Satellite positioning has solved many positioning problems/aspects in our profession, and developments resulting in, for example, higher accuracy are not at an end yet: we look forward to GPS and Glonass modernisation programmes, the new Galileo system within a few years, and more augmentation systems. All this provides us with accurate positioning, not only in the horizontal but also to some extent in the vertical. The use of tide-pole readings will soon be consigned to folklore, whilst (offshore) tide-gauges in bathymetric survey work will follow.
The accuracy will soon be available - if it is not there already in quite some areas - to provide ellipsoidal depths for navigational use whereby all measurements are referenced to the WGS84 ellipsoid. For bathymetric surveying this means that things like measuring tides, ship’s draught, settlement and squat will no longer be necessary: the life of the surveyor will become 'easy' (I'm sure this word will initiate letters to the editor!) If the mariner is using the same reference (the ellipsoid) he will be able to determine online keel and overhead clearance without needing to know the state of the tide and his own draught. However, even if this becomes possible, under critical conditions I will still do my manual calculations and use the advice of the pilot. As I did when Captain John Freestone (a Hydro International author) piloted me, with a mast height of 45 metres, into the centre of London, last June.
A great deal of work lies ahead of the HOs if this vertical-reference possibility is to be used. I really hope that use of good seamen’s practise in being able to determine clearances in the present way will not be hampered as it is by charting lesser landmarks in new charts, and especially in ENCs. These reduce the ease of checking your ship’s compass using two lined-up charted landmarks. Is this reduction in charting initiated by a cartographer reasoning: they use only GNSS for positioning and do not navigate by compass bearings anymore? (Gyro) compasses are 'still' in use and, besides, Shipping Administration regulations and 'good seamen's practise' requires regular compass checks, which must be shown at audits.
After many years appearing under the GITC imprint, Hydro International from now on carries the name of its new owner: Reed Business Information – Geo. This indicates Hydro International belonging to the international publishing house Reed Business Information (RBI). Nothing will change on Hydro International, but RBI expertise should enhance our capabilities in offering you information. See www.reedbusiness-geo.nl for evidence that RBI-Geo brings you more than Hydro International alone.
Manufacturers please note that www.ocean-source.com is our first source of relevant addresses for the distribution of product-survey questionnaires. So make sure that your company is participating in the service offered by www.ocean-source.com, the digital successor to our much-appreciated 'source book'.
To close, you may have noticed that Hydro International has begun an e-newsletter to enable us to inform you more frequently and in more detail than is possible via our printed magazine. If you are not on the list of subscribers, please let us know by e-mailing us at hydro-international@reedbusiness.nl.

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