May 3, 2005 — NOAA transferred ownership of Whiting, a decommissioned hydrographic survey ship, to the Mexican Navy upon authority of Congress and by order of the Secretary of Commerce. The transfer took place during a special ceremony at Town Point Park, Otter Berth, in Norfolk, VA.

At the ceremony, the vessel was accepted by Vice Admiral Edgar F. Narro y Quesda, Director General de Investigación y Desarrollo, who was the senior representative of the Mexican Navy. The ship was then recommissioned Rio Tuxpan. (more details)

 

Project Details | Whiting Transfer

United States - Mexico Cooperative Charting Advisors Committee

Mariners make important decisions based on information provided by National Hydrographic Offices (HOs) to guide their vessels safely and efficiently to their destinations. Providing the latest and most accurate information in a consistent manner becomes even more important as the mariner traverses national boundaries. Therefore, it is critical that neighboring HOs make overlapping data (both the actual data and the associated symbology) available in a consistent manner to ensure a seamless transition from one country’s navigation products to the other.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Coast Survey (OCS) and the Dirección General Adjunta de Oceanografía, Hidrografia y Meteorología (DIGAOHM) recognized the benefits of a harmonized, cooperative approach to charting and surveying of shared boundary waters on the Pacific coast and in the Gulf of Mexico and established a Charting Advisors Committee in March, 2002. Through such cooperation, efficiencies in data collection and chart production are anticipated and improved expertise through technical personnel exchanges and enhanced safe navigation through the respective ports of each country can be realized.

The U.S.-Mexico Cooperative Charting Advisory Committee functions under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) MesoAmerican-Caribbean Sea Regional Hydrographic Commission. A primary objective of this Committee is the coordination of respective requirements to achieve maximum compatibility of surveying and charting operations in compliance with IHO standards.

The United States – Mexico Cooperative Charting Advisory Committee has identified the following specific areas for collaboration (click here for more information):

• Hydrographic survey data acquisition and exchange;
• Paper and electronic chart production;
• Tidal and current data harmonization, associated methods and publications;
• Establishment and maintenance of harmonized horizontal and vertical control;
• Hydrographic and cartographic personnel exchanges; and
• Training.

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