In the context of navigational safety, the Hong Kong Hydrographic Office (HKHO) has taken on a role primarily as provider of nautical information for port users. To achieve this, the HKHO carries out hydrographic surveys continually to gather relevant data which include water depths and seabed nature. Together with other navigational information, up-to-date nautical charts and publications are produced for port users.

The HKHO performs the following main functions:

• Acquisition of hydrographic data.
• Collation and maintenance of hydrographic data.
• Publication of nautical charts and publications.
• Updating of nautical charts and publications.
• Search for wrecks.