Hydrographic Surveying and Nautical Cartography Studies
IBSC Adapts to Covid-19 while Maintaining Focus on Hydrographic Standards
The International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC) continues its crucial work in the field of hydrography, adapting to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a significant move, the core content of the Standards for Hydrographic Surveyors (S-5A/B) and Nautical Cartographers (S-8A/B) has been streamlined, with options removed to ensure the necessary skills are shared by all professionals in the field. These Standards, along with companion documents like the Guidelines and FAQ, can be found on the IHO website.
The new Secretary of the IBSC is Captain Leonel Manteigas, an officer of the Portuguese Navy with a recognized Category A course in Hydrography. His appointment was made by the IHO.
The IBSC expects a degree of elaboration in submitted programs, such as lectures, tutorials, practicals, or assignments, for each activity. The board believes that closer adherence to its Guidance will elevate the general education levels of students and simplify the task of preparing submissions.
Despite the pandemic, the IBSC continues to receive submissions, both of programs and certification schemes, and the review process leading to an online IBSC44 in April 2021 has commenced.
The IBSC has identified common shortfalls in some submissions that frequently delay their recognition. These include a lack of understanding of the separation between Category A and B Standards, and a lack of familiarity with the concept of constructive alignment. The separation of these categories and the adoption of the constructive alignment approach were approved in 2012.
Institutions can offer unique programs within this framework, directed towards specific needs, while retaining core competencies. Each Module should cover around 6 - 8 Intended Learning Outcomes, and testing of students should be directed at assessing their competencies to perform these outcomes.
The IBSC's Standards are designed to reflect "minimum Standards," and some institutions are encouraged to go further in their objectives. However, simply presenting the content of the Standards verbatim in submissions is not acceptable.
The IBSC's annual plenary meeting involves reviewing and recognizing educational programs in hydrographic surveying and nautical cartography. Due to the pandemic, reviews are currently being conducted by correspondence and online discussions.
The IBSC has received support in hosting internships focused on the revision of the Standards of Competence for different categories, signaling continuous efforts to maintain and improve competence standards in hydrography.
The IBSC's membership comprises ten members, with four each from FIG and IHO, and two from ICA. The Secretary is provided by IHO. Two new Members have recently joined the IBSC: Professor Harald Sternberg (a FIG representative) and Dr. Arata Sengoku (an IHO representative).
In August 2025, the IBSC hosted training sessions such as the AFHY Hydro3 in Brest, France, which combined theoretical and practical hydrography skills aligned with IHO standards like S-44. This training program, supported by partners including the UK Hydrographic Office Gender Balance Fund, the EWH Project, Shom, and ENSTA Bretagne, demonstrates the board's ongoing commitment to hydrographic education despite pandemic challenges.
Additional updates from August 2025 also mention the IBSC in the context of hydrographic research and technology testing, indicating that the board remains actively engaged in hydrographic standards and competence development.
Overall, despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19, the IBSC has adapted by continuing training, internship programs, and standards revision efforts, maintaining progress in its strategic goals.
[1] Source: [Insert Citation Here] [2] Source: [Insert Citation Here]
- The IBSC, amidst the pandemic, has shifted its education and self-development resources online, offering hydrographic survey courses that allow professionals to continue learning and advancing their skills.
- In the face of the ongoing pandemic, the IBSC has shown a commitment to the continuous improvement of hydrographic survey standards by conducting hydrographic survey online education, such as the review process for the online IBSC44 in April 2021.
