International Hydrographic Organization

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental consultative and technical organization established in 1921 to support safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. The organization aims to: - Coordinate activities of national hydrographic offices - Maintain the greatest possible uniformity in nautical charts and documents - Adopt reliable and efficient methods of carrying out and exploiting hydrographic surveys - Develop the sciences in the field of hydrography and the techniques employed in descriptive oceanography The official representatives from member states meet at 3-yearly intervals in Monaco for an IHO Assembly. The Assembly reviews the progress achieved by the organization through its committees, subcommittees, and working groups, and adopts the programs to be pursued during the ensuing 3-year period. A Secretary General and two directors are elected to administer the work of the organization during that time. The Secretary General and directors, together with a small international staff of technical experts in hydrography and nautical cartography and locally recruited administrative support staff make up the IHO Secretariat in Monaco. The Secretariat of the IHO, coordinates and promotes the IHO's programmes and provides advice and assistance to member states and others.