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Source– This post on International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) has been created based on the article “WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY 2024” published in “PIB” on 21 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) celebrates World Hydrography Day on 21 June every year to raise awareness about hydrography.
About the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is a group of countries working together to make sure all the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters are mapped and charted accurately. |
| History | The IHO was established in 1921. It coordinates the work of national hydrographic offices to ensure nautical charts and documents are uniform. |
| Purpose | The IHO sets best practices for surveys, provides guidelines for using hydrographic data, and helps develop hydrographic skills in member countries. |
| Membership | The IHO has 100 member countries. India is member of the organisation. |
| Headquarter | Its headquarters are in Monaco. |
| India’s Role | 1. India has been a member of the IHO since 1955. 2. The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD), formerly known as the Marine Survey of India, was established in 1874 in Kolkata. 3. INHD is responsible for hydrographic surveys in India and operates a fleet of modern survey ships built in India. |
About World Hydrography Day
1. It is celebrated every year on June 21.
2. The theme for 2024 is “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities.”
About Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD)
1. The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) functions under the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India.
2. The Department, being the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and Nautical charting in India, has a very well established organizational setup.
3. The INHD has seven indigenously built modern survey ships, including one Catamaran Hull Survey Vessel (CHSV) fitted with state-of-the-art surveying equipment.
4. It also has a well-established ‘National Institute of Hydrography,’ which serves as a center for training in hydrography, accredited by the International Hydrographic Organization for both national and international trainees.
UPSC Syllabus: World Geography
