THE UK Hydrographic Office, based in Taunton, staged a celebration for World Hydrography Day on board HQS Wellington, on the River Thames, in London, last Thursday.

The evening reception raised the profile of the importance of hydrography to Safety of Life at Sea.

It was hosted by UKHO chief executive Mike Robinson and UK National Hydrographer Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff.

Among the guests was Under Secretary of State for Defence Kevan Jones.

The UKHO prepared a range of leaflets and display boards to highlight the role it plays in conjunction with other agencies.

There was also a demonstration of the Admiralty Vector Chart Service, which covers the main shipping routes and the world’s top 1,800 ports Mr Robinson said: “World Hydrography Day is an important event which aims to take to a wider audience the objectives and achievements of the hydrographic community and increase awareness of the critical role that hydrography plays in all our lives.”