There are three alternative avenues available to the applicant for Level 1 certification, which can be regarded as the Professional

Level. 1. Category A Course
Successful completion of a FIG/IHO/ICA approved Category A Course.
And
A minimum aggregate period of 2 years appropriate experience in practical hydrographic surveying, and a substantial amount of the sea-time component should be in-charge time. Under normal circumstances this experience is expected to be gained post qualification.

2. Suitable Bachelor Degree And Category B Course
Successful completion of an approved Bachelor Degree in Surveying or an allied discipline that has suitable hydrographic modules. These modules can be taken as postgraduate courses. The contents of these modules shall be based upon the contents of the FIG/IHO/ICA Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors (Category B Course is the minimum requirement).
And
A minimum aggregate period of 2 years appropriate experience in practical hydrographic surveying, and a substantial amount of the sea-time component should be in-charge time. Under normal circumstances this experience is expected to be gained post qualification.

3. Suitable Bachelor Degree And Experience
Successful completion of an approved Bachelor Degree in Surveying or an allied discipline.
And
A minimum aggregate period of 5 years of appropriate surveying experience; 2.5 years of which should be practical hydrographic surveying and a substantial amount of the sea-time component should be in-charge time. This experience must demonstrate an expertise that is not less than that stipulated in the first two categories.

There are two alternative avenues available to the applicant for Level 2 certification, which can be regarded as the Technician Level.

1. Category B Course
Successful completion of a FIG/IHO/ICA approved Category B Course.
And
A minimum aggregate period of 2 years appropriate experience in practical hydrographic surveying. Under normal circumstances this experience is expected to be gained post qualification.

2. Surveying or Allied Qualification
Successful completion of an approved Diploma or Certificate in a discipline of Surveying, or its equivalent (e.g. Engineering Surveying Certificate), or an approved qualification equivalent to a Diploma or Certificate in a discipline allied to Surveying.
And
A minimum aggregate period of 5 years of appropriate surveying experience; 2.5 years of which should be practical hydrographic surveying and which demonstrates an expertise that is not less than that stipulated in (1) above.

3. Suitable Bachelor Degree and Experience
Successful completion of an approved Bachelor Degree in Surveying or an allied discipline.
And
A minimum aggregate period of 2.5 years of appropriate experience in practical hydrographic surveying. Under normal circumstances this experience is expected to be gained post qualification.

• GCA and S+SNZ Members $330 (AUD)
• Non Members $850 (AUD

Sub-specialisations are assessed once an applicant achieves CPHS1. You can apply for sub-specialisations during your initial CPHS1 certification application or after however, if applying with your initial application, the Panel first must find in favour of your CPHS1 certification and will then assess your additional evidence relating to the sub-specialisation.

• CPHS1 seeking a sub-specialisation – $242 (AUD) per sub-specialisation

Programmed AHSCP meetings
Next meeting – Tuesday 18 July 2023
Deadline for applications – Friday 16 June 2023

Completed applications for certification (i.e. new applications and previous applicants submitting additional documentation) are to be submitted to the AHSCP Secretariat one month prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Input from Individuals or Organisations about an Applicant – Should an individual or organisation wish to provide comment on an applicant, this is to be provided at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting. Comments can be made using the Referees Report form or a detailed letter. The applicant will be provided with any adverse comment submitted in order to respond.

Download application & forms*

* Note: Please be aware that the application forms are updated regularly. Check that you are using the most up-to-date version from the website prior to submitting your application

When supplying course certificates, do not include those not related to the advancement of survey knowledge eg. First Aid, HUET, Working at Heights, sea survival etc.

When completing your log book, you should review the detailed descriptions of the S-5A and S-5B syllabus and be confident that you do have the knowledge and practice of a substantial amount of the topics as described.

Please see the ‘Tips on Applications’ page to help you understand some expectations when your application is reviewed.

Application Documentation – Updated February 2020

A major revision of the AHSCP Guidelines and supporting documentation have been undertaken and published as version 2.4 dated 29 Feb 2020, these guidelines are now in force. The revised documents fully reflect the adoption of the IHO S-5A and S-5B standards, and contain transition arrangements for those who have commenced logbooks and are seeking certification under the older S-5 11th Edition standards. Revised definitions of “Sea Time”, “Allied Degrees” and “In Charge time” are also provided. In addition a new Appendix G – Applicant Qualification Mapping Tool, has been provided which applicants without an IBSC Cat A or Cat B qualification are required to submit to map their qualifications to the Cat A or Cat B syllabus in order to support their submission.

Apply for Certification

1. AHSCP Guidelines
2. Appendix A – Application form
3. App B – Logbook
4. App C – Referee’s Report
5. App E – Checklist of Documentation Submitted
6. App G – Mapping XLSX

Apply for Recertification

1. AHSCP Guidelines
2. Recertification – Application form
3. Recertification – Checklist of Documentation submitted
4. App B – Logbook
5. App C – Referee’s Report

Note: AHSCP Recertification Process Flowchart is not yet updated – will send soon.

The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) publishes the internationally recognised Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors (S-5) (Download PDF). This document provides guidance and syllabus for educational and training programmes in order that courses (not individuals) are recognised with Category A or Category B status. In addition to the academic requirements of Category A and Category B courses, an individual must gain appropriate practical experience to become competent as a hydrographic surveyor.

The Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel (AHSCP) certification process is based upon the minimum subject matter as outlined in S-5, recognizing Category A, B and equivalent qualifications and appropriate experience.

The AHSCP certifies surveyors at two competency levels:

Level 1 – The highest attainable level of professional hydrographic surveying certification:

• Deep understanding (Degree equivalent level) of the theoretical aspects of hydrographic surveying.
• Extensive experience in practical hydrographic surveying.
• Experience in leadership and management of project teams.

A Level 1 Hydrographic Surveyor is expected to:

• Plan, undertake and manage complex hydrographic surveying projects.
• Identify sources of error and resolve data discrepancies.
• Maintain quality assurance principles.
• Provide professional advice on hydrographic matters.
• Compile and approve project reports.

Level 2 – Initial professional level of hydrographic surveying certification:

• A fundamental understanding (Diploma equivalent level) of the theoretical aspects of hydrographic surveying.
• Practical experience in conducting various hydrographic surveying tasks.

A Level 2 Hydrographic Surveyor is expected to:

• Undertake the survey plan as directed.
• Conduct data processing.
• Prepare reports.

The subjects contained within the IHO S-5 Standards of Competence include:

(Download PDF)

Basics (compulsory):

• Mathematics and Statistics
• Information and Communication Technology
• Physics
• Nautical Science

Essentials (compulsory):

• Bathymetry
• Water levels and flow
• Positioning
• Hydrographic practice
• Hydrographic data management
• Environmental science
• Legal aspects

In addition to the compulsory modules, a course may also provide additional Options and Hydrographic Surveyors will normally specialise in one or more of these areas:

• Nautical Charting Hydrography
• Hydrography to support Port Management and Coastal Engineering
• Offshore Seismic Surveying
• Offshore Construction Hydrography
• Remote Sensing
• Military Hydrography

Inland Waters Hydrography