The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) is pleased to announce the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (CSM) Bursary Scheme, an initiative led by the CSM Education and Research Working Group (ERWG) to address the growing shortage of skilled hydrographic surveyors in the UK. Designed to support the next generation of professionals entering the sector, the scheme will provide financial assistance to students pursuing careers in hydrography and seabed mapping, helping to strengthen the future capability and resilience of the maritime industry.

The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS UKI) will be the administrative body for this scheme. UK CSM is administered by the UK Hydrographic Office.

THS:UKI is inviting industry organisations to support the scheme through a tiered sponsorship model, offering a unique opportunity to invest in the sector’s talent pipeline, demonstrate corporate leadership, and support the sustainability of world-class training institutions. By contributing, sponsors will help ensure a steady supply of highly trained graduates while reducing future recruitment and training pressures.

Organisations interested in supporting this important initiative are encouraged to contact manager@ths-uki.org.

Your support is a strategic investment in the educational infrastructure that supplies talent to the maritime industry.

1. Securing Your Future Talent Pipeline

The hydrographic survey sector is facing a skills gap. Your support will support the talent who will eventually work on your vessels, process your data and lead your projects.  Industry will see highly trained students exiting education, reducing your training costs and onboarding timeline.

2. Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 

Supporting the Bursary Scheme demonstrates industry leadership to students, early-career professionals and the wider sector.  It will position your company as a champion of maritime excellence and demonstrate a commitment to future-proofing our industry. Sponsors will benefit from the exposure provided by this scheme.

3. Sector stability

Universities and training institutions underpin the maritime economy.  Your support will strengthen these institutions and aims to halt the decline in world-leading expertise in seabed mapping education.

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