Media Room: Media Releases

WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY CELEBRATION

The Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) in Wollongong has particular cause to celebrate this year, with Defence allocating the service an additional $9 million dollars to assist with the creation of electronic navigation charts. 

The benefits of electronic navigational charts are the focus of this year’s World Hydrography Day celebrations in Wollongong today.

Hydrographer of Australia, Captain Rod Nairn said the AHS is aiming to create electronic navigation charts of the entire Australian coastline and waters by 2010.

Captain Nairn said the funding boost had accelerated the project.

“The benefit of these new official charts is that they enable seafarers to navigate with greater safety.

“Safety of navigation means protection not only for mariners but for our natural marine environment, by preventing ship wrecks or oil spills,” he said.

Captain Nairn also presented a gift to the City of Wollongong Lord Mayor, Councillor Alex Darling AM, during the celebrations on Thursday.

The gift, a reproduction of a 1938 hand drawn chart of Wollongong and Port Kembla Harbour, was part of the celebrations and acknowledges the long standing Navy presence in the region.    

Captain Nairn also presented an award for Australia’s outstanding efforts at the 2005 prestigious International Cartographic Association nautical chart exhibition. The Australian entry won the prize for the best exhibition.

“Hydrographic charts are essential for shipping because a massive ninety-eight per cent of all Australia’s import goods come by sea,” Captain Nairn said.

Electronic navigation charts produced by the AHS are designed to work with GPS and electronic chart display systems.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664

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