Education and Training

Education is essential in creating and maintaining a modern hydrographic service. Over twenty of IHO Member States offer more than thirty technical training programs in hydrography that conform to guidelines established by the IHO. In some instances these programs are offered free of charge while others provide scholarships to those attendees that demonstrate the need.

In cooperation with the Fédération Internationale des Géomètres (FIG), and the International Cartographic Association (ICA), a comprehensive set of Standards of Competence for hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers have been drawn up, together with appropriate syllabi for the guidance of universities and teaching establishments throughout the world. An International Board supervises the application of these standards with a view to achieving internationally recognized qualifications in the hydrographic profession. The Board reviews the training syllabi of world wide educational institutions, and awards international certificates of recognition to those courses which have achieved the required minimum standards of competence. Three important publications relating to education and training include:

• IHO Publication S-5: "Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors";
• IHO Publication S-8: "Standards of Competence for Nautical Cartographers";
• IHO Publication C-47: "Courses in Hydrography and Nautical Cartography".

These publications are available from the "Standards and Publications > Downloads" section of the IHO website