World Hydrographic Day sails into Wollongong

Should’ve checked the map!

From ABC

On 21 June each year the International Hydrographic Organization celebrates World Hydrography Day.
The theme for 2012 is: ’International Hydrographic Co-operation – supporting safe navigation’.

In-line with World Hydrography Day, new electronic navigational chart services have been introduced to vessels operating in Australian and Papua New Guinean waters.

Commodore Rod Nairn who is the Hydrographer for the Royal Australian Navy launched the use of the new systems at the Australian Hydrographic Office in Wollongong. 

Celebrated annually, World Hydrography Day recognises the important role hydrography and nautical cartography plays in regard to maritime safety, trade and environmental protection.

Hydrography is the charting of water topographic features and nautical cartography is the study and practice of making maps – both pivotal to the operations of mariners and the Royal Australian Navy.

Commodore Nairn says this type of technology will be particularly useful in the northern waters of Australia, where they are the most environmentally sensitive.

He says the information mapped and charted by the Australian Hydrographic Office can be accessed by members of the public.
“We’re the national charting authority, not just the Navy charting authority,” said Commodore Nairn.
“Both paper charts and now the electronic navigational charts are available for all mariners operating in Australia’s waters and they are the official data.”

With a great knowledge of the Navy, from his earlier years in service, Peter Riley spoke to Commodore Nairn on 97.3 ABC Illawarra Breakfast.
Listen below to their full conversation :

Links :

• Hydro : World Hydrography Day - 2012