Seismic survey to investigate the geological structure to considerable depths below the seafloor. This type of survey is mainly conducted in support of exploration for offshore oil and gas reserves. Deep ocean survey to investigate the seabed off the continental shelf in water depths of up to 6 kilometres. Results of these surveys are used for research into seafloor geology and plate tectonics as well as for practical problems such as the routing and design of submarine cables. A wide variety of disciplines are needed to support the marine survey business including electronics, geology, geophysics and computer science.
Career opportunities are good in both the private and public sector.
Many of the opportunities in the private sector are associated with the offshore oil and gas industry which is exploring ever deeper waters for hydrocarbon reserves. In the public sector appropriately qualified scientists and engineers are employed by a number of research organisations such as the Southampton Oceanography Centre and the British Geological Survey. Many of the companies and organisations concerned with marine survey operate on a world-wide basis and hence offer careers with considerable opportunity for overseas travel. Qualifications for entry into a marine survey career are varied. There are opportunities at both a graduate and technician level for engineering support of survey operations.