The Civil Hydrography Programme

This systematic survey of the UK’s coastal waters is administered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), with technical assistance provided by the UK Hydrographic Office. Under the programme, the MCA has issued a number of long-term commercial contracts to ensure accurate hydrographic information is gathered for updating the nation’s nautical charts and publications.

View the MCA Civil Hydrography Programme website

Routine re-surveys are undertaken in areas where the seabed itself is highly mobile. We analyse these surveys to identify changes that have occurred and apply updates to charts if necessary. We also assess whether the limits and survey frequency should be revised.