The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) celebrates this year’s World Hydrography Day on 21st June 2012. The theme for 2012 is “International Hydrographic Cooperation – supporting safe navigation”.
International cooperation lies at the heart of the IHO. The Organization draws its expertise and experience from around the world. The IHO maintains close relations with many international bodies, which include the UN Committee on Global Geospatial Information Management (GGIM), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Lighthouse and Aids to Navigation Authorities (IALA), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
IHO Member States are active in 15 Regional Hydrographic Commissions (RHCs) that cover the globe. The RHCs meet at regular intervals to discuss any hydrographic and chart production problems, plan joint survey operations, and organize schemes for medium and large scale International Chart coverage in their regions.
Sri Lanka Navy, whose assets and resources had been diverted for operational commitments to liberate the country from the three-decade long terrorism, is the premier force behind the country’s hydrographic activities. Having understood the national and international obligations in fulfilling hydrographic responsibilities, SL Navy is gearing to revitalize the Navy’s expertise on the subject. The SLN’s Hydrographic Branch today is ready to share their expertise with like-minded personnel and organizations to ensure maritime safety and sustainable use of marine environment for the common good and a safer tomorrow at sea for all.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , June 21, 2012; Image: Navy.lk