Surveying maps out safer maritime development and operations
Supporting hydrography across the continent
SOUTH AFRICA: A focus on port development and offshore maritime projects within Africa is having a positive impact on the hydrographic sector with opportunities existing for not only the bigger, more established operators, but also for smaller companies seeking to offer hydrographic services.
According to Gaynor Deacon, founder of Amaza Surveys in Durban, this need for data has also, unfortunately, seen some unscrupulous players aim to take advantage of the situation.
“It is important to see that this work is undertaken by companies with the appropriate equipment,” Deacon says explaining that she has seen cases come across her desk where someone has provided a client with survey results using inappropriate tools such as fishfinders or GoPros.
You cannot produce quality data like this, and it only serves to damage the industry as a whole”
“It is not right, it is not kosher. You cannot produce quality data like this, and it only serves to damage the industry as a whole,” she says relaying an incident where an operator promised to deliver a photogrammetry survey of a structure in Durban Harbour which he proceeded to undertake with a GoPro camera.
“He used a GoPro to survey the quayside and then used some sort of software to stitch it all together.”
It’s obvious that someone using this type of technology can offer fantastic prices, but Deacon warns that in most cases the results cannot be used for actual planning or development plans.
“In most cases the client will still have to resort to finding a reputable surveyor who will be able to provide the data required. Unfortunately, however, they also expect the more sophisticated survey to now come at the same low price,” she says.
Education is key
Although not offering survey services herself as Amaza Survey, Deacon believes that as an equipment supplier and consultant, she can educate potential clients about the dangers of believing that low-cost alternatives will deliver the quality of results that they may be looking for.
“Good quality data that can be analysed is more important than one realises and impacts on the ultimate safe functioning of the developments that it underpins.”
“Good quality data that can be analysed is more important than one realises and impacts on the ultimate safe functioning of the developments that it underpins,” she says highlighting how project failings can often be traced back to insufficient or poor-quality surveying.
“Mapping correctly is vitally important and situations where it is not done properly or where the incorrect equipment is used can lead to disastrous tragedies,” she adds admitting that it is professionally worrying to see small operators in little boats offering surveys for a pittance without carrying the necessary insurance or professional indemnity and public liability cover.
Elevating the profession is important to Deacon who remains passionate about training and educating clients, and is also involved in lecturing on the subject at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
For her it is not just about seeing equipment move through their stores – but about making sure that the right equipment is provided for their client’s specific goal.
“We can provide the expertise and knowledge based on our experience to help clients examine and solve their problems – and we are on hand to provide mentorship as well as knowledge for their project.”
Working closely with Skilltrade, a specialist in hydrographic courses and training, Amaza Surveys also offers onsite training, presenting material that has been endorsed by a wide range of international authorities for the oil and gas industry as well as the port environment.
Technology and expertise is available
Deacon points out that the technology is available to do more now than ever before. As someone who has been involved in the industry for over three decades, she has seen this improvement in technology first hand.
“We’re no longer doing things the way we did 30 them years ago. Equipment is far more advanced, and it is even possible to do hydrographic surveying using remote sensing with drones now,” she says explaining the level of sophistication that is available to surveyors.
“Equipment is far more advanced, and it is even possible to do hydrographic surveying using remote sensing with drones now.”
Amaza Surveys currently represents top suppliers such as NORBIT, BeamworX, AML Oceanographic and EOMap locally.
She also highlights the extent of the expertise that is available locally. “We are very lucky in South Africa. We've got some really good surveyors, and they have become sought after internationally,” she says.
Amaza Surveys is often involved in linking up their network of surveyors with projects on the go around the world. This, and their scope of equipment offered for sale as well as rental has seen many local operators do well in the international market.
“I have a list of people that we can contact when required,” she tells us as she notes their involvement in sourcing resources for an upcoming contract in Angola where significant work is currently being undertaken.
The wide scope of projects that they support include marine construction, dredging, salvage work, offshore mining as well as subsea rapid response. Clients include both the private, academic and public sectors.
Citing the example of the wreck removal of the Ultra Galaxy along the West Coast, Deacon notes the importance of hydrographic surveys to assess the situation and condition of the seabed, and finally ensure that the seabed had been cleared of debris to a state expected by the maritime authorities.
As a regulated RICS firm, Amaza Survey has built an exemplary track record in the marine mining, offshore minerals, dredging and marine construction industries supporting projects across across sub-Saharan Africa in countries such as Angola, Namibia, DRC, Kenya, Madagascar, Cameroon, Mauritius, Zambia and Ghana.
MAIN PHOTO: A combination of terrestrial LiDAR laser scanning and multibeam bathymetry technology combined to provide engneering and construction clients with comprehensive geospatial 3D point cloud datas essential in their repairs to infrastructure in 2024 flood damage, and provide for forward planning and risk management going forward.
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