Hellenic Territory

Hydrographic Activities

They are undertaken by the Hydrography and Operations Division, the mission of which is the implementation of measurements in the field, bottom research and data processing, so that the seabed and all natural or artificial objects on it, are impressed. More specifically the Division:

• Plans and executes hydrographic surveys, geodetic and topographic works that are required for the compilation and updating of nautical charts, special nautical charts, sailing instructions for Hellenic waters, list of Lights and other publications.

• Executes hydrographic surveys, geodetic and topographic campaigns that are necessary to meet the demands of the Hellenic Navy, as well as of public and private companies for the compilation of bathymetric sheets and studies.

• Installs, controls and maintenains the network of tide gauge stations measuring the sea level changes

• Executes special measurements for the control of arming systems in the Hellenic Navy vessels.

• It works out technical specifications and watches the developments in the areas of Hydrography /Topology.

• It materialises the operational requirements of avrious Administrations within the Hellenic Navy.

• It participates in different national and international programs in order to support the growth of geosciences (Geodesy, Hydrography, Topography), such as:
  - 2nd and 4th Seapower Symposium
  - GAVDOS Pilot Program
  - ESEAS Pilot Program

Cartographic Activities

• Realization of cartographic planning referred to the construction of demanded nautical charts in various scales (paper and electronic charts) referred concerning the Hellenic seas for the demands of safe navigation.

• Construction of special nautical charts for the operational and technical demands of the Hellenic Navy.

• Continous updating of the charts, by blocks, by picturing all the newfacts and changes and referred to areas covered by these charts.

• Reediting of older nautical charts in order to cover the new demands of safe navigation.

• Administrating the continuous disposal to the public of the nautical charts and the nautical publications through selling points of the Hydrographic Service in Athens, Pireaus and Thessaloniki and through special agents of the Hydrographic Service all over the country.

• Cooperation with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for the realization of cartographic planning of international charts in various scales which cover the Hellenic Seasand with the International Oceanographic Comittee for the construction of bathymetric charts of scale 1:250.000 in order to support the international program of construction of the bathymetric chart of the Mediterranean Sea.

Safety of Mariners

• Collection, elaboration and promulgation of maritime informations by issuing tactical and not tactical navigational warnings for the safety of mariners.

• Issue of tactical and not tactical NAVTEX messages with use of NAVTEX system from the coastal NAVTEX stations in LImnos, Irakleion and Kerkyra in collaboration with the Mercantile Marine and the Meteo Service.

• Issue of monthly and annual Notices to Mariners updating the nautical charts and the nautical publications.

• Collection and elaboration of the proper elements and information of the Hellenic Pilots, the List of Lights in collaboration with the Lighthouse Authority, the Handbook of Symbols, abbreviations and Terms (INT-1) and the IALA Handbook.

• Establishment of the sea ways, channels, straits, natural anchorages, sea perills and the way of their marking.

• Maritime research for the establishment from the Lighthouse Authority and others, of lights, lighted or not, buoys, points, mooring buoys, etc.

• Maritime inspection for all the nautical charts and nautical publications, issued by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.

Oceanographic Activities

• Oceanographic Activities: · Conduction of oceanographic cruises using the hydrographic/oceanographic vessels of the H.N.H.S. for the assessment of the marine environment including the acquisition of physical, chemical and geological data along a network of sampling stations designed for the areas of interest

• Continous measurement of sea level in Greek waters with tide gauges in a network of 20 permanent stations

• All data and information gathered is processed and used to support naval operations in relation to anti-submarine, mine and amphibious warfare

• Prediction of the wave field based on the prevailing wind speeds and directions in a specific area in order to provide the Ministry of Merhantile Marine with information to assess the navigational conditions for specific vessel types in different areas

Pronouncement over

• Determination of fore and back shore boundaries and previously delimitated shore boundaries.
  

• Determination of terrestrial andm sea port zones.
  

• Construction on fore and back shore, port works and installations.

• Installation of aquacultures (sea farms).
  

• Location and refloating of wrecks.

Participation in a Community Support Framework Project

The Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service (HNHS) participates in the strategic planning of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence for the exploitation of Information Technology and Communications. She aims in the appointment of the Service as a competitive institution in international level as for the most optimal service of the mariners, enterprises and the other organizations of the public sector. Therefore, she materializes the project "Development of a Marine Geographical Information System and an Information Portal" which is along the initiatives of "Citizen Service and Improvement of the Quality of Life" and "Regional Information Systems and Innovative Energies" within the third Community Support Framework.

The target of this project, is on one hand the development of the automated computerized methods of managing and processing marine geographical data, and on the other improved service for the citizen, the public and private institutions that have direct interest to these data and the products of the HNHS. Specifically, the Marine GIS, will constitute the foundation for the management of the information that the HNHS collects and distributes, the publication of her products, services to third party organizations and also any other study related to shipping and marine activities. On top of that, the Marine GIS will contribute to the improvement and modernization of methods of diffusion and publication of the HNHS products, aiming at the support of mariners in the Hellenic and neighbouring seas and the operational requirements of the HNHS.

The expected results after the materilization of this project, are:

• Effective management of information

• Increased safety of Navigation

• Effective promotion of products
  

• Direct service of the interested

• Effective exchange of geographical information within organizations of relevant interest either hellenic or international.

• Important curtailment of expenses in the levels of processing, production and disposal of products.