Work is ongoing to survey the seafloor in order to update the territory’s navigational charts following Hurricane Irma, according to government.
The exercise, which kicked off on Friday, is scheduled to continue daily through Feb. 23.
The surveys are being conducted by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to improve navigational safety by assessing water depth and obstructions after Irma, said Virgin Islands Shipping Registry Director Captain Raman Bala.
“Hydrographical Survey Operations are being carried out in the Road Harbour, North Sound, Anegada and Sopers Hole areas,” Mr. Bala said. “Mariners should be advised of this notice and reminded to navigate with caution at slow speed when manoeuvring in the vicinities, while maintaining a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and [taking] instructions as required from the survey vessel Chapman.”
That ship will conduct the operation accompanied by a tender with survey capabilities in very shallow waters, according to government.
The UKHO is an executive agency sponsored by the UK Ministry of Defence that collects and supplies hydrographic and geospatial data for the Royal Navy and merchant shipping in order to protect lives at sea.
The agency also works with other national hydrographic offices to set and raise global standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation, according to government.
For more information contact the VISR at 468-9636 or vishippingregistry@gmail.com.