A hydrographic surveyor measures and maps marine environments, such as rivers, lakes and oceans. They can be involved in work such as installing oil rigs and docks, and environmental research. They are also known as hydrographers.
The Work
You could be:
carrying out geotechnical, geophysical and hydrographic surveying
possibly using traditional equipment such as theodolites, but, more probably, using advanced technology such as satellite, laser scanners, sonar and geographical information systems (GIS)
producing accurate charts of the marine environments, locating rocks, sandbanks and possible obstructions
planning routes over areas that may never have been surveyed before and advising on the direction and speed vessels should travel at
monitoring the installation of rigs, docks, seabed cables, offshore wind farms and other structures
carrying out calculations, measuring distances, depths and bearings
writing reports about the operation offshore for the management onshore
managing projects and dealing with clients and other professionals.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Pay rates for hydrographic surveyors could start in the region of £17,000 to £25,000 a year. Senior surveyors can earn between £25,000 and £45,000 a year while high earners may earn up to £55,000 a year or more.
You may also earn extra for time spent working offshore.
Conditions
You may work offshore, based on a rig or survey vessel, spending long periods away from home.
You may be based onshore, but go out in boats on a regular basis.
You might work all over the world, including unpopulated regions and regions where the climate is extreme.
The usual working pattern for those working offshore is 12-hour shifts.
On oilrigs it can be cold, wet and stormy, so you will wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety boots and a hard hat.
Getting around on oil rigs involves climbing ladders.
Studying a degree accredited by RICS in a surveying science subject such as hydrographic surveying, land surveying, geology, geography or geophysics, followed by a period of supervised practical training (Assessment of Professional Competence).
If your degree is not RICS-accredited, you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification.
University of Glasgow offers a postgraduate MSc in Geospatial and Mapping Sciences (SCQF Level 11). You will need a good Honours degree in a relevant discipline for entry.
You could enter a job with some subjects at National 5 and Highers and train on the job towards the AssocRICS qualification (associate member of RICS) for 4 years.
Alternatively, if you have an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) you could get a trainee job and work towards RICS associate membership with two years of supervised training.
Entry requirements for an HND are 2 Highers, and for a degree, 4 Highers. English and Maths are preferred.
In addition to the above:
to work offshore you must pass a medical examination every 2 years
you must also pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET).
Offshore surveyors work mostly for the oil and gas industries. These companies operate on a global scale, with bases all over the world. Other possible employers include offshore survey companies, government agencies, port and harbour authorities, water companies and civil engineering firms.
What Does it Take?
You need:
accuracy and attention to detail
excellent concentration, to ensure the quality of work and safety of personnel
good problem solving skills
good IT skills and ability to use specialist software
the ability to work closely in a team and get along with a wide range of people
good communication skills and an awareness of other cultures
self-motivation for keeping up with research
an open approach to learning new skills
decisiveness and assertiveness.
Training
Once you have completed an accredited degree you would find employment as a trainee surveyor.
To qualify as a chartered surveyor you would complete your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) which is 24 months of structured training, consisting of on the job learning and assessment. This leads to RICS membership and the status of chartered surveyor.
Chartered Surveyors have to complete at least 20 hours continued professional development (CPD) every year.
Getting On
You might move eventually into management or consultancy work, probably onshore.
It is likely that you will need to work abroad to gain promotion and experience.
More Information
For more information please organisations listed below:
