HYDROGRAPHIC DIVISION

It is one of the six Divisions in the Survey Department.
Hydrographic Surveying or Hydrography may be defined as the Science applied in collecting data relating to the Oceans and Seas as regards location and depths with respect to land mass and reference water level respectivively.  This includes – dynamic parameters observed under oceanographic expeditions, geological information, morphology of the sea floor and charting of the same for use by mariners and other users in general.

The mandate of the Division is to carry out the following:

1. To promote and coordinate hydrographic services in the country

2. To identify and prioritize national requirements for hydrographic services.

3. To coordinate and encourage the standardization of survey procedures.

4. To coordinate acquisition, archiving retrieval and dissemination of hydrographic information in the country.

5. To promote training and research in hydrographic surveying.

6. Advice the government on matters relating to hydrographic activities.

7. Promote international cooperation in hydrographic services.

1. For orderly exploitation of our marine resources, measurement and depiction of these parameters are necessary to describe the precise nature and configuration of the sea-bed, its geographical relationship to the landmasses and the characteristics and dynamics of the sea.



2. The parameter measurements are compiled and published as a nautical chart which is basic hydrographical information required for planning and undertaking all marine activities.



3. The maritime environment therefore, there can be no exploitation of resources without exploration and there can be no exploration without hydrography.



4. Protection and preservation of our marine environment through monitoring and prediction of pollution movement.



5. Diversification and enhancement of fishing activities through safe use of larger and more sophisticated vessels.



6. Exploration and exploitation of non-renewable off-shore resources such as oil, gases and other hydrocarbons.



7. Updating of navigation charts to enhance the safety of shipping.



8. Optimization of the permissible draught of ships to improve services and attract more revenue.



9. Improved planning of port development schemes and the construction of new ports for maritime development.



10. Development of fisheries and tourism.



11. All these very important development activities rely on complete and up-to-date hydrographic information.