Award for Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service Director

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has awarded the 2015 Alexander Dalrymple Award to Admiral Patricio Carrasco, director of the Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service. Patricio Carrasco is recognised as a strong proponent of hydrography in the South American region and has played a leading role in developing a modern tsunami warning centre. This has been a difficult task because of the extensive length of the Chilean coastline.

Presenting the award, Reserves Minister Julian Brazier, responsible for the UKHO, said that understanding the seas and coastlines is a constant process and Patricio has made an immense contribution to the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment in Chile.

The ceremony took place in London, UK, at a joint event between UKHO and IMarEST (the Institute of Maritime Engineering, Science & Technology) titled `Oceans of Knowledge: Realising the Benefits of Ocean Information’. The event explored the economic, safety and environmental benefits of improved observation and prediction of our oceans and seas.

Rear Admiral Tim Lowe, National Hydrographer and deputy chief executive of the UKHO, delivered a keynote address in which he highlighted the growing importance of accurate survey data to support the emerging ‘blue economy’ and the UKHO’s drive to develop a global marine geospatial data asset that spans the world’s oceans.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award recognises outstanding dedication and major contribution to world hydrography.