HMAS Benalla (II)

The AGSCs HMA Ships Shepparton (II) and Benalla (II) generally operated in pairs, and were designed for hydrographic survey operations in the shallow waters of northern Australia. Their twin hulls provided good stability in heavy conditions, and good living room and space below the main deck. In addition, the catamaran hull sat well out of the water, the ship drew only 2.2 metres - a favourable characteristic in shoaling and reef waters where the ships were required to operate.
Each SML carried the latest in navigation aids, and survey and computerised hydrographic data processing equipment. All data collected by the ship were stored on CD-ROM and forwarded to the Australian Hydrographic Office for subsequent publication in navigational products ranging from paper to electronic charts.