Today is UN World Hydrography Day and this year’s theme is how hydrography supports the Blue Economy. The ‘blue economy’ refers the sum of all economic activity associated with the oceans, seas, harbours, ports, and coastal zones. The seas and oceans take up 71% of the Earths’ surface area, and more than 90% of Australia’s trade is by sea.
From super tankers and cruise liners to local traders and mariners, all rely on the fortnightly Notices to Mariner (NtM) Service provided by the Navy’s Australian Hydrographic Service.
Notices to Mariners are just one way that the Australian Hydrographic Service directly supports safety of life at sea, protection of the maritime environment, and supports Australia’s critically important maritime trade, or ‘blue economy’.
The Navy’s Australian Hydrographic Service fulfils Australia’s obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea, by publishing official nautical charts and other hydrographic information required for safe navigation in Australian waters.
Press Release, June 21, 2013