Oceanographers use science and arithmetic to study and explain the complex interactions between seawater, water, polar ice caps, the atmosphere and the ecosphere. They're concerned in areas like mineral exploitation, shipping, fisheries, coastal construction, pollution, weather prophecy, global warming and eco-friendly energy. Oceanographers may specialise and become :

* sea geologists - studying the sea basins
* sea chemists - who decide the chemical composition of water or sediments
* sea physicists - who study the properties of currents tides
* marine biologists - who describe sea life and how organisms engage with their environment. Oceanographers use a large range of data sources including buoys, robotic cars, satellites, acoustic and pneumatic sensors and probes into the seabed.

Everyday work activities Oceanographers work in offices and laboratories in academia, industry and state. They regularly work in multidisciplinary groups. Common work activities rely on the kind of job, employer and level of coaching and experience.

The task may include :

* picking up samples and information from the sea, sea floor or atmosphere using specialized hardware and methods
* analysing samples for natural and pollutant composition
* taking a look at life forms and matter ,eg trace metals, present in sea water
* performing simulations of sea phenomena using PC or mathematical models
* using probabilistic models of lab and field data to analyze hypotheses and make prophecies
* analysing and translating info from samples, measurements and remote sensing aids
* attending meetings and going on research cruises
* submitting suggestions to get research funding
* writing reports and papers on research activities
* lecturing to college classes and leading field trips.