The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has urged for enhanced involvement of key regional maritime training institutes in hydrography surveys to bolster navigational safety for ships and promote a sustainable marine environment in West and Central Africa.
Addressing the 18th conference of the East Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) in Casablanca, Morocco, the Secretary General of MOWCA, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, highlighted the critical role of the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana, and the Regional Maritime Academy of Sciences and Technologies of the Sea (ARSTM) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in conducting comprehensive hydrographic surveys across the waters of MOWCA member states.
The Secretary-General emphasised that both institutions are well-equipped to host specialised seminars and develop extensive hydrography training programmes, crucial for the training of marine engineers.
This initiative, according to Adalikwu, aligns with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s (IHO) strategy to establish centres of excellence in hydrography where conditions are optimal.
During a sideline meeting at the conference, Adalikwu, along with a Director at IHO, Dr. John Nyberg, discussed the future collaboration between MOWCA training facilities and EAtHC.
It was agreed that an EAtHC team would visit the RMU and ARSTM to evaluate the potential development of an advanced hydrography program at the engineering level.
Adalikwu pointed out that the selected institutions possess not only the necessary infrastructure and qualified faculty but also the capability to collaborate with international universities and integrate with hydrography agencies within public administration or technical departments of port authorities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The discussions concluded with a resolution to maintain ongoing communication between MOWCA and EAtHC, with plans to finalise the dates for the assessment visits later.
Additionally, it was resolved that the IHO will be invited to the upcoming 19th session of the MOWCA General Assembly in late 2025, where they will discuss the strategic importance of hydrography in maritime safety and environmental conservation programme.
Adalikwu stated that the EAtHC, which coordinates hydrographic and cartographic activities from France to Angola, plays a vital role in ensuring navigation safety and protecting marine environments across the coastal regions of MOWCA’s member states.
