Regarded as the world's largest marine science and ocean technology event with more than 500 exhibitors from 25 countries, OI 2002 is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors and at least 14 oceanographic vessels moored nearby at Docklands.

Admission to both the conference and exhibition is free, with visitors receiving a CD-ROM of conference proceedings in addition to a show catalogue detailing all exhibitor wares and associated meetings.

There are 15 main conference sessions including those dealing with Multibeam Surveying, Geophysical & Geotechnical Surveys, Instrumentation, Data Management, and Environmental Protection. Further details including on-line registration are at www. oceanologyinternational. com The following month sees the International Hydrographic Organization's five-yearly Conference, in Monaco from 14-19 April (www. iho. shom. fr).

Main proceedings are essentially restricted to delegates from hydrographic offices of the 70 IHO member states plus invited observers from nonmember states and international organisations. A concurrent exhibition of equipment and services is staged from 14-17 April, with over 30 companies participating.

Among key agenda items will be the election of a new three-man directing committee which will preside over the Monaco-based Organization's affairs from 2002-07. Candidates from Canada, Chile, France, Greece, India, Pakistan, Portugal and the US are rumoured to be among the main contestants.

The IHO event is immediately followed by the FIG 22nd Congress in Washington DC from 19-26 April (www. fig. net) at which 16 papers on hydrographic topics will be presented by speakers from Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Sweden, the UK and US. Subjects here include Airborne Laser Systems, Multibeam Sounding and GIS.

A month or so later, the biennial Canadian Hydrographic Conference will be held in Toronto from 28-31 May (www. chc2002. com) with a theme, Innovation & Excellence for Changing Client Needs. Over 500 delegates are expected to discuss a wide range of topics extending from electronic charting and database management to multibeam surveys and management of ports and harbours. Proceedings are supported by an exhibition as well as a series of workshops and field demonstrations.

Later in the year, The Hydrographic Society is due to hold its 13th international symposium in Kiel from 8-10 October (www.hydro2002.org).

Organised in association with the German Hydrographic Society and with the Schleswig-Holstein State Government as one of its official patrons, the three-day event will look at future hydrographic developments and requirements.

Scheduled topics include Electronic Charting, Coastal Zone Management, Dredging, Navigation & Positioning, and Hydroacoustics. As usual with Hydro events, proceedings will be supported by an exhibition of equipment and services involving around 50 leading companies and organisations.