Hydrographic Office

A hydrographic office is the national agency responsible for surveying its waters and producing the official nautical charts, sailing directions, tide tables, and notices to mariners. Examples are the UK Hydrographic Office and NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, national bodies that together form the membership of the International Hydrographic Organization. The office surveys its charts to IHO S-44, compiles paper and electronic navigational charts to the IHO S-57 and newer S-100 standards, and issues the weekly notices that keep those charts current. SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 9 obliges Contracting Governments to arrange for the collection of hydrographic data and the publication of charts for safe navigation, the treaty basis for the national office.