Application submissions must be in accordance with the requirements as per the AHSCP Guidelines. This is to enable the AHSCP to assess an applicant’s education and experience to determine eligibility for certification in accordance with the relevant clause of Section 4.0. An application that does not follow these requirements may be rejected.

The five (5) specialist AHSCP Panel Members individually and independently review applications submitted and complete a detailed Panel Assessment Checklist, which is submitted to the AHSCP Chair prior to the meeting so that members do not influence each other’s decision prior to the meeting. 

Recusal. A Panel member will recuse themselves where they see a potential conflict of interest, for example, from an individual who is a recent employee, or from an individual for whom the AHSCP member is acting as a referee. In these cases, the AHSCP member will recuse themselves from the assessment activity.

The AHSCP meets to discuss their independent assessments of the applicationsat quarterly meetings, and decide assessment outcomes. Each application is discussed in detail and an assessment made during the meeting. An applicant may be asked to provide further information. In marginal cases the applicant’s referees may be asked to provide additional background information to support the application. Applicants may also be directed to additional education and training to address gaps in their education mapping the S5-A or S5-B syllabi. Decisions made by the Panel are arrived at through consensus and are binding.

Following the Panel’s assessment and decision regarding an application, the Chair formally writes to the applicant to inform as follows:

• that certification has been awarded at the relevant level (1 or 2)
• and for successful AHS members, approval for the AHS Professional Membership
• CPHS must be a current AHS Professional Member or a current member of S+SNZ

OR     

• that further information / clarification /training/consolidation is required to support the application which is to be submitted/achieved within a nominated timeframe 

OR

• that the applicant’s knowledge/experience does not meet the AHSCP eligibility criteria and as a consequence the application has been unsuccessful at this time.

The AHSCP notifies AHS and S+SNZ of successful certifications.

A certificate detailing the level of certification attained (Level 1 or 2) together with a description of the relevant Clause of the Guidelines under which the determination is made and, where appropriate, the Sub-specialism recognized, is awarded to the successful applicant.  The certificate clearly distinguishes between those who have completed an IHO Category “A” or “B” course and those who have not. The issued certificate will remain current providing the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements are met. A statement outlining this condition is indicated on the certificate.

Successful applicants are also issued with an AHSCP Certification Pin:

• A Silver pin is awarded upon achieving Level 2 certification
• A Gold pin is awarded upon achieving Level 1 certification

In addition to award of certificates, the names of newly certified hydrographic surveyors will be eligible to be included Register of Certified Professionals in Hydrographic Surveying.

published on the AHS website. Retention on the Register of Current Certified Professionals in Hydrographic Surveying is conditional upon meeting on-going CPD requirements.