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42. Jahresbericht Deutsches Hydrographisches Institut 1987
The chart portfolio published 1 new chart, 146 new editions, 116 up-dated reprints,
and 113 overlay blocks. Four nautical charts were withdrawn. The work for the
International Chart Portfolio was continued. Six chart series for sport boats
appeared as new editions.
In preparation for - and in implementation of - resolutions made by the 2nd
International Conference for the Protection of the North Sea, intensified investiga
tions for the monitoring of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea for radioactivity and
other important groups of injurious impurities took place.
The Meeresumwelt-Datenbank (MUDAB) (Marine Environment Data Bank) into
which the entire Federal German data contributions to international and national
monitoring and research programmes are intended to flow, has been established.
Joint geophysical-geological investigations in the southern and eastern North Sea
were commenced with the North Sea neighbouring countries in order to chart the
latest geological formation - the Quarternary Period.
Numerous type-tests and type-approvals were verified - amongst others, those of
magnetic and gyro compasses, automatic steering systems, echo sounders, posi
tion lights, accoustic signal systems, radio direction-finding systems and inte
grated navigation systems - and the nautical suitability of distress radio systems.
Permits were granted for the installation or arrangement of certain nautical
systems and pieces of equipment on board Federal German Ships, the compliance
with which was controlled on 454 ships.
On 665 ships, the compliance with the Ship Safety Regulations with regard to the
nautical systems, pieces of equipment, and instruments was supervised.
The DHI issued 4 permits for dumping and 2 permits for incineration of wastes
upon the High Seas, and 10 permits for research actions in the region of the
continental shelf of the Federal Republic of Germany. In connection with infringe
ments against the obligation to keep Oil Record Books, 185 preliminary legal
proceedings were instituted. In the majority of cases fines were imposed.
Numerous reports concerning important nautical observations, which had been
sent in from voluntary collaborators, were evaluated. Several worthly captains,
ship’s officers, radio officers, and other voluntary collaborators were awarded
prizes of books.