16th Meeting of the South West Pacific Hydrographic Commission National Report by Palau (Observer)

Main achievements during the year Establishment of the Bureau of Communication which will be in responsible for establishing the GMDSS Sea Areas. Effort to establish a new Bureau of Marine Transportation which will serve as the MSI Coordinator and Competent Authority for Aids to Navigation as well as be responsible for coordination of Hydrography and dissemination of information under Palau’s maritime warning service obligations.

Main challenges and/or obstructions Lack of Subject Matter Expertise in the area of hydrography to ensure that necessary work are planned for and undertaken in collaboration with the appropriate United States’ government agency.

Progress on surveys, charting and MSI Surveys: Last survey was done by Geometra, a Singaporean company, of the Malakal Harbor in mid-2013. Prior to the 2013 survey, a survey of the SE part of Malakal Harbor was done by Shell Company. Charting: ENC for Palau area is under development. MSI: MSI being transmitted on the hour via VHF 156.8MHz. Small Craft Warning is administered by the National Emergency Management Office.

Contributions to the IHO DCDB and GEBCO Nothing to report

Progress on MSDI Nothing to report

Plans that affect the region No plans to report

Lessons learned to share None to report

Success stories to share None to report