Did you have way too much fun at bath-time sinking toy boats or exploring the bottom of the tub? Or maybe you whiled away hours watching Jacques Cousteau on his deep-sea dives? If you’re possessed of an analytical mind and some seriously impressive mathematical skills, perhaps these early indicators are pointing to your true calling as an ocean engineer.
As a relatively new discipline, ocean engineering has made tremendous strides in the past few decades. The field is concerned with the analysis, design and construction of marine structures such as platforms or underwater vehicles and facilities. Depending on the company you work for, you could be facilitating aquaculture, helping explore the darkest recesses of the ocean floor or improving offshore oil refining methods.
It’s been said that we know less about the bottom of the ocean than we do about the surface of the moon. An exaggeration, perhaps, but who can say they’ve ever walked the ocean floor? “The space analogy is the space shuttle, which is full of astronauts, of course,” says Dr. Brian Veitch, discipline chair of ocean and naval architectural engineering at Memorial University. “We’re developing unmanned underwater vehicles that carry scientific payloads into the ocean.”
Unique complications arise when dealing with ocean environments, and for a planet that’s 71 percent blanketed in water, there’s plenty of challenge to go around. Necessity being the mother of invention, it’s unsurprising where the attendant jobs lay, according to Veitch. “Deep-water petroleum production in harsh marine environments requires a lot of innovation. The solutions will likely include increased automation and sub-sea engineering installations.” It might sound like we’re getting into Bond Villain territory, but Veitch sees only the potential scientific boon. “There’s a lot to be discovered, and using unmanned underwater robotic vehicles to do it sounds pretty cutting edge to me.”
In adverse conditions, safety is the first priority, and those who come up with marine solutions have a lot to consider. Just ask Ian Royle, who has been working in the oil industry since graduating in 2005. As a project engineer for Technip Canada Limited, Royle parses myriad factors on a daily basis. “Taking into consideration the elements associated with harsh environments — wave loads, ice loads, corrosion and marine growth — designs have to be practical to work effectively, but most importantly safe for divers.”
That’s not likely to change anytime soon, as energy resources become tougher to find. “The offshore petroleum industry is having to go into deeper waters and more adverse environments,” says Veitch. “The technology required to do this while protecting the safety of personnel and the environment is evolving quickly, and opportunities for innovations abound. It’s very exciting stuff.”
While the petroleum industry is one option, there are varied opportunities anywhere there’s water. “We work all over the world,” concurs Veitch. “There’s careers in consulting, shipping, maritime security, research and ocean technology.” An ocean engineering degree can also dovetail nicely with a naval or government career. “The Canadian Navy and Coast Guards are both in the process of renewing their fleets, and naval architects will certainly be involved in the design of such vessels,” says Veitch. Of course, specific locations can be hot-spots as well. “Here in Newfoundland, with the Hebron Project FEED work about to kick off later this year, I expect there to be a high demand for engineers,” offers Royle.
Ocean engineering grads often segue from school into the workforce as part of their program, as Royle has witnessed firsthand. “Following these work-terms, students have the work experience to strengthen their resume in applying for employment following graduation,” he says, adding, “I’ve worked with a number of work term students who have since graduated and are now hired as staff.”
Like any other discipline, ocean engineering requires life-long study, and learning from peers is integral. “As a junior engineer, don’t be afraid to show your current level of understanding,” advises Royle. “It shows your colleagues that you’re keen to learn.” And, of course, peers in the field could provide some outside inspiration. “You never know when you’ll be faced with a question that may take a week to answer, or a five-minute phone call to a knowledgeable contact.”
At the end of the day, if you’re considering a career of the aquatic-tech persuasion, Veitch suggests the best thing is to start cracking books. “Engineers require solid mathematical and scientific knowledge, as well as creativity in their design work and technical innovations. How do you prepare for that? Study. Hard.” jp