Who Makes the IH | Sergeant Rodrigues Alves

Behind everything we do, there are people.
“Who Makes the IH” is the monthly feature that highlights the staff members who shape the Hydrographic Institute.

Sergeant Ernesto Rodrigues Alves was born on October 4, 1982, in Águas Frias, in the municipality of Chaves.
He joined the Portuguese Navy in November 2001, beginning his career in communications. In 2010, he attended the Sergeant Course specializing in Communications, consolidating a career path marked by high-responsibility roles across various Navy units.

Throughout his career, he served at the Navy Communications Center, the Navy Cipher Center, the Ponta Delgada Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Delgada), the Naval Force, and the Armed Forces General Staff, while also performing inspection duties in cryptography and classified materials. He served at sea aboard the NRP Vasco da Gama, Corte Real, Álvares Cabral, D. Francisco de Almeida, Bartolomeu Dias, and Bérrio.

He joined the Hydrographic Institute in July 2024, where he works in the Documentation Division, supervising and operating the Message Center. His responsibilities include operating and controlling classified circuits, safeguarding cryptographic material and classified documentation, managing clearances for military and civilian personnel at the unit, and conducting briefings and emergency evacuation and destruction drills.

When asked what he appreciates most about his work, he highlights the possibility of following processes from start to finish, providing a fast, rigorous, and efficient service, and the opportunity to master and manage different areas of responsibility associated with the Message Center.

In his free time, he dedicates himself to filming professional football matches for Portuguese Football Federation observers, enthusiastically follows Benfica's games, cultivates a vegetable garden, and enjoys family walks and hikes. He also likes socializing with friends and doing hands-on work in fields such as electricity, electronics, and construction, continuously exploring new knowledge and skills.