International Hydrographic Organization
Full Form of IHO
What is IHO?
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental consultative and technical organization that was established in 1921 to support the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. It sets global standards for hydrographic surveying, nautical charting, and the exchange of marine data. India has been an active member of the IHO since its early days, contributing to the production of navigational charts for the Indian Ocean region. The IHO's standards are used by the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and port authorities to ensure safer shipping lanes and efficient maritime traffic management. The organization is frequently referenced in discussions on marine policy, ocean governance, and international maritime law. For competitive exams such as UPSC Civil Services, understanding the role of the IHO is useful in the context of international organizations and India's maritime security framework. The IHO also collaborates with other bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission to advance global hydrography. In India, the National Hydrographic Office under the Indian Navy implements IHO standards for domestic charting needs.
IHO का फुल फॉर्म
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय जलमापन संगठन
Example
The Indian Navy, following IHO guidelines, recently updated its navigational charts for the Andaman Sea to improve safety for commercial vessels.