Applying to HPAS
Applying for Accreditation requires the applicant to collect and compile various documents, complete several forms and supply evidence to support the application appropriate to the selected level.
Taking each level in turn, this section first details these minimum requirements. Guidance notes on completing the required application documentation are also provided in the applicant’s corner section.
Applying for Affiliate
An application to be an Affiliate of the HPAS Accreditation is made by submitting several items of documentation detailed in the table below. An Affiliate hydrographic professional is at an early stage of a career in hydrography and related activities and commencing the accumulation of work experience, therefore there is no requirement for a logbook or survey report.
| Administration | Completed online application form |
| Educational Qualifications | A certified copy of any certificates received from relevant formal education may be included but is not required at this stage. |
| Relevant Experience | Not required |
| Documentation (templates here) | |
| References | One nominated referee or reference to formally support the application. |
| Renewal | To maintain HPAS registration, Affiliated professionals are expected to update their profile annually with the provision of CPD records. |
Applying for Level 2
The requirements for HPAS Level 2 applications depend on the HPAS pathways. Such application is completed with the provision of the following items of documentation detailed in the table below.
If applying as Affiliate professional, the application must also be supported by a compliant CPD record.
Applicants who have not completed an IHO-FIG-ICA Category A or Category B programme will be required to complete a Qualification Mapping Form in addition to the documentation stated above.
| Administration | Completed online application form |
| Educational Qualifications | A certified true copy of all certificates plus additional certification as appropriate (e.g., STCW, MBES, etc.) |
| Minimum Relevant Experience | 1 year (IHO-FIG-ICA Category A) 2 years (IHO-FIG-ICA Category B) 3 years (Surveying degree) 4 years (Certificate/Diploma) |
| Documentation (templates here) | |
| References | Two nominated referees to formally support the application. |
Guidance notes on completing the application documentation is provided below in this section.
On receipt of an application, by the stated deadline, the HPAS Secretariat shall inform the applicant of receipt of their submission and shall inform the HPAS Panel of the application’s availability for assessment.
Applying for Level 1
The requirements for HPAS Level 1 applications depend on the HPAS pathways. Such application is completed with the provision of the following items of documentation detailed in the table below.
If applying from Level 2 or as an HPAS Affiliate, the application must also be supported by a compliant CPD record.
Applicants who have not completed an IHO-FIG-ICA Category A programme will be required to complete a Qualification Mapping Form in addition to the documentation stated above.
| Administration | Completed online application form |
| Educational Qualifications | A certified true copy of all certificates plus additional certification as appropriate (e.g., STCW, MBES, etc.) |
| Minimum Relevant Experience | 2 years (IHO-FIG-ICA Category A) 3 years (IHO-FIG-ICA Category B) 5 years (Surveying degree) 7 years (Certificate/Diploma) |
| Documentation (templates here) | |
| References | Two nominated referees to formally support the application. |
Guidance notes on completing the application documentation is provided below in this section.
On receipt of an application, by the stated deadline, the HPAS Secretariat shall inform the applicant of receipt of their submission and shall inform the HPAS Panel of the application’s availability for assessment.
Applying for Level Ø
The requirements for HPAS Level Ø applications depend on the HPAS pathways. Such application is completed with the provision of the following items of documentation detailed in the table below.
At level Ø the logbook is optional as for some roles it may no longer be relevant instead the extended CV should show the breadth of experience throughout an applicant’s career.
| Administration | Completed online application form |
| Educational Qualifications | A certified true copy of all certificates, plus additional certification as appropriate (e.g., Project Management, STCW) |
| Minimum Relevant Experience | 10 years (IHO-FIG-ICA Category A) 15 years (IHO-FIG-ICA Category B) 16 years (Surveying degree) |
| Documentation (templates here) | Optional: The applicant’s logbook (or equivalent records) of hydrographic surveying experience if within the last five years. |
| References | A minimum of three references and referees from recent projects |
Guidance notes on completing the application documentation is provided in the HPAS framework document.
On receipt of an application, by the stated deadline, the HPAS Secretariat shall inform the applicant of receipt of their submission and shall inform the HPAS Panel of the application’s availability for assessment.
HPAS fees
HPAS requires the payment of appropriate fees while completing the online application form.
They are of two types:
- Application fees for new HPAS applicant,
- Renewal fees for registered HPAS accredited individual;
The appropriate fees are dependent upon the level chosen by the applicant, with a special discount available for individual members of IFHS societies.
| HPAS Fees | Accreditation Fee (non-member/member) | Annual Renewal Fee (non-member/member) |
| Level Ø | €200.00 / €100.00 | €100.00 / €50.00 |
| Level 1 | €200.00 / €100.00 | €100.00 / €50.00 |
| Level 2 | €140.00 / €70.00 | €60.00 / €30.00 |
| Affiliate | €20.00 / Free | €20.00 / Free |
More details about IFHS societies can be found here.