Page 29 - Bulletin 8 2004

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normally used for the paper chart has to be recaptured in a different format, and with the
vast number of paper charts in use this is a daunting task.

Conclusion

During the period 1946 to 1984 1161 marine collisions and accidents took place in the
areas covered by the charts surveyed and produced by the South African Hydrographer.

While none of these disasters has been attributed to chart error they do indicate the
responsibility and risk of those providing the service. With the increase in both vessel size

and the volume of worldwide maritime traffic the opportunities for disastrous or

catastrophic environmental destruction are constantly becoming greater.

D. W. Newson in his address “Data Dissemination and Display” to the Royal Institute of

Navigation in London in 1987 stated:

“A legal requirement to carry adequate nautical charts and books is found in both
the International Maritime Organisation, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention,
and in national regulations. So mariners are entitled to rely on them and usually
can”

This requirement has and is being met by well trained hydrographers and cartographers and

the service provided by the South African Hydrographic Office, based as it is on a sound
historical background, ranks with the best and most sophisticated hydrographic services in

the world.

References

Bozassa, V. L. (1976) Muslim or Arabic Navigations on the East Coast of Africa,

Rhodesiana Publication No. 35.

Bozassa, V. L. (1978) A Periplus of the Africa Seas.