Southern Africa: Establishing and Maintaining the Required Capacity and Competence

A national hydrographer with a longstanding experience – that’s how we can describe Captain Abri Kampfer from South Africa. It is a country with interesting characteristics and with a pro-active attitude towards the profession. Hydro International interviewed him on current issues like capacity building, the challenges developing countries can experience within the IHO when they want to fully participate and of course the role of hydrographic data for navigation and for use in the wider economy.

What is your view on successful capacity building for the Southern African region?
To maximise success rates, capacity building should be considered holistically with awareness and support being engendered at all levels of government in the state being supported. Awareness at high levels of government should generate support for the in-country officials with regards to a supported mandate for the establishment of a hydrographic capability. Strict adherence to the IHO Capacity Building Strategy to develop hydrographic capability in accordance with the three phases of hydrographic development is required.