Hydrographic Society Benelux

News
Hydro 2002
The biennial international hydro-graphic conference Hydro 2002 was a success. The Kieler Schloss in Kiel provided a very suitable location for the three-day event, which took place from 8-10 October. Kiel has a hydrographic role in history as in the early 20th century the acoustic echo sounder was invented here. The atmosphere provided along the quays of Kiel harbour appealed to the nature of the amphibious specialists. The formal name of the event, 13th International Conference and Exhibition of The Hydrographic Society and the DHyG 17th German Hydrographic Days, shows that the organisation was the joint effort of the international and German societies. Well over 200 delegates had a chance to attend 37 lectures and 52 exposition stands.
In his keynote address Peter Ehlers, the German Hydrographer, stressed the novelty contained in Chapter V of SOLAS, a total revision of which came into operation on 1 July. Governments are now obliged to maintain hydrographic services. This is but one example of the continuing and expanding need for hydrographic skills. Consequently the emphasis on hydrographic training would have to be intensified. At Hydro 2002, eight Dutch students were invited, sponsored by the Educational Fund. Apart from their first introduction to such an event, with a chance to set up their social network, they were invited for a special tour at one of the leading transducer factories based in the city.
The lectures were structured into nine sessions. With due respect to individual efforts, the overall content of the lectures was somewhat disappointing. It may highlight the lack of major new developments taking place within the field at present.
During Hydro 2002, the final council meeting of The Hydrographic Society was held. From 1 January 2003, the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies will take over. The IFHS founding member societies are THSUK, AHS (Australasia), HSB (Benelux) and HSD (Denmark). It is hoped that other national hydrographic societies will join shortly. More details on the IFHS and its objectives will be published in the near future.

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T.H. Heringa
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