[SAMOA/Associate Member State] 16th Meeting of the South West Pacific Hydrographic Commission National Report by [SAMOA/Associate Member State]

Main achievements during the year MOU between MWTI of Samoa and LINZ has been endorsed in May 2018 First ever H.Notes on newly established buoys at Apia wharf have been prepared and sent to LINZ for promulgation to Notices to Mariners in May 2018

Main challenges and/or obstructions Absence of the exact expertise and required resources Staff turnover Very limited interested people in Maritime career Lack of financial resources

Progress on surveys, charting and MSI Surveys: LINZ has confirmed a hydrographic survey for Samoa to be carried out in 2020 Charting: Provided by LINZ through Bilateral arrangement MSI: One Samoa participant attended MSI training in 2018. Continues to provide MSI information to LINZ and RCCNZ

Progress on MSDI Agreement for release of data has been made between Samoa and SPC since 2016

Lessons learned to share Start acting now no matter what resources are available Increase public awareness and promote hydrography at school open days and other government maritime programs. There are available technical assistances that member states can seek help from rather than waiting to be invited

Success stories to share MOU between MWTI (Samoa) and LINZ (NZ) has been endorsed in May 2018 Samoa’s PCA (LINZ) received the first ever H.Notes for promulgation to Notices to Mariners in May/June 2018. Samoa will be able to receive the next level of hydrographic capacity building if successfully become IHO member in the near future