HMAS Tobruk Hydrographers Conduct Surveys in Vanuatu

Hydrographers on HMAS Tobruk from the Deployable Geospatial Support Team have performed a vital role surveying potential anchorages and beach landing sites during Operation PACIFIC ASSIST 2015.

The operation has been the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the assistance mission to Vanuatu, following Tropical Cyclone Pam which struck over 13-14 March.

Tobruk’s humanitarian assistance was focused on the islands of Tanna and Erramango, following a request by the Vanuatu National Damage Management Office for the ship to concentrate relief efforts at the remote southern province of Tafea.

The biggest obstacle the ship faced was a lack of information regarding suitable anchorages, as the only nautical maps of the islands were over 130 years old.

Commanding Officer Tobruk Commander Leif Maxfield said that in these circumstances, the embarked hydrographers became indispensable as they worked to create up to date surveys for possible anchorages and beach landing sites.

The hydrographers on Tobruk conducted over eight surveys during the deployment, primarily relying on a single beam echo sounder coupled with a global positioning system to record the sea bed depth. The team was ideally suited to support humanitarian work, as the Pacific Ocean was full of small isolated islands, many of which lack basic information concerning suitable anchorages.

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Image: Australian Navy