The inter-governmental International Hydrographic Organization in Monaco is to hold its next general assembly at the local Auditorium Rainer III from 24-28 April.

Reigning monarch Prince Albert II, who will formally open the International Hydrographic Organization’s general Assembly

Reigning monarch Prince Albert II, who will formally open the International Hydrographic Organization’s general Assembly in Monaco in April

Over 300 delegates from 86 Member States are expected to attend together with observer representatives of other non-member states, international and non-governemental institutions, and industry. Convened every three years, the event will be formally opened by Prince Albert II, reigning head of state.

Against a background where less than 15% of deeper ocean waters have been directly measured and up to 50% of the world’s coastal waters have yet to be surveyed, proceedings will cover a wide range of topical issues affecting nautical charting and navigational considerations. Also to be covered will be detailed reviews of the IHO’s current and future Inter-Regional Coordination Programmes involving key policy initiatives; these include capacity building ventures for assessing surveying, nautical charting and information status for those nations and regions where hydrographic know-how and expertise is still being developed.

Support activities will include a major exhibition of hydrographic and geospatial information systems under the theme “From Data Collection to Hydrographic Products & Services”. The assembly concludes on the final day with election of a new governing body comprising a Secretary-General and two directors. Nominated candidates standing for election are from Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey.

By David Goodfellow