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Concept
Hydrographic office
Summary
A hydrographic office is an organization which is devoted to acquiring and publishing hydrographic information.
Historically, the main tasks of hydrographic offices were the conduction of hydrographic surveys and the publication of nautical charts. In many countries, various navigation-related services are now concentrated in large governmental organizations, sometimes termed "maritime administration" (however, the International Hydrographic Organization uses the term "hydrographic offices" for its member organizations).
Besides nautical charts, many hydrographic offices publish a body of books and periodicals that are collectively known as nautical publications. The most important of these are:
Sailing Directions (or pilots): detailed descriptions of areas of the sea, shipping routes, harbours, aids to navigation, regulations etc.
lists of lights: descriptions of lighthouses and lightbouys
tide tables and tidal stream atlases
ephemerides and nautical almanacs for celestial navigation
Notice to Mariners: periodical (often weekly) updates and corrections for nautical charts and publications
Hydrographic organizations may also be involved in services such as:
pilotage
search and rescue
maintenance of lighthouses and other aids to navigation
ice breaking
weather observation and information
sea traffic information and surveillance
maritime research
regulatory affairs of ship safety
In the development of hydrographic services, shipping organizations played a part, but the major players were the naval powers. Recognizing hydrographic information was a military advantage these naval organizations, usually under the direction of a "Hydrographer," utilized the expertise of naval officers in collecting hydrographic data that was incorporated into the navy's collection. In order to distribute the processed information (charts, directions, notices, and such) these organizations often developed specialized printing capabilities.
Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic Service Australian Pilot
Hydrographic tasks in Australian waters were performed by the United Kingdom's Royal Navy since the 19th century.
Official source
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