Pak Naval Chief Message on World Hydrography Day 2021

World Hydrography Day (WHD) is celebrated worldwide on 21 June every year to acknowledge the work done in the field of hydrography in support of safe navigation at open seas and ports. Every year a specific theme related to the contribution of hydrography in world maritime affairs is promulgated by International Hydrographic Organization. The theme of WHO for this year “One hundred years of International cooperation in hydrography’ is designed to showcase progress in knowledge and technology over the past 100 years while celebrating the centenary of the establishment of the International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) in 1921. The annual celebration of this day emphasizes the importance of hydrography as it underpins almost every activity associated with the sea including the safety of navigation, economic development, security and defence, environmental protection, ports and harbour construction, coastal zone management, disaster management maritime boundary delimitation etc.
Pakistan like other coastal states is responsible for hydrographic surveys and the production of nautical charts/ maps of its waters to provide accurate nautical information to the mariners. On behalf of Pakistan, the Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department (PNHD) has fulfilled this international obligation. Pakistan is blessed with over 1000 km of coastline along with 240,000 sq km of sea area within its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). In 2015, PNHD along with other relevant national organizations played a vital role in the approval of an additional sea area of 50.000 sq km by the relevant UN commission. One of the PNHD’s main achievements is the completion of coastal surveys and charting the complete coast of Pakistan. This process spanned over decades. The department has significantly contributed towards the development of national ports and other maritime infrastructure all along the coast. In 2019, a new survey ship ‘PNS BEHR MASAH’ with the latest research equipment was inducted in PN, significantly enhancing the national surveying capability. The inducted technology shall also be utilized to support CPEC related infrastructure on the coast and to ensure that the maritime component of CPEC remains navigationally safe. Pakistan Navy celebrates this day every year to underscore the importance of hydrography towards its share in all marine and maritime-related activities, which contribute significantly to our national economy. I urge all the maritime stakeholders to promote awareness regarding the importance of hydrography and its related activities. The same would strongly contribute towards sustainable seas and the growth of the national economy through enhanced trade and utilization of marine resources.

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