Graham (James) Bond CMDR, RAN Rtd, discoverer of Hydrographers Passage and long-time AMSA employee, passed away on 12 April 2016 aged 70. James was born 4 October 1945 and joined the RAN Hydrographic School in February 1968. Before joining AMSA, James had a long and illustrious naval career. He saw service on ships supporting Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War and also served in HMA Ships PALUMA, MORESBY and FLINDERS (CO 1980-82). He was promoted to Commander in June 1986 and resigned from the RAN in September 1988. He remained on the RAN Reserve List for some time after leaving the permanent forces carrying out a survey of the East Solomon Islands and engaging in work within the RAN Hydrographic Office. James was a hydrographer of some note. He has a place on the Queensland timeline housed within the Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach, Queensland. James is perhaps best known as the Commanding Officer of HMAS FLINDERS and was responsible for surveying and charting what is now known as Hydrographer’s Passage. The passage significantly shortens the shipping route for vessels carrying Australian coal from the Port of Hay Point to Asian markets. This route has had a major impact on the economic viability of Australia’s coal export trade. He joined AMSA in 1993 and over the years worked in the Navigation Safety, International Relations and Ship Safety areas. James strived for the highest levels of navigation safety, through the provision of simple and practical advice for the upkeep of AMSA’s aids to navigation network, establishment of ships’ routing systems and the provision of maritime safety information for navigators. James retired from AMSA in 2013 after two decades of dedicated service.

He was a well-liked and respected man, had many friends and will be sorely missed. James is survived by his partner Robin, daughters Melanie and Sharon and son Jamie. Vale, James

CMDR Bond’s funeral will be held on Friday 29 April 2016 at 10:30 am at the Braidwood Cemetery, NSW. The wake will be at the Braidwood Services Club immediately after.