Maldives Hydrographic Service has begun a survey of Maldivian waters in the northernmost region as part of the project to update navigational charts and maps.
The Coast Guard of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Indian Naval Hydrographic Office is conducting their third hydrographic survey until February 28. Joint teams will be using small vessels and GPS receivers to chart the coastlines. Indian Naval Ship INS Investigator will also be used in the survey.
The current navigational maps used in the Maldives has been in use since the 19th century. An update carried out in 2007 helped to prepare new large scale charts for Male’, Addu City and the northernmost region. The hydrographic surveys will facilitate the creation of small scale and large scale charts that are needed for the growing maritime activities and businesses in the regions.
The first Joint Hydrographic survey was carried out by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Darshak in 2021 and the second survey was carried out by INS Sutlej in 2022.