Hydrographic surveyor : Training

Training in areas such as seamanship and instrument handling is usually carried out in-house and on the job. Trainees working offshore must usually undertake a basic offshore safety and emergency training course. This usually includes including fire fighting, helicopter underwater escape training, first aid and safety at sea. Those working offshore also need to undergo a medical examination, although requirements vary depending on the country.

For those who follow the naval entry route (see Royal Navy Careers ), training is available via the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic (HM) School.

Depending on their area of expertise, most hydrographic surveyors seek chartered or professional membership of one of the following professional bodies:

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST)
• Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)

Contact individual bodies for details of how to attain professional or chartered membership.

Membership of The Hydrographic Society UK (THS UK) is also useful for keeping up to date with industry news and developments.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is vital to career development and professional bodies provide advice on undertaking and recording CPD activities. They also offer a range of professional development and training courses and events.