Hydrographic surveying is a specialised role which requires knowledge of the underwater environment, global positioning systems and sound navigation systems Hydrographic surveyors, also known as hydrographers, use state-of-the-art technology to produce detailed plans of seabeds, harbours and waterways.

The role involves measuring and mapping underwater surfaces and studying the morphology (construction) of the ocean floor, showing the depth, shape and contours.

They specialise in precise positioning, data acquisition and processing in onshore or offshore marine environments. Surveyors usually spend time on board survey ships and drilling platforms.

As a hydropgraphic surveyor, you'll measure and map the world's underwater surfaces and study the morphology (construction) of the seabed, showing the depth, shape and contours.

The information you'll collect is used in: the production of charts and related information for navigation dredging locating offshore resources (oil, gas, aggregates) positioning offshore wind farms, oil platforms and subsea cables planning dock installations monitoring erosion.

Responsibilities as a hydrographic surveyor, you'll need to: use specialised technical software and equipment including satellite and terrestrial positioning systems, sonars, single and multibeam echo sounders, laser scanners and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) equipped aircraft to provide data for the production of nautical charts and maps.

Use remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles to acquire data in deep oceans operate specialised technical software and geographical information systems (GIS) to manage the integration.

Processing and presentation of data to clients deal with clients to provide tenders and results in appropriate formats manage projects, both onshore and offshore, as vessel-based managers produce reports provide accurate and reliable information for other disciplines such as navigation, dredging, coastal works, seabed telephone cables.

Environmental monitoring, aquaculture, marine wind farm development, oceanographic research, bridge construction, and oil, gas and mineral resource exploration work in a variety of different situations and applications including seabed mining, oil and gas exploration.

The construction of ports, the provision of navigational charts, and the positioning of navigational aids source information on seabed type, water movements and waves provide data for oceanographic studies.

Respond to technical queries from onshore engineering teams and problem-solve for colleagues working offshore - if working onshore review company procedures and software projects, and provide feedback on courses and in-house training work as part of a team of technical specialists.

Salary Typical starting salaries range from £16,000 to £25,000, plus an allowance of £70 to £110 per day for each day spent offshore. Salaries for hydrographic surveyors can vary greatly depending on the sector, type of employer, location and experience.

For example, salaries are likely to be higher with oil and gas and dredging companies than with environmental research companies.

If you work offshore, you'll typically spend between 130 and 180 days at sea, earning an additional £10,000 to £17,000.

Salaries for those working offshore with oil companies are linked to the price of oil and a crash in oil prices is likely to affect increases in salaries.

As well as an offshore allowance, surveyors may also receive a hardship allowance, depending on the living conditions and dangers involved in sleeping onshore in certain circumstances.

Allowances can boost annual salaries significantly.

Most companies pay all travel costs to and from project areas.

Income data from The Hydrographic Society UK (THS UK). Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours and may be determined by weather, tides and daylight.

Work includes shifts.

Offshore work tends to be continuous from April to October, with only a slight slackening in the winter months due to the weather conditions.

Onshore work is generally 9am to 5pm, though hours may be longer if particular problems arise. Senior staff may be required to complete weekend duty, which involves being on-call to handle any offshore problems, on one weekend in every five.

What to expect Opportunities for self-employment and freelance work are good, but depend on levels of commercial activity and your contacts.

Contract surveyors are normally be expected to have five years' experience or more. Women are currently underrepresented in the profession.

When working offshore, the working and living environment may be in cramped and uncomfortable surroundings.

Being away from home for extended periods can also be disruptive to your personal life.

Jobs are available worldwide at coastal and offshore sites.

The work may involve international activity, onshore and port work.

Staff are generally encouraged to live within commuting distance of the main office, although this is not essential as you will be flown to the port where you will join the ship.

Overseas work is common.

Oil and gas exploration currently provides many opportunities in countries such as Norway, the Arabian Gulf, China, the Pacific Rim, Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, West Africa and Angola.

Qualifications Entrants to the profession usually have a degree in a surveying science.

The following subjects may be particularly useful: computer science or software engineering engineering or civil engineering geography or cartography geology hydrographic surveying land surveying marine sciences and marine geography ocean exploration physical, mathematical or applied science.

Increasingly, entrants are studying for BSc and MSc degrees in hydrography, for example the BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration and Surveying at Plymouth University.

Degrees in land surveying or marine sciences may have hydrography modules.

Ability in mathematics and computing is essential.

A postgraduate qualification in hydrographic surveying, hydrography or geomatics is often required for graduates from non-relevant subjects.

Masters courses in hydrography and hydrographic surveying are offered by: Plymouth University University College London (UCL) - run jointly with the Port of London Authority.

For those already working at sea, accredited distance learning opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate level are provided by the Hydrographic Academy.

You may be able to start your hydrographic career by joining the Royal Navy as a hydrographic, meteorological and oceanographic specialist.

Hydrographic training is provided by the Flag Officer Sea Training Hydrography and Meteorology (FOST HM) school. For further details, see Royal Navy Careers.

It's possible to qualify as a land surveyor and then acquire the skills you need to move into hydrographic surveying by taking a postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree in hydrography.

Search postgraduate courses in hydrography.

Skills you'll need to have: the ability to learn quickly - you will need a good knowledge of global positioning systems and navigation, geographic information systems, nautical studies and emergency procedures.

Good teamworking skills and the ability to work closely and get on with others in pressurised situations a practical approach to problem solving logical thinking resourcefulness and resilience the capacity to adapt sensibly to changing circumstances patience and a sense of humour communication skills.

Cultural awareness and foreign language skills the ability to maintain concentration - carelessness or a lapse in concentration may have drastic consequences in terms of the overall quality or efficiency of a survey a driving licence is usually a requirement.

Work experience Try to gain relevant experience through a sandwich placement or vacation work.

Nautical, surveying or computing experience is highly valued by employers. Working over the summer or doing a placement will help you develop key skills and make contacts within the industry and may lead to full-time employment after graduation.

Keep in touch with your academic department, as employers may approach your tutors directly. Attend employer presentations while at university and contact specialist recruitment consultancies about temporary and permanent vacancies.