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Delegations representing Member States of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) convened in Monaco last week for the annual meeting of the Council. 

Participants from 30 Member States sitting on the Council, along with 13 Observers, discussed a wide range of topics including plans for a potential IHO Infrastructure Centre in the Republic of Korea, secure information exchange, and the ongoing transition to digital ocean data systems. 

The 12th IHO-IAG ABLOS conference brought together participants from all over the world to discuss how the global regulatory framework and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) addresses some of today's most pressing ocean-related challenges. Organised in partnership with the Qatari Standing Committee of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 280 participants learned about achievements of UNCLOS, challenges it faces in today’s international context, and gaps to be addressed. One question which emerged repeatedly was whether the convention was flexible enough to address modern issues.

Lithuania has officially joined the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), becoming its 103rd Member State and marking a historic milestone as now all EU coastal nations are part of this global organization.

With the operational release of standards S-124 Navigational Warnings and S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products, Phase 1 of S-100 Standards implementation has now been completed, marking a major step in the modernisation of navigation.

Products and services using these specifications can be updated in near real-time, directly supporting the enhancement of navigational safety and facilitating on-board data management. Data services conforming to these standards are now ready for production and integration into navigation systems such as the S-100 ECDIS.

This Move Highlights National Commitment to Maritime Safety, Economic Growth, and Ocean Stewardship 

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is pleased to announce that the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has officially joined the Organization, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to enhance its maritime capabilities and sustainable ocean development. 

With a hydrographic career spanning over 25 years, the winner of this year’s Ex Abyssis Ad Alta Award has consistently demonstrated technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to innovation in hydrography in support of safer and smarter navigation. He has also been a central force in moving the S-100 implementation forward.

Seabed mapping supports all activities centred on the ocean, from safety of navigation to marine conservation, marine renewable energy, coastal resilience, and the ocean economy. This includes charting new shipping routes in polar regions to providing up-to-date data to improve climate change models.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) proudly welcomes the Republic of The Gambia as its newest Member State, marking a significant milestone for both the Organization and the West African region. With this accession, the global hydrographic community continues to grow in Africa, underscoring the increasing recognition of the importance of hydrography for safe navigation but also coastal zone management, tourism, UNCLOS obligations and more.

In a historic breakthrough for digital navigation, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Member States have adopted the first set of operational standards within the S-100 framework. This decision paves the way for Coastal States to offer official products and services based on these standards, significantly advancing the field of maritime navigation. The adoption also has profound implications for ocean data collection and sea surveys, as these new products will require enhanced data in order to realize their full potential.