About Us

Per Ardua Ad Mare

To the Ocean, Through Hard Work

IEEE OES Field of Interest includes all aspects of science, engineering, and technology that address research, development, and operations pertaining to all bodies of water. This includes the creation of new capabilities and technologies from concept design through prototypes, testing, and operational systems to sense, explore, understand, develop, use, and responsibly manage natural resources.

Mission

To be the professional home for people passionate about ocean science, engineering, and technology.

Vision

To be a collaborative community working towards a safe, healthy, and productive ocean.

Values

Mentorship for Future Generations
Community and Networking
Leadership: Envisioning our Future Ocean

Our Timeline

History of IEEE OES

Find out more

1968-1983

Formative Years: Becoming an IEEE Society

Starting as the Oceanography Coordinating Committee (OCC), and then becoming the Council of Oceanic Engineering (COE), and finally becoming an IEEE Society in 1983, OES has evolved in structure and scale over the years.

1983 - 1988

Addressing the National Interests of USA

In the early days of conception, OES focused on US national interests and was supported by government contracts by the U.S. Navy. Technical committees and OES Chapters were formed to support local interests in different states.

1989 - 1994

Expanding OCEANS Conference Venues

Over time, the OCEANS conferences shifted its focus to the environment and saw large attendance and exhibitor participation. OCEANS’94 was the first conference held outside of North America and saw an increase in European attendees.

1995 - 1998

Strengthening the OCEANS Conferences

The Marine Technology Socieity (MTS) and IEEE OES began taking turns to sponsor the OCEANS conferences with MTS hosting it in North America and OES alternating between Europe and APAC.

1999 - 2004

Expanding the OES Globally

OES grew across continents with a conference hosted in Japan and a symposium in Lithuania. OES Digital Archive was also made available on CD-ROMS to make the society’s publications more accessible to all.

2005 - Present

Growth in Many Directions

Today, OES continues to grow with more web-based conference tools, an international membership, newsletters, awards and a global governance structure. The Society builds up resources to benefit the environment, society, the profession, members and volunteers.

Diversity & Inclusion

For Inclusion Ignites Innovation

Open Membership

IEEE OES welcomes members from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Our inclusive community values the unique perspectives and contributions of every member.

Global Perspective

As a global society, we value and respect the diversity of cultures, languages, and backgrounds within our membership.

Inclusive Decision-Making

All members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and feedback, enabling a sense of ownership and active participation in shaping the society's future.

Diverse Leadership

We encourage and support diversity in leadership roles within our society. We believe that a diverse leadership team can better represent the interests and aspirations of our members.

Safe and Inclusive Events

We create and maintain safe and inclusive spaces at our events to encourage open dialogue, networking, and collaboration.

Equal Opportunity

We provide equal opportunities for professional development, leadership, and recognition to all members, ensuring that no one is excluded.

IEEE OES

As Deep as the Ocean, As Wide as the Seas

Beyond the focus on oceanic technology, oceanics is people. People who are willing to collaborate, bring their research, connect with stakeholders and bring forth benefit to the environment and society.

“In this history our emphasis has been on the intellectual content of our activity. But just as important is the participation of individuals, who convene again and again to cement old friendships and to begin new friendships.

They get away from their own shop to talk shop with others, widening their outlook by breaking with routine. Those immersed in committee work are double gainers—looking across the table, they see and hear peers in action, coming to grips with problems, adjusting to circumstances.”

Ivan Coggeshall

IEEE J. Ocean. Eng., vol. OE-10, No. 2, pp. 63–83, Apr. 1985

Become A Member

Take the plunge for a better ocean

If you would like to be a part of IEEE OES, visit our membership page.

Visit Membership page