The first recorded hydrographic surveys of Australian waters were undertaken by Dutch explorers in the 17th century. British and French naval surveyors charted much of our coastline in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) assumed responsibility for hydrographic surveys of Australian waters in 1920. This task continues today, and its scope is enormous: the Australian chart portfolio covers an area of more than 13 million square nautical miles, stretching from the equator to Antarctica, and from the mid-Indian Ocean to the Coral and Tasmanian Seas. Furthermore, the area of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone exceeds 2.6 million square nautical miles.

Faced with this monumental task, and limited resources, the AHS has always been required to prioritise activities to fulfil its concurrent Defence and national roles. During the three decades following World War II our emphasis was on surveying and charting new shipping routes in support of maritime trade and navigation safety. The discovery of iron ore and bauxite in Australia’s north forced an increased emphasis on surveying and charting the approaches to new ports to assist development of our national infrastructure. More recently our priorities for peacetime hydrographic surveying have included support for environmental, resource and border protection.

However international events during the past decade, including conflicts in Australia’s near region, have reminded us that the AHS does not exist only for nation-building purposes. Accurate hydrographic information underpins maritime operations in both littoral and oceanic environments, and the Australian Defence Force has re-learnt this important lesson during recent military operations in East Timor and in the Solomon Islands. The AHS has an essential military role, which is now being reinvigorated. We provide support across all environments, however our emphasis is on developing our capabilities to underpin amphibious and mine warfare. The recent change in livery of the RAN’s hydrographic survey force (from white to grey) exemplifies our increased focus on our key combat support roles.

We have embarked upon a comprehensive programme to enhance the RAN’s ability to undertake Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA), and to produce and disseminate Military Geospatial Information (MGI). This initiative incorporates the establishment of an MGI Co-ordination Cell in the Australian Hydrographic Office; development of REA doctrine and tactics; and increased participation in joint and combined exercises to hone our military survey skills. The AHS is also investigating emerging technologies to improve its military capabilities. These include unmanned underwater and airborne vehicles, and a portable sensor to replace the highly successful Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) system.

These initiatives come at a considerable cost, therefore we must find a balance between the AHSÕ enduring obligation as Australia’s national hydrographic authority and the demands inherent in our reinvigorated military role - a role that is gaining increased prominence within the Australian Defence Force due to prevailing international instability.