IHO Standards for Hydrographic Surveys, Edition 6.0.0 September 2020.

Abstract

This publication aims to provide a set of standards for hydrographic surveys primarily used to compile navigational charts essential for the safety of navigation, knowledge and the protection of the marine environment. It specifies the minimum standards to be achieved based on the intended use. Where and when necessary, hydrographic offices or organisations are encouraged to define more stringent or specific requirements as national or regional realisations of the standard. This publication does not contain procedures for setting up equipment, conducting the survey, or for processing the resultant data. IHO Publication C-13, Manual on Hydrography, should be consulted for information on those topics (downloadable from the IHO homepage: www.iho.int). In this edition, a new, more stringent Exclusive Order has been introduced. The use of Exclusive Order should be limited to areas with exceptional conditions and specific requirements. The other orders for safety of navigation surveys have kept the same names, but their interpretation has changed from the previous edition due to the introduction of the bathymetric coverage concept. Special Order now explicitly requires full bathymetric coverage. Furthermore, the orders have been divided into requirements above and below the vertical datum. This edition aims to encourage the use of S-44 for purposes beyond the safety of navigation. It introduces the concept of a Matrix of parameters and data types to define realisations of survey standards and specifications. This Matrix alone is not a standard. It should be considered as a reference to specifying dedicated surveys, as appropriate, and to provide a tool for a broader classification of surveys. It is, by design, expandable and can evolve in future S-44 versions. Annex A provides guidance on how the Matrix can be used for specification and classification of surveys. S-44 vocabulary has been revised in order to more closely align with references typically used in metrology (e.g. Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement). Horizontal positioning standards for aids to navigation have been revised and standards on their vertical positioning have been added. Emphasis has been placed upon the main components of hydrographic surveys while being technology independent. While the hydrographic surveyor may have some flexibility on how to conduct survey operations, it remains the decision of the responsible authority on whether the standard has been achieved. Furthermore, the surveyor is an essential component of the survey process and must possess sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to operate the system to the required standard. Measuring this can be difficult, although surveying qualifications may be a basis in making this assessment. Available education in this field is (amongst others) Category A and/or B educational programme formed by International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), International Cartographic Association (ICA). The information contained in annexes B, C, and D provide some guidance on quality control, data processing, and considerations for gridded bathymetry. These Annexes are not an integral part of the S-44 Standards and will be removed when the information therein is fully incorporated into IHO Publication C-13, Manual on Hydrography. Note: The publication of this new edition of the standard does not invalidate surveys, or the safety of navigation products based on surveys conducted in accordance with previous editions.