Marine Institute gets set to launch new Ocean Mapping program

The Marine Institute is launching its new joint Diploma of Technology/Bachelor of Technology in Ocean Mapping that will provide students with the opportunity to foster long-term careers in the ocean technology sector

The new program will be offered by the Institute’s School of Ocean Technology this coming fall. The Ocean Mapping program is designed specifically to produce outstanding graduates with a solid background in collecting, managing, analyzing and disseminating ocean data. The program prepares graduates for careers in government and institutional marine research, positions in hydrographic surveying, the environment, private sector offshore mineral resources exploration industries, and marine hardware and software development.

“The Ocean Mapping program is a natural progression for the school as it continues to grow and respond to industry needs,” said Mr. Dwight Howse, head, School of Ocean Technology. “The study of ocean mapping is a key niche in the ocean technology field.”

This program is designed to give students expertise in all aspects of ocean mapping, including collecting physical, biological and chemical data about the ocean from ships or deployed instrumentation. Students will also learn to use satellite imagery to determine physical parameters in the ocean and develop skills to analyze and present this information with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This is achieved through both classroom instruction and hands-on technical classes.

“By some accounts, only one percent of the world's oceans have been mapped,” adds Mr. Howse. “The ocean mapping program seeks to increase this percentage by training more ocean experts to expand this highly important work.”

The program is open to high school graduates meeting the Marine Institute’s applications and admission requirements, or by transfer from another post-secondary institution.