Marine sector work is a fine catch.

The marine industry sector offers high technology, challenging and diverse careers with excellent employment prospects.

Use of the sea, for transport, leisure, energy, research and fishing increases every year. More than 90% of international trade is carried in almost 100,000 ocean-going ships, from massive bulk cargo ships to the smallest sea-canal barges. There are millions of fishing vessels and work boats of all types.

There is continuous development of new and existing types to improve performance and economy.

The current boom in cruising has led to development of a generation of luxury passenger vessels, such as Queen Mary 2, and the demand for passenger transport to high-speed ferries. The UK has more than a million small boat sailors and a thriving marine leisure industry to provide their needs. The Tall Ships event on the Tyne in July emphasised the interest in the marine world.

The UK, the world's fourth largest economy, imports and exports everything from cars to clothes by sea. With energy, defence and recreation, the UK marine industry is worth over pounds 35bn annually and employs 400,000 people.

Official reports have identified 100,000 people employed directly in design, construction and maintenance of ships and boats, from the smallest dinghy to the largest tankers. There is increasing emphasis on studying and protecting the marine environment, widening both the skill base required and the opportunities for careers using both science and technology.

The result is a strong demand for marine technologists who apply knowledge to design, build, equip, operate and repair a huge variety of marine vessels and structures.

Marine scientists study marine life and the environment to promote sustainability. The science and technology provides solutions in the most challenging and often hostile environment, using a range of skills with awareness of safety, economic, environmental and social needs.

Marine engineers create the propulsion, power and control systems for ships, oil platforms, underwater vehicles, sub-sea systems and offshore vehicles.

Naval architects manage the design, production and operation of ships and other marine vehicles. Offshore engineers design and produce fixed and floating offshore oil gas and production installations, and craft that service these and other offshore resource developments.

Small craft design is another specialised application of marine technology. The growth in yachts, leisure craft and high-speed craft has been very rapid, and a degree in small craft technology covers their design and operation.

Graduates in marine technology can become professionally qualified as chartered engineers (CEng) after a course of study approved by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) or the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Marine scientists study the environment and creatures in the seas, and advise on their management. Graduates can also be professionally accredited by the IMarEST.

Technology graduates are employed in ship and boat-building, repair and conversion, in offshore construction, in shipping companies and equipment suppliers. Some work as engineering specialists, others conduct research and some move into management.

In many countries, including the UK, there are acute shortages of qualified engineers and scientists, so many well-paid jobs are available. Maritime industries are truly global, and career prospects include the possibility of working with a multinational company.

Government departments, classification societies, companies and consultants employ engineers and scientists as surveyors and researchers to ensure the safety of vessels and offshore structures and the protection of the marine world. In all marine industries, environmental management is increasingly needed for all uses of the seas.

Any of these areas will offer challenging opportunities for the application of knowledge, with considerable responsibility and good career prospects.