Friends of Hydrography (A Volunteer Group) was founded in September 1998. This came about as a result of discussions between Ross Douglas and Sid van Dyck. Both saw a need to record historic items of the CHS, many of which were on the verge of being forgotten, to be preserved and made available to as wide an audience as was possible.

The following proposal was made to the Dominion Hydrographer and approved by A.D. O'Connor on 9 Sept 1998:

Friends of Hydrography:
A Proposal
to
Establish a Volunteer Group

    The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is an organization that has been in existence since 1883. The organization has been steeped in tradition derived primarily from its close association with the sea and all things maritime. The investigative and exploratory nature of many aspects of the hydrographic community add significantly to this tradition. Consequently, CHS has afforded long and distinguished careers for many men and women.

    The current climate in which government organizations must operate has imposed severe restrictions on their ability to undertake anything but the core program. CHS is no exception.

    Volunteer groups are becoming a very necessary component of the everyday functioning of many organizations ranging from government departments (Natural Resources Canada) to museums (National Aviation Museum) to theatrical groups (Centrepointe Theater). While volunteers have always been an important part of many social services, they are now becoming part of many technical and science organizations.

    It is against this backdrop that a brief proposal has been prepared to develop a Volunteer group to support the hydrographic community of which the CHS is a very significant part. The following text details some of the points that could form the basis of such a group.

What is the raison d'etre of a Volunteer Group?

    A Volunteer Group must, above all, provide a beneficial and satisfying experience to all participants and to the CHS. It would not be a 'social club' but must provide useful work to the benefit of the hydrographic community, now and in the future. The assignments would be based upon individuals interests but would always fall within those bounds and standards developed from the primary focus - the benefit of the hydrographic community, now and in the future. Projects could be proposed by volunteers as a group, by individuals and by the CHS Management Team.

What would the Volunteer Group do?

    Projects could be those of a historical nature, to current issues or even those with futuristic leaning. It will be important to decide exactly who the work is being done for, e.g. provide accurate background information to publications such as Lighthouse, the news media, historical researchers, schools, etc. Specific examples include:

            *    Assist in the sorting and inventory of information held at the National
                 Archives under the "Dominion Hydrographer's file". The Mike Meehan
                 information would certainly be part of this project.

            *    Document the history of hydrographic ships.

            *    Document the history of charts or surveys.

            *    Document the history of hydrographic personnel.

            *    Catalogue and label the existing holdings in the CHS Library.

            *    Complete the cataloguing and display of museum pieces in the Boulton
                 Room.

            *    Explore the possibility of an arrangement with the National Museum of 
                 Science & Technology to get professional assistance and advice concerning
                 displays and security.

            *    Provide small displays of selected historical subjects for all Headquarters
                 and Regional offices. These displays would be changed monthly and would
                 serve to acquaint present staff with their hydrographic roots.

            *    Assist with the distribution of promotional and marketing material, e.g.
                  handing out product brochures to recreational boaters at Rideau Canal
                  Locks.

            *    Assist with marketing tasks at expositions, e.g. boat shows, Open Houses,
                 and marine trade shows.

What would the Volunteer Group not do?

    The Volunteer Group would not undertake projects or tasks that were associated with any aspect of the production of paper or electronic charts.

    The Volunteer Group would not undertake the organization of social events.

Who can volunteer?

    Initially it is envisioned that participants would primarily come from those with an active interest in the hydrographic community. Once the Group is established, it could well be opened up to individuals such as school teachers, recreational boaters, marine operators, etc.

Implementation.

    If a decision is made to proceed with the establishment of a volunteer group, it is suggested that it be formed in Ottawa and then based on success or other practicalities, it could be expanded to the regions.

What would be required from CHS?

    An essential aspect of any volunteer group is a contact person with the management team or their delegated responsibility centre. The primary requirement of the contact person is to keep the Volunteers informed and to keep management informed as to the progress on any project.

    A small bit of space is required - a table and perhaps a large cabinet for storage. Small display cases would be required if certain projects were accepted. (A couple of hundred dollars for coffee would be a bonus.)

    The group would distribute information in whatever language a volunteer wishes to work. Translation would be required for things like the displays and other areas as may be required.

    Depending upon the project requirement, minimal computer equipment (a machine for word processing and other rudimentary functions and access to a scanner) will be required. At this juncture, it is believed that the most appropriate way of making available any information generated by the group, is through a web site. It is envisioned that this web site would be established with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which may cost a few hundred dollars per year. There are some options that will be explored to assist in this expenditure. Also, depending upon the medium of communication decided upon, things such as access to a server and an e-mail address may be required.

List of contributors to the Friends of Hydrography Web site

Current Contributors

Sid van Dyck: Research and compilation-Chief Archivist

Earl Brown:  Research, compilation and correspondence

Stacey Kirkpatrick: Web site maintenance/Web Master

Sheila Acheson:  CHS Liaison

Past Contributors:

Ross Douglas: Research, compilation and original web design

Harold Comeau:  Research and compilation

Jake Kean:  History of Central Region

Jean Gervais:  Quebec Region compilation

Dave Gray:  People compilation

John Warren:  University Training Plan