UK Hydrographic Office Visit
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
The UK Hydrographic Office is a world leader in marine mapping, producing the Admiralty charts that guide an overwhelming majority of global commercial shipping. A briefing for Overseas Territory representatives at their impressive new headquarters in Taunton gave a glimpse of the data they hold about the Tristan archipelago - and of an ancient chart of the Tristan 'top islands'.
The visit on 20th April was hosted by the National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher. It included sessions on the legalities around islands' Exclusive Economic Zones, the latest mapping technology, and the UKHO's work to update OT charts (which may in future include some new analysis of Tristan waters). The UKHO helped with the recent designation the Tristan da Cunha 'Area To Be Avoided' that aims to keep passing vessels clear of danger.
The day concluded with a visit to the UKHO archives, and an encounter with a legendary chart showing the relative positions of Tristan, Nightingale and Inaccessible islands. Published by the Admiralty in 1811, it was based on a survey by a visiting ship in 1767.