Benelux Hydrographers emphasized on international attitude education
A meeting of the Hydrographic Society Benelux on Friday 22 September 2006 in Rotterdam (The Netherlands) put education for hydrographers in the picture. Education for future surveyors and hydrographers was the subject of an interactive workshop that was held in the Scheepvaart and Transport College (STC). STC will start an IHO HND/HNC-education in January 2007. Input for this training has been provided by various organisations, amongst them Skilltrade. This education fills a gap as there are only a few dedicated hydrographers courses. The workshop made clear that education is important to create enthusiasm for the hydrographic profession. Even when the students are enthusiast, when the graduates take their jobs, the international area will be something to get used to. "Several days out on the sea, or to another country is not attractive for the family and friends who stay at home", tells Sjoerd van den Bron (Boskalis). With projects in the Middle East and other parts of the world, the excitement of seeing several places in the world can be great. "We need the right people to take this on", he continues. Sjoerd also added that Boskalis needs independent people, who can keep standing when they have to defend a project and the survey results during and after dredging projects. Schools should prepare their students for the international opportunities. "Our offering is interesting for foreign companies as well", added Alain DeWulf (Gent University, Belgium). Most of our graduates find their jobs in countries outside Belgium - or will work there in the end." Almost all participants of the forum discussion agreed on this international orientation of the profession. Also, there should be attention for a new orientation of hydrography. The traditional purpose of charting and navigational safety is likely to extend to environmental measurements like chemical and temperature tests.
After the meeting, the participants gathered for a drink to further discuss the professional matters.
