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Hydrographic Systems Operator

Hydrographic Systems Operators assist with the creation of accurate sea bed and coastline charts for use by ships at sea – it could be your data that keeps a vessel off the rocks! Your role as a Hydrographic Systems Operator includes the monitoring of bridge survey computer equipment, recording data observed by the charge (head) surveyor, recording tidal observations, preparing survey equipment for deployment, cleaning and maintaining survey instruments, assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations, and maintaining survey records.

Hydrographic System Operators perform a variety of specialised tasks that assist with conducting hydropgraphic surveys for the creation and maintenance of accurate charts. Hydrographic System Operators in the Royal New Zealand Navy update information on navigational charts, conduct advanced reconnaissance activities in the Pacific and Asia regions for the beaching of Defence Force personnel and equipment, and conduct general seamanship and sailing activities. Hydrography is a technical science and Hydrographic System Operators largely use computers to collect, store and manipulate hydrographic data. Navy Hydrographic System Operators work towards gaining an internationally recognised civilian qualification in Hydrographic Surveying throughout their career.

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Pre-joining Requirements
Your Lifestyle
Training
Qualifications
Your Future
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Pre-joining Requirements

Be a minimum of 17 years of age
Have completed at least three years of secondary education
Be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in NZ for five years
Be medically fit for service
Be of good character – assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check
Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
No decreased colour perception

Download the Entry Requirements Guide to see what school subjects and credits are required.

Your Lifestyle
The primary role of a Hydrographic System Operator is to assist in the gathering of data for the production and update of New Zealand Hydrographic charts. The majority of a Hydrographic Systems Operator’s time is therefore spent away either at sea or on location conducting small boat surveys. Tasks required within this specialised position include the monitoring of bridge survey computer equipment, recording data observed by the charge surveyor, recording tidal observations, driving 4WD vehicles, preparing survey equipment for deployment, cleaning and maintenance of survey instruments, assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations, and maintaining survey records. As promotion occurs, Hydrographic Systems Operators become more independent in their work and are responsible for the supervision of junior hydrographic work teams.

In addition to the completion of hydrographic tasks, Hydrographic System Operators at sea are also required to work on the Bridge of the ship as helmsman or Online System Operators and should expect to work in this capacity for at least 2 x 4 hour shifts in every 24-hour period, as well as completing hydrographic and other work duties as required. Sailors onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime, anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. These tasks include seamanship activities such as anchoring and berthing and ship maintenance, as well as general tasks such as embarking stores, ammunition and food. Each sailor is also responsible for the cleanliness of their work and living spaces.

Hydrographic System Operators at sea also have an important role to play in the ship’s operational organisation. During times such as “action stations” Hydrographic System Operators are often a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, and the man overboard recovery unit. Damage Control is an important aspect onboard all HMNZ Ships, and Hydrographic System Operators are required to participate in realistic fire and flood exercises. The completion of overnight duties whilst in port is also a job completed by Hydrographic System Operators on a rotational basis.

Training
Following Basic Common Training, Hydrographic System Operators complete a basic seamanship course covering;

Helmsman duties and bridge lookout
Slipping & berthing
Boat operations
Anchoring
Crane operations & rigging
Replenishment at sea
Towing
Recovery of personnel and materials from the sea
Upper deck maintenance & ship’s husbandry.

This is followed by a specialised Hydrographic course that trains Hydrographic System Operators in

Hydrographic theory
Using survey equipment
Recording of hydrographic observations and data
Preparation and deployment of survey equipment, including tide poles, tide gauges, theodolites and levels.

Over your career you will work towards gaining internationally recognised civilian qualifications in Hydrographic Surveying as well as gaining advancement through the Navy with professional leadership skills.

Qualifications Earned
Hydrographic System Operators complete additional specialised courses as their career progresses.

The Level 4 certificate in Hydrographic Surveying is awarded on the successful completion of the Leading Hydrographic System Technician course (at about 3 – 4 years in the job). Soon after which, you will be promoted from Hydrographic Survey Operator to Hydrographic Survey Technician.

On completion of a six month hydrographic course in Australia, Hydrographic System Technician are accredited as an internationally recognised Category B Hydrographic Surveyor and gain a Diploma in Hydrographic Survey (at about 7 – 10 years in this job).

Your Future
Hydrographic System Operators spend a lot of time surveying at sea - about nine months a year. Although limited opportunities exist for postings to other HMNZ Ships, Hydrographic System Operators are primarily employed at sea on HMNZS RESOLUTION, the Navy’s hydrographic survey vessel that surveys mostly around New Zealand and on the survey motor boat ADVENTURE, used for inshore surveys largely in New Zealand.

Limited shore postings exist for Hydrographic System Operators at the Geospatial Intelligence Organisation Support Facility and the Littoral Warfare Support Group at the Devonport Naval Base, Auckland.

Career Progression Chart