The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The International Hydrographic Bureau was founded in 1921 with the main objective of promoting uniformity in nautical charts and documents, to coordinate the activities of national hydrographic offices and the adoption of reliable and efficient methods in carrying out and exploiting hydrographic surveys.

As of March 2006, there are 77 Signatories of which 9 are African states.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

South African National Defence Force : Office of the Chief Naval Hydrographer
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
South African Maritime Safety Authority
CSIR
Academia

GENERAL COMMENTS

South Africa became a member of the IHO in 1951 and has since played an active role. Membership has enhanced maritime safety within the Southern African region. South Africa chairs the Southern Africa and Islands Hydrographic Commission (SAIHC). One of the objectives of the SAIHC is to build capacity in the region.

The IHO has greatly enhanced the development of International Bathymetry data, which has led to the development of integrated ocean depth charts. The completion of South Africa's maritime boundaries with its neighbours prior to the UNCLOS extended continental shelf delimitation claim has re-emphasised the importance of correct bathymetry data.