The Hydrographic Survey Wing was founded in 1967 with the objective of investigation and collection of Hydrographic Survey data for inland navigation, development of minor and intermediate ports of the Maritime State of Kerala.

Since its formation, the wing has been conducting pre-dredging and post dredging, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon surveys to ascertain various aspects such as requirement of dredging, bathymetric data required for the construction of Fishing Harbours, Fish Landing Centres, and inter mediate ports, bathymetric data required for the navigational purpose etc. In addition to the routine, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon survey at Thirty Five minor ports the Hydrographic Survey Wing also undertakes survey work for other departments of the State such as the Irrigation Department, the Inland Navigation, Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation Ltd., the Public Works Department and for Research Institutions like Kerala Engineering Research Institute ,Cochin shipyard, CPT,CWRDM,KMRL etc. The information required by the Naval Hydrographic office at Dehradun (Indian Navy) for updating their Navigational Charts are also forwarded as and when required