World Hydrography Day is an annual celebration observed on every 21st of June to publicizes the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography. This day was adopted by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to Highlights the importance of hydrography, particularly in the conservation of marine reserves and also in promoting safe navigation in foreign waters and ports. In 2005 the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) proposed the concept to celebrate World Hydrography Day and in 2005 the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has officially adopted a Resolution A / RES/60/30 Oceans and the Law of the Sea.
What is Hydrography?
Hydrography is the measurement of water depth and positionings of all navigational hazards, such as wrecks and rocks. These are mainly done by specialized boats operating echo sounds and sonars, but also by means of laser-equipped survey aviation. Sometimes useful information can also be gathered from observations by satellite. Hydrography also calculates the tide and current in the sea and oceans.
Hydrography is an applied science, which focuses on the calculation and definition, for the primary purposes of the protection of navigation and in support of all other maritime activities including economic growth, security and defense, scientific studies, and other physics of the oceans, seas, coasts, rivers, lakes, and rivers.
Theme of World Hydrography Day 2024
This year, the theme of World Hydrography Day 2024 is- “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities
The Member States of the International Hydrographic Organization decide a theme for each World Hydrography Day to promote the importance of international hydrography, multilateral cooperation, and effective collaboration in data exchange, charting, and development of standards.
Considering the ongoing advancements in navigation, such as e-navigation, autonomous shipping, and emission reductions, which are driving a significant evolution in hydrographic services, and amidst the increasing demand for digital data, The IHO is committed to-
Develop standards for hydrographic data and product specifications; support their ongoing production; and coordinate regional and global services for their distribution.
Establish standards, specifications, and guidelines in data assurance, including cybersecurity and data quality assessment.
The IHO Secretariat will update the IHO’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube) in preparation for WHD 2024. Papers and other materials related to the commemoration will be uploaded on a special page on the IHO website organized by the IHO Secretariat.
Any content that Member States generate in support of their national WHD 2023 celebrations and want to share on one of these channels should be sent to the Secretariat. Instead, participants can share their work on their own social media accounts and tag the IHO in the post. #WorldHydrographyDay, or #WHD, is a suggested hashtag.
Autonomous technologies are not new technologies, from decades mariners have been using devices like autopilots. In recent times unmanned vessels such as wave gliders helped to make progress in the ocean sciences. Yet we are seeing an increase in flexibility and broader application. Countries like Norway are actively running self-contained ferries trials.
Swikriti Dandotia
