A List of Unique and Interesting Marine Careers

Fancy a career in the sea? Are you one of those who find a job that allows them to stay close to waters fascinating? Do you wish to be able to make your love for the thrill of the ocean into a profession?

Well, then the answers for you are simpler, and the good news is you don’t have to be a mariner discovering new lands or a pirate to enjoy marine careers. The options in maritime careers today are immense.

As long as you have a passion for this line of work, you can expect to find something to your liking while keeping your passion alive for sure.

A Maritime degree today comes with options varying a lot, ranging from being a biologist to unearthing secrets of ocean beds. The diversity of maritime courses is so huge that there is something for everyone with any kind of interest.

1.   Ocean Engineering

First, you can choose a marine degree in ocean engineering which allows you to explore everything from the depth of the oceans to their vast expanse, all based on your technical skills. Marine careers in ocean engineering allow a lot of scope for engineers to make combined use of their passion for water and technical knowledge.

Ocean engineering is regarded as integrating civil, chemical, electrical, and even mechanical field. It’s coupled with the knowledge of how the oceans function.

Ocean engineers are basically involved in the designing, building, testing, and refining of different equipment. All these instruments are functional in the ocean and are subject to regular wear and tear.

Ocean engineers handle the design and development of these pieces of equipment. Researchers explore the depths of the ocean to learn more about it and how it functions.

Ocean engineers also play an important role in oil rigs and navigation in the marine field. The field of coastal engineering is growing to be an essential part of ocean engineering. There is a rising concern for the coastlines worldwide, and coastal engineers work hard towards decreasing its negative impact.

How Can You Become An Ocean Engineer?

There are many paths available that an individual can take to become an ocean engineer. Most of the job prospects in this regard require a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering.

The study arena includes the study of the ocean environment along with the varied methods of research. Furthermore, this includes the analysis, construction, and even operation of the marine life and system.

Students will be required to learn everything about energy generation along with geomechanics and different ocean structures.

Courses in coastal engineering, ocean environment, and acoustics underwater can also be essential for the same. In addition, students need to have extensive practical experience in the lab for research and designing teams.

What Exactly Do Ocean Engineers Do?

There are many responsibilities of an ocean engineer, which largely depends on the nature of the job. For example, professionals may be required to develop, design, and analyze the equipment to operate and study ocean resources. In addition, they will have to prepare system layouts along with schematics and detailed drawings of the same.

These individuals also have to perform the inspection of the machinery involved. They have to design and conduct various tests for performance reviews of the equipment.

Moreover, they have to design and look over the installation procedures for the repairing of the apparatus. Solving engineering-based problems is another thing that they are focused on. This involves exploring and harnessing the coastal and offshore resources.

Devices used by oceanographers and marine biologists need to be handled by ocean engineers. By utilizing the principle and knowledge of engineering, they should build instruments that can stand the saltwater and storms.

They must also remain at sea for a long period of time and stand the test of time. The maintenance of these pieces of equipment is also taken care of by an ocean engineer.

What are the Different Qualifications Required to Become an Ocean Engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering or any other field of engineering is enough to start you off. However, there are many post-graduation studies available under this branch of study.

Engineering studies like the dynamics of ocean structures, wave mechanics, minerals, and resources are included. Students will also be required to do projects based on offshore studies and varied resources of the ocean.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum criteria to become an ocean engineer. Individuals will be required to apply their knowledge and skills based on the designing, construction, and maintaining varied equipment.

What are the Different Job Prospects?

There are many job prospects when it comes to being an ocean engineer. There’s an option to become an ocean engineer, marine engineer, or even a naval architect.

Essentially, this job is related to the core subjects related to ocean engineering. The fundamental task of these professionals is to handle the variety of equipment along with the construction of ocean-related structures. They will also be working on the research background to study and review safe products.

The monitoring of the environment is another side of the job that ocean engineers have to deal with. Finally, they are also tasked with building and developing oil rigs with the methods and strategies of extracting oil.

What Are the Expected Average Salaries?

The average salary basically depends on the kind of project you end up working on. For example, the entry-level salaries of engineering jobs are the same for ocean engineers. However, for mechanical engineers, the salary could range from $60,000 to $91,000. Similarly, for environmental engineers, the salary could be as high as $89,700.

Related Reading:

• Ocean Engineering: Education, Colleges, Jobs And Salary
• What is the Difference Between Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture?

2. Marine Biology

But if you are more into the biology side, marine biology is one of the maritime careers suited to you the most. Study the life inside the water, from little algae to the fascinating reefs to the huge whales and sharks.

Who exactly is a Marine Biologist?

Marine biologists are people who study life within oceans. They mostly study the behaviour and physiological processes of varied species in the ocean.

This profession also comprises of studying for diseases and different environmental conditions which affect them. Marine biologists also monitor the impact of human activities on ocean life. They can work as a wildlife biologist, fish and wildlife biologist, or even as a zoologist.

These professionals love their line of the job because they have a passion for it. Marine biologists may not make a lot of money, but there are a lot of other incentives. You will get to travel to exotic lands and explore the marine life on the path to becoming a marine biologist.

How can you become a Marine Biologist?

The growth of the profession of wildlife biologists is steadily increasing. If you want to become a marine biologist, you need to be good at science and biology in school!

Furthermore, you need a proper bachelor’s degree to become a marine biologist. There are many positions where master’s or doctorate degrees are preferred. Basically, it means that there’s a long road ahead to study and perform well to achieve your dreams.

If you don’t want to become a marine biologist, you can still closely work with marine life. There are many aquariums, rehabilitation organizations, and zoos looking for volunteers. You can also readily work directly with these organizations if you want to remain close to the marine life.

What do Marine Biologists actually do?

The job of marine biologists is to make a proper study of organisms in their natural ecosystem. They conduct a wide range of research-based on performing, testing, and even monitoring their movements.

This also includes keeping an extensive inventory of everything for a proper record. They also monitor the ocean creature’s reactions to pollutants and create test samples. These samples are preserved for further study.

The samples of unknown species and diseases are also kept under a close radar. These professionals also recommend taking up an alternative form of research not to disturb the natural habitat. Moreover, they publish their research and findings in many study journals and articles.

Some marine biologists investigate the evolution and adaptation of ocean creatures. This particular field of study continues to be promising and interesting at the same time for students to pursue.

What are the qualifications required to become a Marine Biologist?

For an entry-level marine biologist, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is essential. If you want to become a researcher at any private organization or company, you must have a good educational background in science. If you have a doctoral degree, then you can try for faculty positions. You can carry on with your research work while simultaneously teaching it.

What are the various job prospects for a Marine Biologist?

Marine biologists can review and make studies based on the literature based on their research findings. They can also take part in the collection from the field for biological samples to perform analysis in the lab. Analyzing the evolutionary aspects of sea life and creatures is also an important job prospect you can pursue.

If you want to enter doors as a senior marine biologist, you will carry responsibilities like focusing on management. You have to navigate through organizations and monitor the ecosystem in question.

Moreover, you can establish and construct different proposals to continue your work. Finally, you will have to prepare many scientific journal publishing as a senior marine biologist.

What’s the expected average salary for a Marine Biologist?

The salary of marine biologists depends on the job prospect of the individual. If you manage to get a position as an entry-level technician, you can get a salary of about $35,000 annually.

More established marine biologists can get up to $80,000 annually. The average pay stands at about $62,290 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It really depends on whether you’re working out in the field or as a faculty in an organization.

Related Reading:

• Top 10 Marine Biology Books You Must Read
• How to Become a Marine Biologist: Requirements and Necessities
• Choosing the Career of Marine Biologist

3.   Marine Mammal Trainer

If you like the lighter sides of things and love animals (especially marine), try a career as a marine mammal trainer. You can find job opportunities in places like marine life museums or marine mammal care centres etc., where you can get to look after these fascinating creatures for a living.

Who exactly is a Marine Mammal Trainer?

Marine mammal trainers train and actively interact with animals like dolphins, seals, whales, and otters. These professionals also take care of everyday duties for the animals, like providing them with food and cleaning them up. They also keep their environment safe and secure and perform regular tests.

The animals are ensured to have a healthy physical routine daily with proper mental exercise. These trainers also perform several educational programs in front of the public with the help of the animals. They teach people all about the animals along with the importance of their conservation.

How to become a marine mammal trainer? 

Educational Qualifications:

Trainers require a bachelors-level training certification to start their profession. It should be noted that there is no particular bachelor degree in marine mammal training.

All you need to have is a specific science-related degree. The subject areas should be extensively about animals and their behaviour and biology. This will help you understand the animals in a better way. The courses of these studies will have you do some lab work with field exploration as well.

The degree field should be related to animal science, biology, or even marine biology and zoology. Furthermore, you may have to acquire certifications based on scuba, CPR, and first aid for any emergency.

Scuba training certification is an essential component if you want to become a marine mammal trainer. You have to complete an online course or a classroom course with some written tests.

You will also have to go through a practical test session for the same. Different diving equipment will be provided to you to learn to use them and breathe underwater.

Following this certification, you can go for CPR and first aid certification. You can readily improve your credentials and add these to your resume to enhance your chances of being hired.

Volunteering and Internship Opportunities for Experience:

Moreover, an interesting part of this field is that you get to spend time with amazing marine animals. You should take up as much as volunteering opportunities that you get.

Furthermore, you can also intern at zoos, humane societies, and varied aquariums for a better experience. You can learn a lot starting from cleaning the animal’s environment and preparing their good. With an enhanced perception of their language, you will be able to understand them.

You also need to have proper public speaking skills. This will be helpful when you are required to perform in front of an audience. If you take up drama courses in school, it will be easier to learn and prepare for public demonstrations.

The area of marine mammal training is very competitive. Individuals have to go through a long internship, volunteering, and apprenticeship period before landing any particular job.

However, entry-level trainers can continue learning the language and behaviour of animals. Essentially, this will help them further in their careers. Learning new training techniques is always an exciting experience for marine mammal trainers.

What do Marine Mammal Trainers do?

Marine mammal trainers are advised to exercise caution at all times. Working with animals is a demanding and straining job at different times of the day.

Professionals have the handling experience with proper speaking skills to perform in front of an audience. Swimming is also an essential skill that marine mammal trainers need to keep up with marine animals.

Different job prospects as a Marine Mammal Trainer

Marine mammal trainers can choose to specialize in handle a particular marine animal. Some trainers may choose to spend more time handling the educational programs for an audience.

Others would rather choose to stay behind the scene and carry on several studies and research work. There are supervisor positions to oversee everything or even as a director and curator. This may require advanced degrees in terms of the training opportunities given.

The Average Expected Salary of a Marine Mammal Trainer

According to the US Navy program, the average salary for marine mammal trainers is $71,035, which stands on the higher scale range. According to the Bureau of Labour and Statistics, the average salary for trainers was set to be about $28,880.

4.   Marine Archeology

Marine archaeology is another intriguing marine degree offering a chance to unravel the secrets lying at the ocean beds. The skills needed for such a job include diving, archaeological skills, and a passion to ‘get to the bottom of things. You can pursue this degree at the undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral level, depending on your interest in this area.

Marine Archaeology is defined as a vast field of study that comprises the ocean and seas. Therefore, the subject field has been very important to consider as it helps preserve the oceans. That being said, the task of a marine archaeologist becomes a lot more essential with the weight of the environment that they carry.

Who is a marine archaeologist?

Marine archaeologists study archaeology underwater. By travelling and exploring the waterways, humans have made a lot of discoveries.

However, the unexplored ocean floors, seas, and lakes are yet to be discovered by humans. Marine archaeologists perform restoration and excavation work to study the ocean. Basically, they carry out these works for the world to witness the amazing things hidden under the ocean and seas.

How can you become a marine archaeologist?

When it comes to discovering any important data and details related to the ocean, the ocean bed is full of it. Marine archaeology gives a chance to finding out all about it. Marine transportation is one of the oldest methods of transport used by humans.

These professionals have to travel to the remote parts of the ocean to conduct studies. To understand the relevance of marine archaeology, we have to dive in with them. It is regarded as a profession with the utmost importance along with the curious factor that it satisfies.

You may require a master’s degree if you want to teach archaeology at any organization or institution. Some foreign countries require a doctorate if you want to conduct archaeological exploration. Essentially, you have to spend a couple of years getting your bachelor’s degree followed by your masters.

You have to finish a dissertation if you want to get your doctorate. You have to take up many additional courses, which is not usually included in the archaeological program. You have to learn scuba diving for underwater exploration, which is an important factor.

What do marine archaeologists actually do?

Marine archaeologists use a lot of special equipment and tools which is required at their job. They conduct research and studies based on the ocean and seas.

First of all, they have to learn scuba diving to be able to explore the ocean floors. These professionals also use tools developed and designed by marine scientists and engineers to explore the aquatic environment. They carry out their research on particular topics of exploration.

For instance, they may use magnetic and acoustic remote sensors to find and locate varied sites to study those places. Furthermore, this will be essential in keeping a record of the locations along with the discoveries made.

Moreover, these professionals have to handle, analyze, and record varied ocean floor discoveries. They have to conduct studies based on the ship logs using legal records and various records of explorers.

These professionals have to write and manage reports based on the recommendations made. They are handled with the task to navigate boats to different archaeological site locations. They are also responsible for writing articles and books for varied academic journals.

What are the qualifications required?

Most marine archaeologists have a master’s or a doctorate to get in the field. They require intensive experience and skills in studying history, geology, oceanography, and even chemistry. Furthermore, they have to become a certified diver to explore the oceans. For this, they have to enrol in a diver training course.

What are the different job prospects of becoming a marine archaeologist?

Marine archaeologists can work in state or local governments and work in different institutions as faculty members. It will be tough to find if you want a full-term job as a marine archaeologist exploring oceans.

They are required to have an improved skill of diving for exploration purposes. These professionals need to have the basic skills important to understand the fundamentals of underwater archaeology.

As they go further into their careers, marine archaeologists have to choose a particular and unique specialisation in the field.

What is the expected average salary of a marine archaeologist?

The annual salary of marine archaeologists varies largely depending on entry-level jobs to top-tier level jobs. The starting salary could stand to be at $30,000 to $90,000. The overall pay may depend on your educational qualifications along with the location and budget of your project.

Related Reading:

• A Career in Underwater Exploration: Is it for You?
• 11 Books On Shipwreck And Maritime Archaeology You Might Be Interested In

5. Marine Researcher

But if you are interested in the entire marine world, being a part of a marine researchers’ team would allow you to explore all aspects of marine life. So you can enjoy all there is to enjoy in the very essence of a career at the sea while exploring and discovering new secrets.

Who are marine researchers?

Marine researchers study the Earth’s aquatic bodies and essentially perform different lab-based research. They are also known to be oceanographers who work as marine ecologists or even as biologists. These professionals study the varied organisms which live in water bodies. They also research on the water bodies, hence are employed in a wide range of industries.

Marine researchers extensively focus on water bodies and their contents along with the different creatures. The earth is made of 70% of water and thus, stands to take a significant part. Individuals who pursue biology in school can choose this as a career in the future.

How to become a marine researcher?

Individuals who take up marine science, geology, marine biology, oceanography, or even zoology can pursue this career. With a post-graduation degree, you can easily earn a research-based position for a job. If you want to conduct extensive research on your interested area of study, a post-graduation degree would be suitable.

You can also try for various academic positions with that degree. Research-based projects are the essential things that marine researchers focus on. They work towards collecting varied specimen from water bodies and compile all the collected data. Furthermore, they find real-life applications of the research findings.

What exactly does a marine researcher do?

Marine researchers are basically oceanographer scientists who research the oceans, seas or any other kind of water body. They focus on the aquatic environments along with the ecosystems and organisms within them.

The water bodies house many plants and animals, and they research their life and environment. These professionals can be found in several places working as a scientist or researcher. If you want to go further into the field, they can be classified as marine ecologists or even as marine biologists.

Marine ecologists focus on the components within the ocean habitat. This includes the seawater along with the ocean floor and how the atmosphere affects its existence.

These professionals work by integrating their skills in aquatic chemistry with physics and geology. These oceanographers also analyze the nature of the varied chemical reactions which takes place within the water. The research results show the proper changes which came about in the environment.

Marine biologists work towards studying animal and plant behaviour. They also study microorganisms found in oceans, seas, and other water bodies. These individuals need a proper background in the necessary field of subjects which would require proper knowledge of the environment.

What are the different qualifications required?

To become a marine researcher, you would require a proper bachelor’s degree. However, you can also go for doctoral degrees, which will help you get a research or teaching position at an esteemed institution or organisation.

What are the different job prospects for a marine researcher?

There are different areas of focus when it comes to being a marine ecologist or a marine biologist. Marine biology is a field based on learning and researching. They can work in a good position at educational institutes or even in any university. Positions as teachers and professors is a preferred job by many marine researchers.

You can go ahead to become a research assistant, lecturer, or even a professor with a doctorate. These professionals can also work in marine laboratories or government agencies. Many engineering companies and fisheries also hire marine researchers for varied purposes.

They can also work as a specialist in research organisations and consultancy services. Marine conservation groups also hire marine researchers for their valued sphere of knowledge and skills. Many of the research programs are funded by the government in pursuit of the conservation of the environment.

What is the expected average salary of marine researchers?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, marine researchers earn as much as $59,680 on average. These reports date back to the year 2015. With the growth of individuals pursuing the field, job prospects are expected to expand in the given field of study. However, many other reports say that marine researchers get as much as $29,460 to $99,663 on average.

6.   Marine Environment Educator/ Oceanography

On the other hand, as a marine environmental educator, you can make some real difference to the marine world and make efforts towards sustaining life in it more holistic.

As a marine environmental educator, you can do a job ranging from training people in marine environmental safety to spreading knowledge about it. Or you can choose to be an oceanographer and study a wide range of subjects related to marine life.

A Maritime degree in oceanography makes you eligible to study many aspects of marine life, right from marine ecology to marine flora and fauna.

Who is a marine environment educator/oceanographer?

A marine environment educator or an oceanographer is primarily a biological oceanographer, chemical oceanographer, or even a physical oceanographer. There are different job descriptions based on the type and work environment. These professionals work on researching and studying the ocean and sea life.

They also work towards gathering knowledge on the varied weather and climate of the ocean environment. Furthermore, they study towards preserving the ecosystem of the ocean and all the natural sources of water. They dedicate their professional life to predicting different weather patterns and determining the position of the tectonic plates.

Moreover, they can get different job positions based on the degrees they have. For higher-level jobs, they may require advanced training options.

How to become a marine environment educator/oceanographer?

Oceanographers need to have a good hold on a computer with its skills to analyse, catalogue, and research data. These basic computer fundamentals will help them learn advanced techniques useful in studying the ocean. This includes digital mapping with remote sensing and computer modelling choices.

Furthermore, when they work in research teams, they need to have proper communication skills to make them understand the results. They also have to post their findings and research results for others to study.

Moreover, they need to spend time in laboratories to run the conventional methodologies on the research based on experiments. Finally, oceanographers can lay down their arms to record their research results and findings in an office.

The job duties can vary depending on the particular specialisation of the oceanographer. Biological oceanographers mostly focus on examining plants, animals, and even microbes.

In comparison, physical oceanographers focus on the many characteristics of the ocean along with the temperature variation, tides, and current patterns. Chemical oceanographers focus on the varied chemical properties of the water bodies. They also concentrate on how it affects the surrounding environment. Geological oceanographers are solely focused on the functioning of the ocean floors.

The different projects taken up by oceanographers have to deal with the research and experimental findings. Depending on the data research and information, the nature of the project may vary. These professionals then deduce the results from their findings. Finally, they have to present the results by properly arguing all the nature of the experimental findings.

What are the different qualifications required to become an oceanographer/ marine environment educator?

Oceanographers can start with a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level job or even for internships. For research positions, you may require a master degree. If you are interested in teaching or any high-level research projects, you have to acquire a doctorate.

Depending on the subject, the minor and major specialisation may vary. Oceanographers mostly focus on subjects like hydrology, environmental science, oceanography, or even geosciences.

Many specialisations like chemical, physical, marine geology, and biological oceanography further into the sphere. These professionals can also work in the public sector. For this, they are supposed to acquire a state license. The many requirements may greatly depend on the type of organisations they choose to work in.

The minimum requirement may be based upon a written examination to get the job. Oceanographers have many certifications to get a good position in any institute or organisation.

What are the different job prospects of working as a marine environment educator/oceanographer?

There are many positions where one can work as a marine environment educator/oceanographer. The demand mostly rises from environmental preservation or the management of water bodies.

However, there’s no lack of a position in this field of study and research with teaching and government positions. The type of job may depend on the speciality sector of the oceanographer. With a bachelor’s degree and good work experience, one can kick start their career in oceanography.

What is the expected average salary of an oceanographer?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the average salary of oceanographers stands at about $105,720. Research findings say that the job market for the same is expected to grow till 2024.

More and better job positions will be meant for marine environment educators/oceanographers within the oil and gas industry and consulting firms.

Related Reading

• Top 10 Oceanography Books

7.   Aquatic Veterinarian

For those who share a love for both animals and water, one of the maritime courses suitable for you is an aquatic veterinarian. You can look after all sorts of marine animals, from large whales to super friendly dolphins to fascinating walruses.

Aquatic Veterinarians are known to specialise in the treatment and preventive care of animals in the ocean and seas. These professionals may work in aquariums, organisations dealing with charitable deeds, or even research facilities.

They are supposed to take care of the fish, marine mammals, and varied invertebrates. The training sessions are equivalent to many other vets. They will monitor the health of the animals kept within captivity along with many immunisation treatments.

Furthermore, they play a significant role in the planning and adaptive of various dietary programs for animals. They take care of the animal’s health and fitness.

These professionals take measures to prevent the transmission of sickness. The salary of these individuals may vary depending on the environment they are working in.

How to become an aquatic veterinarian?

To become an aquatic veterinarian, one requires a board certification. This will include many years of practical training sessions. Moreover, they will be supervised by professionals in a particular field of study. It’s their job to provide preventive measures towards animals.

They are supposed to give caregiving advice along with recommending policy changes that will benefit the aquatic population. These professionals need proper skills and knowledge to handle immunization programs, giving dietary change advice, and help endangered species.

Aquatic veterinarians may work for zoos, pet stores, or even aquaculture farms, organizations dealing with clinic jobs.

What does an aquatic veterinarian do?

Aquatic veterinarians are responsible for the health management of varied marine species. They are professionally licensed to diagnose and treat these marine animals, including fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic wildlife.

The routine work of these professionals may vary depending on the work environment. They may be treated, conducting basic tests and evaluations to take care of animals. They also give routine vaccinations, take samples of bodily fluids of animals. They work towards giving a proper medical examination of these animals to observe and evaluate their overall behaviours.

These professionals are also responsible for prescribing medicines and follow through with exams after the treatment is done. They work with various veterinary equipment helpful in the medical examination process.

The working hours of an aquatic veterinarian may vary from five to six days a week, depending on the project they are working on. The specific nature of the practice dictates the working hours for these professionals.

They may have to work in an outer environment with animals in horrid weather conditions like large tanks. Furthermore, these professionals may require a scuba diving certificate to work with marine animals. Strong swimming skills will eventually help them with their work and to be an asset to the animals.

What are the various qualifications required to become an aquatic veterinarian?

Aquatic veterinarians are required to graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This is regarded as a rigorous course that will prepare individuals for a particular field of study.

It includes the study of both small and large marine animals. Many programs offer the DVM degree for individuals interested in the field. Furthermore, there is a licensing exam that they have to clear to become a full-time aquatic veterinarian.

What are the various job prospects?

Aquatic veterinarians can work full time in private organizations. They can also work in an aquaculture environment, aquariums, or even in zoos and museums. Thus, these professionals have a wide range of working prospects for them in the field. Furthermore, they can also find jobs in the public and government sectors. For example, they may work as college professors, educators, researchers, and military personnel.

What is the expected average salary of aquatic veterinarians?

As per the survey performed by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of aquatic vets stands at $90,110. This is basically about $43.32 per hour of work. Moreover, the median salary stands at about $80,510, depending on the work environment.

The lowest salary was about $47,670 for a low-level job. Furthermore, there are many incentives that these professionals receive along with the salary. For example, they are provided with vacation days along with health insurance. All of this largely depends on the type of contract made during the initiation of employment.

8.   Scuba Diving Instructor and Underwater Filmmaker

Who are a scuba diving instructor and underwater filmmaker?

A career within photography comes with a lot many spectra for an individual. In the field of marine studies, one can choose photography as a medium. These professionals have a specialized skill-set and knowledge base, which is important for capturing animals in their natural habitat.

It has to do everything related to clicking photographs underwater in oceans and seas. There are varied types of marine animals along with the aquatic environment to click pictures of. There are boundless creatures and scenes within the surface and depth of oceans to cover.

How to become a scuba diving instructor and underwater filmmaker?

To become a scuba diving instructor and underwater filmmaker, one would need the basic skill of generic photography. They need to have the knowledge set and skills required to become a professional photographer. This profession requires a lot of dedication to achieve the perfect shots within the aquatic environment.

What do scuba diving instructors and underwater filmmakers do?

Once an individual is fluent in the language of photography, they can be really confident about aquatic photography. The first thing they have to learn is scuba diving which requires certification.

The certification program is essential to enrol in underwater photography courses. There are many programs from which an individual can be assured of becoming an underwater filmmaker. Professional scuba divers will carry out the scuba diving lessons.

The fundamentals of photography and scuba diving can be cleared up during the training sessions. You will essentially learn everything there is to learn about underwater photography without any hassles. Furthermore, you can specialize in scientific photography with its varied techniques to clear your doubts. There are many courses dedicated to underwater photography, so that you will have no trouble in that regard.

What are the qualifications required to become a scuba diver and underwater filmmaker?

You need to have a diving certification for scuba diving to become a professional underwater filmmaker. There are divisions of programs offering you many choices of underwater filmmaking. First, there is a certification based on the basic levels, which more rigorous training sessions will follow.

Essentially, this will help you to prepare for a diverse range of filmmaking projects. You can become a diving master within just three months of learning scuba diving. Furthermore, there has to be proper utilisation of the knowledge gathered in the particular field of specialisation.

You need to have great skills in photography to go further into the career of being a scuba diver and underwater filmmaker. There will be much deflection of light and distortions due to the aquatic environment.

One needs to be aware of the harsh conditions within the depths and surface of the water during photography sessions. It’s assumed that a skilled underwater photographer can capture ethereal images of aquatic mammals and the environment.

What are the different job prospects of being a scuba diver and an underwater filmmaker?

Many of the professional underwater photographers work in publications, magazines, and even television. There are many international magazines and channels which are constantly looking for professional individuals with talent. You can be one of those talented individuals who can share their creativity with the world.

Basically, you can share and sell your photos to small magazines as a kickstart to your career. As you gain more credibility, you can aim for better publications and organisations. You can even be hired as a staff photographer for any channel or publication.

Animal-based channels require many underwater photography collections in their hands, and you can be very useful to them. You can also work on projects based on commission. You have to find your own style of working, which will help you set your mark.

What is the expected average salary of a scuba diver and an underwater filmmaker?

According to the labour statistics, the average salary of a scuba diver and an underwater filmmaker stands at $35,000. However, the highest range of salary can vary at $60,000 for a high-level job. In comparison, the lowest of range can stand at $17,000 for underwater photographers.

Swimming with the fish or exploring the unseen marine plants, life as a scuba diver is quite thrilling. The choice here remains to work as an individual like a freelance marine life filmmaker or get into the corporate side of things.

9.   Marine Scientist

Another on the list of maritime careers is that of a marine scientist. With a degree in marine science, you can find a career as a scientist exploring various parts of marine life, environmental facets of ocean beds, and the chemical composition of water. The specialization in the course decides your area of research, but the choices to choose from are immense.

A marine scientist is someone who conducts studies on waterbodies while performing many other duties. This includes researching, experimentation, and even creating plans for the improvement and sustenance of aquatic life. These individuals essentially take care of ocean life’s health and productivity.

They might end up working in the field or get involved in an office setting or a laboratory. Marine scientists mostly focus on the planning and undertaking of various lab-based experiments and research studies. They also collect samples at sea for making research papers on the same.

Keeping up with the scientific developments in the field is also an essential task that they keep up with. In addition, they are responsible for the testing, recording, and interpretation of data from different fields.

Who is a Marine Scientist?

To become a marine scientist, you would require a graduate or higher degree in biology, geology, or environmental science. This is the minimum requirement to join in this field of work. Most employers will accept bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate, and even doctoral degrees. This required extensive on-field experience to gain insight into the field of study.

Individuals interested in this field are required to have a strong analytical side with reasoning skills. Technical competencies are also an essential part to consider in a marine specialist in software.

Practical skills like working underwater and handling varied marine-based vessels are also important. Diving is another skill that you have to learn to become a marine scientist essentially. Furthermore, you have to work within an extremely hazardous environment for conducting varied types of studies.

What do marine scientists actually do?

Marine scientists begin their project work by getting to meet up with various professionals within the industry. They establish a proper plan of action before doing anything else. Many marine scientists are seen working with the government, hand in hand, for environmental regions. They conduct studies based on the pollutants and toxins within the environment.

After the plan is properly set, scientists and researchers go ahead to act as project managers. They may be tasked with coordinating the whole project along with other employees.

These professionals are also tasked with the deployment of various lab-based equipment. They are required to create different chemical compounds and different direct activities. Marine scientists play a major role in the conservation of marine life. They may work with other agencies to take steps to conserve the ocean habitat.

They may also work as a faculty member in universities to conduct research. The topic for the thesis material can be based on the seasonal movement of ocean animals along with the study of the fault lines in the ocean bed. These professionals gather all the information to publish it in a research article then.

What are the qualifications required to become a Marine Scientist?

Choosing a stream of study which includes marine science, geology, zoology, or even maritime studies could be a door to becoming a marine scientist.

However, for better and permanent positions in the field, you may require a PhD or a Masters in Science. In the postdoctoral research field, you are tasked with completing a particular project on a given topic of your choice. In addition, you have to publish it in an academic profile which will be essential for you in the long run.

Different job prospects

Many marine scientists work in government sectors, private organizations, and even in industry-based companies. The type of job depends on the work environment. Some scientists solely focus on research and studies, while others conduct practical experiments. Many scientists work with marine plants to develop products that humans can use. In contrast, some may choose to work for zoos, aquariums, and even monitor marine animals and study their movements.

The schedule of marine scientists is not fixed due to their work offshore and on the field. The time largely depends on the project they have been working on.

These professionals also survive harsh weather conditions to conduct studies and continue their research. They may travel worldwide to attend workshops, events, and various seminars based on the conducted studies. People working in the government line may have a regular working schedule as compared to any other.

The expected average salary

The annual average salary of marine scientists stands at about $59,680. There is growing popularity in the field of marine studies over time.

10.   Marine Environment Economist

If saving the marine environment is what you like the most, then of all the marine careers, one as marine environment economist is what you should pursue as a career option. With a degree in this course, you can work with the government or with private companies, saving marine life and resource management for their maximum sustenance.

Life at sea is fascinating in whatever way you choose to look at it. So no matter which of all the marine careers available you choose to go for, as long as you have a liking for the waters, you will find something you love.

Who is a marine environment economist?

A marine environment economist works in researching environmental issues like power plants, pollution control methods, hydroelectric construction, and more. These professionals are linked with a cost-benefit analysis of various industrial activities or proposed regulations involving natural resources.

They make use of a suite of advanced statistical and computer software programs to make their calculations. Furthermore, this analysis helps in developing a cost-effective and sustainable policy recommendation. Finally, it helps them communicate with policymakers via various reports and presentations.

These professionals work towards environmental protection and the use of natural environments like water and renewable sources of energy. They are functional in evaluating and quantifying the benefits, incentives, costs, and different impacts of alternative options. They make use of economic principles and statistical techniques to arrive at a conclusion.

They study and predict the impact of environmental events on the local and global stages. They can work as researchers for economic incentives and use the resulting models to assess labour and outcomes.

How to become a marine environment economist?

To become a marine environment economist, a bachelor’s degree is a must. Furthermore, for higher-end jobs, more advanced degrees will suffice. Individuals without any higher degrees may get stuck at lower-end jobs with less pay and incentives. The employment of marine environment economists is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. It will provide many jobs in the sector of the federal government.

What does a marine environment economist do?

A marine environment economist is functional in the analysis related to environmental protection and the use of natural sources of water and renewable sources of energy.

These professionals consult with policymakers to make economic pressure that helps people and organizations to adhere to the regulations. They also make predictions based on identifying, collecting, and analysing various environmental and historical economic data.

They work towards providing reports based on their findings to external stakeholders on economic performance and varied outcomes. These individuals also prepare many reports based on their economic findings on the marine environment. They readily consult with policymakers and industry leaders to make a communicative statement. They assess and design various economic values to an industry or company’s task and goals.

These professionals play an essential part in writing technical documents or academic articles to communicate their results and make economic forecasts. They conduct research based on economic and environmental topics. This includes fossil fuels, air and water pollution control, and the protection of endangered aquatic species.

They readily assess the various activities and policies’ costs and varied benefits that directly affect the environment and natural resource stocks. They make a proper appraisal of the environmental impact of various regulations and policies.

They prepare and deliver many presentations to communicate their study results. This is basically meant to raise awareness of the environmental consequences. They work towards collecting and analyzing data to compare with the environmental implications of economic policies and alternatives. 

What are the qualifications required?

In some government positions, all you need is a bachelor’s degree to work as a marine environment economist. High-end positions will definitely require more advanced degrees. Most environmental economists work with a doctoral degree. These individuals must have a good background and hold in the subject of maths and statistics.

They may also require some additional certifications to work in an aquatic environment. They require relevant work experience on top of their graduate degrees. With proper practical experience and background, one can really excel in this field.

What are the different job prospects?

Most marine environmental economists work in federal or state government positions. They may also work as a professional or in a scientific setup or even in technical services. Nowadays, larger organizations are also hiring them as economists. These professionals play an essential role in determining the financial and environmental costs of varied projects.

What is the expected average salary of a marine environmental economist?

The median hourly wage of marine environmental economists stands at $54.26, whereas the total median annual wage is $112,860.

Related Reading:

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• The Career of Electro-Technical Officer on Ship
• What is Naval Architecture: Careers, Courses And Jobs For Naval Architects
• How to Become a Marine Engineer?
• 4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
• The Ultimate Guide To Join Merchant Navy
• Marine Teaching Profession – Getting A Much-Needed Face-Lift

References: marine.Stanford, imi.edu