International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental and technical organization established in 1921, with the goal of securing safe navigation and environmental protection of the seas and the oceans. The IHO has an observer status at the United Nations (UN) and it is known world-wide as a competent authority on hydrographic survey and nautical charting.

International cooperation in the field of hydrography has begun in 1899. with the Conference in Washington (USA). The IHO Bureau has started with work in 1921 with 19 countries taking part in its work. At the invitation of Prince Albert I of Monaco, the Bureau was provided with headquarters in the Principality of Monaco, where it is situated today.

The main goal of IHO is to establish coordination of national hydrographic institution activities, to ensure uniform of nautical charts and other documents in this area, to establish reliable and efficient methods for conducting hydrographic measurements and to support scientific research in this area.

Republic of Serbia is represented in the IHO by the experts from Plovput .

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