IHO

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates hydrographic surveying, charting, and related marine information to support safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment. It develops international standards and guidelines for hydrographic offices and other stakeholders, facilitating data exchange and interoperability of nautical products such as electronic navigational charts and other geospatial data.

Headquartered in Monaco, the IHO operates through a Secretariat and is guided by governing bodies that include the International Hydrographic Conference, which meets periodically to set policy, and the IHO Council, which directs work between conferences. Regional Hydrographic Commissions coordinate activities within geographic regions and promote capacity building and collaboration among member states.

The IHO’s core activities are standardization, capacity building, and information exchange. It publishes technical standards and specifications that define how hydrographic data is collected, processed, and distributed. Notable standards include the S-57 standard for electronic navigational charts and the S-100 family, a modern, modular framework under which product specifications such as S-101 for ENCs are developed, along with related standards on data quality, display, and data security.

Member states and associate members from around the world participate in IHO programs and regional activities. The organization collaborates with other international bodies, maritime industries, and national hydrographic offices to improve navigational safety, maritime security, and environmental stewardship through harmonized hydrographic information.