How to Become a Hydrographic Surveyor?

The profession of a Hydrographic Surveyor is something completely different from the other routine professions. And therefore there are a lot of specific requirements which are necessary when one considers the proposition of “How to become a Hydrographic Surveyor?”

Academics

The basic academic requirement for one to become a Hydrographic Surveyor is a graduate degree with geography, hydrogeology, geophysics and any other subject that might be related to these three. But it is important to note that while a graduation degree is the minimum qualification that is accepted, the preference however is given to a Hydrographic Surveyor who has either a Masters or a Doctorate in the subject. But while educational qualification is a requisite, a Hydrographic Surveyor also needs to have practical application in the profession so as to gain the required knowledge first-hand than through books and theory. Therefore in order to facilitate better knowledge about Hydrographic Survey, it would be beneficial if an individual aspiring to be a Hydrographic Surveyor takes up internship programs with organisations and companies conducting hydrographic surveys.

License to become a Hydrographic Surveyor

Additionally, it is also important that a Hydrographic Surveyor is licensed properly, because if there is an absence of licensing, then the Hydrographic Surveyor could lose important ground in the profession because of lack of a simple matter as licensing. Licensing involves the necessary educational qualification and along with that, passing a written examination. And the best thing to solve the licensing issues by an individual aspiring to be a Hydrographic Surveyor is that, the individual continuously keeps working and educating himself about the profession and thus manages to keep his licensing by being in tandem with the regular developments happening in the field of Hydrographic Survey.

Skills Required

The necessary skills required to be a Hydrographic Surveyor is that a person aspiring to be a Hydrographic Surveyor should be adept and proficient in the usage of modern computerised equipments. GPS systems, sound navigation systems and SONARs are some of the equipments that are more commonly used during the process of Hydrographic Survey and a Hydrographic Surveyor needs to be completely accustomed to using such modern equipments.

Also, since Hydrographic Surveys are conducted both in larger water bodies as well as smaller ones like rivers and lakes, it is important that a Hydrographic Surveyor have the necessary expertise in that part of the water body where he is required to conduct a Hydrographic Survey. This is a very relevant point because each Hydrographic Survey conducted in the varied water body differs because of the purpose and intent behind the conducting of a Hydrographic Survey in them. Therefore, keeping in mind the place and the location of the Hydrographic Survey, an individual aspiring to be a Hydrographic Surveyor has to have the proficiency to handle the difference in surveying areas.

Conclusion

The depth and success of any profession is determined by the professionals who engage in it. And given the way marine science and studies have advanced, Hydrographic Surveyors merit appreciation for bringing the limelight to one of the most underrated professions that exists in today’s times. And, also since marine engineering and marine studies are inexhaustible areas, the profession of Hydrographic Survey and Hydrographic Surveyors can never lose its demand, especially in today’s times where marine research has become an important field for science and scientists.

About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.