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STEPS TO NSPS - THSOA HYDROGRAPHER CERTIFICATION NSPS - THSOA Hydrographer Certification Board
STEPS TO NSPS-THSOA
HYDROGRAPHER
CERTIFICATION
NSPS-THSOA Hydrographer
Certification Board
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Application
➢ Application can be downloaded from the NSPS on website (https://www.nsps.us.com/page/Certification).
➢ Submit a completed application with the $50.00 application fee.
➢ Four references, preferably supervisors or other individuals familiar with the applicants' technical hydrographic work experience, are required to be received by NSPS within 90 days of the application.
➢ The Experience Record is used by the applicant to document experience, demonstrate the necessary knowledge to perform hydrographic surveys, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Application
➢ Every Board member reviews the completed application and determines whether the application meets minimum requirements for taking the certification examination (requires a majority vote of the board).
➢ The Certification Board may require an applicant to provide additional supporting documentation within 30 days or request an interview with the applicant.
➢ For applicants with more than 10 years of experience, and demonstrating exceptional experience and knowledge, the Board may waive the examination and directly award certification. This requires a 2/3 vote of the board and is rarely granted.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Required Experience
➢ An applicant must have at least 60 months total experience in hydrography, of which 24 months are in responsible technical charge and 24 months have been in the field.
➢ The 24 months in responsible technical charge and the 24 months in the field may be counted for the same time period if appropriate.
➢ “Responsible technical charge” may include field work and office planning, data processing, analysis, and reporting. “Total experience” may also include time assisting in the planning, processing, analysis and reporting of hydrographic surveys.
➢ Hydrographic experience is to be fully detailed in the Experience Record portion of the Application.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Required Experience
➢ An applicant presenting a certificate of completion from an
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) recognized Category A
program of instruction will be counted as thirty-six (36) months of the
sixty (60) months Hydrographic experience.
➢ An applicant presenting a certificate of completion from an
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) recognized Category B
program of instruction will be counted as twenty-four (24) months of
the sixty (60) months Hydrographic experience.
➢ The twenty-four (24) months in the field and twenty-four (24) months in
technical charge will not be waived in either case.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Documenting Experience
Experience is documented in the application by completing the table below. Be thorough and check all math. Applications may be denied or
returned for clarification if the table is not filled out properly.
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STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Documenting Experience
This is where you convince the board that you meet the minimal requirements to take the exam. Be thorough and check all math.
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1 09/2007-5/2011
44 months
Undergraduate student, University of
Delaware, Newark, DE
44 0 0 0 0
2 05/2011-05/2013
24 months
Graduate student, University of New
Hampshire, Durham, NH
24 0 0 0 0
3 06/2013-12/2015
30 months
Senior Hydrographer, Coastal Surveyors Inc.,
Raleigh, NC
1 0 29 12 15
4 01/2016-12/2018
35 months
Chief Hydrographer, Gulf Coast Surveyors
Inc, Mobile, AL
1 0 34 34 20
TOTAL 70 0 63 46 35
➢ Following the tabulation of engagements fully describe each engagement involving hydrography. This is where you convince the Board of not only your experience, but also your knowledge of Hydrographic Surveying.
➢ Label each description with its corresponding engagement number from the tabulated list. Keep the descriptions in chronologic order starting with the earliest hydrographic engagement. Do not describe positions not including hydrography. State the percentage of time your work involved hydrography. Fully describe your hydrographic activities and responsibilities, including but not limited to planning, budgeting, staffing, equipment selection, calibration, positioning, sounding, safety, field operations, data processing, data analysis, quality assurance, and reporting.
➢ Applications may be denied or returned for clarification if the descriptions do not adequately demonstrate your experience and knowledge.
➢ The following are examples of well written engagement descriptions.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Experience and Knowledge
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Experience and Knowledge
Engagement #3 Position Title: Senior Hydrographer
Firm: Coastal Surveyors Inc.
Person most familiar with your performance: Jim Smith
Address: 221 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 01234.,
Telephone: 555-555-555
Percentage of time your work involved hydrography: 97%, this percentage applies to the entire time in this period of
employment. 29 months of Hydrography, 12 months in technical charge, and 15 months in the field apply to this
description.
Detailed description of your work in the position: I was hired as a Junior Hydrographer and for 18 months my
responsibilities included operating hydrographic survey equipment including Reson multibeam system, Odom single beam
sounder, Klein side scan sonars, Trimble 7400 DGPS, POSMV DGPS, moving vessel profilers, and CTDs. Software
included , Leidos ISS-2000 and Saber, Sonar Pro, and HYPACK. I also assisted in processing of hydrographic survey
data while not in the field. During this time I was involved on 2 NOAA Charting surveys and 1 USACoE Condition survey.
I was promoted to Senior Hydrographer and was the designated lead hydrographer for 2 NOAA Charting surveys. As
lead hydrographer, I was responsible for reviewing the statement of work, producing survey plans and time estimates,
creating water level files, establishing system acceptance test and patch test procedures. I have conducted acceptance
and patch test for various vessels and configurations and responsible for reporting the results in ISO_9001 compliant
documents. While in the field I was responsible for directing survey operations, applying correctors to data, conducting
data analysis to ensure data quality, and coordinating personnel and vessels. Once the survey was completed I was
responsible for final data processing, production of final reporting such as data acquisition and processing reports, vertical
and horizontal control reports, descriptive reports and smooth sheet production. My responsibilities also included all
maintenance and repairs for all systems used in support of hydrographic surveys.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Experience and Knowledge
Engagement #4 Position Title: Chief Hydrographer
Firm: Gulf Coast Surveyors Inc.
Person most familiar with your performance: Jane Doer
Address: 16 Bay Street, Raleigh, NC 01234.,
Telephone: 555-555-555
Percentage of time your work involved hydrography: 97%, this percentage applies to the entire time in this period of
employment. 34 months of Hydrography, 34 months in technical charge, and 20 months in the field apply to this
description.
Detailed description of your work in the position: I was hired as a Senior Hydrographer. My initial responsibilities
included Lead hydrographer directing hydro survey operations, patch tests, and conducted on board data analysis to
ensure data quality. When not in the field, I was responsible for processing and analyzing multibeam and side scan sonar
records. Assisted in the preparation of reports such as data acquisition and processing reports, vertical and horizontal
control reports, descriptive reports and smooth sheet production.
I was promoted to Chief Hydrographer responsible for reviewing the statement of work, producing survey plans and time
estimates, creating water level files, establishing system acceptance test and patch test procedures. I was responsible for
ensuring that all hydrographic survey and data processing met the survey specifications. My responsibilities include
designing vessel configurations (multibeam, side scan, motion sensors and positioning sensors), mobilizing vessels for
hydrographic surveying and developing pre-survey tests to ensure that insured systems would meet the specification of the
survey. While in the field I was responsible for directing survey operations, applying correctors to data, conducting data
analysis to ensure data quality, and coordinating personnel and vessels. In the office, I was responsible for compiling water
level correctors, final data processing, production of final reporting such as data acquisition and processing reports, vertical
and horizontal control reports, descriptive reports and smooth sheet production. I am also responsible for reviewing reports
and data prepared by the senior hydrographers before submittal to the customer.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
Experience and Knowledge
Engagement #4 Position Title: Chief Hydrographer
Firm: Gulf Coast Surveyors Inc.
Person most familiar with your performance: John Doe
Address: 16 Bay Street, Raleigh, NC 01234.,
Telephone: 555-555-555
Percentage of time your work involved hydrography: 100%,
Detailed description of your work in the position: I was hired as a Senior Hydrographer. My initial responsibilities
included Lead hydrographer. When not in the field, I assisted in processing and analyzing Hydro data.
I was promoted to Chief Hydrographer responsible for ensuring that all hydrographic survey and data processing met
the survey specifications. My responsibilities include designing vessel configurations and developing pre-survey
tests. While in the field I was responsible for directing survey operations. In the office, I was responsible for final data
processing
A poorly written engagement description may result in denial of the
application or a request for more information. The following is an
example of a poorly written engagement description.
REMEMBER: This is your one chance to prove to the Certification Board that you
have the relative experience and knowledge in hydrographic surveying. Avoid
generalizations, be specific, do not worry about being too wordy.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
➢The applicant must pay a $150 fee to take the examination. Note that The Hydrographic Society of America will reimburse its members who take the exam. This is a one-time reimbursement and is not available for applicants who must retake the exam.
➢Open-book test with 160 multiple choice questions to be completed in one 3- hour proctored session. Passing grade is 70% correct.
➢A list of suggested references is provided on the website and reference
materials can be brought into the testing facility.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
➢To protect the integrity of the exam, the types of calculators examinees
may bring to exam sites is limited to those approved by the NCEES for
exams. The list of approved calculators is reviewed annually and listed
on the NCEES website https://ncees.org/exams/calculator/.
➢Cell phones, computers, scanners, cameras, recording devices, and
similar items are prohibited.
➢The examination is formed by random selection from a bank of questions and tests knowledge in the six categories of the FIG/IHO/ ICA Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors 10th ed., S-5.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
HYDROGRAPHIC SPECIFICATIONS
➢ 20 (12.5%) questions covering survey specifications
➢ Suggested references:
➢ “Hydrographic Surveying”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-2-1003 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=4)
➢ “Layout and Design of Shallow Draft Waterways”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-2-1611 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=6)
➢ “NOS Hydrographic Manual”, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service
➢ “Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables”, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service (https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/standards-and-requirements.html)
➢ “Hydrographic Dictionary”, IHO Special Publication No. S-32 (https://iho.int/en/standards-and-specifications)
➢ “Standards for Hydrographic Surveys”, IHO Special Publication No. S-44 (https://iho.int/en/standards-and-specifications)
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
NAUTICAL SCIENCE
➢ 20 (12.5%) questions covering rules of the road, nautical terminology, marine weather, communications, chart reading
➢ Credit for the Nautical Science portion of the NSPS-THSOA Certification Exam may be granted for any individual holding a current U.S. Coast Guard license
➢ Suggested references:
➢ “Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook”, Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard (https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf)
➢ Chapman Piloting and Seamanship
➢ American Practical Navigator, Nathaniel Bowditch, Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center
➢ U. S. :Chart No.1”, NOAA (https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/us-chart-1/ChartNo1.pdf)
➢ “United States Coast Pilot”, NOAA Publications (https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/index.html)
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
POSITIONING
➢ 24 (15%) questions covering horizontal control, GPS, Datums, positioning, techniques
➢ Suggested references:
➢ “Federal Radionnavigation Plan”, Dept. Of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Transportation (https://navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/FederalRadioNavigationPlan2017.pdf)
➢ GPS Positioning Techniques, Dr. Benjamin W. Remond
➢ Surveying Theory and Practice; Davis, Foote, Anderson and Mikhail
➢ “Hydrographic Surveying”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-2-1003 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=4)
➢ “NAVSTAR Global Positioning System”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-1-1003 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=2)
➢ GPS Satellite Surveying, Alfred Leick
➢ GPS for Land Surveyors, Second Edition Jan Van Sickle
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
BATHYMETRY
➢ 56 (35%) questions covering single beam, multibeam, Lidar, data interpretation, data analysis, soundings, wrecks, obstructions, dangers to navigation
➢ Suggested References
➢ “Hydrographic Surveying”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-2-1003 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=4)
➢ “Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables”, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service (https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/standards-and-requirements.html)
➢ “Standards for Hydrographic Surveys”, IHO Special Publication No. S-44 (https://iho.int/en/standards-and-specifications)
➢ “Manual on Hydrography”, IHO Publication C-13 (https://iho.int/en/capacity-building-
publications)
➢ “Lidar 101: An Introduction to Lidar Technology, Data and Applications”, Revised.
Charleston, SC: NOAA Coastal Services Center
(https://coast.noaa.gov/data/digitalcoast/pdf/lidar-101.pdf)
➢ “Use of Lidar for Coastal Habitat Mapping", Jacques Populus (2019)
(http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Use_of_Lidar_for_coastal_habitat_mapping)
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
TIDES/WATER LEVELS
➢ 20 (12.5%) questions covering tidal measurement, station installation, vertical datums, correctors for soundings, zoning
➢ Suggested References
➢ “Tidal Datums and Their Applications,” Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, National Ocean Service, NOAA (https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/pub.html.)
➢ “Computational Techniques For Tidal Datums Handbook,” Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, National Ocean Service, NOAA (https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/pub.html)
➢ “Understanding Tides” NOAA (https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/pub.html)
➢ “Our Restless Tides” NOAA NOS CO-OPS NOS CO-OPS (https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/pub.html)
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
The Exam
SEAFLOOR IMAGERY
➢ 20 (12.5%) questions covering sidescan sonar, acoustic backscatter, techniques, record interpretation
➢ Suggested references
➢ “Hydrographic Surveying”, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual, EM 1110-2-1003 (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Manuals/?udt_43544_param_page=4)
➢ “Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables”, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service (https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/standards-and-requirements.html)
➢ Sound Underwater Images, John P. Fish and H. Arnold Carr
➢ Side Scan Sonar Record Interpretation, Klein Marine Systems, Inc.
NSPS-THSOA
HYDROGRAPHER CERTIFICATION
APPLICATION & INFORMATION
http://www.nspsmo.org/index.cfm?fuseaction
=page.viewpage&pageid=515&stopRedirect=1
NSPS-THSOA HYDROGRAPHER
CERTIFICATION IN THE USA
