Educational: To become an ocean engineer, you must
have at least a bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering studies.
To study for a degree in this field, you must have passed 10+2 with science
subjects (biology, physics and chemistry) and mathematics. In order to
go for masters degree one must have bachelors degree in the respective
field.
Ocean Engineering is a branch of engineering focused
on the design and development of equipment and techniques for exploring
the ocean floor and its resources. It involves thermodynamics, fluid mechanics,
measuring strength of materials, electrical circuits and applied math.
Students will study ocean instrumentation and seafloor mapping, underwater
acoustics and data analysis, and marine hydrodynamics and water-wave mechanisms.
They will also cover oceanography, marine dredging, port and harbour design,
marine geo mechanics and laboratory modeling.
Personal attributes :
An Ocean Engineer requires a creative, inquisitive and logical mind,
the ability to communicate clearly in speech and writing, have sound judgment
and qualities of leadership. Communication skills are vital because engineers
work with other professionals who may not be engineers. Ocean engineers
need to be detail oriented, creative and have good analytical skills.
The design process demands the extensive employment of computer based
information and communication systems. Hence Ocean Engineers should also
be well versed in computer software knowledge.
Job Prospects & Career Options
Ocean Engineering is a job oriented field with good potential. As offshore
industry is becoming commercially important in several fields like transport,
trade, oil and gas, mineral exploration etc., more efficiently designed
vessels and offshore facilities are the need of the day. The work of ocean
engineers are mainly related to engineering fields as designers and construction
supervisors, they also have scope in areas like consultancy, regulation,
surveying and overseeing, research and development, education and training
etc. Career paths for Ocean Engineers is so wide and can lead to many
industries including governmental options. Some will focus on remote sensing,
while others work on climate monitoring, environmental protection, oil
recovery, marine transportation, underwater vehicle development.
The work of ocean engineers play a pivotal role in transportation, energy
and even the nation's defense. Great careers are open to Ocean Engineers
in India and abroad in offshore drilling establishments, military and
marine navigation, Oil & Natural Gas extracting companies etc.
Ocean engineers are employed as field engineer or site
engineer which require inspection and testing of the under water structures.
As the repair for under water technology is frequent, job prospects in
this area is more. In the designing area, they are employed by ship and
boat builders, offshore constructors, design consultants, and for the
ships and submarines of the Navy and the Ministry of Defence. Equipment
manufacturers also employ ocean engineers to design such products as propulsion
systems, auxiliary systems sub sea production systems and control systems.
Ocean engineers can work as consultants to give professional advice and
technical support to those in the offshore industry. There is wide scope
for offshore research. Hence those with masters degree in the subject
can also opt for research. As a researcher they study the ocean and sea
environment in order to research how salt water affects watercraft and
vessels. They are employed by government and private undertakings as Ship
Surveyors to carry out inspections to ensure that any serious defects
arising from operation are made good, and that a safe and seaworthy structure
is maintained.
An Ocean engineer's work require frequent travelling and work sites may
be hazardous. They may have to work longer hours to meet deadlines and
at the same time face unpleasant and dangerous conditions at sea. They
have to be away from home for long periods.
