President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has constituted the Maldives Hydrographic Service, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence.
Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water. By mapping out water depth, the shape of the seafloor and coastline, the location of possible obstructions, and physical features of water bodies, hydrography helps keep the maritime transportation system moving safely and efficiently.
The new authority was established under the discretion vested in the President by Section 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.
According to a directive issued by the President’s Office, the number 487 should be used in all correspondence addressed to the new authority as per the numbering system for state agencies.
Key responsibilities of the new Hydrographic Service are:
- Do hydrographic surveys of the Maldivian waters and archive the data.
- Gather hydrographic data collected by independent institutes.
- Provide hydrographic information and technical support or government projects.
- Develop Maldivian maritime charts up to date and present nautical publications.
- Provide the relevant safety information regarding travel in the Maldives territory to the relevant authorities and releasing information to the public as per regulations.
- Record the changes to the Maldivian oceans, channels and tides along with that of the island lagoons.
- Join and represent the Maldives on international hydrography organizations for mutual cooperation.
- Improve recourses in the Maldives to expand the field of hydrography in the Maldives.
- Provide technical assistance and support to the relevant authorities in training people in hydrography.
