international hydrographic organization annual report 2011 ... - IHO

Of the numerous papers presented and discussed, the following had particular relevance to the IHO:
Early Warning System for Antarctica of the arrival of waves generated by earthquakes.
This paper highlighted the need to set up a tsunami warning system for the Antarctic and the fact that
shallow water bathymetry will be required for any preparedness measures that might be adopted. This
situation confirmed and reinforced the need to increase hydrographic surveys in the Antarctic region.
Yacht guidelines to complement safety standards of ship traffic around Antarctica.
This paper referred to many elements contributing to safety, but omitted any direct reference to the need
for nautical charting and publications. This highlighted the need for IHO input to the development of
such guidelines. The point was made and acknowledged.
Antarctic Discussion Forum of Competent Authorities (DFCA) – Impacts of underwater sound to
Antarctic waters – Potential of Technical Measures to Reduce the Acoustical Effects of Airguns.
The two papers referred to the impact of introduced sound on the marine environment. The first referred
specifically to the organization of the 2 nd Workshop of the DFCA in Berlin, Germany, in autumn 2011 to
better consider Parties’ individual opinions on the impact of anthropogenic underwater sound on the
assets to be protected under the Environmental Plan of the Antarctic Treaty. The second paper referred
particularly to airguns used in seismic surveys. These papers are relevant in relation to hydrography
because of the potential for limitations on conducting hydrographic surveys using acoustic sensors which
in turn may impact on the progress of hydrographic data gathering.
Report on IAATO operator use of Antarctic Peninsula Landing Sites and ATCM Visitor Site
Guidelines, 2009-10 & 2010-11 Season.
Information in this paper may be useful as source material for the definition of priority survey areas, as it
indicates areas of potential high tourism interest.
Report of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators 2010-11
This report confirmed the excellent working relationship between IHO and IAATO. IAATO’s
participation in the meeting of the Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica (HCA) in the UK was
particularly mentioned as was IHO’s participation in IAATO’s 22 nd Annual Meeting, May 9-12, 2011, in
Hobart, Australia.
During the meeting several very productive and informative discussions were held with the Executive
Secretaries of IAATO and COMNAP, as well as with delegations that included hydrographic advisors.
These valuable contacts offered the opportunity to enhance coordination of future and current actions.
It is worth noting an important World Meteorological Organization (WMO) initiative under
consideration: the “International Polar Decade”. The main goal of this initiative is to launch a process of
sustained and coordinated research and observations in the polar regions to meet the requirements of
long-term climate change studies and improve prediction to benefit societal needs. This could provide
further interest and support for hydrography in Antarctica.
The next ATCM Meeting will take place in Hobart, Australia, 04 to 13 June 2012.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION
AND LIGHTHOUSE AUTHORITIES
(Task 1.1.5)
LIAISON WITH IALA E-NAVIGATION COMMITTEE CONCERNING S-100
Brussels, Belgium, 12 January
Captain WARD and the Chairman of TSMAD, Mr. Barrie GREENSLADE (UK), attended a meeting with
the Secretary-General of the International Association of Lighthouse and Aids to Navigation authorities
(IALA), Mr. Gary PROSSER and the Chair and Vice-chair of the IALA e-Navigation Committee and the
Chair of the committee’s data infrastructure working group in Brussels on 12 January. The meeting was
the first liaison meeting between IALA and the IHO concerning IALA’s interest in using the IHO S-100
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