Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department

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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.

MESSAGE OF HPN – Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department

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hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

 

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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

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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

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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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FIELD SURVEY SETUP

INTRODUCTION​

A Field Survey Setup (FSS) provides to have a shore based survey capability to undertake emergent requirement while economizing on survey costs. FSS aims at employment for smaller nature and geographically scattered survey tasks in areas approachable through land.

SURVEY CAPABILITIES​

• Single beam and Multibeam bathymetry by Survey Motor Boats
• Side Scan Surveys in coastal area
• Coastal Sub Bottom Profiling surveys
• GPS and Optical based coastal/land surveying
• Aerial Drone for topographic mapping
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling
• ROV fitted with high resolution underwater camera and other sensors
• Magnetic anomaly observations
• Sound Velocity measurements
• Sediment transport measurements and bottom sampling

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NAVAREA IX

NAVAREA is a geographical sea area, in which various nominated governments are responsible for the purpose of co-ordinating the transmission of radio navigational warnings. These warnings are broadcast messages containing urgent information relevant to safe navigation. For this purpose, International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) have jointly developed a World Wide Radio Navigational Warnings System (WWNWS) for safety of shipping. IMO resolution A.706 (17) adopted on 6 November 1991 (as amended) provides detail of the system.

As per WWNWS, world is divided into 21 NAVAREAs. The responsibility of coordination of NAVAREA-IX, which includes part of the North Arabian Sea, the Gulf and the Red Sea, was assigned to Pakistan in 1976. On behalf of Pakistan, Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department (PNHD) performs the responsibility of coordinator NAVAREA-IX besides acting as national coordinator.

All information relating to navigational safety is received at HQ NAVAREA IX/PNHD at Karachi from 16 National Coordinators of Area IX and from other sources. This information is analyzed, processed and promulgated in the form of navigational warnings (NAVAREA IX and Coastal) to mariners at sea. A comprehensive self Assessment Reports of 2018 , 2019 , 2020 on all the navigational warnings received / promulgated throughout the year is forwarded to WWNWS on annual basis.





Limits of area IX are:

23° 48' 00.00" N , 68° 05' 00.00" E
12° 00' 00.00" N , 63° 00' 00.00" E
RAS-QAISER
30° 00' 00.00" N , 32° 00' 00.00" E

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FIELD SURVEY SETUP

INTRODUCTION​

A Field Survey Setup (FSS) provides to have a shore based survey capability to undertake emergent requirement while economizing on survey costs. FSS aims at employment for smaller nature and geographically scattered survey tasks in areas approachable through land.

SURVEY CAPABILITIES​

• Single beam and Multibeam bathymetry by Survey Motor Boats
• Side Scan Surveys in coastal area
• Coastal Sub Bottom Profiling surveys
• GPS and Optical based coastal/land surveying
• Aerial Drone for topographic mapping
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling
• ROV fitted with high resolution underwater camera and other sensors
• Magnetic anomaly observations
• Sound Velocity measurements
• Sediment transport measurements and bottom sampling

...


..




..



..

Missiles and warships are a drama, just showpieces because they are needed.

This is the real value of our Navy, understanding our environment, increasing our knowledge, and contributing to Pakistan's maritime economy.
Just beautiful.

 

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LIST OF PAK CHARTS​

S.NO	CHART NO	TITLE	EDITION	EDITION DATE	SCALE	ATTACHMENT
1	PAK-5 (INT 7314)	APPROACHES TO KARACHI	05	22/05/2017	75000
2	PAK-6	APPROACHES TO CHURNA	01	18/05/2021	55000
3	PAK-20 (INT 7319)	PORT MUHAMMAD BIN QASIM AND APPROACHES	06	23/07/2018	30000
4	PAK-21	KORANGI FISH HARBOUR	01	10/05/2006	10000
5	PAK-22	RAS MURI TO MIANI HOR	04	27/01/2021	100000
6	PAK-23	PHOR NAI TO RAS MALAN	01	16/08/1990	100000
7	PAK-24	RAS MALAN TO ORMARA	03	25/12/2020	100000
8	PAK-25	RAS BASOL TO PASNI	03	18/05/2021	100000
9	PAK-26	RAS SHAMAL BANDAR TO GWADAR	02	13/08/2021	100000
10	PAK-27	GWADAR TO GWATER BAY	02	25/12/2021	100000

......................

 

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LIST OF PAK CHARTS .... contd;​

S.NO	CHART NO	TITLE	EDITION	EDITION DATE	SCALE	ATTACHMENT

11	PAK-28	KHUDDI ISLAND TO KHOBER CREEK	01	30/12/1997	100000
12	PAK-30 (INT 7315)	KARACHI HARBOUR	08	10/10/2017	12500
13	PAK-31	GHIZRI CREEK AND APPROACHES TO KORANGI CREEK	03	18/05/2021	25000
14	PAK-33	JIWANI TO SIR CREEK	05	15/07/2006	750000
15	PAK-34	GWADAR BAY	01	20/05/1995	60000
16	PAK-40 (INT 7317)	GWADAR DEEP WATER PORT	02	30/11/2016	100000
17	PAK-41	GWADAR (EAST & WEST BAY)	02	25/12/2020	45000
18	PAK-44	APPROACHES TO KETI BANDAR	06	02/06/2021	20000
19	PAK-45 (7313)	APPROACHES TO GWADAR	02	15/01/2021	40000
20	PAK-57 (751)	BMOMBAY TO MASQAT	02	15/07/2015	1500000
21	PAK-58 (7019)	KARACHI TO RAS AL HADD	01	20/12/2001	750000
22	PAK-61	PASNI BAY	01	25/04/2001	12500

 

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Also

Pakistan Meteorological Department

Pakistan Meteorological Department

www.pmd.gov.pk

 

[ali_raza]

Missiles and warships are a drama, just showpieces because they are needed.

This is the real value of our Navy, understanding our environment, increasing our knowledge, and contributing to Pakistan's maritime economy.
Just beautiful.

does it even contribute to further strategic purposes