Hydrographical survey operations to update navigational charts and provide corrections for the Territory will be carried out on a daily basis beginning today, January 19 through February 23.

Director for the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Captain Raman Bala said that the surveys are being conducted by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for safety of navigation purposes to assess the depth and obstruction, post Hurricane Irma.

Captain Bala said, “Hydrographical Survey Operations are being carried out in the Road Harbour, North Sound, Anegada and Soper’s Hole areas. Mariners should be advised of this notice and reminded to navigate with caution at slow speed when maneuvering in the vicinities, while maintaining a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and take instructions as required from the survey vessel, ‘CHAPMAN’.”

The vessel, ‘CHAPMAN’, will conduct the entire operation accompanied by a tender with survey capabilities in very shallow waters. This tender will be in attendance throughout the entire operations.

The notice will self-cancel on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 p.m. The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Defense that collects and supplies hydrographic and geospatial data for the Royal Navy and merchant shipping, to protect lives at sea.

Additionally, the office works with other national hydrographic offices to set and raise global standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation.

For more information, persons should contact the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry at 468-9636 or via email at vishippingregistry@gmail.com.

Photo Caption

Official photo of Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Captain Raman Bala. (Photo credit: GIS)