IHO NIPWG Endorses New Guide for Nautical Data 2.1 to Enhance Maritime Safety and Data Quality

The International Hydrographic Organization Nautical Information Provision Work Group (IHO NIPWG) recently voted to endorse the new Guide for Nautical Data 2.1 during a meeting on 4 December 2024. This guide, developed with input from members of the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) worldwide, aims to assist hydrographic offices and port authorities in meeting their responsibilities under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, Regulation 9. This regulation sets out standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation to ensure safety, with a focus on the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information crucial for safe navigation.

The Guide for Nautical Data 2.1 emphasizes the importance of hydrographic surveys and the preparation of essential information such as nautical charts, sailing directions, lists of lights, and tide tables. It highlights the need for coordination between hydrographic offices and port authorities to ensure the timely and accurate production of consistent nautical publications. IHMA President Paul O’Regan emphasized the significance of SOLAS in safeguarding seafarers’ lives and highlighted the guide’s role in enhancing data quality and exchange between ports and hydrographic offices.

IHO Director Dr. John Nyberg expressed satisfaction with the guide’s release, emphasizing its support for seafarers worldwide and its contribution to fulfilling SOLAS obligations. Captain Ben van Scherpenzeel, Chairman of the International Taskforce Port Call Optimization (ITPCO) and Project Officer Nautical Information of IHMA, highlighted the collaborative effort of subject matter experts from hydrographic offices, shipping lines, and ports in achieving this milestone to improve nautical data quality and availability.

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