Marine Science
Because knowledge of the maritime environment is a vital element for success across the spectrum of maritime operations, the Navy possesses hydrographic units which also conduct data collection and research in other areas. The Navy is the national authority charged with carrying out the work required to meet Australia's international commitments within the Australian Area of Charting Responsibility. This is one of the largest in the world. Hydrographic vessels are required to conduct offshore, coastal and inshore work and the RAN's force has been developed to ensure that all these areas are covered. In addition to the larger hydrographic vessels Melville and Leeuwin, there are four survey motor launches and the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) system. More work is conducted by survey motor boats and shore parties deployed from the hydrographic vessels and other teams are often detached to areas such as the Antarctic to conduct surveys when required. Other units, including combatant forces, regularly collect oceanographic information, which is collated by the Australian Oceanographic Data Centre (AODC).
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