international hydrographic organization 2003 - IHO

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WORK PROGRAMME 4
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
IHO WEB PAGE
On 10 th March the IHB launched a completely new, revised and expanded IHO web site. The new site,
which was designed and developed by the IHB, taking into account the study and recommendations
made by New Zealand (LINZ), presents an entirely new format and many new sections. The response
to the new site has been very positive, however the IHB recognizes the need to continue its
development in order to support the changing requirements of the IHO. The IHB wishes to
acknowledge the generous contribution made by the French Hydrographic Service (SHOM), in
providing the web hosting facilities for this web site. See CL 18/2003.
REPOSITORY OF CHARTS AND NAUTICAL DOCUMENTS
During the year, 759 new charts / editions were received (974 in 2002), examined and filed in the
Bureau Chartroom, in accordance with Article 19 of the IHO General Regulations. In addition, 92
nautical books were received (59 in 2002). Some ENCs and RNCs were also received on CD-ROM.
Notices to Mariners have been regularly received, sometimes in digital form, from 48 Member States
and from 4 non-MS. Member States are reminded that Article 19 now states that HOs “shall forward
copies of their new international (INT) charts, electronic charts (raster and vector), as well as any
nautical publications" and that delivery to the IHB of copies of their national charts is therefore no
longer required. Also MS are invited/encouraged to provide their NtM in digital form.
DISTRIBUTION OF IHO PUBLICATIONS ON CD-ROM
A CD-ROM containing all updated IHO Publications was distributed to IHO Member States in July.
MAINTENANCE OF AN IHB LIBRARY OF REFERENCE BOOKS AND JOURNALS
About 320 new magazines, CD-ROMs and books on hydrography, oceanography and related matters
(including the regular subscriptions) as well as various technical brochures were added to the IHB
Library in 2003. The Bureau thanks all Member States that have sent copies of their Annual Reports
and/or technical publications during the year and encourage them to continue to do so.
Many of the participants who attended the GEBCO Centenary Conference (April 2003) and other
meetings held at the IHB took the opportunity to visit and consult the Library.
PUBLICATION COLLATING LEGAL CASES RELATED TO CHARTING
AND NAUTICAL ACCIDENTS
This matter is under consideration by the IHB Directing Committee. IHO Member States will be
informed about its development during 2004.
PRESENTATIONS MADE
During the Meeting of the Assembly of IMO in November - December 2003, the President gave a
presentation on the responsibilities of Member States of IMO for the provision of hydrographic
services under the new regulations of SOLAS Chapter V and the way that IHO can support them. It
was a very interesting and useful exercise and agreed with the IMO to repeat it in 2004 during the
MSC Meeting.
In July the President met in Monaco with the Minister for the Canal of Panama and briefed him on the
mission, work and other details of the IHO, the benefits of Panama becoming a Member of IHO and