Hydrographer of the Navy

Hydrographer of the Navy
Incumbent
Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh
since 2023
Ministry of Defence
Reports toFirst Sea Lord
NominatorAdmiralty Board
AppointerSecretary of State for Defence
Term length1–4 years
Inaugural holderAlexander Dalrymple
Formation12 August 1795 (229 years ago) (1795-08-12)

The Hydrographer of the Navy is the principal hydrographical Royal Naval appointment. From 1795 until 2001, the post was responsible for the production of charts for the Royal Navy, and around this post grew the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

In 2001, the post was disassociated from UKHO, and the Hydrographer of the Navy is now a title bestowed upon the current captain—hydrography and meteorology—on the staff of the Devonport Flotilla at HMNB Devonport.