We’re celebrating World Oceans Day on the 8th June, and giving thanks to the incredible beauty of the seas.
Did you know that:
• 70% of the world’s oxygen comes from the sea
• 70% of the world is covered by ocean water
• 13 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually
• Oceans absorb 30% of the worlds Carbon Dioxide
• The Ocean contains at least 200,000 species
The ocean an incredible source of life, providing us with food, resources and entertainment. It’s also a huge contributor to the world’s economy, with global marine and coastal industries totalling 5 percent of the global GDP ($3trillion a year). If you’re passionate about the ocean and are looking to spend your working day giving back and ensuring the diversity and ecosystem in our waters, we are here to help.
Here’s our list of some of the exciting Marine Careers available:
Ocean Engineering
If you have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and are looking to support industries that work in the ocean, this could be the career for you. Combining an engineering degree and a passion for, and knowledge of, the ocean environment this career offers a range of opportunities.
In general, the job involves the design, development and analysis of equipment, testing equipment for is suitability and effectiveness and monitoring it. This means that you could be building things that can cope with the tides, in salt water and storms amongst other ocean challenges. Ocean engineers install and maintain these tools and systems once they have been designed too.
Ocean engineering is a varied, challenging and forward-thinking career with varied pathways and specialities. This is a career that is well financially compensated, and you can help save the Oceans.
Marine Biology
This is a career for those of us who have a real passion for oceanic life. Marine biologists study all life in the ocean, from tiny plankton to the great blue whales. The work these professionals perform help with conservation efforts, inform legislation and educate the world on the patterns, numbers and behaviour of sea animals.
If you want to work in marine biology, you will need a science or biology-based degree, or a degree in marine biology. Many in the profession then go on to achieve specialist masters degrees and doctorates to further their knowledge and expertise.
Day to day, this job involves the study of the animals in the sea, their behaviour, diseases and how the ocean conditions affect them. Equally importantly, marine biologists’ study and observe how human behaviours impact ocean species, including the effects of plastics and overfishing etc. It is a job based on observation, research and testing which informs publications, academic journals and conservation efforts. Work in the field is often not highly paid but is very rewarding.
Marine Mammal Trainer
This is the dream job for anyone who has a science-based bachelors’ degree and wants to work first hand with incredible ocean animals. If you dream of working with animals like dolphins, whales, seals and otters, this could be the career for you.
In addition to a science degree, marine trainers/careers must have extensive knowledge of the animals in question, as well as certifications in SCUBA, swimming, CPR and First Aid. They also must be confident public speakers.
A marine trainers’ responsibilities are vast: from actively interacting with these animals, keeping them healthy, happy and well fed, as well as studying their behaviours whilst also educating others about them.
Marine Archaeology
If you are passionate about the ocean and history, this could be the dream career. Marine archaeologists study the ocean floor to discover and uncover the history in the ocean bed. The job requires preforming excavation and restoration on the ocean bed, as well as keeping records and writing academic reports and journals about discoveries made.
The historical discoveries made are key to the knowledge and understanding of history and environmental changes. The work also makes great contributions to the preservation of the ocean and in fighting environmental change.
If you want to get into this career you will need a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree in the field as well as a high level SCUBA certification and proficiency.
Marine Researcher
Also known as Oceanographers, marine researchers study the biological makeup of the ocean, the components in the water and the varied organisms and ecosystems that live in it. This study influences change, understanding and behaviour. Studies in this field identify things such as the number of microplastics in water or the rise in sea temperature, and the results of this work have real life applications.
To enter this career, you will need a degree in biology or marine science. Work in this field involves active field-based work and research, writing and recording. In fact, work in this field often leads to academic work at a high level for those who go on to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate in the field.
Underwater filmmaker
Do you want to combine a creative flare with a passion for the Ocean? Underwater filmmaking is a great career for those with a flair for photography who want to learn more and educate others about the ocean.
Underwater filmmakers need to have excellent photography skills, with specialised knowledge of how to take photographs and videos underwater and possibly some training in scientific photography. You will also need to have an advanced SCUBA certification and be a very strong swimmer.
The job involves photographing and videoing the life in the ocean, and providing imagery and content to TV, Films, magazines and documentaries. The work provides insight into the lives of marine animals and helps to educate and inspire others. This is a great job for those with a sense of adventure and offers work all over the world.
Whether you work in a marine career or are looking to move career into the marine industry, find out how we can help you with a move to the seaside.
