Educational needs in the changing field of operational oceanography: training the people that will sustain Munk´s 1+1 = 3 scenario

The Rutgers University Graduate Program in Oceanography (GPO) has initiated a new Masters Degree in Oceanographic Technologies. Within the collaborative setting of the Rutgers University (R.U.) Coastal Ocean Observation Lab´s (COOL) Operations Center, students will receive hands-on training in the use of advanced ocean observing technologies and will participate in the year-round field activities supported by the Center. Potential Masters, theses topics include improvements to the capabilities of sensors and sampling platforms, and the analysis of the observatory datasets for a wide spectrum of applications. The program was designed with input from a pair of AMS Interactive Workshops on Operational Oceanography, and with input from people working in Navy and NOAA operational centers. Graduates will directly support the sustained technology needs of the Integrated Ocean Observing System and the Ocean Observation Initiative.