WIREDGOV

As part of the events to mark the 2016 World Hydrography Day (WHD) in June, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) recently hosted an interactive family day around the theme of ‘Getting to know the UKHO’.

The event was free of charge, open to all and organised in partnership with the Museum of Somerset. Interactive sessions ran during the day to give hundreds of parents and children the opportunity to participate in family fun hydrographic activities, as well as meet expert mariners and representatives from the UKHO.

With this year’s WHD focussing on “Hydrography – the key to well-managed seas and waterways”, children had the chance to learn about hydrography and why it’s relevant in today’s environment, through a mix of maritime-related activities. This included build-a-boat soft play and Lego and remote control boats, through to plotting a voyage on a chart and using navigational software.

Rear Admiral Tim Lowe, National Hydrographer and Deputy Chief Executive of the UKHO commented:

“The UKHO is passionate about inspiring and educating present and future generations on hydrography and the essential role it plays across the globe.

The activity at the Museum of Somerset follows on from the success of STEMfest which the UKHO attended at Taunton School in March (where 500 local schools and college students came together to celebrate STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). This family day provided another opportunity to support the local community and engage families in the work we do at the UKHO.”