Hydrographic Surveying is the science of measurement and description of features of the seabed which affect maritime navigation, marine construction, dredging, oil exploration and drilling, pipeline damage assessment and related disciplines. Hydrographic surveying is an essential activity to an island nation such as Australia. It underpins maritime trade and is essential to support coastal infrastructure, resource exploration and export, environmental awareness and coastal zone management.

Historically, Hydrographic Surveying has been focused around the creation of charts and safety of navigation for seafarers, but with the world’s need for more resources, better communication and eagerness for knowledge, Hydrographic Surveying is undertaken for far greater pursuits than merely safety of navigation. Not to lessen the importance of safety of navigation, but Hydrographic Surveying encompasses essential activities for environmental assessment, offshore construction, pipeline inspection, offshore renewables, coastal zone management, dredging and many more marine related pursuits.

A Hydrographic Surveyor (a professional who conducts the survey) will observe and note the trends of water. They will report on observations regarding tides, currents, waves and any other natural occurrence taking place in water bodies. A Hydrographic Surveyor may also take notes on soil and silt composition in the water bed, the effects of dredging and the effects of any other process that might affect navigation through waters, the integrity of existing structures and the construction of prospective structures.

Hydrographic Surveyors operate sophisticated computer systems and instrumentation to collect data for analysis. With the increasing volume and complexity of data gathered, the need for rigorous quality management is crucial to managing a hydrographic surveying project. The Hydrographic Surveyor must understand the principles of the equipment they control, be meticulous in ensuring that any data input is entirely correct and examine with care the data output before they are passed to the next stage of project completion.

Value of Hydrographic Surveying Services

PHS is a firm believer of engaging Hydrographic Surveyors early on in a project’s life cycle to discuss requirements for any coastal and marine project that involves coastal infrastructure and safe navigation. Early consultation allows the Hydrographic Surveyor to advise on tidal datums, correct survey methodologies and equipment requirements, to minimise risk, manage the underwater infrastructure and maximise productivity.

There is strong evidence which recognises the critical value of hydrographic surveying services as an essential element of national infrastructure and a critical enabler of other maritime activities. Improved charts may allow for faster transits of ships with deeper drafts resulting in a greater amount of goods moving through navigational points and ports.

Hydrographic Surveying accuracies are dependent on many factors including the quality of the sounding installation, the quality of the personnel operating the equipment and their ability to adjust to varying conditions.

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