Hydrography and its importance to maritime safety and economic development

Abstract

Much of the world's trade is carried out between ports and paid for by ship. These ships and their cargo represent a considerable investment of money and also carry crews and passengers. It is therefore essential that captains have all the necessary documentation so that their vessels navigate from one port to another and cross the oceans safely. This documentation consists of nautical charts, at various scales, which cover ports, coasts and oceans, as well as works such as Nautical Instructions (Coastal Pilots), the Book of Lights, tide and current tables. . New information on hazards to navigation and aids to navigation is constantly being gathered through hydrographic surveys, placing buoys, and demolishing or erecting navigation aids such as lighthouses and prominent markers.