International Hydrographic Organization

The International Hydrographic Organization is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates hydrographic services and promotes standards for nautical charts and publications.

Hydrography: The science and practice of measuring and describing the physical features of navigable waters and adjacent coastal areas. This is the field the organization coordinates internationally.
International Hydrographic Conference: A recurring gathering of national hydrographic authorities that established and later governs the IHO. The conference was the institutional setting from which the organization emerged.
Nautical chart: A map designed for marine navigation, showing water depths, coastlines, hazards, and aids to navigation. Nautical charts are the central products whose consistency the IHO promotes.
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities: An international association that develops guidance for marine aids to navigation and related services. It addresses navigation infrastructure alongside the charting standards promoted by the IHO.
S-100: The International Hydrographic Organization’s framework for digital hydrographic data products and related standards. It provides a shared framework for the organization’s evolving digital product standards.
Prince Albert I of Monaco: The ruler of Monaco from 1889 to 1922, known for oceanographic research and support for international hydrographic cooperation. His advocacy helped advance the international conference that preceded the IHO.
Safety of Life at Sea Convention: An international treaty establishing minimum safety requirements for merchant ships and their operation. Its chart carriage requirements connect IHO standards to shipboard safety obligations.
International Seabed Authority: An intergovernmental organization that regulates mineral-related activities in the international seabed area. Its mandate concerns seabed resources, not hydrographic standards or nautical charts.
Electronic Navigational Chart: A standardized digital chart designed for use with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System. Its production and exchange rely on standards maintained through the organization.
International Hydrographic Bureau: The IHO’s original name, used from its establishment in 1921 until it became the International Hydrographic Organization in 1970. The bureau was the organization’s first institutional form.

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