Maritime Hydrographic Directorate

Activity of the oceanography laboratory

The Oceanography Survey Laboratory is the specialised structure responsible for oceanographic support to the Naval Forces.

Responsibilities of the oceanography survey laboratory:

• Oceanographic and geophysical surveys of the coastal and offshore sea areas, and surveys of seabed relief and composition, in the parts relevant to navigation, hydrography and Naval Forces Staff (SMFN) operations, carried out within Romania's area of responsibility in the Black Sea.
• Updating and managing the maritime oceanographic database based on information resulting from specific activities or obtained from other national civilian or military institutions/organisations with which it cooperates.
• Providing oceanographic support to the Naval Forces in peacetime and wartime.
• Implementing IHO standards for oceanographic surveys, soundings in deep-water areas, and methods for eliminating unreliable data.
• Drafting regulatory acts and documentation for the oceanographic support of the Naval Forces.
• Developing modernisation projects and procurement strategies for specific instruments and equipment.
• Coordinating the technical support activity for oceanographic instruments and equipment for Naval Forces ships and units.
• Provides technical support for the issuance of authorisations for oceanographic activities carried out by other Romanian or foreign public or private institutions, bodies or organisations whose own statutes provide for such specific activities, in accordance with the Hydrography Law.
• Organising and coordinating oceanographic survey activities and missions carried out with the hydrographic survey ship "Cpt cdor A. Cătuneanu" and the hydrographic launches.
• Providing specialist consultancy and assistance to embarked Naval Forces personnel working with specific oceanographic equipment, and their periodic training.
• Cooperating with specialised military (NATO working groups) or civilian institutions and structures, both domestic and foreign, in the field of oceanography.

Activity photos