Governor opens online navigational charts

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 5

Governor KK Paul inaugurated an online catalogue which provides a comprehensive and up-to-date reference of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) at a function to commemorate Navy Day at National Hydrographic Office (NHO), here on Sunday.

This web service allows the user to search for Indian marine charts according to various criteria, such as chart title, chart number, area, and other different parameters.

The page also provides a link to the notices to mariners which are a navigational warning, correction service and facility to print the list of selected charts.

During the Navy Week celebrations, a quiz competition was conducted at NHO on December 2. Amrita Badhwar, president, Navy Wives Welfare Association, Dehradun, was the chief guest at the function.

Students of Army Public School- Birpur, Aryan School, Bajaj Institute of Learning, Delhi Public School and Kendriya Vidyalaya- Salawala participated in the competition. APS- Birpur was adjudged the winner while Aryan School was the runner- up. The children also were educated upon various aspects of the Indian Navy and the Hydrography Department in particular by a technological demonstration and exhibition. An exhibition showcasing the capabilities of Indian Navy and Hydrographic Department was also opened to schoolchildren and invitees as part of the celebrations.

The NHO is the hub and national agency for production of Electronic Navigation Charts and paper charts for all seagoing vessels. The Hydrographic Department at present has a fleet of eight ocean-going survey ships fully equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic, oceanographic, geomagnetic and sea gravity sensors. These vessels are equipped with an advanced suite of hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicle and remotely operated vehicle.

It may be recalled that Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to commemorate the attack on naval assets in Karachi by the Indian Navy during the hostilities of 1971 and the remarkable victory of over Pakistan. In memory of the heroic deeds of Naval personnel and to rededicate the commitment of the Navy to the nation, a week-long celebration filled with various activities constitutes the Navy week.

Chief Hydrographer Rear Admiral Vinay Badhwar, Dr BK Nautiyal, state president of Purva Naosainik Samiti, and senior military officers and civilian dignitaries both serving and retired attended the function.