Tomer Ketter

ydrographer and Oceanographer, currently with the Science Department aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s flagship research vessel Falkor. Over the past two decades, Tomer has participated in and led numerous mapping expeditions in remote waters, exposing and documenting underwater landscapes through advanced mapping technologies and GIS visualizations.

Tomer’s journey into ocean exploration began at the University of Haifa, where he pursued his M.Sc. in Marine Geosciences. Reflecting on his academic experience, Tomer says:

“After graduating with a B.Sc. in marine science, I had big dreams of research cruises in distant locales, groundbreaking technology and discoveries in the deep sea, and the opportunity to take part in global oceanic exploration. During my M.Sc. studies at the Marine Geosciences Department in Haifa, I accumulated the knowledge and tools to advance step by step in this field. I’ve realized my dreams — and now I have an appetite for more. In my three years at the department, I learned the scientific foundation I needed, became familiar with absolutely essential computer software, got to know experts who gave me a chance – and I started off on my own path. Today I work at the Center for Coastal and Oceanic Mapping (CCOM) on a number of projects, the main one being Seabed 2030, which is seeking to complete the mapping of all of the world’s oceans in the next decade. I also contribute to the National Science Foundation’s Multibeam Advisory Committee, which was established to improve the mapping capacities of the US academic research fleet, composed of more than 20 advanced research vessels. My fellow graduates from my time at the school are close friends and partners in my professional path to this day!”

After completing his B.Sc. in Marine and Environmental Studies from Ruppin Academic Center and his M.Sc. in Marine Geosciences from the University of Haifa, Tomer worked on numerous groundbreaking projects, including Seabed 2030, which aims to complete the mapping of the world’s oceans in the next decade.

Tomer was also a partner and Head of Mapping at SUB-MERGE Corp., providing underwater exploration technologies and expertise for submersible operations. He now volunteers as the Director of Exploration for Map the Gaps, a non-profit organization he co-founded in 2019, which partners with organizations like PROTEUS Ocean Group and the Five Deeps Expedition.

Previously, Tomer worked at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM), contributing to Seabed 2030’s Arctic and North Pacific Regional Data Center and serving on the NSF Multibeam Advisory Committee. One of the highlights of his career was winning the grand prize ($4M) in the 2019 Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE with the GNFA team, in partnership with Kongsberg Maritime and Ocean Floor Geophysics.

Tomer is a graduate of the Advanced Ocean Mapping program at the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (UNH-CCOM), and he holds an IHO/FIG/ICA certification in Hydrographic Surveying. Based in Costa Rica, his work is fueled by his deep curiosity and love for the ocean and indigenous seafaring cultures. He is a fellow of The Explorers Club and a recipient of the Nippon Foundation’s GEBCO Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to marine science.