Canada is a country with long, long coastlines, a huge continental shelf, over which it has responsibility, waterways with differing nautical circumstances, extreme weather conditions, etc. It is therefore not surprising that hydrographic science in Canada has been developed to a more than average level. This is reflected in the biennially organised Canadian Hydrographic Conferences (CHCs). The 2004 event was no exception and again showed how much alive is the Canadian Hydrographic Community. A first proof of this was the CHC 2004 theme: 'Foundation for the Future'. Looking into the future dominated almost all the presentations.

In the opening and welcoming speeches by Larry Murray, Deputy Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Denis Hains, Acting Dominian Hydrographer, and others, the importance of hydrography was once more underlined. As was the case at conferences held elsewhere in the world, CHC 2004 also emphasised the growing involvement of hydrography in adjacent disciplines. The environment, efficiency of fishery, security, ocean management, offshore oil-and-gas activities and many others all need the support of hydrography. Larry Murray in his welcoming words clearly underlined how the Canadian Government is recognising this. Denis Hains illustrated interest for the conference by welcoming three generations
of Dominian Hydrographers: Dr Art Collin, Steve MacPhee and Tony O'Connor.

The keynote speech given by Dr Art Collin, at present President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society first of all referred to the start of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. Here for the first time the Canadian Hydrographic Service occupied the same building with other marine researchers. Other important topics presented by the keynote speaker were answers to questions about the importance of the oceans for Canada, jurisdictional and security issues, offshore boundaries, the increasing geopolitical significance of the Arctic, etc. He concluded that the next generation of CHS would be placed at the core of a national, integrated ocean management initiative that in turn would lead towards implementation of the Oceans Act and design of the Canadian place in the Law of the Sea. CHC 2004 was the best presentation of modern technology.

It looked as though many of the presentations dealt with safety of navigation, the original purpose of hydrography. But developments in equipment were presented in such a way that personnel in all types of offshore surveying could profit from them. Another interesting aspect could clearly be observed: more and more attention is being paid to Quality Control and the new trend, ÔUncertainty Management', to which topic a special workshop was dedicated preceding the conference. Another subject for which there was much attention was UNCLOS and various aspects of the Law of the Sea.

As with previous CHCs, workshops preceded it on various subjects including the already mentioned Uncertainty Management, CARIS Hydrographic database and HYPACK MAX.

Delegates were provided with a very helpful programme booklet containing the entire programme, summaries of papers, a floor plan of the premises and overview of the parallel exhibition, list of exhibitors, etc. Social events held throughout the conference provided a good opportunity for informal contacts between attendants. Finally, the past was not forgotten. Admiral (Retd.) Steve Ritchie and others presented some papers on survey in the past. Some of Mr Ritchie's books on the history of hydrography and his own hydrographic career were sold (and signed by him) on the Hydro international stand at the exhibition. A demonstration took place with a replica of the 1792 survey launch Surveyor, about which there have already been published articles in Hydro international (HI July/August 2002 Vol. 6 Nr 6, Front Cover and WvfY; HI Dec. 1997 Vol. 1 Nr. 6, As it Was). Admiral Ritchie again went on board the Surveyor.

This conference was also an occasion for celebrations. CHC celebrated her 100 years of existence and CARIS proudly presented her 25 years of activity. Both had enormous cakes baked for the occasion.

All in all, CHC 2004 was an event long to be remembered. Congratulations to Dave Pugh, Chairman of the Organising Committee and his colleagues for the splendid organisation.