Oceanographer : Training

Individual development is likely to come from working with other oceanographers (including those from other specialist areas) as well as with scientists from other disciplines such as physicists, environmentalists and engineers. Employers will usually provide initial training relevant to the post in areas such as report writing, writing and presenting papers and presentation skills.

If you choose an academic career, you may be expected to undertake original research, secondments, collaborative work, self-managed learning and professional seminars. You may be encouraged to study for a PhD if you do not already have one. There may be opportunities to study abroad.

There are several research organisations (some of which have particular specialisms) which may provide training, including:

• National Oceanography Centre, Southampton ;
• School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University ;
• Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory ;
• University of East Anglia - for meteorology and oceanography;
• Plymouth Marine Laboratory  - focuses on marine ecosystems.

These institutions may offer scientific seminars and open lectures on oceanographic area of interest and other related subjects.

There are several professional organisations which provide an opportunity for development and networking such as the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST)  as well as the biennial Oceanology International (OI)  conference.

You may also be able to undertake short study periods at an overseas marine institute or work on short projects at sea. However, you are likely to have to fund this yourself - either at your own expense or by securing a grant.