'As it Is'

The Hydrographic Department was established in 1949 and Pakistan became member of IHO in 1957. As a national hydrographic organisation the department is primarily responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys of coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan and publishing nautical charts and relevant publications. Since 1976 Pakistan has also carried out responsibility as Area Co-ordinator for promulgation of Maritime Safety Information in Navarea IX.

Since its establishment the department has conducted hydrographic surveys of the entire coast of Pakistan and has published a series of charts in addition to the six charts of the INT series. The department maintains the high standards required of hydrographic surveys and gives technical advice to the Government in carrying out surveys for exploration and exploitation of natural resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. The Hydrographic Department of Pakistan plays a pivotal role in national maritime affairs of the country; it monitors all offshore activities in waters of national jurisdiction on behalf of the Government. The Hydrographic Department is comprised of a Charting Center, HQ Navarea IX, Chart Depot, ENC Division, Hydrographic School and Survey Vessel.

Pakistan has a hydrographic-cum-oceanographic survey vessel, Behr Paima, fitted with state-of-the-art hydrographic survey equipment including multi-beam, single-beam and deep-sea echo sounders, RTK/DGPS systems, current meters, SV profilers, CTD, piston corer etc. SV Behr Paima has provided valuable service in the updating of all coastal charts and publishing of new charts.

Continuous efforts are made to modernise and improve the capability of various segments of the Hydrographic Department to meet international standards/charting requirements. An ENC Division has been established at the Hydro-graphic Department in Karachi to produce ENCs of Pakistan Maritime Zones so as to contribute positively towards increasing worldwide ENC coverage.

Along with the induction of modern equipment, great emphasis is laid on the training and development of skilled manpower. All efforts are made to train personnel at the best training institutes in the world. In this regard, the Hydrographic Department would like to extend special thanks to Japan, UK, Italy, GEBCO, IHO and IMO for providing valuable support.

Pakistan is a member of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) sea-area hydrographic commission, and also participates in the activities of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC). Pakistan has effectively participated in various Working Groups formed by IHO. Pakistan is a strong supporter of IMO and IHO initiatives towards the safety of shipping and introduction of technical improvements to ease the life of mariners. Pakistan is striving to play an active role in the regional hydrographic commission and maintains close liaison with member nations to achieve the aims set down under umbrella initiatives of IHO.