JUNE 21: WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY
           
          The origin of this global celebration goes back eight years when in April 2002, developed the sixteenth International Hydrographic Conference, where was elected Director of the body, Captain. Don Hugo GORZIGLIA A., hydrograph engineer and former Director of SHOA. In this conference, it was agreed consensus that the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) would make a presentation to the United Nations, to obtain a recognition of the contribution of hydrography to the development of nations by means of the institution and annual celebration of " World Hydrography Day ".

          This conclusion would be aimed to attract the attention of a larger hearing on the goals and objectives of the IHO, and increase general public awareness about the important role that Hydrography represents on various sectors of the economies of the nations.

          Was chosen June 21 as similar date in 1921 nineteen countries, including Chile, founded the IHO, which were established in Monaco by the generous invitation of Prince Albert I, a great sailor and oceanographer of his time.

          The General Assembly of the United Nations granted the request, on November 29, 2005, the Resolution A/60/30, expressed quote: "It welcomes the adoption by the IHO's World Hydrography day ", which will be celebrated annually on June21 , with the purpose of giving suitable publicity to its work, at all levels, and increase media coverage on global hygrogaphic information, urging all States to work with that organization to promote safe navigation, especially in areas of international navigation, ports and where there are areas vulnerable or protected marine ".

          Since then, the IHO and its States Member celebrate World Hydrography Day , each year highlighting a particular aspect. For 2010, has chosen the theme "Hydrographic Services: An item crucial to maritime trade. " Within the context of extremely important it is for most countries world, particularly for Chile, maritime trade, and as hydrography and the use of nautical charts and information are vital for implementation and development.