Oceanography deals with a fascinating marine world. It is an applied branch of interdisciplinary science where mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology and biology intersect. It essentially includes a study of the global oceans; from shallow coastal areas to the deepest ocean trenches, from the tropics to the polar seas. Traditionally, Oceanography has been divided into four separate but related branches: Physical Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Geological Oceanography and Biological Oceanography or Marine Ecology. These sub-disciplines are interrelated, as well as being closely aligned to other fields such as Meteorology/Atmospheric Science, Geophysics and Ocean Engineering.

Physical oceanography involves the study of the physical properties of sea water (temperature, density, salinity etc.), Ocean dynamics and the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere. Chemical oceanography involves the study of the composition of seawater, nutrient cycles and biogeochemistry of ocean. Biological oceanography deals with the study of various biological processes, marine organisms including invertebrates and vertebrates and their interactions with the ocean environment. Geological oceanography focuses on the structure, features, and evolution of the ocean basins.

Oceanographers use a variety of tools to study the ocean which includes sophisticated underwater sampling devices operated on Research Vessel. Sampling involves collection water samples, sediment and marine organisms. Autonomous sampling systems such as buoys and gliders are also utilise to collect the continuous data over time. Remote sensing from aircrafts and satellites allows oceanographers to get a global view of some significant parameters. Modelling allows oceanographers to look at the past and predict the future state of the ocean (e.g. circulation, air-sea interactions, sustainability of fisheries, quality of water and marine life etc.).