The IHO keeps a list of all institutions or professional bodies recognized by the FIG-IHO-ICA IBSC against the Standards of Competence. Standards indicate the minimum degree of knowledge considered necessary for hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers to meet national and international hydrographic and charting requirements and the diverse needs of industry.

The IBSC (The Board) acknowledges that these are challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages all institutions to prioritize the well-being of staff and students as they manage their particular circumstances to deal with disruptions to their normal teaching strategies for their recognized programme(s). The Board recognizes that teaching delivery strategies will likely need to be changed as institutions implement essential changes to comply with official directions from authorities. The Board requests that any modified teaching strategies seek to maintain the appropriate level of the applicable Standard and asks that significant changes be referred to the Board for its consideration of the need for guidance or assistance with continuing recognition. This acknowledgement should not be construed as the Board seeking to override national or local official directions.