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Goodbye 2019 - Hello 2020!
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From our MD
"2019 was a year of many changes and opportunities.
It was a year of consolidation for our organisation as well as spreading our wings into new places and spaces."
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The end of the year brings no greater joy than the opportunity to express to you my thanks and well wishes for the new year. We are grateful to you, our clients, suppliers and followers, for the implicit trust you place in our experience and expertise. 2019 was a year of action and change in ensuring our credibility and effectiveness. We were pleased to sign off on a long-term agreement with Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) to provide Hydrographic and Metocean services for the next five years. This year our personnel had over 1500 days in the field as we provided 24/7 survey support and completed major dredging campaigns in five ports as well as additional survey and metocean projects in Geraldton, Onslow, Dampier, Broome and the Skardon River. We partnered with the Department of Environment and Water to conduct trials with the R2Sonic 2026. We look forward to sharing the results from the Multispectral Mode and Water Column data. In support of these projects, our survey vessel PHS Zephyr continues to prove itself as a rapid and efficient solution for survey needs for nearshore and harbour surveys. We were also delighted to add to our equipment collection purchasing a fourth multibeam echosounder (R2Sonic 2026) and a fourth Applanix POS MV system. These systems together with two new Valeport SWiFT SVP, six new Trimble SPS585 RTK rover, two new Trimble SPS855 GNSS base stations, a Riegl VZ 1000 Laser Scanner, a Airmar Met Station and a Geomax Total Station add to our extensive pool of equipment.
The growth of the PHS family is a great source of pride and joy for everyone in our organisation. We welcomed four new members to our team. Jacob Burrows, Jorgen Anderson and Jacob Hamilton join the crew as Hydrographic Surveyors and have been involved in all aspects of survey project completion, including data collection methods, data analysis and processing. We also welcomed Karly Nicholas to our administration team and she has been instrumental in assuring our seamless operations. All staff have settled in nicely and share in PHS’ values which I trust defines our uniqueness and positive culture.
In efforts towards strengthening our staff engagement and supporting a healthy working culture, we participated in the Heart Foundation’s My Marathon event which saw PHS employees attempt to conquer 42.2kms over the month of October. We collectively raised $2134.00 which will assist the charity’s work in the fight against heart disease, the number one killer of all Australians. Not only did our employees enjoy the extra exercise over the month of October, our team experienced added benefits including reduced stress, increased productivity and a sense of comradely, contributing to our close-knit team.
PHS is committed to achieving excellence by ensuring our staff development and training is at the leading edge. In 2020 we will be launching our internal professional development program in support of our philosophy of encouraging employees to gain hydrographic surveying certification. The modules encompass the current requirements of FIG/IHO/ICA Publication S-5 Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors.
This year two of our Hydrographic Surveyors, Andrew Bembrick and Jacob Hamilton were awarded Level 2 Certified Professional Hydrographic Surveyors (CPHS2) gaining recognition for their competence via a formal portfolio-based process. It is the second highest standard of excellence and assures an extra measure of credibility, respect and recognition within and outside of the professional community.
We are pleased to report that we have updated our Quality Management System (QMS). Following an extensive multi-day auditing process, PHS was awarded 45001:2018 standard certification. Our QMS system is a collection of business processes including policies, procedures and resources needed to implement quality management. This is integral to our commitment toward fulfilling our client’s requirements and continuous improvements to our service delivery. A special mention must be made to our Quality Manager, Garry Rowe for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to the task.
We are most grateful for the collaborations we have developed this year, and as we continue to build a stronger partnership together, we recognise that your support and the continued trust you place in us is the foundation of our success. Our philosophy has always been centered on providing you with on-time, cost-effective, and high-quality hydrographic surveying and positioning services.
On behalf of PHS and our team I would like to say a huge thank you for your contribution which has taken place in many forms. I never cease to be amazed by the camaraderie of our team and partners in "getting the job done" and ensuring the highest quality data and outcomes. May Christmas and the coming year bring happiness and health to you and your family. 2020 promises to be another exciting year for PHS and we look forward to what next year has in store for us all.
Neil Hewitt, Managing Director MSc (IHO CatA) MSSSI CPHS1.
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Not an average day on the water!
It’s not often that I am admiring a bulk carrier from aloft, but today the pilot has given me permission to remain on this channel ending beacon platform. The vessel passes me by with little wake and as I listen to the remarkably quiet hum of the engines, I continue to the check the performance of the remote tide gauge, all while filling my nostrils with the distinct aroma of fresh guano. Just another metocean memory from the Pilbara!
Ben Hunt // Metocean Coordinator // Bsc (Hons).
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As 2019 comes to an end, we can again proudly state that we have achieved another year of zero workplace injuries. PHS works to maintain this goal through education, robust WHS documentation and a very safety conscious team of dedicated surveyors. The safety of our team, our subcontractors and all other personnel who work with or near us is of paramount importance. To ensure we are trained to maintain this, we have a comprehensive library of policies, procedures and work instructions dedicated to maintaining a safe and injury-free workplace. Two external audits have recently been completed by ECAAS with PHS again achieving re-accreditation of our ISO-9001:2015 Quality System. We are proud to have added ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Accreditation recently, demonstrating the PHS creed to strive for continual improvement.
Garry Rowe // Quality Manager // Certificate IV Work Health and Safety // Associate Diploma of Hydrographic Surveying.
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PHS Zephyr
Owning our own survey vessel allows us to provide rapid mobilisation for coastal survey work from its home base in the Pilbara. Want to know more view Vessel Specifications.
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PHS will be closed from Tuesday 24th December and reopen in the new year on Thursday 2nd January 2020.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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