Investigative Report Unveiled by Editorial IHR 18
Welcome to the latest edition of our news article, featuring a collaborative effort from the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC). This edition is sponsored by the Capacity Building Fund of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), under the leadership of its new Secretary-General, Dr Mathias Jonas, and Directors Abri Kampfer and Mustafa Iptes (IHO CL52/2017).
1. New Standards for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers
The IHO has issued the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (Edition 3.0.0, May 2025). These guidelines establish updated professional competence requirements, reflecting current technological and operational best practices in hydrography and cartography. The aim is to standardize qualifications internationally.
2. Data Quality Issues with Bathymetric Data
While no detailed article was found, the latest Bathymetric Surface Product Specification (S-102, Edition 3.0.0, December 2024) addresses technical specifications ensuring the quality, interoperability, and reliability of bathymetric data. This reflects ongoing IHO efforts to tackle data quality and consistency challenges via rigorous standards.
3. Use of Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB)
The Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department (JHOD) contributed a note that describes the use of Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) in their surveys over the past 14 years across a wide range of survey purposes. Although no explicit new policy or technical article on ALB was found, ALB is a recognized important technology for shallow water surveys and is usually addressed within IHO standards and research publications.
4. Phase 3 of the Category B Marine Geospatial Information Programme
The latest public update highlights the recent completion of Phase 1 of the S-100 Implementation marking progress in the S-100 framework deployment toward digital navigation. Although specifics of Phase 3 delivery for the Category B programme were not detailed in the publicly visible summaries, ongoing phases involve increasing digital product availability and standard adoption worldwide.
A note from the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA) discusses the delivery of Phase 3 of their Category B Marine Geospatial Information Programme.
5. First IALA Aids to Navigation Level 1 Manager Course
No specific mention of the inaugural IALA Aids to Navigation Level 1 Manager Course was found in the latest IHO articles or notes. However, courses by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) are often supported or referenced via the IHO network to improve aid to navigation standards and management globally.
The Suriname Aids to Navigation Academy (SAA) provided a brief description of their first IALA Aids to Navigation level 1 Manager Course run over May 2017. The Academy is the only training organization for the North & South America, Latin & Caribbean Region that is accredited to deliver aids to navigation training based on the IALA recommendation E-141.
Additional relevant context includes a recent peer-reviewed study on port hydrography published in the International Hydrographic Review, reflecting the IHO’s commitment to disseminating research that supports maritime safety and surveying accuracy. Egypt has also released new S-101 test datasets conforming to the S-100 framework, illustrating practical advances in digital navigation and hydrographic services that align with IHO standards.
We would like to express our gratitude to the authors and peers who provided reviews for this edition. The Editorial Board hopes this edition will inspire future paper submissions.
Robert Ward and Gilles Bessero have served as past Secretary-General and Director of the IHO respectively.
We hope you find this edition informative and engaging. Stay tuned for more updates from the IHO!
[1] IHO News Edition: Embracing New Standards and Advancements [2] International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), 2025. Guidelines for the Implementation of the Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (Edition 3.0.0, May 2025). [3] International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), 2025. IHO News Edition: Embracing New Standards and Advancements. [4] International Hydrographic Review, 2025. A Peer-Reviewed Study on Port Hydrography. [5] Egypt, 2024. New S-101 Test Datasets Conforming to the S-100 Framework.
- This edition of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) News delves into various advancements in hydrographic survey and environmental-science, highlighting the use of technology in data-and-cloud-computing for enhancing hydrographic data quality and interoperability.
- The collaboration between the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC) and the IHO aims to leverage scientific knowledge and modern technologies to fuel future improvements in hydrographic survey standards and practices.
