Australia now primary charting authority for Solomon Islands

Defence and Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning hydrography cooperation, formally assigning the Primary Charting Authority (PCA) role for Solomon Islands to Australia.

FILE PHOTO: Nautical charts HMAS Melbourne. Photo by Brian Hartigan.

The PCA role allows Australia to support Solomon Islands to provide accurate and up-to-date nautical charts and publications to meet their obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

Defence has already issued a new portfolio of charts for Solomon Islands’ waters, which incorporates 16 paper and 46 state-of-the-art electronic charts. These charts are issued on behalf of Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration for all mariners navigating in Solomon Islands’ waters.

The charts will also help promote Solomon Islands’ economic development through safe and efficient domestic and regional maritime trade as well as tourism through cruise ship industry.

Superior knowledge of the maritime domain enables Solomon Islands’ maritime forces enhanced manoeuvring capabilities, which strengthens domestic and regional maritime security. Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program is also a key enabler for Solomon Islands to maintain their maritime sovereignty and security.

Defence Minister Marine Payne said Australia was very proud of its longstanding relationship with Solomon Islands and was equally proud to partner with Solomon Islands to keep mariners safe and protect the marine environment.

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