## (13) Coast Guard Sector

Coordination and cooperation between various coast guard organizations in a variety of fields is being actively promoted for search and rescue and maritime security measures through the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (the six countries of Japan, Canada, China, South Korea, Russia, and United States) and 6th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (17 Asian countries, one region) as well as bilateral high-level meetings and joint training with Russia, South Korea, and India along with international contributions through international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Cospas-Sarsat Council, and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

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## “Alexander Dalrymple Award” Awarded to Our Country for the First time in Asia

Dr. Hideo Nishida, formerly Head of the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, Japan Coast Guard (active period: April 2002–March 2004) was awarded the “Alexander Dalrymple Award” which is an award for individuals who have made substantial contributions to the safety of navigation through the creation and dissemination of hydrographic charts on October 2, 2012 by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office in London.

This award is named after Alexander Dalrymple, the first Chief Hydrographer to the Admiralty Board of the UKHO in the late 18th century, and was adopted to commemorate “World Hydrographic Day” (June 21) by the UN General Assembly in 2006. Six people, one person every year, famous in the field of hydrography for creating hydrographic charts have been awarded so far (from UK, UK, Germany, South Africa, France, and the United States in awarded order) and Dr. Nishida is the first from Asia to receive the award.

When Dr. Nishida was working at the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department he worked hard on initiatives to improve

The recipient Dr. Hideo Nishida, former Head of the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department (right) and UKHO Chief Executive, Ian Moncrieff CBE (left)

Source) Japan Coast Guard

the ability of emerging nations, mainly in Asia, to create hydrographic charts. This award was given for these efforts and the contributions to ensuring safe navigation.

Also, in giving this awarded the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office mentioned the role played by the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department in responding to the Great East Japan Earthquake for securing the transport route for emergency supplies to the disaster stricken area from sea and the role played by Dr. Nishida in this process, showing the world the importance played by hydrographic department in disaster recovery.

British hydrographic charts are used by 70% of international seafaring ships. When our nation established the Hydrographic Office (the current Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department) in 1871, it was founded on technical instruction from the UK. The fact that hydrographic efforts of our nation that began with the technical instruction from the UK are now being highly praised by the UK, a great maritime nation is both deeply moving and meaningful. This award represents a great deal of encouragement for those at MLIT engaged in the technical field and hydrographic duties will continue to be promoted for the safety of the sea and aiming for greater technical progress with a global perspective.

Training Session While Looking at Hydro-

graphic Chart

Source) Japan Coast Guard