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Hydrographic Surveyor

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Hydrographic surveyors map underwater terrains using advanced technology. They ensure safe navigation, manage resources, and support coastal development with precise data collection.

Average Salary

₹6,00,000

Growth

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Satisfaction

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Home/Careers/engineering and technical fields/hydrographic surveyor
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Hydrographic Surveyor

To become a hydrographic surveyor in India, a strong educational foundation in relevant scientific and technical fields is essential. Here's a breakdown of the typical education requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in one of the following fields is generally required:

    • Geomatics Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Surveying
    • Oceanography
    • Geology
    • Physics
    • Mathematics

  • Specific Coursework: The degree program should include coursework in:

    • Hydrographic surveying principles
    • Geodesy
    • Cartography
    • Remote sensing
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • Oceanography
    • Data processing and analysis

  • Master's Degree (Recommended): While a bachelor's degree can provide entry into the field, a master's degree can significantly enhance career prospects and provide more specialized knowledge. Relevant master's programs include:

    • Hydrographic Surveying
    • Geospatial Science
    • Ocean Engineering

  • Certifications: Professional certifications, such as those offered by recognized hydrographic organizations, can further enhance credibility and career opportunities.

  • Skills: Besides formal education, essential skills include:

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Proficiency in using surveying equipment and software
    • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
    • Ability to work in challenging environments (both on land and at sea)
Study Path
Top Colleges

Several top colleges and institutions in India offer courses and programs that can pave the way for a career as a hydrographic surveyor. These institutions provide quality education and training in relevant fields such as geomatics engineering, civil engineering, oceanography, and geospatial science. Here are some of the top colleges to consider:

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IITs):

    • IIT Roorkee: Offers programs in civil engineering and related fields with a focus on surveying and geomatics.
    • IIT Kanpur: Known for its strong engineering programs, including those relevant to geospatial technologies.

  • National Institute of Technology (NITs):

    • NIT Surathkal: Offers programs in civil engineering and related areas with emphasis on surveying and mapping.
    • NIT Warangal: Provides courses in civil engineering and geospatial technologies.

  • Other Reputed Institutions:

    • College of Engineering, Pune (COEP): Offers civil engineering programs with a focus on surveying and geomatics.
    • Anna University, Chennai: Provides programs in civil engineering and related fields with emphasis on geospatial technologies.
    • Andhra University, Visakhapatnam: Offers oceanography and related programs, which can be beneficial for hydrographic surveying.

  • Specialized Institutes:

    • Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun: Offers specialized courses and training programs in remote sensing and GIS, which are highly relevant to hydrographic surveying.
Fees

The fees for courses related to becoming a hydrographic surveyor in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution (government vs. private), the level of the program (bachelor's vs. master's), and the specific college or university. Here's a general overview:

  • Bachelor's Degree:

    • Government Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per year. These colleges are heavily subsidized, making them more affordable.
    • Private Colleges: ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year. Private institutions typically have higher fees due to less government funding.

  • Master's Degree:

    • Government Colleges: ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per year. Similar to bachelor's programs, government-funded master's programs are more affordable.
    • Private Colleges: ₹1,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 per year. Master's programs at private institutions can be significantly more expensive.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Hostel Fees: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year (government) and ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year (private).
    • Books and Materials: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per year.
    • Exam Fees: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per exam.

  • Certification Costs:

    • Fees for professional certifications can vary widely, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the certifying organization and the level of certification.
Related Exams

To pursue a career as a hydrographic surveyor, several entrance exams and qualifications can help you gain admission to relevant educational programs and certifications. Here's a breakdown:

  • Entrance Exams for Bachelor's Programs:

    • JEE Main & Advanced: For admission into top engineering colleges in India offering civil engineering, geomatics engineering, or related fields.
    • State-Level Engineering Entrance Exams: Various state governments conduct their own entrance exams for engineering colleges within the state.

  • Entrance Exams for Master's Programs:

    • GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): A national-level exam for admission to master's programs in engineering and science, including those relevant to hydrographic surveying.
    • University-Specific Entrance Exams: Some universities conduct their own entrance exams for master's programs.

  • Certifications: Professional certifications are crucial for career advancement. While there isn't a single mandatory exam, recognized certifications include:

    • Certified Hydrographic Surveyor: Offered by professional organizations like the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and national surveying bodies.

  • Other Relevant Exams:

    • Competitive exams for government jobs: After obtaining the necessary qualifications, you may need to clear competitive exams conducted by government organizations for positions in hydrographic surveying.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. High demand for skilled professionals.
  2. Opportunity to work in diverse environments.
  3. Technologically advanced and stimulating work.
  4. Competitive salary and benefits packages.
  5. Contribution to maritime safety and resource management.
  6. Opportunities for international travel and projects.
  7. Intellectually challenging and rewarding career.
  8. Involved in cutting-edge research and development.
  9. Job security due to specialized skill set.
  10. Chance to work on impactful projects.

Cons

  1. Demanding work conditions, including long hours.
  2. Frequent travel and time away from home.
  3. Exposure to harsh weather conditions at sea.
  4. Potential for physical strain and fatigue.
  5. Requires continuous learning and adaptation.
  6. High level of responsibility for data accuracy.
  7. Risk of equipment malfunction and delays.
  8. Competitive job market for entry-level positions.
  9. Necessity for strong problem-solving under pressure.
  10. Can be isolating due to remote work locations.