The Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) AHSCP certification identifies a level of expertise in the surveying and spatial professions to your peers, clients, employers, and the wider community. Certification recognises your competence and integrity as a hydrographic surveyor. Achieving Certified Profesional Hydrographic Surveyor Level 1 (CPHS1) is a significant milestone in a hydrographic surveyor’s career and one that should be celebrated. However, it is just the beginning of what will be both a challenging, yet highly rewarding, and continuous learning experience.

Achieving CPHS1 recognises that the hydrographic surveyor is highly skilled in the theoretical background, as well as the operational processes and instructions in place to complete main field tasks with little to no assistance from a senior team member. At this level, the hydrographic surveyor will find themselves in the position of Surveyor in Charge (SIC).

After gaining CPHS1, the hydrographic surveyor will begin to take on more responsibility and it is best to recognise that just because they have certification doesn’t mean everything will be perfect and easy from here on out. Quite the opposite. Added responsibilities not only mean solely managing projects, but accountability for teams and their members, responsible for client interactions, including timeline and completion pressures, as well as being liable for sign-off and ultimately responsible for the projects’ integrity, now and in years to come.

Quite possibly, of all the additional tasks required of a CPHS1/SIC, managing people may be the hardest thing to do. There is no textbook. There is no 'one-way' or license/permit/certificate you can earn or buy to make leading easy. It is nearly impossible to always get it right or even do consistently well. Building a team and leading that team has nothing to do with hitting targets or delivering projects. Yes, they will be committed to a clear vision and uniting the team around that vision, but these are merely metrics to tell us if we are on track. They are important, but not the point of the work itself.

All in all, it comes down to relationships. Relationships are built on communication. Managing different personalities is inevitable. Building good relationships within teams will encourage two-way, open, and honest feedback, trust in each other, and accountability towards reaching team and/or company objectives. Your relationship with each team member will be different and how you build a positive working relationship with each of them is crucial to your ongoing success as a leader.

Managing diverse personalities isn’t easy, but it’s important. That’s because the most successful teams are formed when that team’s leader understands each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, knows how to leverage each member’s unique talents, and encourages everyone to work together. Being a leader means you are in a position to inspire, uplift, and by setting the example for others to become their best, build their skills, and achieve company goals.

How does this all relate to being a Surveyor in Charge (SIC) of a complex hydrographic project?

In a complex project, the team is the most important factor in completing and meeting the complex requirements. The SIC must understand their teams’ capabilities and competencies to have the confidence that the tasks assigned are undertaken to meet the required standards and specifications. The SIC has overall responsibility for every aspect of the project, but will not personally conduct each function and/or task, but must keep an overall view of the project's progress and quality.

The level of responsibility assumed by the SIC is considerable, and consequences range from minor to major; and may include fatalities, or massive economic and environmental costs. This responsibility should never be taken lightly by any SIC and should be at the forefront of mind when taking on and delivering complex projects.

With CPHS1 certification comes the expectation that any project you undertake will meet or exceed requirements and minimise the risk of unwanted consequences. By valuing and encouraging the development of every member of the team, you ensure they are dedicated to go above and beyond in order to deliver to your standards and ultimately a client’s needs.

Authors: Neil Hewitt, Rebecca Mousley. As published on Hydrography News – October 2021 - Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute (sssi.org.au)