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NOAA SHIP RAINIER VISITS THE CANADIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE ON ITS WAY NORTH TO ALASKA

April 9, 1999 — The NOAA Ship RAINIER made an opportune stop recently to visit the Canadian Hydrographic Service on it's way north to Alaska to begin the 1999 field season. The RAINIER docked at the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, British Columbia, to discuss rapid technology changes in surveying systems being used in Canada and the U.S. Discussions amongst the hydrographers centered upon new multi-beam systems and associated problems, better efficiency's in the data processing pipeline and the next generation of chart "products".

The Commanding Officer of the RAINIER, Captain Alan "Buffalo" Anderson, stated that "There has always been a close relationship between the Canadian Hydrographic Service and NOAA's Nautical Charting Program". An example of this fact is that the present head of the Pacific Region of the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Mr. George Eaton, served as an exchange hydrographer aboard the RAINIER 19 years ago, while Captain Anderson visited the Canadian Ship HUDSON in the Canadian Arctic. "This free exchange of ideas and hydrographic problem solving between our two countries continues to benefit both charting programs" stated Captain Anderson.

During the one day visit, the Institute of Ocean Sciences provided tours of facilities to crewmembers, while the RAINIER provided tours of the ship to their employees. RAINIER hydrographers proudly displayed their new Elac 5180 Intermediate Multibeam System installed on the RAINIER just prior to sailing. This new multibeam system allows 100% bottom coverage at depths up to 600 meters; thus ultimately providing the Alaskan mariner increased safety.

NOAA research and operational activities are supported by the Nation's seventh uniformed service, the NOAA Corps, a commissioned officer corps of men and women who operate NOAA ships and aircraft, and serve in scientific and administrative posts.

 

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