International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) will be celebrating World Hydrography Day (WHD) on Saturday (June 21). The aim of the WHD celebrations is to give suitable publicity of IHO work to increase the coverage of hydrographic information globally and to urge all states to work with the IHO for promoting safe navigation.
The theme for the 2008 celebrations will be "Capacity building, a vital tool to assist the 1110 in achieving its mission and objectives." The IHO is an inter-governmental consultative and technical body, established in 1921 to support maritime activities worldwide by making sea safe for navigation. Presently, 77 maritime countries are members of the IHO. Pakistan become its member in 1957.
Pakistan is a strong supporter of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) initiatives towards the safety of shipping and introduction of technical improvements to enhance safety of life at sea. As far as Pakistan is concerned, responsibility of increase in coverage of hydrographic information is being shouldered by Pakistan Navy.
Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department (PNHD) conducts hydrographic surveys of coastal and off shore waters of Pakistan and publishes nautical charts, Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) and relevant publications. Since 1976, the PNHD is also fulfilling the responsibility of area co-ordinator for promulgation of Maritime Safety Information in NAVAREA-IX, which comprised Red, Sea, the Gulf and North Arabian Sea region.
Pakistan is a member and current Chairman of Regional Organisation for the Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) Sea Area Hydrographic Commission, which consists of countries from the Gulf and North Arabian Sea region. Pakistan is also associate member of North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, comprising maritime nations of Indian Ocean. Pakistan is contributing positively towards hydrographic capacity building of regional countries.-PR
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