Scope of Oceanography in India
In recent years, Oceanology or Oceanography field has grown rapidly with individuals becoming more sound and conscious about the environment. Here is a detail elaboration of the scope of Oceanology in India.
With humans becoming sounder and 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, the same is given below:
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Biological Oceanography or Marine Biology: Study of marine ecosystems, biological composition and distribution of aquatic plants and animals
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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.
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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.
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Geological Oceanography or Marine Geology: Mapping of seafloors like ridges and valley is done using remote sensing technology. Sediment characteristics such as size, shape, color, age, origin, transport are examined in details.
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 field is challenging as well as rewarding. The jobs are available in both public and private sectors. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) holds exams for placements in Central Government Agencies like Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board. An Oceanographer can also be absorbed as an Environmental Scientist, Hydrographer, Geographer, Geophysicist, Mining Engineer in India and abroad.
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Average Salary: Approx. INR 2 – 9 lac per annum
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Other Top Recruiting Companies: Meteorological Survey of India, Coal India, Department of Oceanography, Mineral Exploration Authority, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation and Hindustan Zinc, Marine Industries, etc
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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:
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Plan and carry out research expeditions
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Investigate, organize, plan for oceanic activities
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Collect samples and data using special equipment and techniques for future records
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Test and analyze data theory and further develop it
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Prepare papers and reports on the basis of findings
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Make policies on coastal and marine resources and environments
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Perform simulations of ocean phenomena using a computer or mathematical models
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Take lecture to university classes and lead field trips
Oceanography: Basic Skills Required
Given below are few basics 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 about the whole properties of the particular ocean
- Marine Life: Good knowledge in the subject of the marine environment is required
- Written and Communication Skills: The 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 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:
| Course Level |
Course Name |
Qualifying Degree with Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Masters Course |
MSc in Oceanography |
B.Sc. with (Physics/ Earth Science/ Microbiology/ Applied Science/ Chemistry/ Botany/ Zoology/ Agriculture/ Fishery Science) with minimum 50% aggregate |
| MSc in Marine Biology |
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| MTech in Ocean Engineering |
B.Tech/ equivalent degree/ AMIE (Associate Member of Institution of Engineer) in Civil Engineering/ Environmental Sciences |
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| MTech in Ocean Technology |
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| Doctoral Courses |
MPhil in Marine Biology |
Postgraduate degree in related fields with a minimum 60% aggregate |
| MPhil in Chemical Oceanography |
||
| PhD in Oceanography |
Popular Oceanography Institutes in India
Given below are some popular institutes and universities for MSc Oceanology courses in India:
| College Name & Location |
Courses | Course Fee |
|---|---|
| MSc | Rs 12,900 |
|
| MSc | Rs 28,400 |
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| National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji |
MSc | Rs 50000 |
| MSc | Rs 4950 |
Note: An aspirant must pass the entrance exam conducted by the respective colleges and universities. Check: Popular Colleges offering Oceanology Programme
