Pakistan Navy observes World Hydrography Day

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy observed the World Hydrography Day with enthusiasm and with an aim to create awareness about the importance of hydrography and its role towards rendering Pakistan’s waters safer to support maritime trade and accident-free marine environment.

Every year on June 21, the World Hydrography Day is celebrated across the world to acknowledge the work done in the important field of hydrography to support safe navigation in open seas, ports and other protected marine areas around the globe. The theme selected for this year is “One Hundred Years of International Cooperation in Hydrography” which is designed to showcase progress in knowledge and technology over the past 100 years while celebrating the groundbreaking work done during this period.

The Pakistan Navy, being the sole proprietor of the national hydrographic domain of the country, observes the day with zeal. Numerous activities were arranged which included holding of a webinar by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) wherein speakers highlighted the state of hydrography in Pakistan and future opportunities where hydrography can support the marine domain for contributing towards national blue economy.

Pakistan is a responsible coastal state blessed with over 1000 kms of coastline and around 290,000 sq kms sea area. As per Conventions on Law of the Sea and Safety of Life at Sea, Pakistan like other coastal states is responsible for hydrographic surveys and production of nautical charts/maps of its waters to provide accurate nautical information for safe navigation and maritime trade. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department (PNHD) is fulfilling this international obligation to ensure availability of updated information for mariners who traversed through the busy shipping lane in the North Arabian Sea. To be on a par with modern trends in hydrographic surveys, the PNHD is utilizing latest technology to improvise coverage and resolution of surveys.