Context:
The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates World Hydrography Day annually on 21 June.
More on the news
- World Hydrography Day is celebrated to raise awareness about hydrography and its role in improving knowledge about the seas and oceans.
It was first celebrated in 2006. This date also marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) in 1921 - The theme for 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities” considering ongoing transformations in navigation, like e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and emission reductions, which are driving significant evolution in hydrographic services.
The International Hydrographic Organization
- It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1921.
- It works to ensure all the world’s seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted.
- It coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices and promotes uniformity in nautical charts and documents.
Indian Contribution:
- The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) is the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India.
- To date, more than 650 electronic and paper navigation charts covering national and international waters have been published to utilise merchant mariners and navies of the world.
- The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) has distributed over 6.5 Lakh Electronic Navigational charts to seafarers operating in these waters.
- Aligned with the Government of India’s SAGAR initiative, Indian Navy survey ships have undertaken joint survey operations with friendly foreign nations over the past five years, covering an area of 89,000 sq. km and producing 96 charts.
- The INHD, which covers an area of 26 Million sq. km of the Indian Ocean shares information concerning the safety of navigation at sea through the web portal “India WINS – Indian Warning Information and Navigation Services”
- The National Institute of Hydrography (NIH), Goa imparts training in Hydrography and is accredited by the International Hydrographic Organisation for National and International Trainees for awards.
- The survey ships of the Indian Navy have conducted various joint survey operations with friendly foreign nations. As per the Government of India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.