Education, Colleges, Jobs And Salary

What Is Ocean Engineering?

Ocean engineering is a field of study that can be defined as an advanced part of marine technology studies like maritime engineering, offshore engineering, or marine electronic technology.

Many organizations appoint engineers to study the ocean’s environment to understand its impact on marine structures. Also, the reverse effect needs to be examined, and this is again a forte of this branch.

However, it should not be confused with oceanography. This is because oceanography studies the natural aspects of the oceans and their dynamics, but not the artificial influence.

What Can Students Expect if they take up Ocean Engineering?

There are different ocean engineering degrees for undergraduates and holders of bachelor’s degrees seeking higher studies and research projects.

However, both are required to have a basic understanding of oceanography, the effects of waves, ocean acoustics and the capabilities to apply engineering principles in consideration of public health, safety and welfare, and economic factors. They should be able to communicate with different audiences and use engineering design to revolutionise the field of social sciences.

If one decides to study ocean engineering, he/she must be ready to take up ethical and professional responsibilities and make informed judgments by understanding the impact of engineering solutions on the world. Students must be prepared for a lot of classroom work and participation in seminars. They must be ready to work at remote locations for longer periods.

Students can expect to do basic courses, including statistics, the strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical engineering, along with marine-specific topics.

Ocean engineers know ocean policies, the areas of concern for modern navigators, and the technological requirements for further establishment of engineering wonders across the sea.

Various new products and technologically advanced systems are developed under the guidance of ocean engineering departments in multiple countries. Developing and creating an unmanned underwater vehicle is on the priority list of companies and firms that deal in this engineering field.

As in any other field of study, ocean engineering has grown over the years and has a vast compilation of data and its representation. The introduction of advanced computers and electronic systems made the task of research and analysis easier.

This field also makes the best use of electromagnetic equipment, evident in the strong structures and designs of offshore technical platforms, advanced sea vessels, and submarines.

The Department of Ocean Engineering also looks into the significant impact of man’s activities on the natural environment of the oceans. Ocean Engineering also deals with the energy resources available in the ocean and the means to tap them.

Over the years since its establishment as a separate branch of engineering, this field has seen a rapid increase in the number of students who have enrolled in the courses, so much so that the governments in many countries had to establish a different university that deals with the various details of this fascinating subject. And the interest has multiplied since then. Ocean engineering professionals are in huge demand, which augurs well for the industry and the world.

Professionals who take education and training in ocean engineering are called ocean engineers.

Ocean engineers work closely with marine biologists, oceanographers, geophysicists, etc., to find solutions and create tools to help in research. Some of these devices by ocean engineers are used to study underwater activities, oil and gas exploration, seismic research etc.

Ocean engineers are often required to work marine vehicles, ships, sailboats, tankers, rigs, autonomous underwater vehicles, submersibles, and aircraft carriers in harsh weather conditions like severe storms. They are mainly hired by the government, oil and gas companies, ocean research organisations etc. Their work especially involves designing, constructing and maintenance of equipment and systems ocean for marine environments.

For instance, coastal engineering is an increasingly important part of ocean engineering. Coastal engineers are needed to provide efficient solutions to the problem of coastal erosion, development of coastal structures, waste disposal in coastal cities, etc., through appropriate experimentation while suggesting the efficient use of the ocean’s resources.

Like the interests of oceanographers have given rise to design skills, the technical expertise of ocean engineers and innovative equipment design has revolutionized oceanography and opened many doors for future development in the field.

Also, the invention of several instruments and devices has changed how ocean engineering students and oceanographers study the world’s coasts, coastlines, and ocean resources.

The inventions of ocean engineers have broadened the reach of oceanography. It has also changed the way oceanographers work. They can go farther offshore and deeper into the seas and oceans for long periods.

Due to their contribution, the development of ocean energy resources has been possible. Also, many new underwater discoveries of unique geological formations and marine species have been made.

Types of Ocean Engineering Jobs

There are plenty of career options when you decide to pursue ocean engineering. Most jobs would have you working in the vast ocean or underwater.

Ocean engineers can be required to work in dangerous conditions. The work done by these people has saved lives, so there is a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Their innovation can help ocean navigation, ocean studies, and environmental safety.

Underwater navigation, communication, and positioning are actively researched technologies where ocean engineers have made great progress.

The field plays a huge role in other fields like oceanography, transport, oil and gas, international trade, underwater exploration and even national defence. Ocean engineer can also use their expertise to work as mechanical engineers and environmental engineers. They have many possibilities when it comes to career choices.

If you pursue ocean engineering, you have the option to become an:

• Ocean Engineer
• Naval Architect
• Marine Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer

Jobs like naval architects and Marine Engineers are related to the core subject of ocean engineering.