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Take a plunge into
oceanography
The day may not be far when people starting living in boathouses on the sea, as is already being done in some countries. This, in fact, could further improve the work prospects of oceanographers. Prof Kannan says that with
the gradual depletion of minerals on the earth, there is no other option
except to explore the oceans for these. Thus the government is
encouraging exploration of the oceans. There is a lot of work to be done
in this field.
It is the study not only of oceans and coastlines but all aspects of sea life. Oceanographers spend a major part of their life at sea, which could include almost 200 days a year aboard vessels. Future scenario According to D.B. Banerjee, an oceanographer, "For the next 50 years, there will be no shortage of jobs in this industry. The government and private companies already working in this field need trained manpower all the time. Oceanography as a career is both challenging and satisfying for those with an intrinsic curiosity about the oceans." The branches in which a person can specialise include Chemical Oceanography, Geological Oceanography, Marine Biology, Physical Oceanography etc, he adds. Work avenues Prof. Kannan that after acquiring the relevant degree an oceanographer can join the private sector units engaged in marine product manufacturing and research. Besides, public sector organisations such as Oil India and government establishments like the Geological Survey of India and Meteorological Survey of India also hire oceanographers. Besides, companies like Hindustan Zinc Ltd. And institutions like the National Institute of Ocean and Technology etc. hire these professionals for research purposes. For doing M.Sc, graduation in science is a must.
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OCEANOGRAPHY
is the scientific study of all aspects of life in oceans. It can be an
interesting career option for those who love the sea and want to lead a
life of exploration and adventure. Says Prof K. Kannan, a senior
professor of Guru Govind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi,
"Keeping in view the importance of this field, the Government of
India has set up a separate ministry to explore the possibility of
living in the seas and oceans. There is a whole world to be explored
under the deep waters. The government is looking at every aspect of the
biodiversity of the seas and oceans."
There are a number
of institutes offering courses and training in oceanography.
Most of these are located near the sea so as to facilitate
practical training in various aspects of oceanography. Some of
the most prestigious institutes are IIT Chennai, Cochin
University of Science and Technology, Mumbai Institute of
Technology, Engineering College in Karnataka, to name a few.