S-5B Practical Phase Kicks Off in Tauranga, New Zealand

IIC Academy's latest S-5B Hydrographic Surveyor Program practical phase has kicked off in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Nine students representing industry, government, and defence from Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand have begun this intensive hands-on period, which focuses on the practical aspects of hydrographic surveying using professional survey equipment — consolidating the theoretical knowledge they have already successfully completed.

Following the practical phase, students will complete the program with a four-week Comprehensive Final Field Project (CFFP), in which they will be required to plan, execute, process, and deliver a full hydrographic survey independently.

IIC Academy has excellent local support for this delivery from a number of partners: Ocean Infinity Marine Services for equipment including the survey vessel Pekapeka, fitted with a full Kongsberg EM2040P multibeam system and peripheral equipment; Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard Association for classroom and outdoor access; Discovery Marine Limited for local support, expertise, and facilities; Acoustic Imaging and QPS for software licences; and Seismic Asia Pacific, Port of Tauranga Limited, Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, and Tauwhao Te Ngare Trust for jetty access and use.

The IIC Academy S-5B Hydrographic Surveyors Programme is recognised by the FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC).

For more information on the S-5B and S-8B programs, contact us.