A Future in Marine Science and Technology

High technology, challenging and diverse careers with excellent employment prospects in “sustainable use of the seas”.

Use of the sea, for transport, leisure, energy, research and fishing increases every year. Over 90% of international trade is carried one hundred thousand ocean-going ships, from massive bulk cargo ships to the smallest sea-canal barges. There is continuous development ships to improve performance and economy, and to meet demand. Luxury passenger vessels, such as Queen Mary 2 and high-speed ferries are examples. The UK has over a million small boat sailors and a thriving marine leisure industry to provide their needs.

The UK imports and exports everything from cars to clothes by sea. The UK Marine Industry, including energy, defence employs some 300,000 people. The result is a strong demand for Marine Technologists to design, build, equip, operate, repair & recycle a huge variety of marine vessels and structures. Marine Scientists study marine life and the environment to promote sustainability.

Marine Engineers create the propulsion, power and control systems for ships, underwater vehicles, and offshore structures. Naval Architects design, produce and operate ships and other marine vehicles. Offshore Engineers design fixed and floating offshore energy installations. The growth in yachts, leisure and high-speed craft is rapid, and a degree in Small Craft Technology covers their design and operation.

Marine Scientists study the environment and creatures in the seas, and advise on their management. Graduates can also be professionally accredited by the IMarEST

Employment

In many countries, including the UK, there are acute shortages of qualified engineers and scientists, so many well-paid jobs are available. Maritime industries are truly global, and career prospects include the possibility of working with a multinational company. Technology graduates are employed in ship and boat building, repair and conversion, in offshore construction, in shipping companies and equipment suppliers. Some work as engineering specialists, others conduct research and some move into management.

Government departments, classification societies, companies and consultants employ engineers and scientists, as surveyors and researchers to ensure the safety of vessels and offshore structures and the protection of the marine world. In all marine industries, environmental management is increasingly needed for all uses of the seas.

Any of these areas will offer challenging opportunities for the application of knowledge, with considerable responsibility and good career prospects.