NAMRIA NEWSCOOP


NAMRIA hydrographers attend EAHC TRDC7 and CHC6 meetings in Japan
By: Aaron Andro Ching

Cdr Rosalino C Delos Reyes and LCdr Carter S Luma-ang of the Hydrography Branch attended two East Asia Hydrographic Commission (EAHC) meetings in Tokyo, Japan last 14-18 August 2017. The meetings were the 7th Training Research and Development Centre (TRDC7) – Board of Directors (BOD) meeting held 14-15 August and the 6th Charting and Hydrography Committee (CHC6) meeting held 16-18 August.
 
EAHC CHC6 Group Photo
 
The EAHC is a regional hydrographic commission within the framework of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). It was established in 1971, on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the EAHC under the initiative of China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines and Thailand. Later, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Singapore joined the commission (www.home.eahc.asia).
 
The East Asia covers the countries bordering the Northwest Pacific Ocean, Japan Sea, Yellow Sea, Eastern China Sea, South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Malacca Strait, Northeastern Indian Ocean and adjacent waters in conformity with the Resolution S9 of the Ninth International Hydrographic Conference. The Permanent Secretariat of the EAHC is the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of Japan. 
 
The TRDC is an organization established under the EAHC and it is responsible for the identification, planning, promotion, and development of training, research and development cooperation within the Member States.
 
EAHC Member States' Representatives duirng the meeting at JHOD
EAHC Member States' Representatives duirng the meeting in Japan.
 
The attendance of the two hydrographers is important in ensuring that NAMRIA is capable of meeting the present and changing needs of the maritime sector. The TRDC Board of Directors meet regularly to develop and implement identified training programmes in the areas of marine cartography and hydrography, in accordance with regional and international standards of recognized institutions and authorities.
 
The meeting held in Tokyo included presentation of Member States (MS) on the status of their marine spatial data infrastructure programs, special lecture on new technologies covering hydrographic surveying and discussion on overlapping maritime areas between MS. The MS were also allowed to present their hydrographic related activities to share their best practices and help each MS to progressively grow. For the Philippines, Cdr Delos Reyes presented the activities of NAMRIA for the World Hydrography Day 2017 celebration. 
 
The TRDC7 and CHC6 meetings were hosted by the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department (JHOD), Japan Coast Guard and was held in their office in Tokyo. The next meeting of the CHC is proposed to be hosted by the Thai Royal Navy in Thailand next year.
 


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