New Hydrographic Society Chairman CMDR Hornsby

In a move interpreted as intentionally opening the Hydrographic Society to similar maritime disciplines, a member of the RAN's Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving community, CMDR Paul Hornsby, has been elected chairman of the society in Australasia.

While the society draws its corporate and individual membership from the private and public sectors of member countries the position of chairman has invariably been filled by a senior hydrographer.

In an inaugural address to a meeting of the East Australian Region CMDR Hornsby said there had been a clear revolution in undersea technology over the last few years. He added that it had been led by academic research, engaged by industry, and was now very much applicable to anyone working in the maritime environment.

The result he said would be that "the maritime industry and undersea exploration would be to this century what the aviation industry and aerospace exploration had been to the last."

In presenting the outline of a new business plan to the society CMDR Hornsby expressed the view that people's interest in exploration had not diminished; whether that be in an historical, future or scientific context.

The new chairman said that within the RAN, itself a corporate member of the society, junior officers and sailors of the submarine, diving, amphibious and navigation fraternities, who took their jobs seriously appeared to have a growing personal interest in the "workings" of their environment as a matter of' professional responsibility.

The meeting agreed that, within the bounds of proprietary responsibility to employers, membership of the society offered a growing number of maritime professionals an ideal conduit to stay abreast of the new science of "oceanology."

At the same meeting LEUT Ross Bowden gave an excellent presentation on the Detached Survey Unit's work in East Timor, including the close partnership needed with CDT4.

CMDR Hornsby works for RANTEAA (CAPT Carson) as the Mine Hunter and Hydrographic Ship's Operational Test Director. The secretary of the society is Wayne Jones (Head of Tidal and Geodetic Section, AHO-RAN) and the treasurer is CAPT Mike Calder Rtd.

Officers, sailors or civilians interested in membership should direct enquires to either Wayne on (02) 4221 8500 or Mike at mcalder@sydcug.org.au
The society's website is at www.hydrosocaasia.zipworld.com.au.