Senegal: Navy to Map West African Coastline

In Dakar, Senegal, marines in full packs board HNLMS Rotterdam in the early hours of the morning for a training session with African military personnel. At the same time, the orange hydrographic survey launch of the Netherlands Defence Hydrographic Service leaves its Dakar mooring to map the Senegalese harbour and surrounding beaches.

Harbours and coastal areas
Since late August, the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Rotterdam has been taking part in Exercise African Winds, a 3-month long exercise being conducted off the coast of West Africa. During the exercise, African troops are being trained by Dutch, American, British and Spanish marines especially embarked for that purpose. In addition to the marines, there is also a hydrographic survey team on board. On the request of our African partners, the team is mapping out the busiest parts of harbours and coastal areas, particularly around Senegal, Ghana, Benin and Nigeria.

GPS and sound pulses
The Defence Hydrographic Service’s survey launch is equipped with a GPS receiver and a multi-beam sonar system. The latter emits sound pulses at various angles which results in a detailed picture of the depth of the sea bed. Generally speaking, Senegal, Ghana, Benin and Nigeria only have long out-of-date maps at their disposal. In the present day, these can be a danger to shipping and hamper both economic development and, more specifically, the coast guard in carrying out its duties.

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Press Release, September 19, 2013; Image: Defensie