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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 Continues to provide MSI information to LINZ and RCCNZ

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

6. 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

7. 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