Hydrographic Officer
As a Hydrographic Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in collecting, analysing and disseminating critical environmental data to empower the Navy to excel at sea. You’ll analyse and use geospatial information to produce and distribute essential bathymetric, hydrographic, and intelligence products and services. Your work will directly impact decision-making processes and operational strategies, ensuring the protection of Australia’s maritime interests and national security.
Traditionally, Hydrographic Officers were primarily responsible for charting seas for navigation. However, while that aspect of the role remains a critical one, modern hydrographic surveying has evolved into a diverse and multidisciplinary profession. You’ll apply your specialised knowledge and skills in hydrographic data collection to meticulously plan, manage, and execute geospatial data activities.
What you'll do
Utilising advanced sensors, you’ll collect and analyse a range of data crucial for ensuring ship safety, tactical advantages and enhanced situational awareness for the Navy. You’ll perform bathymetric mapping, seafloor analysis, current and tide measurements, terrestrial mapping and environmental observation. The data you collect and analyse supports military operations and informs nautical charting efforts by the Australian Hydrographic Office.
You'll work onboard dedicated hydrographic ships or as part of Deployable Geospatial Support Teams stationed aboard various vessels and locations. Onshore, you'll collaborate with the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, leveraging geospatial data analysis to enhance maritime operations and provide strategic, operational, and tactical advantages to our naval forces. Wherever you’re based, your expertise will play a crucial role in helping the Navy achieve strategic and operational superiority.
Your duties may include:
- assuming command roles within Hydrographic Defence Elements, overseeing operational effectiveness and readiness
- coordinating and disseminating sensor information to enhance tactical situational awareness
- conducting comprehensive environmental data collection and analysis
- executing Route Survey and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) missions to support Maritime Intelligence Collection
- generating and managing geospatial products crucial for maritime operations
- planning and leading geospatial data collection missions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Navy allowing you to face any challenge, either at sea or ashore.
As an officer in the Navy, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
All Officers will serve in units and shore establishments around Australia based on service need. Cairns, Canberra and Sydney are common posting locations. Individual preferences for posting location will be considered where possible. Many opportunities also exist for short periods (4 - 6 months) of operational service overseas. International courses vary in length from 6 months (UK) to 12 months (US and India).
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
We gather and analyse environmental data to create nautical charts for safe maritime navigation, pilotage, and shipping.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 51 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the relevant degree program.
Candidates enrolling in a Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Technology – all with majors in Maths or Physics – will be looked upon favourably. Additionally, STEM degrees can open up opportunities to pursue postgraduate study overseas leading to a Master of Science in Hydrography.
While all UNSW degrees require Year 12 English as Assumed Knowledge, applicants wishing to enter the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology programs (or study Maths or Physics as part of a Bachelor of Science degree) also require current Year 12 Maths and Year 12 Physics as Assumed Knowledge.
Note: As well as applying to the Navy for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Navy Midshipmen can leave ADFA at any time within their first year. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
For ADFA officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, you may resign up until the graduation day of your first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then 2 years of Navy service). You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Navy SST furthers your skills, knowledge and attributes gained in your first year in the Navy, and provides you the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in your chosen specialisation.
- Degree related work experience.
- Navy culture and traditions.
- Professional development work experience and outplacements.
- Seamanship and mariner skills.
- Teamwork and leadership.
Course: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
Course: RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW
Following completion of Maritime Warfare Officer training, you’ll undertake the RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course, the aim of which is to train and equip Navy Officers (and invited Foreign Navy personnel) with the knowledge, practical competencies and skills necessary to confidently and effectively undertake the planning, data collection, data processing and analysis of hydrographic surveys.
You'll be trained in practical comprehension of hydrographic surveying through multi-disciplinary training techniques, involving close interaction with industry professionals and stakeholders from the hydro spatial and maritime fields, to carry out military surveying and nautical charting tasks required by the Australian Government and Navy.
The H2 Course is a Residential course conducted at the Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW. The course runs for 26 weeks and features a combination of theory and practical components covering all aspects of hydrographic and maritime geospatial data collection, analysis and dissemination. On completion of the course, you’ll be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category B Surveyor Certification and move to Pay Grade 5.
Advanced Training
The purpose of advanced training is to develop your hydrographic surveying expertise. Each course has a slightly different focus in terms of advanced training with, for example, the Royal Navy course offering a more practical program with a military component, while the US and Indian courses are structured towards a more theoretical/academic program.
Course: Royal Navy Hydrographic Meteorological Advanced Survey (HMAS) Course
Duration: 5 months
Location: HMS Drake, Plymouth, UK
The successful completion of the HMAS course results in the award of a Graduate Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from the University of Plymouth. On completion, graduates will move the H1 skill grade and Pay Grade 6. (Note that a Category A qualification is not awarded on completion of this course).
Course: University of Mississippi (USM) Course
Duration: 12 months
Location: Stennis Space Centre, Mississippi, USA
The USM course is 12 months long and results in the award of a master’s degree in Hydrographic Science (and a Category A qualification). On successful completion, you’ll move to the H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science degree and present transcripts to the university.
Course: Long Hydrography Course
Duration: 43 weeks
Location: Institute of Hydrography, Goa, India
The Long Hydrography Course results in a Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrography and a Category A qualification. On successful completion, you’ll will move to H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or B Tech or equivalent nautical background degree from a recognised university and present transcripts to the school.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have either completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other board accredited academic subjects or be in your final year and on track to pass them all.
If you’re currently studying Year 12 you may apply, however, progression through the application process will be contingent on reaching these levels.
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
On completion, you’ll be awarded your Primary Qualification (PQ) and Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC).
Course: RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW
Following completion of Maritime Warfare Officer training, you’ll undertake the RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course, the aim of which is to train and equip Navy Officers (and invited Foreign Navy personnel) with the knowledge, practical competencies and skills necessary to confidently and effectively undertake the planning, data collection, data processing and analysis of hydrographic surveys.
You'll be trained in practical comprehension of hydrographic surveying through multi-disciplinary training techniques, involving close interaction with industry professionals and stakeholders from the hydro spatial and maritime fields, to carry out military surveying and nautical charting tasks required by the Australian Government and Navy.
The H2 Course is a Residential course conducted at the Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW. The course runs for 26 weeks and features a combination of theory and practical components covering all aspects of hydrographic and maritime geospatial data collection, analysis and dissemination. On completion of the course, you’ll be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category B Surveyor Certification and move to Pay Grade 5.
Advanced Training
The purpose of advanced training is to develop your hydrographic surveying expertise. Each course has a slightly different focus in terms of advanced training with, for example, the Royal Navy course offering a more practical program with a military component, while the US and Indian courses are structured towards a more theoretical/academic program.
Course: Royal Navy Hydrographic Meteorological Advanced Survey (HMAS) Course
Duration: 5 months
Location: HMS Drake, Plymouth, UK
The successful completion of the HMAS course results in the award of a Graduate Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from the University of Plymouth. On completion, graduates will move the H1 skill grade and Pay Grade 6. (Note that a Category A qualification is not awarded on completion of this course).
Course: University of Mississippi (USM) Course
Duration: 12 months
Location: Stennis Space Centre, Mississippi, USA
The USM course is 12 months long and results in the award of a master’s degree in Hydrographic Science (and a Category A qualification). On successful completion, you’ll move to the H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science degree and present transcripts to the university.
Course: Long Hydrography Course
Duration: 43 weeks
Location: Institute of Hydrography, Goa, India
The Long Hydrography Course results in a Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrography and a Category A qualification. On successful completion, you’ll will move to H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or B Tech or equivalent nautical background degree from a recognised university and present transcripts to the school.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a degree that meets Navy requirements), however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Navy.
While all undergraduate degree streams will be considered, applicants completing an undergraduate STEM degree will be considered more competitive. MWOC and MWO specialisation courses all have significant maths and/or physics components.
If you’re in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you’re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) commencing from your date of appointment. This is calculated as either two times the length of your academic sponsorship plus one year or the total length of your academic sponsorship plus the officer entry initial minimum period of service for the same role (whichever is the greater).
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, NSW
This course is conducted upon joining and will provide you with an insight into life in the Navy including:
- expectations of a junior officer
- how to salute and march
- an introduction to Navy and compliance training
- issuing of uniforms and Navy identification
- swim test
- fitness test.
Upon completion of your university degree, you’ll complete the New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC).
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
Course: RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW
Following completion of Maritime Warfare Officer training, you’ll undertake the RAN H2 Hydrographic Survey Course, the aim of which is to train and equip Navy Officers (and invited Foreign Navy personnel) with the knowledge, practical competencies and skills necessary to confidently and effectively undertake the planning, data collection, data processing and analysis of hydrographic surveys.
You'll be trained in practical comprehension of hydrographic surveying through multi-disciplinary training techniques, involving close interaction with industry professionals and stakeholders from the hydro spatial and maritime fields, to carry out military surveying and nautical charting tasks required by the Australian Government and Navy.
The H2 Course is a Residential course conducted at the Maritime Geospatial Training Centre, HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW. The course runs for 26 weeks and features a combination of theory and practical components covering all aspects of hydrographic and maritime geospatial data collection, analysis and dissemination. On completion of the course, you’ll be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category B Surveyor Certification and move to Pay Grade 5.
Advanced Training
The purpose of advanced training is to develop your hydrographic surveying expertise. Each course has a slightly different focus in terms of advanced training with, for example, the Royal Navy course offering a more practical program with a military component, while the US and Indian courses are structured towards a more theoretical/academic program.
Course: Royal Navy Hydrographic Meteorological Advanced Survey (HMAS) Course
Duration: 5 months
Location: HMS Drake, Plymouth, UK
The successful completion of the HMAS course results in the award of a Graduate Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from the University of Plymouth. On completion, graduates will move the H1 skill grade and Pay Grade 6. (Note that a Category A qualification is not awarded on completion of this course).
Course: University of Mississippi (USM) Course
Duration: 12 months
Location: Stennis Space Centre, Mississippi, USA
The USM course is 12 months long and results in the award of a master’s degree in Hydrographic Science (and a Category A qualification). On successful completion, you’ll move to the H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science degree and present transcripts to the university.
Course: Long Hydrography Course
Duration: 43 weeks
Location: Institute of Hydrography, Goa, India
The Long Hydrography Course results in a Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrography and a Category A qualification. On successful completion, you’ll will move to H1 skill grade, Pay Grade 6 and be awarded the International Hydrographic Organisation Category A Surveyor Certification. To enrol in this course, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or B Tech or equivalent nautical background degree from a recognised university and present transcripts to the school.