Parliament approves constitution of Maldives Hydrographic Service

The Parliament on Monday passed to approve the constitution of Maldives Hydrographic Service.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih constituted the Maldives Hydrographic Service under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence, in January 2022, and sent a letter to the Parliament for approval.

Works scope of Maldives Hydrographic Service include:

·         Conducting hydrographic surveys in Maldives and maintaining the data.

·         Collecting and maintaining data from hydrographic surveys for the use of state and private parties

·         Providing relevant hydrography data required by state institutions and provide technical advice and         discussions

·         Draw, publicize and update navigational and nautical charts of Maldives

·         Provide information to relevant parties on safe navigation routes and other information in Maldivian waters, and publicize information as per regulations

·         Find out the changes in water currents of Maldives and changes to lagoon, islands and sandbanks

·         Participate and represent Maldives in international organizations related to hydrography, and carry out necessary work relevant to the field with international bodies.

·         Work to get international aid to promote hydrography and garner capabilities

·         Train people in hydrography and provide technical information on developing human resources to the field for relevant parties.

During the vote taken in Parliament, approval was given with all 52 members who took part voting in favour.