Organised by Hydrographic Society Benelux on behalf of the Federation and expected to attract around 400 delegates, the four day event will feature over 30 papers and more than 20 poster sessions by speakers from 19 countries.  Key topics include AUVs & Survey Vessels, Case Studies, Charting, Data Management, Dredging Support, Multibeam Surveying, Positioning, Seafloor Mapping, and Remote Sensing.

 Nearly 40 companies and organizations are participating in the supporting exhibition of equipment and services.The signing of a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding between the International Federation and the Monaco based International Hydrographic Organisation is among a number of fringe events which also include on the first day an open meeting on proposed revisions to S-44, the IHO Standards for Hydrographic Surveys publication.

A traditional Symposium dinner and an official reception at Antwerp’s Town Hall are among corresponding social events, which begin with an evening icebreaker party on 5 November.Delegate registration rates for all event days are €650 or €250 for single days.

Bona fide students will be admitted for €250 while special rates are available for retired individuals on application to the Symposium secretariat.   All charges are additionally subject to a VAT rate of 21% for applicants based in Belgium as well as those without VAT registration in other EU countries.

Further general details are available from Technologisch Instituut vzw, Desguiniei 214, BE-2018, Antwerp, Belgium (Tel: +32 3 260 0840  Fax: +32 3 216 0689  Email: info@hydro06.com

By DAVID GOODFELLOW