AUSTRALIAN Maritime College has boosted its inaugural category A hydrographic survey course launching in 2026 — subject to final accreditation — after partnering with several maritime technology companies to offer in-kind support and expertise to the high-level ocean mapping course.
Announced on 10 November, new industry partners in AMC’s “CAT-A” program include maritime data provider Ocean Infinity which will provide guest lecturers, survey sensors, curriculum support and expertise in remote, robotic and autonomous maritime operations.
AMC also has struck a deal with maritime software provider Quality Positioning Services to equip hydrographic students with full versions of its products for survey and navigation, geospatial analysis and multibeam processing.
In another boost to AMC’s hydrographic program, geospatial analysis provider Revelare will offer expert knowledge and guest lecturers. These industry partners add to AMC’s existing partnership with Dutch geo-spatial analyst Fugro.
AMC’s manager defence, autonomous systems, engineering and consultancy Chris White says demand for the course is driven by demand from multiple industries for Level 1 hydrographic surveyors accredited by the International Hydrographic Organisation.
“It could be offshore oil and gas or offshore wind farms, marine conservation — many sectors drive demand [for professional hydrography]” Mr White told DCN.
Before 2020, the RAN handled Australia’s hydrographic requirements but a government-industry tie-up known as the Hydrographic Industry Partnership Program now conducts hydrographic surveys and publishes nautical charts within Australia’s exclusive economic zone.
Under HIPP, the Australian Hydrographic Office partners with a panel of pre-approved industry providers to conduct maritime surveys, driving demand for non-ADF personnel to become Level 1 hydrographic surveyors.
Mr White told DCN that AMC is still awaiting final accreditation for its category A hydrographic survey program from IHO’s International board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers. But seven students of a planned minimum eight are enrolled in anticipation of accreditation.
An institute within University of Tasmania, AMC will offer its category A hydrographic survey program at its Newnham campus near Launceston over 48 weeks at a cost of $50,000. The course is designed to develop high-level expertise in hydrographic data acquisition, processing, and analysis in line with International Hydrographic Organisation S-5A standards.