Coastal engineering involves a range of disciplines related to the interaction of the sea with the land. In changing the way that we manage the shoreline, we must take heed of the natural processes at work in order to maximize the desired outcome at the project site and further ahead.
What is the role of civil engineer in the coastal engineering?
Coastal engineering not only involves construction in coastal areas and the project stages leading up to that, but ever increasingly it involves understanding the implications of letting nature take its course. Coastal engineers are usually qualified in civil engineering, and must also understand the principles of oceanography, geology and other aspects of the marine environment.
Depending on the type of organisation that employs the coastal engineer - client, consultant or contractor - a number of fundamental skills and specialisms are utilised:
- Basics in programming
- Preparation of calculations
- Sediment transport analysis
- Risk management
- Contract management
- Project management
- Root cause analysis and problem solving
- Hydraulic (tides, currents, waves) analysis and modelling
- Design and development of schemes and structures plans
- Cost estimates and profiling
- Public consultation and presentation
- Technical and commercial reporting
- Feasibility and option analysis
What is enjoyable about the role?
Many people are passionate about the coast, depending on it for their jobs or general recreational use. Your work impacts greatly on coastal communities (e.g. protecting homes and businesses from the risks of coastal flooding and erosion). Many communities in the UK have suffered severe impacts from flooding in recent years and the work of coastal engineers has been vital in safeguarding those most at risk. The benefits of your work are long lasting and your designs will be used and operated for many years into the future.
The projects you work on, can also make a real difference to the environment. Development at the coast have huge impacts on coastal habitats, so effective planning and management, with the environment in mind is crucial.
You will meet and work with a variety of people in this role, including clients, contractors, consultants and key stakeholders, all of whom contribute to the planning and delivery of coastal projects. You will also work with other engineers and scientists (e.g. structural engineers, environmental scientists), plus stakeholders such as local authorities, landowners, regulatory bodies and members of the public.
The job role and projects themselves can be so variable that no day is the same. New challenges arise with each and every project, providing a stimulating work environment. Frequent visits to the coast are also a bonus!
What is the future career potential and projects?
The Environment Agency has a continuing programme of works to improve and upgrade coastal defences in England and Wales. The dynamic nature of the coast means that change is always happening and therefore engineered intervention is often required to manage that change. As we battle with legacy of the aging hard defences constructed after the 1953 North Sea storm surge, there is a growing trend towards building “softer” structures that are more adaptable to future change. Innovations in this coastal area are being tested within the often-aggressive coastal environment.
In parallel with on-going efforts to defend the coast, there are also an increasing number of managed realignment schemes – a trend that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and will become more challenging to deliver.
How to get entry in coastal engineering?
A keen interest in the coastal environment is essential. A large number of coastal engineers have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering, although other environmental or scientific backgrounds feature heavily and are often complimented with relevant postgraduate studies.
Graduates can then join coastal engineering firms to develop specialist skills and understand the sector through on the job training. Further study can also be pursued e.g. an MSc in Coastal Engineering.