Top-hydrographic survey held in Guinea-Bissau

Under the "Mar Aberto" (Open Sea) initiative, the Hydrographic Brigade (HB) is in Guinea-Bissau to conduct a top-hydrographic survey (THS) in the Port of Bissau. The hydrographic works will be carried out on "Cagarra" boat, which is on the way to Bissau, carried by the NRP D. Carlos I hydrographic vessel, which will also carry out several hydrographic surveys (HS) during the "Mar Aberto" mission.

While the HB team awaits the arrival of the ship, it is preparing several works ashore, such as:

• Assembly of a tide gauge for the determination of the mean sea level in Bissau, and for determination of the harmonic constants that will allow more precise tidal forecasts;
• Topographic survey of various port structures;
• Geometric leveling in Bissau;
• Coordination of several geodetic landmarks and relevant structures to support cartography.

This work has the support of the various local entities, and the HB team has been accompanied by a Guinean Navy Officer, Captain-Lieutenant Nando Mboto.

Finally, it is worth noting the extreme importance and impact that this work will have for the safety of shipping in Bissau. The last THS occurred between 1963 and 1969, but in the meantime many port alterations appeared, and apparently high sedimentation on the banks of the Geba River, which will now be proven by the collection of data for cartographic updating.