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Oceanographer - Personal requirements

Kaimātai Moana

Skills & knowledge

Oceanographers need to have:

knowledge of the ocean and marine environment
knowledge of fluid mechanics (the way fluids behave)
practical skills for performing experiments and operating scientific equipment
research skills
skill in analysing and interpreting research results and other information
problem-solving skills
planning and organisational skills
communication skills
writing skills, for writing reports and for publications
maths and computer skills.

Phil Sutton checking a GPS drifting buoy

Joanne O'Callaghan looking at a colourful simulation on a comupter

Joanne O'Callaghan studying a simulated model of the ocean's tides

Personal Qualities

Oceanographers need to be:

enquiring
observant
persistent
patient
motivated.

It is also important they have a love of the outdoors.

"You need to be able to get on with people and have a good sense of humour, because you might be doing fieldwork for a long period with only a few people for company."

Rick Herzer - Marine Geoscientist

Physical Requirements

Oceanographers should be reasonably fit and healthy, as they may have to work for long periods in cramped conditions on ships. They must be able to cope with seasickness.