How Hydrographic Surveys are Changing the Landscape of Seafloor Construction

Understanding the seafloor is the first step to a stable offshore construction process. Without the proper analysis, unforeseen elements can delay, halt, or add risk to undersea efforts. Hydrographic surveys, and the surveyors that carry them out, are a vital step to kickstarting this process.

Helping clients find the right talent, and surveyors find the right project, the team at UTM Consultants has over 20 years of experience in ensuring offshore construction projects can be carried out smoothly. In this article, we’ll discuss what hydrography is, what the role of a hydrographic surveyor entails, and the impact of hydrographic surveys on the offshore energy industry – highlighting opportunities for fresh talent in this dynamic field.

What is Hydrography?

According to the USA’s National Ocean Service, hydrography is a science that “measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water.”

The items measured by this field extend to features such as the topography of the seabed, the presence of debris and obstacles, the land adjacent to the water body, and the water itself (e.g. temperature, depth, etc). As such, hydrography surveys aim to give a comprehensive overview of the physical details of a given ocean environment.

Hydrography is typically carried out by a hydrographic surveyor, through the use of multibeam echo sounders which gather the hydrographic data necessary to inform nautical charts and hydrographic models. These models can then be used for safe marine navigation, research, or in the case of offshore industry, guidance for construction.

At UTM, we see the importance of hydrography, and the vital role hydrographic surveys and surveyors play in supporting offshore construction. Likewise, our contractors and clients receive a dedicated approach that matches them with the right opportunities. Here is what one of our freelancers had to say:

“Professionalism, commitment, and sheer relentlessness to locate positions in this ever-increasing freelance market is at the forefront of UTM’s ethos, and it shows through every interaction I have with them.”

Rhys Price, Hydrographic Surveyor

Find out how we can help you find the right hydrographic survey role – contact us today.

What is the Role of a Hydrographic Surveyor?

Hydrographic surveying is a dynamic role with lots of skills, facets, and avenues to go down. There are quite a few routes to becoming a hydrographic surveyor such as going through university, receiving training from the Royal Navy, or learning on the job as an apprentice. Generally, you will need a relevant degree such as geology or marine science, and further postgraduate study in hydrography or geomatics, to stand the best chance at landing the projects you want.

Skills and responsibilities of a hydrographic surveyor include:

• Understanding navigational systems
• Valid driving license to aid in travel to offshore locations
• Teamwork and pressure management
• Critical thinking and a logical approach to solving practical issues
• Working with engineers and analysts to produce the right outputs
• Using specialised equipment to study water bodies and their surroundings
• Producing accurate, reliable, and readable information

With so many different components and skills, both on the job and otherwise, hydrographic surveying is an exciting and varied position that can take you all over the world.

Additionally, the data that a hydrographic surveyor provides is invaluable for a huge number of outputs. This means that your work may be involved in:

• Seafloor construction
• Pipelines and cabling
• Dredging and anchoring
• Researching and understanding marine habitats
• Drawing up nautical charts
• Building hydrographic models

Hydrographic surveyors provide an invaluable service, gathering the raw details required for a huge number of ocean-based works and processes. It is a dynamic role, offering great opportunities for travel, exploration, and progression. To find out more, get in touch!

The Impact of Hydrographic Surveys on Offshore Industry

A report on the Economic Impact of Hydrographic Surveys gives some good insight into much of the effect that hydrography can have on offshore industry and the world at large.

The states that hydrographic surveys are an essential element of national (and international) infrastructure, and their true value depends on the specific activity they are being carried out for. In the case of offshore wind energy, with global sustainability targets depending on the achievement of high capacity, this value can be significant.

Properly charted waters support maritime commerce and offshore industry. Analysing the seafloor in particular, identifies places where additional support is needed, or where environmental impact can be minimised, resulting in more sustainable construction with greater overall stability. Hydrography also supports achieving local, national, and international targets of wildlife and resource preservation by providing accurate data on which to build informed strategies.

Some key areas of impact of hydrographic surveys include:

• Marine transport
• Safe navigation Marine resources – harnessing and preservation
• Environmental and ecological concerns
• Maritime boundaries
• Law enforcement and defence
• Assisting developing nations – feeding into the worldwide offshore energy industry

The ocean is a constantly moving environment, where currents and wildlife can greatly modify the landscape and features, so vigilance and up-to-date hydrographic surveys are imperative when engaging in any offshore construction activity.

Talented hydrographic surveyors are always in demand – by applying your skills to these projects, you can help ensure construction projects go smoothly, minimising impact on seafloor habitats while maximising the safety and efficiency of offshore construction.

Make a difference – explore hydrographic survey jobs at UTM Consultants >

Put Your Hydrographic Survey Skills to Use with UTM Consultants

Without the proper skills and resources for hydrographic surveys, the offshore industry will struggle to keep up with increasing demands for sustainability and ocean welfare. However, by applying the right skill set to the right situation, businesses and surveyors will find smoother communications, more efficient processes, and a better working environment all around.

“The UTM Consultants team are very responsive and reliable. They are always keeping me up to date with the project schedule and specifics, and they focus and investigate each point in the CV, experience, and qualification to ensure you are matched with the most suitable job for you.”

Mahmoud Desoky,Senior Hydrographic Surveyor

At UTM Consultants, we aim to match talent with the places where it is needed most. Whether you’re a client looking for skilled hydrographic surveyors to complete your project, or a freelancer looking for new and exciting opportunities across the globe, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today to find out more!

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