basic skills that one oceanographer must possess to excel in this field.

• Research skills: It is essential to have smart research skills so that one can find out about the properties of the particular ocean
• Marine Life: Good knowledge of the subject of the marine environment is required
• Written and Communication Skills: Written skills are very necessary when it comes to publishing specific findings. With this, you must be able to present your findings (reports and research papers) clearly to other scientists and others.
• Digital knowledge: Complete knowledge of computer applications like digital mapping, remote sensing and computer modeling
• Critical thinking: Findings are based on sound observations and careful evaluation of data 
• Problem Solving: As the projects are complex and challenging, one must evaluate and judge the problems in a smart way
• Stamina: As the observations are collected while staying outdoors, one must be familiar with camping and hiking

Oceanography 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 the popular courses offered in this field are listed below:

Popular Oceanography Institutes in India

Given below are some popular institutes and universities for MSc Oceanology courses in India:

Note: An aspirant must pass the entrance exam conducted by the respective colleges and universities. Check: Popular Colleges offering Oceanology Programme