AddressHydrography is the branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as with the prediction of their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of navigation and in support of all other marine activities, including economic development, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection.
The Royal Australian Navy through the Australian Hydrographic Service is the Commonwealth Government agency responsible for production of Australia's official nautical charts (paper and electronic), Tide Tables and other nautical publications for all ships navigating the seas and oceans around Australia. The charting area for the Hydrographic Survey Fleet covers one eighth of the Earth's surface, stretching as far west as Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, east to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean and from the Solomon Islands to the Antarctic.
When you join the Navy and successfully complete the recruit and initial category training, you will be employed as a Hydrographic Surveyor (known in the Navy as a Hydrographic Systems Operator). You can be expected to undertake tasks such as:
- The collection processing of hydrographic data utilising sophisticated computer systems and equipment such as multi-beam and single beam echo-sounders, sonar, GPS and other navigation systems
- The collection processing of oceanographic data by taking seabed samples, observing water clarity and temperature, measuring the speed of sound through water and observing bioluminescence
- Conduct tide camps, field operations and Rapid Environmental Assessments
- Conduct seamanship evolutions including anchor work, rope work, small boat handling and operations, berthing, towing and deploying and recovering surveying equipment such as side scan sonars and moving vessel profilers
- Conduct watchkeeping duties at sea such as lookout, helmsman and survey systems operator.
Other tasks in addition to general HS duties include:
- Form part of teams to fight fire, toxic hazards, floods and conduct casualty location and rescue
- Form part of teams to conduct Force Protection to maintain the security of the ship at sea or alongside against a full range of potential threats
- Keep duties that involve maintaining the security and integrity of the ship or base for a 24 hour period
