The Hydrographic Society of South Africa (HSSA) is a non-profit company whose aim is to promote the profession of Hydrography in Southern Africa, both within the industry and to the general public.
We are pleased to announce that the Hydrographic Society of South Africa has bestowed Mr J H Raubenheimer with a Lifetime Honorary Membership to the Society in recognition of his 44 year career in the Geomatics and Hydrographic industry.
Raubie is the first recipient of this award, and we wish him well in his retirement and look forward to seeing him at any of our future meetings and events.
Initially formed in 1982, the Society flourished. Since 2003, the Society welcomed a new and vibrant committee and dedicated membership. General meetings are held on a bi-monthly basis in Cape Town with potential to create regional sub meetings in other areas around Southern Africa.
The resurgence of the Society is evident in the continual increase in both Corporate and Individual Memberships and the number of new faces at each general meeting.
Individual members make up the bulk of the Society’ membership, although the corporate members contribute the majority of funds to the Society in order to keep the HSSA financially stable.
Local Activities
The Society promotes the Hydrographic profession by:
Organising HSSA Technical Awareness Seminar (TAS). These seminars showcase the latest innovations in hydrographic technology and practices. The format of technical presentations balanced with hand-on equipment demonstrations’ and an exhibition has been well received by all delegates, the last being held in 2007, which paved the way to hosting of the inaugural Hydro9 IFHS conference to be held in Africa.
Funding, assisting in setting up, and presenting an accredited Hydrographic Course in conjunction with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Ensuring the Society, and by association, Hydrographic professionals & students are represented at the various Regulatory, Accreditation & Training bodies.
Holding bi-monthly General meetings (normally on the first Tuesday of the month at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, or other suitable venues in and around Cape Town) with snacks & refreshments. The local and International guest speakers at these meetings have provided a diverse and interesting variety of topics leading to some very enjoyable Q & A sessions afterwards.
International Activities
The HSSA sits on the Board of Directors of the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies (IFHS) and provides its members a global voice to other hydrographic institutes and professionals. More recently, has representation on the council of PLATO to represent the Hydrographic Surveyors in South Africa.
New Developments
The Society updates its Facebook page to include all past and forthcoming meeting information as well as any other interesting Society activities.
Future Events Planning is already well underway for the HSSA to host Hydro 2015 here in Cape Town. The inaugural IFHS Hydro conference Hydro9 was held in Cape Town in November 2009, and the success of this event serves as a platform to increase and improve the Hydro 2015 conference and exhibition.
Membership Membership is not restricted to Hydrographic professionals and current membership includes people from such disciplines as Students, Lecturers, Oceanographers, Marine Electronic Engineers, ex Seafarers, Marine Service Companies, etc. Anyone who has an interest in the subject or marine sciences in general is welcome to attend our meetings and become a member of the HSSA.
Those wishing to join the Society should contact Steve or Genevieve on the contact details found below. Member’s guests are always welcome to attend the General meetings.
We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Hydrographic Society of Africa.
