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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hydro Surveyor

💰 $75,000 - $145,000+

EngineeringGeoscienceMaritimeSurveyingOffshore Energy

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hydro Surveyor, you are the architect of the seabed. You will be at the forefront of offshore and nearshore projects, responsible for planning, acquiring, and processing critical hydrographic and geophysical data. Your work forms the foundation for safe maritime navigation, offshore wind farm construction, subsea cable laying, and environmental monitoring. This pivotal role requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical prowess, and a resilient mindset to operate cutting-edge technology in challenging marine environments. You will be the on-site expert, ensuring that all data collected meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy, directly influencing the success and safety of large-scale marine projects.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Survey Technician / Offshore Technician
  • Geomatics or Surveying Graduate
  • Deck Cadet with an interest in survey operations

Advancement To:

  • Senior Hydrographic Surveyor
  • Survey Project Manager
    or Party Chief
  • Offshore Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Geophysical Data Processor / Analyst
  • GIS Specialist
  • Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot / Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan and execute hydrographic survey projects from initial client consultation through to final reporting, ensuring all project specifications are met.
  • Mobilize, install, and calibrate a wide array of hydrographic and geophysical survey equipment, including multibeam echosounders (MBES), side-scan sonar (SSS), sub-bottom profilers (SBP), magnetometers, and GNSS/INS positioning systems.
  • Operate survey acquisition software (e.g., QINSy, EIVA NaviSuite, HYPACK) for real-time data collection, ensuring data quality and coverage targets are achieved.
  • Perform rigorous data processing and analysis on bathymetric, sonar, and positioning data using industry-standard software like CARIS HIPS/SIPS, Fledermaus, or SonarWiz.
  • Conduct daily quality control checks and system performance tests, including patch tests and sound velocity profiles, to guarantee the highest level of data accuracy.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with survey hardware and software in real-time, often in remote offshore environments, to minimize operational downtime.
  • Ensure all survey operations adhere strictly to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) protocols, company policies, and relevant industry standards (e.g., IHO S-44).
  • Compile, draft, and deliver comprehensive survey reports, nautical charts, and data packages for clients, presenting complex findings in a clear and concise manner.
  • Manage the complete lifecycle of survey data, including meticulous logging, secure backup, and systematic archival to ensure data integrity and traceability.
  • Liaise directly with vessel masters, client representatives, and project managers onboard to provide operational updates, discuss progress, and collaboratively solve challenges.
  • Provide technical supervision, mentoring, and on-the-job training for junior surveyors, survey technicians, and data processors.
  • Perform complex geodetic calculations, including coordinate transformations, datum shifts, and projections to maintain precise spatial accuracy.
  • Interpret geophysical and bathymetric data to identify and characterize seafloor features, geohazards, man-made objects, and sub-seabed geology.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all survey activities, equipment configurations, calibration results, and environmental conditions in a daily progress report.
  • Assist in the development of project-specific survey procedures, execution plans, and risk assessments before project commencement.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the onshore team with data processing, reporting, and charting tasks during periods between offshore assignments.
  • Contribute to the evaluation and integration of new survey technologies, software, and methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and capability.
  • Participate in project debriefs and lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement in survey operations.
  • Assist the commercial team by providing technical input for bids and proposals for future hydrographic survey projects.
  • Conduct pre-survey desktop studies, analyzing existing charts, satellite imagery, and geological data to inform survey planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Hydrographic Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of acquisition and processing suites such as QINSy, EIVA NaviSuite, HYPACK, and CARIS HIPS & SIPS.
  • Survey Equipment Expertise: Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting marine survey sensors, including MBES, SSS, SBP, USBL, GNSS, and INS systems.
  • Geodetic Knowledge: Strong understanding of geodesy, ellipsoid and geoid models, map projections, and coordinate reference systems.
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Proven ability to process, clean, and interpret large, complex hydrographic and geophysical datasets to produce client-facing deliverables.
  • IT & Networking Skills: Competency in basic vessel IT systems, network configuration, and serial/ethernet communications for survey equipment integration.
  • GIS & CAD Familiarity: Experience using GIS (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) software for data visualization and chart production.
  • Acoustic Principles: Solid theoretical and practical understanding of underwater acoustics and sound wave propagation.
  • Offshore Certifications: Possession of valid offshore survival (BOSIET/FOET) and medical certificates is often required.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering commitment to precision and accuracy in data collection, processing, and reporting.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: The ability to think critically and analytically to diagnose and resolve technical and operational issues under pressure.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Capable of working effectively for extended periods in challenging and isolated offshore environments with rotational schedules.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for liaising with multi-disciplinary teams and clients.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong team player who can build positive working relationships with vessel crew, project teams, and client representatives.
  • Proactive Safety Mindset: A deeply ingrained commitment to promoting and adhering to health and safety standards at all times.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in a relevant technical or scientific field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree (M.S.) in a relevant field.
  • IHO/FIG/ICA Category "A" or "B" certified program completion.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hydrography
  • Geomatics / Surveying Engineering
  • Oceanography or Marine Science
  • Geophysics or Geology
  • Civil Engineering with a survey focus

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7+ years of hands-on experience in hydrographic surveying.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrable experience working as a Hydro Surveyor on offshore vessels for energy, telecommunications, or construction projects.
  • Proven track record leading small survey teams and managing data acquisition for an entire shift.
  • Experience with deep-water survey operations and the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for survey data acquisition.
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