Abstract of Hydrographic Survey Directorate

The Hydrographic Survey Directorate (HSD), a Directorate under the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) in Bahrain, boasts a rich history as one of the Gulf region's pioneering hydrographic surveying organizations. Since its inception, the HSD has been dedicated to ensuring the safety of maritime navigation within Bahrain's territorial waters. This is achieved through producing essential nautical charts and continuous collection and analysis of bathymetric and tide data.

Established in 1978 under the Ministry of Housing, the Hydrographic Survey Section, now a Directorate within the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), embarked on a meticulous journey to map Bahrain's vast territorial waters, which is about ten times larger than its landmass.  

In a significant move, the Kingdom of Bahrain joined the esteemed International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 1992. This active membership has fostered a thriving collaboration, leading to international recognition for five Bahraini-produced nautical charts. These charts are readily identifiable by the unique "INT" portfolio numbers followed by four digits, integrating them seamlessly into the international nautical chart index. They also retain their local identifying numbers within the Bahraini series for user convenience. These specially recognized charts are now used worldwide by both merchant and naval vessels, a testament to Bahrain's valuable contribution to maritime safety. Over the years, the HSD has employed a range of techniques, adapting to advancements in surveying industry resulting in the successful completion of surveys in Bahrain's deeper northern waters in 2016-17. This project utilized cutting-edge airborne LiDAR technology for highly detailed mapping in collaboration with American partners.

Basic Functions of Hydrographic Survey Directorate:  

•     Hydrographic surveys to determine the depth.
•     Continuous monitoring and recording of the tide level from 12 coastal tide stations.
•     Study the diverse nature of the coast and reefs and gain knowledge of the topography of the seabed and the geographic characteristics by taking samples from different regions.
•     Maintain a database of water depths, tides, currents, underwater installations, aids to navigation, coastal features, and any other information relevant to the safety of navigation.
•     Current meter observations to measure the tidal stream at various locations.
•     Production and maintenance of Paper and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) using specific software.
•     Bilateral agreement with UKHO and USA to exchange information and experiences and for ensuring global availability of Bahrain’s chart through UKHO.  

Importance of the Hydrographic Survey

Seas are considered the most important routes of transportation and trade between countries. It is estimated about 75% of the total transport of goods in global trade is through sea transport. Also, seas are among the most important renewable resources, providing food, desalinated water, and electricity generation to meet growing populations' needs.  Consequently, increased global attention, particularly from developed countries, is crucial for hydrographic surveys and the study of water bodies. This will lead to significant advancements in marine survey programs, maximizing the economic and nutritional benefits we derive from our seas.

Hydrographic survey is the science of mapping the underwater world, revealing the shape of the seabed and water depth. This information is critical for ensuring the safety of maritime navigation. Detailed nautical charts, created using hydrographic data, are essential for marine navigation. These charts guide them on safe courses and recommended routes to avoid underwater dangers and obstructions. These charts give detailed information of harbor and berthing facilities which enable ships to maneuver safely in ports and harbors.

Summary of Survey Equipment & Software Used:

•     Multibeam Echosounder & Single Beam echosounder – to measure the water depth.
•     Sub Bottom Profiler – to measure the sediment thickness below the seabed.
•     POS MV – to obtain accurate positioning, heading and altitude during survey.
•     DGPS Receiver – to obtain accurate differential GPS position.
•     Sound Velocity Profiler – to determine the sound velocity of water at different locations.  
•     Hypack Software – data acquisition software.
•     CARIS Hips/Sips – data processing software.
•     SonarWiz & CODA – Sub bottom data acquisition and proceeding software.
•     CARIS PCC – Paper chart production software.
•     CARIS S-57/S-100 – ENC Production software.
•     CARIS BDB – Data management software.

Responsibilities Towards Global Organizations:  

• Ships calling on Bahrain's ports can find the safest routes (recommended tracks) on the charts. Bahrain being a member in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), represented by Port and Maritime Authority (PMA) in collaboration with Hydrographic Survey Directorate (HSD) provide all necessary information required for safe navigation. Following these recommended tracks and the Bahrain channel buoyage system is mandatory for all vessels. This ensures compliance with international obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, a key IMO resolution for member states.
• As a member of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Bahrain's Hydrographic Survey Directorate (HSD) is committed to keeping its nautical charts, marine publications, and information database up to date. This aligns with IHO's role in setting international standards for creating navigational charts based on professional hydrographic surveys. HSD ensures this by continuously updating its data following these internationally recognized standards.