If you dream of working on the water or being surrounded by it, then specialising as a hydrographic surveyor could be the career choice you’ve been searching for.

So, what is Hydrographic Surveying?

Hydrographic surveyors map the sea floor and other waterways. These surveyors work in coastal areas and overseas, collecting data about the underwater world – data that can be used in any number of applications.

Some hydrographic surveyors work in gas, oil or mineral exploration. Other hydrographic surveying experts aid pipeline, bridge or port construction. There are those that put their skills towards shipping navigation, supporting military efforts or environmental research and conservation.

Every hydrographic surveyor is an important part of a larger team – which can include ecologists, civil engineers, planners and more. These co-workers rely on the hydrographic surveyor for accurate, reliable information about the goings-on under the water’s surface.

Did you say Great Barrier Reef?

Here’s a timely example of one of the roles that hydrographic surveyors can serve.

Surveyors conducted a spatial study of the seabed environments in the Great Barrier Reef marine park for clues about the sources of sediments and reef habitats in our eco system.

The data they mine will help marine park managers monitor changes in the seabed’s habitats. It will also assist stakeholders make informed decisions to protect one of Australia’s world heritage areas.

With environmental bodies increasingly voicing concerns about the wellbeing of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this is one of the important ways that surveyors are contributing to our planet in a tangible way. And with increasingly intelligent technology on hand, hydrographic surveyors are gaining the power to do more and more.

A Career in Hydrography

Want to know what working on the seas as a hydrographic surveyor is really like? Click here for a closer look.