The Government Oversight Committee of the Parliament of the Maldives has approved the request of the government to place the Maldives Hydrographic Service under the jurisdiction of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih constituted the Maldives Hydrographic Service in January. The President’s Office submitted a request to the Parliament to place the Maldives Hydrographic Service under the jurisdiction of MNDF and the Ministry of Defence in February. Following review by the Government Oversight Committee, the decision was passed with votes from 5 members.
Regarding the request, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed said the nautical chart of the Maldives currently in use was made in 1846. He said a chart composed of satellite images is also in use but that environmental changes now require a new chart to be made using modern technology.
The tasks assigned to the Maldives Hydrographic Service include conducting hydrographic surveys in the regions of the Maldives, collecting information, and obtaining information on hydrographic surveys conducted for the needs of government agencies and private individuals. It also includes providing hydrographic information to government agencies, providing them with technical advice and consultation, publishing and publishing nautical publications.
Other tasks of the institution include providing information on the safety and security of sea travel in the Maldivian territories, disseminating such information in accordance with established guidelines, and identifying changes in the oceans of the Maldives, as well as changes in islands, reefs, and seas.