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Oceanographer
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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.