Rapid Assessment Survey Using Side Scan Sonar: International Obligations and Role of Hydrography in Ensuring Safety of Navigation – Case Study of the Aftermath of MV X- Press Pearl Incident

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). They provide international standards on safety, security, and environmental performance ships involved trade. shipping is effective only if regulations are agreed upon, adopted implemented an basis. IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III code) one such attempt where it looks into states’ capacities implementing obligations. Here, we present what way hydrographic rapid assessment survey support above obligation ensuring safety navigation for visiting Colombo Port aftermath MV X-Press Pearl accident West coast Sri Lanka. comprehensive Side Scan Sonar (SSS) that conducted over area found some fallen containers debris lying seabed. Due to extent nature incident, due ocean current dynamics, larger had be investigated number relevant agencies maritime field were involved. As country, responsible authorities have taken timely actions disseminate related information mariners subsequent measures update nautical charts by conducting necessary systematic surveys fulfill obligations Convention Safety Life at Sea ( SOLAS) IMO.