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AHS Women in Hydro

Our Vision

A hydrographic community where women are empowered, represented, and supported to thrive at all stages of their careers.

The fundamental role that Australasian women in hydrography play in the exploration and understanding of our oceans is recognised and celebrated. 

Our Mission

To support Australasian women in hydrography by creating pathways into the profession, fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities, and amplifying women’s voices and leadership. 

To promote specific initiatives targeted at breaking down systematic barriers and building a more diverse and representative hydrographic workforce. 

To measure and widely report the impact of women in hydro initiatives.


Australasian Hydrographic Society Women in Hydro Experience

Background

Currently women qualified in hydrography represent 25% of the demographics (International Hydrographic Organisation, 2024). 

This initiative has been designed as a way to address this gender inbalance in the region and to encourage younger women to choose hydrography as a career path.

The program has been successfully running for 3 years. 2025/2026 programme is currently running and applications are closed.

About the Experience

Targeted to students and young professionals interested in hydrography as a career path.

The participants have the opportunity to work with organisations in the hydrographic industry.

The experience typically involves 2 weeks of paid work experience. If travel is required flights and accommodation are provided.

As a society with aims to raise the profile in hydrography,  the Australasian Hydrographic Society is coordinating and sponsoring this programme.

The next edition will be announced in this website and disturbed via AHS communication channels. If you would like to be notified when the next application process starts drop us an email womeninhydro@ahs.ans.au.

Industry Partners

Previous editions of the program have been made possible thanks to our industry partners, who co-sponsor the program expenses and host the participants in their organisations, making them feel at home during their work experience time.

If you are a company working in hydrography and are interested in participating in the program, get in touch with us! Your participation is essential for making this experience possible. Contact:   womeninhydro@ahs.ans.au


What to expect if you participate in the program

  • Life changing experience
  • Realistic insight into how the hydrographic industry works
  • Networking and mentorship from top friendly professionals
  • Living wage and travel expenses provided
  • Becoming part of the AHS family
  • Opening a new unique career path

What does it mean to get involved as an industry partner?

  • Provide a friendly work environment and interesting tasks to give the participants an idea of what a job in the hydrographic industry may look like
  • Appropriate mentorship and guidance along the way
  • Duration for 2 weeks
  • Cover living wage
  • Provide accommodation
  • Participate in the process of selecting candidates

What previous participants say about their experience

Malindi – Ocean Infinity

“Spending four weeks offshore while still at university was an experience I’m incredibly grateful for. Being immersed in a real working environment made everything click, classroom concepts ..."

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Malindi – Ocean Infinity

“Spending four weeks offshore while still at university was an experience I’m incredibly grateful for. Being immersed in a real working environment made everything click, classroom concepts finally made sense when I saw them applied at sea. Watching the seafloor appear in real time was a highlight, but just as important was the confidence I gained and the people I worked alongside, from the amazing Ocean Infinity team to the 7 Oceans crew. The experience reinforced my career choice and showed me there is space for women in this industry. I’m super grateful to Ocean Infinity and the AHS Women in Hydro initiative for making that visible, because that visibility truly matters.”

Georgia – Ocean Infinity

“With limited exposure to hydrographic surveying during my degree, taking part in an offshore project through the AHS Women in Hydro Experience Scholarship was both exciting and invaluable."

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Georgia – Ocean Infinity

“With limited exposure to hydrographic surveying during my degree, taking part in an offshore project through the AHS Women in Hydro Experience Scholarship was both exciting and invaluable. I gained firsthand experience on a HIPP charting project off Flinders Island aboard the newly commissioned 7Oceans, contributing to mobilisation, system installation, calibration, sound velocity profiling, and tide gauge deployment. As a woman entering a traditionally maledominated field, being trusted with practical, responsibilitydriven tasks built my confidence and confirmed my interest in hydrography. This experience helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice and directly shaped my decision to pursue the field. I’m now working as a graduate hydrographic surveyor, grateful for the opportunity that guided my path.”

Amira – Fugro

“Working as a Hydrographic Intern at Fugro over the summer was both exciting and enriching. Relocating to a new city and experiencing the industry during its slower season gave us valuable insight ..."

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Amira – Fugro

“Working as a Hydrographic Intern at Fugro over the summer was both exciting and enriching. Relocating to a new city and experiencing the industry during its slower season gave us valuable insight into the ebbs and flows of the profession, while building our technical understanding and confidence.”

Meg – DML

“I spent a week at DML through the AHS Women in Hydro initiative, gaining handson experience across the field; from boat work and multibeam data processing to setting up tide gauges and trialling ..."

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Meg – DML

“I spent a week at DML through the AHS Women in Hydro initiative, gaining handson experience across the field; from boat work and multibeam data processing to setting up tide gauges and trialling new equipment. With hydrography having no compulsory papers and limited electives, this opportunity was invaluable for understanding the industry, meeting the people in it, and making informed decisions about my finalyear papers and future career. With so few women in hydrography, the experience was especially meaningful, giving me confidence, clarity, and encouragement to enter a field where female representation is still rare. I now feel far more prepared and excited to step into the industry.”


Other Initiatives

Women in Hydrography Breakfast at Hydrospatial, 2026

On 24th March the AHS will support women in hydrography to connect, network and learn about the achievements and contributions of their fellow conference goers. We will also set up a ‘conference’ mentor match for those who are new to conferences. Stay tuned for an update on how it went.

Visit the HydroSpatial 2026 Conference Website

Women in Hydrography publication, 2025

‘Breaking Waves: A snapshot of women in hydrography in the South-West Pacific’ was published in the International Hydrographic Review by two New Zealand researchers - Emily Harrex and Emily Tidey. The publication presents a case-study of South-West Pacific women in hydrography from three perspectives: 1) women in hydrography, 2) hydrographic employers, and 3) an undergraduate.

Link to Article

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