What Does a Navy Oceanographer Do?

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  • Written By: Nick Mann
  • Edited By: Jessica Seminara
  • Last Modified Date: 09 August 2019
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A navy oceanographer is responsible for monitoring the weather patterns and ocean conditions that affect naval operations. Before obtaining a career in this field, an individual is usually required to have a bachelors' degree in oceanography and complete a navy training program. To be successful in this job, it's helpful for a person to have an analytical mind and work well with others. Some common tasks of a navy oceanographer include monitoring weather where naval ships are stationed, analyzing maps, monitoring ocean currents, using a variety of equipment and communicating with naval officers.

One of the most important duties of a navy oceanographer is monitoring the weather where naval ships are stationed. Since naval ships can be located nearly anywhere in the world, it's important for an individual in this position to keep careful tabs on weather conditions at all times. This might include tracking tropical storms or the formation of other severe storms that could come into contact with ships. Staying up-to-date on this information is crucial for ensuring the safety of navy crew members and successful missions.


Along with this, the navy oceanographer will need to analyze maps. For example, he may need to track the coordinates of a ship located in an arctic region to prevent it from colliding with an iceberg. He might also be responsible for analyzing a map depicting ocean waves to prevent a ship from be damaged by large waves. In most cases, this information is analyzed via a high tech computer system, so a navy oceanographer must have significant computer knowledge.

Another important aspect of this job is monitoring ocean currents. Since the earth's ocean currents are often predictable, it's up to a navy oceanographer to help guide ships to favorable currents. Doing so helps to minimize fuel consumption and can speed up the time in which a ship reaches its intended destination.

To successfully perform this job, a navy oceanographer will need to be trained on using a variety of equipment. For example, he may need to utilize equipment to get information from satellites positioned above the earth. He might also need to be familiar with using tools to gauge barometric pressure and atmospheric pressure.

Additionally, this job often relies upon communicating with naval officers who are positioned at various locations. As a navy oceanographer collects data on things like weather patterns and ocean currents, it's necessary for him to transfer that information to officers. Consequently, this position requires a person with effective communication skills and reasonable interpersonal skills.


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