Exploring oceans as a career can be a thrilling

EDUCARE

We should know that the world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. We are aware that throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation.

We must know that the ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen. The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030 and oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

We don’t see oceans or seas in our region as we are in landlocked areas. We know more about hills and mountains instead of oceans or seas or coastal areas. The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. "Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us" is the theme for World Oceans Day 2025, a year marked by the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the celebration of the World Ocean Conference. The day is observed on 8th June around the world.

The challenge is that there are threats to our oceans as we know that there is a continuous deterioration of coastal waters owing to pollution and ocean acidification, which has an adversarial effect on the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. This brings more opportunity for the aspirants who are dreaming to build their careers related to oceans.

In a country like India where the coastal area is more than 7000 KM and covers many states, it brings opportunity for many young people. The career options include marine engineering, oceanography, marine biology, marine tourism and adventure sports and also shipping and logistics industry.

Marine engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all mechanical systems and equipment found on ships, boats, and other marine vessels. There are other popular courses like marine biology which are offered by few institutions in India. Like academic careers there are options related to tourism and adventure sports like scuba diving, becoming a lifeguard ,etc.

Oceanography, also known as oceanology, sea science, ocean science, and marine science, is the scientific study of the ocean. National Institute of Oceanography under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is one of the premier institutes in India dealing with research and other activities related to oceans.  We learn about the importance of oceans since ‘SamudraManthan’ and this field is a reservoir of many new opportunities as the field is yet to be explored more .

Exam Update:

CDS Exam: A Combined Defence Services Examination will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on September 14th, 2025 for admission to the courses in Indian Military Academy , Dehradun ; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala; Air Force Academy, Hyderabad; Officers Training Academy, Chennai; Officers Training Academy, Chennai 22nd  SSC Women (Non Technical)  . Aspirants may apply before 17th June.

NDA & NA Exam: An Examination will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 14th September, 2025 for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 145th Course, and for the 106th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2025. Aspirants may apply on or before 17th June.

 (Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor and skill trainer and currently Adviser of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council, Kokrajhar and can be reached at 8473943734 or bkranjan@gmail.com.