Hydrographic Society Russia

News
At Annual General Meetings over recent years HSR members have in conversations among themselves expressed their anxiety concerning a steady decrease in numbers of hydrographic vessels in Russia since disintegration of the Soviet Union. The inevitability of this process during a period of ongoing difficulties during which the country could not provide for the activity of its large hydrographic fleet was clear. Nevertheless, hydrographers suffered the loss of many much needed and deserved vessels.

Under such circumstances, it was with great pleasure that the HSR Council received a recent invitation to participate in celebrations of the anniversary of an oceanographic vessel of the Russian Navy Hydrographic Service, the . The event took place in the port of Kronstadt on Friday 22nd July. On this day thirty years ago the flag of the Hydrographic service was hoisted on a mast onboard Admiral Vladimirsky and it was thus included within the structure of the working hydrographic vessels of the Soviet Navy. The characteristics of the vessel are: displacement 9,100t, length 147m, width 18,6m, draught 6.3m, economic speed 15 knots, endurance 23,000 nautical miles. The vessel is equipped with modern means for performance of oceanographic, geophysical, hydro-acoustic and hydrographic research in the oceans of the world.

Numerous visitors attended the celebrations, including the chief of the Head Department of Navigation and Oceanography, Admiral A. Komaritsyn, officers of the Hydrographic service of the Navy and others. HSR president N. Neronov headed a representative group of members. Visitors viewed the vessel and came to the conclusion that due to the diligence of vessel commander, Captain of the 1st Rank A. Pyshkin and members of crew it is in good condition and is ready to perform necessary research and works.

The solemn assembly was then addressed by Admiral A. Komaritsyn, who reported on the state of affairs within the Russian Hydrographic Service assessed the work of the vessel crew, described immediate prospects and then presented some memorable gifts. HSR president N. Neronov on behalf of all members of the Society wished officers and crew of the vessel success in campaigns and also presented a memorable gift. HSR members who had participated in campaigns onboard of the Admiral Vladimirsky in previous years shared their impressions.
After the official part of the meeting a performance took place by amateur actors of the ‘Sea club’ of Kronstadt. The anniversary celebrations ended with a dinner in the wardroom. On Sunday 24th July, oceanographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky left the port of Kronstadt and put to sea.

Contact
Hydrographic Society Russia (HSR)
Att. Viktor Rybine
Kozhevennaja linija 41
Saint-Petersburg 199106
Russia
Tel/Fax: +7 812 350 5026