International Hydrographic Organization

International Hydrographic Organization
Organisation hydrographique internationale
AbbreviationIHO
Founded21 June 1921;
103 years ago
 (1921-06-21)
Location
Membership
100 member states, but 2 suspended (see list)
Official languages
English, French
Secretary-General
Mathias Jonas
Websiteiho.int

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) (French: Organisation hydrographique internationale) is an intergovernmental organization representing hydrography.[1][2] As of May 2024, the IHO comprised 100 member states.

A principal aim of the IHO is to ensure that the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are properly surveyed and charted. It does this through the setting of international standards, the co-ordination of the endeavors of the world's national hydrographic offices, and through its capacity building program.

The IHO enjoys observer status at the United Nations, where it is the recognized competent authority on hydrographic surveying and nautical charting.[3] When referring to hydrography and nautical charting in conventions and similar instruments, it is the IHO standards and specifications that are normally used.

  1. ^ "First Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)". hydro-international.com. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  2. ^ Wingrove, Martyn (11 March 2019). "IMO takes the e-navigation reins". Maritime Digitalisation & Communications. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  3. ^ (The International Hydrographic Organization), wpe (26 July 2018). "International Hydrographic Organization Brochure" (PDF). International Hydrographic Organization. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2022.