Work Plan 2019-2022
Origional Work plan in .pdf format
Terms of reference
Support for all aspects of the Hydrographic Surveying profession
including, but not limited to:
- Promotion of hydrographic education, training, Continual
Professional Development (CPD) and career pathways within the
profession;
- Protection of the marine environment;
- Coastal Zone Management (CZM) including Ports & Harbours;
- Offshore Construction Surveying;
- Nautical charting for safe navigation/bathymetric mapping – analogue
and digital including Electronic Navigational Charts;
- Data processing and management of hydrographic data; • Review and
update of standards and guidelines.
Mission Statement
Commission 4 is commited to:
- Promoting the aims and objectives of FIG to hydrographers through
the active involvement of national delegates from member associations
and other interested parties in the activities of the Commission;
- Fostering closer links with all sister organisations currently
active within the global hydrographic community;
- Developing guidelines and standards that will assist hydrographers
in the provision of their services;
- Disseminating information relevant to the profession through
participation in international meetings, conferences and committees;
- Assisting international bodies such as the United Nations and the
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in the protection of the
marine environment and promotion of safe navigation.
General
Commission 4 is committed to achieving both the long term and immediate
aims and objectives of FIG. Its strategy over the next four years is aligned
with that of the FIG Council and will include:
- Support for the Hydrography profession internationally including
development of best practice guides, certification pathways and
advocacy;
- Support the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and
associated United Nations programmes;
- Cooperation with other FIG Commissions, including joint working
groups;
- Active support and participation in FIG regional events;
- Cooperation with sister organisations and other appropriate bodies;
- Cooperation with national surveying and mapping agencies; and,
- Respond to directions from FIG Council to address emerging issues as
required.
Working Groups
Working Group 4.1 - Standards and Guidelines for Hydrography
Policy issues
Assist in the development and recognition of standards of competency.
Assist in the development of technical standards and guidelines. Assess the
impact of international standards on current industry practice. Review
standards from alternate reputable sources relevant to Hydrography.
Chair
Geoff Lawes, Australia
geoff.lawes[ay]ixblue.com
(taking over from Neil Hewitt, Australia, February
2021)
Working Group 4.2 – Blue Growth & UN Sustainable Development Goal 14
Policy issues
The United Nations Development Programme Sustainable Development Goal 14
(SDG 14) advances the sustainable use and conservation of the oceans and
requires effective strategies and management to combat adverse effects on
the oceans through overfishing, growing ocean acidification and worsening
coastal eutrophication.
The Blue Growth & SDG 14 work plan is based upon the ongoing work of
Commission 4. It is a diverse and wide ranging topic but the primary focus
for Working Group 4.2 is the development and promotion of measures to manage
our oceans and seas in a sustainable manner based upon accurate data, sound
environmental principles and good management practices.
The Hydrographic Surveyor has a key role in developing an understanding
of our seas and oceans for the wider social benefits and Commission 4 aims
to promote this role, the benefits and offer case studies of participation
and support.
Chair
Gordon Johnston, United Kingdom
gordontjohnston1[at]gmail.com
Working Group 4.3 – Mapping the Plastic
Policy issues
The effects of plastic pollution on the Earth’s oceans are well
documented, potentially catastrophic and increasing exponentially year on
year. The UN Environment Programme has calculated that each year more than 8
million tonnes of plastic ends up in the oceans, wreaking havoc on marine
wildlife, fisheries and tourism, and costing at least $8 billion in damage
to our marine ecosystems. Eighty per cent of all litter in our oceans is
made of plastic. This is an intolerable but not insurmountable problem that
needs immediate and far-reaching action to remedy.
Rivers have been identified as a significant contributor to and enabler
of the plastic pollution problem. Working Group 4.3, a combined initiative
of the FIG Young Surveyors Network and Commission 4, will focus on the
dumping of plastics (and other waste) into major rivers, river systems and
deltas at strategic locations around the world. Waste measurement in these
water bodies using remote sensing, bathymetyric, current measurement and
topographical surveys of plastic waste along the banks of rivers will enable
a greater understanding of the quantum of plastic waste being transported to
the oceans and inform the control and regulation of land use practices with
an ultimate goal of eradicating the dumping of plastics into river systems.
Chair
Simon Ironside, New Zealand
SI[at]eliotsinclair.co.nz
Working Group 4.4 – Marine Development and Administration
Policy issues
Assist in the development of institutional policy and framework. Assist
in the development of conceptual and technical standards, guidelines and
practice. Assist in the land and sea governance for a marine cadastre.
Assist in the development of indigenous marine management systems.
Chair
Dr. Abdullah Hisam Omar, Malaysia
abdullahhisham[at]utm.my
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