Oceanographer

Oceanographers study and perform research on matters related to the sea and oceans. They divide their expertise into four main branches of research: physical oceanographers, whose research focuses on waves and tides; chemical oceanographers, whose studies address the chemical constitution of sea waters; marine biologists, whose focal point is the study of living organisms, ecosystems, and their interaction underwater; and geological oceanographers, whose research refers to the bottom of seas and their plaques.

Here are some typical tasks performed by oceanographers:

• Conduct fieldwork to collect water, sediment, and biological samples using specialized equipment like submersibles, remote sensors, and research vessels.
• Analyze samples and data to study ocean currents, temperature, salinity, and other physical and chemical properties of seawater.
• Design and perform experiments to investigate oceanographic phenomena, such as nutrient cycles, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics.
• Monitor changes in oceanographic conditions, including sea level rise, ocean acidification, and climate change impacts on marine environments.
• Develop and use computer models to simulate oceanic processes and predict future changes in the marine environment.
• Prepare detailed reports and scientific papers presenting research findings, methodologies, and conclusions.
• Assess the potential impacts of human activities, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, on marine ecosystems.
• Engage in public education and outreach activities to raise awareness about ocean conservation and marine science.
• Work with other scientists, engineers, and policymakers to address complex marine and environmental issues.
• Provide scientific advice and data to support the development of marine and environmental policies and regulations.

The following job titles also refer to oceanographer:

marine biologist
oceanography scientist
marine physicist
oceanography researcher
oceanography science researcher
oceanography analyst
oceanography research scientist
marine geologist
marine chemist
marine research scientist
oceanographers
oceanography research analyst

Oceanographers work in a variety of environments, including laboratories, offices, and the field. Fieldwork can involve spending extended periods at sea on research vessels, sometimes in challenging and remote locations. This aspect of the job requires physical stamina, the ability to work in varying weather conditions, and adherence to safety protocols. Laboratory work includes analyzing samples and data using sophisticated instruments and techniques. Office work involves data interpretation, report writing, and developing models and simulations. The role often involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and can require irregular hours, especially during field expeditions or when meeting project deadlines.

A bachelor’s degree in oceanography, marine science, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring candidates with a master’s degree or Ph.D. Specialized coursework in marine biology, chemistry, geology, and physics is beneficial. Practical experience through internships, fieldwork, or research projects is highly valuable.

Proficiency in using scientific instruments, data analysis software, and geographic information systems (GIS) is essential. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for interpreting data and conveying findings effectively. Continuous professional development and staying updated with advancements in oceanographic research and technology are important for career progression. Membership in professional organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU) or the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), can provide networking and educational opportunities.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Oceanographer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to oceanographer.

seismologist
palaeontologist
astronomer
meteorologist
climatologist

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of oceanographer.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Physics: The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
• Oceanography: The scientific discipline that studies oceanic phenomena such as marine organisms, plate tectonics, and the geology of the ocean bottom.
• Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
• Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
• Scientific modelling: Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.
• Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing a hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

These skills are necessary for the role of oceanographer.

• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
• Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
• Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of oceanographer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Cartography: The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
• Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
• Aquatic ecology: Aquatic ecology is the study of aquatic organisms, how they interact, where they live, and what they do.
• Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
• Geophysics: The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.
• Meteorology: The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.
• Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Environmental engineering: The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) for humans and other organisms, for environmental remediation in the event of pollution, sustainable energy development, and improved waste management and waste reduction methods.
• Remote sensing techniques: The different techniques to obtain information on objects and phenomena on Earth’s surface without having physical contact with them, such as electromagnetic radiation, radar imaging, and sonar imaging.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of oceanographer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Operate remote sensing equipment: Set up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
• Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
• Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
• Use Geographic Information Systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Conduct research on climate processes: Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
• Perform diving interventions: Perform hyperbaric interventions at a maximum pressure of 4 atmospheres. Prepare and review the personal equipment and the auxiliary material; perform and supervise the dive; realize maintenance of the diving equipment and auxiliary material; apply the security measures to assure the diver’s security on the realization of low deep immersions.
• Apply digital mapping: Make maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.
• Conduct underwater surveys: Conduct subaquatic surveys to measure and map the underwater topography and morphology of bodies of water in order to aid the planning of aquaculture projects, the construction of marine constructions, and the exploration of natural resources.
• Conduct field work: Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
• Assist scientific research: Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
• Design scientific equipment: Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.

2114 – Geologists and geophysicists

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References

1. Oceanographer – ESCO
2. What does an oceanographer do? – National Ocean Service – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
3. Featured image: By NOAA. The original uploader was Brianhe at English Wikipedia., 31 December 2005 (original upload date) – NOAA photo library photo theb0262;, Public Domain