NOAA ship to map Gulf of Mexico for navigation hazards

A high-tech survey vessel operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has begun its five month journey to map the ocean floor of the Gulf of Mexico. The survey will pinpoint hazards and shoals that have resulted from hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. The ship’s data will be used to maintain update nautical charts of U.S. waters.

The vessel, The Thomas Jefferson, is one of the most advanced hydrographic survey vessels in the world. It is equipped with high resolution sea floor imagers. The ship is named for Thomas Jefferson because he formed the survey of the Coast Agency in 1807.

The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are some of the busiest in the nation. The Gulf of Mexico is important for both the shipping and oil industries. However, a series of hurricanes in recent years have changed the topography of the sea floor. It is hoped that updated nautical charts will help prevent accidents and protect the lives of seamen who work in the Gulf of Mexico.

If you have been injured while working offshore, contact the New Orleans office of The Young Firm at 866-703-2590.