Hydrography 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. The primary purpose being for the safety of navigation and to support other marine activities, including economic development, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection.
In this role you will participate in the collection of environmental information (hydrographic, oceanographic, and meteorological data) within the maritime environment. When serving at sea or deployed, you will work from a Hydrographic Ship, or from a range of ships and locations as a member of a small deployable team. You will also provide specialist support from shore, working in the training environment or within the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation to support maritime operations. They assess the above and below water physical operating environment to determine how it can best be used to gain strategic, operational and tactical advantage.
When you join the Navy and successfully complete the recruit and initial workgroup training, you will be employed as a Hydrographic Surveyor (known in the Navy as a Hydrographic Systems Operator). You will then undertake tasks such as:
1. The collection processing of environmental data utilising state-of-the-art computer systems and equipment such as multi-beam and single beam echo-sounders, sonar, robotic and autonomous systems, GPS and other navigation systems,
2. The collection and analysis of oceanographic data by taking seabed samples, observing water clarity and temperature, measuring the speed of sound through water, and observing bioluminescence,
3. Conduct tide camps, field operations, short notice, rapid data collection activities, and activities in support of the landing of logistical support during disaster relief operations (both home and abroad),
4. 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, and
5. Conduct watch-keeping duties at sea such as lookout, helmsman and survey systems operator.
Other tasks include:
6. Form part of teams to fight fire, toxic hazards, floods and conduct casualty location and rescue,
7. 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), and
8. Keep duties that involve maintaining the security and integrity of the ship or base for a 24 hour period.