Case studies: Hydrographic surveyor: Lucas Lowe-Houghton

Lucas has an MSc Hydrography from the University of Plymouth and works as a hydrographic surveyor for Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors.

Choosing the hydrographic survey career path for me was a natural route as I always wanted to work in the marine sector. Also, another lure to the job was the opportunities for travel across the globe working in challenging environments.

Hydrographic survey activities are involved in many avenues in the marine sector, including oil and gas, offshore renewables, environmental monitoring, dredging and marine construction. I spent hours browsing company websites reviewing which sector/activities most interested me. Then I would send out CVs via websites or through personal contacts made from attending conferences/meetings. Today I currently hold the position of surveyor with a global dredging and marine contractor.

I feel that the skills and experience I obtained during the MSc Hydrography at the University of Plymouth  are based upon survey theory, which serves as a vital foundation in such a profession. The course provided me with awareness that precision, consistency and reliability are important in survey as critical decisions are made upon our results. I would say that hydrographic survey is a unique subject and without it I would not have been in contention for the role that I hold now.

There is no typical working day in my current role. Everyday there is a new challenge - troubleshooting onboard dredging vessels, mobilising various equipment, conducting bathymetric survey and producing charts and other products for the client.

I enjoy the work hard, play hard approach to work. In most cases 12-hour days are common but that’s why you get your time off. I also enjoy the travel and culture, ranging from the freezing temperatures of Northern Europe to the boiling temperatures of the Middle East. Working in such environments in foreign countries can sometimes be a challenge but you learn a lot about cultures and working methods.

In terms of career progression, I would like to become a manager of a survey team on large-scale marine infrastructure projects and thereafter maybe become self-employed and work on projects that suit family life.

The advice I would give to others wanting to join the hydrographic community is that the job can vary from office-based data processing to in the field data collection onboard vessels or on land, working as part of a team or as an individual. The job can be as challenging as you want it to be - it’s all about choosing the right area that suits you.