Important Notice: This draft 4^th edition of S-23 was developed from 1998 to 2002, based on the 1986 draft. It was submitted to IHO Member States in August 2002 for approval, but the voting process was interrupted by the IHB directing Committee in September 2002. It is a working document only.

The 2002 draft 4th edition of S-23 was organized in regional chapters as in the table below.

• Chapter	Area
  HEADINGS
  CHAPTER 1	NORTH ALTANTIC OCEAN
  CHAPTER 2	BALTIC SEA
  CHAPTER 3	MEDITERRANEAN REGION
  CHAPTER 4	SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
  CHAPTER 5	INDIAN OCEAN
  CHAPTER 6	SOUTH CHINA & EASTERN ARCHIPELAGIC SEAS
  CHAPTER 7	NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
  CHAPTER 8	SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
  CHAPTER 9	ARCTIC OCEAN
  CHAPTER 10	SOUTHERN OCEAN
  APPENDICES