[🇵🇰-Navy] Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department

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Source : hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department

Pakistan is blessed with over 1000 Kms of coastline and around 290,000 Sq Kms of various maritime zones. Hydrographic surveys of these areas are very important for both Pakistan and international maritime trade. In pursuance of SOLAS convention and to realize various aspects of UNCLOS, Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department is fulfilling national commitment of conducting quality hydrographic surveys of its waters, producing nautical charts and keeping nautical information up to date through Notices to Mariners to support safe navigation through busy shipping lanes of our waters.

In addition, this office also houses the HQ NAVAREA IX wherein it coordinates and promulgates transmission of navigational warning for Red Sea, Gulf and part of North Arabian Sea under the aegis of IHO/IMO World Wide Navigation Warning Service.

Technology and knowledge of hydrography has significantly advanced in recent past like other sciences. This has not only enhanced the data collection speed, accuracy and resolution but made it possible to meaningfully connect various marine related activities to produce cost effective and efficient solutions. Today, hydrography data forms the baseline data of all marine activities related to economic, scientific, diplomatic and strategic domains.

Therefore, considering the core and allied applications of hydrography, the department is being continuously upgraded in terms of infrastructure, modern equipment, capability and technical knowledge to remain abreast with future developments and to support the requirements of various customers in better way. Unlocking of gathered data/information through effective Marine Spatial Planning and Marine Spatial Data Interface is also expected to contribute considerably towards national blue economy in years to come.

hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

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MISSION​

To produce high quality modern nautical products and relevant data sets to support safe navigation
through Pakistani waters and other marine applications

VISION​

A modern hydrographic office capable of meeting national and international hydrographic and associated marine
requirements and emerge as the leading hydrographic office in the region with global recognition.

 

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History​

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS​

Survey Ship​

On independence, Pakistan didn’t have any survey organisation or facility. There existed only a Chart Depot at Karachi, which was originally the RIN Depot for Admiralty Charts. Pakistan’s first C-in-C, Rear Admiral (later) Vice Admiral J W Jefford, a surveyor of long standing understood the requirement of a hydrographic service. Considering that, the matter is of national importance, RPN decided to convert one of its River class frigate ZULFIQUAR into a survey vessel in 1949.

Hydrography Training​

For the purpose of converting a frigate to a survey vessel and training of survey crew, the services of a surveyor from Royal Australian Navy (Commander later Captain C G Little) were arranged. The conversion was carried out at Karachi in three months with the acquisition of necessary survey equipment from UK. In the absence of any proper training facility, officers and men were imparted improvised training onboard newly converted survey ship. By spring of 1949, Commander Little was able to have a reasonably trained crew and a survey ship at his disposal.

• Hydrographic Office and Cartographic Facility​

Till 1955, there was no hydrographic facility ashore to support the survey ship and processing of hydrographic data obtained during field surveys by PNS ZULFIQUAR. During monsoons, the surveyors used to proceed to non humid climate of Muree for putting survey data together and effecting repairs of survey equipment through HQs Topographic Section of Pakistan for Mapping, a semi-military unit and originally a part of Survey of India.

In 1955, a Hydrographic Office was established at Karachi and a Director of Hydrography was appointed to head the organisation. Commander C.G.Little became the first Director of Hydrography followed by Commanders J. C. Grattan and P.D.J. Hayter. In 1979, the post was re-designated as Hydrographer Pakistan Navy (HPN). The first officer to be appointed to this post was Commander S Mazhar Hussain.

 

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ACHIEVEMENTS

SURVEY AND CHARTING COVERAGE OF COASTAL AREAS​

Systematic surveys of coastal areas having depths up to 200 m have been completed. Accordingly, a series of charts covering all Pakistani waters has been published. These surveys and charts have rendered Pakistani waters safe for maritime trade. These efforts shall support avoidance of maritime disasters which otherwise might compel the nation to pay heavy price on environmental issues. Moreover, the same data is being utilized as baseline data for various other marine/maritime applications and developing coastal infrastructure.

IDENTIFICATION OF SITES FOR PORTS AND HARBOURS​

PNHD has contributed in blue economy through mapping to support safe navigation of merchant ships and maritime security operations. In addition, initial surveys and feasibility studies conducted by the department played vital role in site identification/development of ports at Bin Qasim, Gwadar, Ormara, Chalna (East Pakistan/Bangladesh before 1971) etc.

EXTENSION OF CONTINENTAL SHELF​

The project for extension of Pakistan’s continental shelf officially commenced in 2005 with Ministry of Science and Technology as lead ministry. Being an important stakeholder, PNHD remained attached with this project right from its inception. Scientists from NIO and PNHD worked together for various phases of this claim preparation. Pakistan submitted its claim with UN Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) on 30 Apr 09. The commission approved extension of our shelf to 350 NM in Mar 2015. With this approval, Pakistan has become the first country in North Indian Ocean to have successfully achieved extension in outer limits of continental shelf.

MARITIME BOUNDARY DELIMITATION​

PNHD played an important role in successful resolution of maritime boundaries with Myanmar (Naaf River / East Pakistan), Iran and Oman. Moreover, joint survey of Sir Creek by Pakistani and Indian hydrographic setups was also carried out in 2007 to support resolution of Sir Creek issue and subsequent finalization of maritime boundary. The department also assisted Federal government in declaration of baseline in 1996, based on which all maritime zones of the country are declared.

 

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AVAILABILITY OF DIGITAL NAVIGATION PRODUCTS​

Over the years, the e-navigation has become an accepted standard by mariners and other relevant stakeholders. Keeping in view the emerging requirements of digital products for ensuring safe navigation at sea, PNHD started production of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) during first decade of this century. All INT series charts for which Pakistan is responsible have been developed.

SURVEYS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE​

Apart from hydrographic surveys for charting, PNHD has conducted surveys for national coastal projects. In addition, PNHD has also conducted various inland surveys including survey of River Indus (Nowshera to DawoodKhel, Mianwali) to support studies for inland water transportation project.

 

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SEA WATER INTRUSION PROJECT​

Seawater Intrusion (SWI) is a phenomenon which has significant effects on coastal ecosystem and infrastructure. Considering its importance, Govt. has approved a project in April 2020 to undertake in-depth analysis based on scientific observations and working out way forward. The project shall complete in 5 years’ time. National Institute of Oceanography is leafing this project whereas PNHD is a member of this national level project for sharing relevant expert opinion and supporting field observations.

INTERNATIONAL SURVEYS​

PNHD led Joint Mobile Survey Team comprising of 07 surveyors of regional countries to conduct bathymetric survey of approaches to Denis and Bird Islands (Seychelles).The survey was approved during 7th NIOHC meeting and conducted in Jan/Feb 2009 with the support of IHO capacity building funds.


FIELD ASSETS

SV BEHR PAIMA

INTRODUCTION​

At the time of construction in 1982, SV BEHR PAIMA was fitted with the latest oceanographic and hydrographic equipment. These included bathymetric, physical oceanographic and geophysical along with relevant laboratories onboard. Later on the equipment was replaced from time to time as the technology evolved.

SURVEY CAPABILITIES​

• Multibeam bathymetry by ship
• Single Beam bathymetry by Survey Motor Boats (SMBs) - Coastal areas
• Dual Frequency Side Scan Survey -Coastal area/ upper continental shelf
• GPS and optical based coastal/land surveying
• Aerial drone for topographic mapping
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling (ADCP)
• Eularian current meter observations
• Underway Conductivity Temperature and Density (CTD) observation
• Water sampling
• Plankton Nets

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS​

Length OA	61.00 m
Beam	11.80 m
Draught	3.95 m
Speed	14 Kns
Displacement	1183 Tons

 

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PNS BEHR MASAH

INTRODUCTION​

PNS BEHR MASAH is a hydrographic survey ship with capabilities to undertake necessary oceanographic as well as geophysical surveys. The ship is designed in accordance with international trend of modern hydrographic and oceanographic ships.

SURVEY CAPABILITIES​

• Multibeam bathymetry by ship - Medium ocean depth
• Multibeam bathymetry by Survey Motor Boats- Coastal areas
• Dual Frequency Side scan survey-Coastal area/ upper continental shelf
• Synthetic Aperture Sonar surveys
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling (ADCP)
• Eularian current meter observations
• ROV fitted with high resolution underwater camera and other sensors
• Magnetic anomaly observations
• Acoustic based wave measurement
• Underway Conductivity Temperature and Density (CTD) observation
• Water sampling using Rosette water sampler
• Gravity coring.....

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length OA	80.80 m
Beam	15.20 m
Draught	5.40 m
Speed	14 Kns
Displacement	3200 Tons

 

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Survey Ship​

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Hydrography Training​

For the purpose of converting a frigate to a survey vessel and training of survey crew, the services of a surveyor from Royal Australian Navy (Commander later Captain C G Little) were arranged.

The conversion was carried out at Karachi in three months with the acquisition of necessary survey equipment from UK. In the absence of any proper training facility, officers and men were imparted improvised training onboard newly converted survey ship. By spring of 1949, Commander Little was able to have a reasonably trained crew and a survey ship at his disposal.

Hydrographic Office and Cartographic Facility​

Till 1955, there was no hydrographic facility ashore to support the survey ship and processing of hydrographic data obtained during field surveys by PNS ZULFIQUAR. During monsoons, the surveyors used to proceed to non humid climate of Muree for putting survey data together and effecting repairs of survey equipment through HQs Topographic Section of Pakistan for Mapping, a semi-military unit and originally a part of Survey of India.

In 1955, a Hydrographic Office was established at Karachi and a Director of Hydrography was appointed to head the organisation. Commander C.G.Little became the first Director of Hydrography followed by Commanders J. C. Grattan and P.D.J. Hayter. In 1979, the post was re-designated as Hydrographer Pakistan Navy (HPN). The first officer to be appointed to this post was Commander S Mazhar Hussain.

FIRST MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION PHASE (1976-2000)​

Designation of Coordinator NAVAREA IX​

For supporting safety of international shipping, Pakistan assumed the responsibility of coordinating broadcast of navigational warnings in capacity of Coordinator NAVAREA-IX. This area is comprised of 16 coastal states of Gulf, North Arabian Sea and Red sea.

On behalf of Pakistan, National Hydrographic Office (NHO) is shouldering this responsibility since 1976. In this regards, NHO maintains close liaison with national coordinators and other relevant agencies of NAVAREA IX for acting as per relevant IMO resolutions and IHO guidelines.

Induction of Modern Survey Vessel​

Since independence, PN hydrography had been relying on conventional and manual surveying techniques which were laborious and time consuming besides having limited maritime applications.

Therefore, requirement of modern survey ship equipped with both hydrographic and oceanographic equipment was strongly felt during late seventies to enhance hydrographic survey progress besides gaining capability of generating data sets to support various marine scientific fields.

After extensive efforts, Japanese Govt. agreed to finance survey ship in May 1980. Resultantly, Survey Vessel BEHR PAIMA was delivered to Pakistan on 20 Dec 82. For undertaking survey activities by this ship, survey personnel were deputed to Ministry of Communication as no other organization in Pakistan had hydrographic survey expertise.

SV BEHR PAIMA fitted with state of the art oceanographic and hydrographic equipment enabled the surveyors to work with greater accuracy at much higher speed. Moreover, this ship provided opportunity for scientists of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), academia and other marine stakeholders for regular scientific cruises.

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Establishment of Hydrographic School​

PN Hydrographic School at PNS BAHADUR was established in 1984 to train the officers and sailors in hydrography and allied disciplines.
The National Hydrographic School is also conducting internationally accredited Category ‘B’ Hydrography course for officers. In addition to local students, the school has provided training to students of many friendly countries.

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Upgradation of Cartographic Setup​

Hydrography data is converted into nautical charts by the process of cartography. In order to modernize the cartographic setup of NHO, a Computer Assisted Cartographic System (CACS) was installed in 1986.

The system was upgraded in 1995 with workstations, cartographic software, digitizing tables and drafting machine. This enhanced the capability to process and produce accurate nautical charts. A number of PAK and International Series charts have been produced using this system.

 

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Second Modernization And Expansion Phase
(2001-Present)​

Establishment of National Hydrographic Data Bank​

In order to create a national repository of hydrographic data, a National Hydrographic Data Bank (NHDB) was established at NHO in 2001. All old charts, survey fair sheets, survey reports and tide data collected by hydrographic assets and other research cruises was made part of this databank.

The collection was created to support provision of held data for various marine applications so that data collected once can be used again and again to economize on cost and effort.

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Establishment of ENC Production Setup​

Keeping in view the importance of e-navigation and emerging requirements of digital products for supporting safe navigation at sea, Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) Setup was established in 2005. Till now, the setup has developed ENCs covering all ports of Pakistan including approaches and offshore areas including INT series.

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Induction of New Survey Vessel - PNS BEHR MASAH​

SV BEHR PAIMA has served Pakistan meritoriously since its induction in 1982. Hence, PN contracted for a new survey ship PNS BEHR MASAH which was inducted on 04 Nov 19.

The ship is equipped with state of the art hydrographic, physical oceanographic and geophysical survey equipment. These include both single and multibeam echo sounders, side scan sonars, synthetic aperture sonar, magnetometer, ROV, wave/tide/current gauges, sub bottom profiler, gravity corer etc.

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Establishment of Expeditionary Survey Setup​

In 2019, an expeditionary survey setup was raised to undertake both land and marine surveys of emergent nature in coastal areas while using easily deployable assets and portable survey systems. This has made coastal area surveys not only efficient but cost effective too.