The MesoAmerican-Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC) is an integral part of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). The Commission promotes the aims of the IHO at the regional level in an advisory, scientific, and technical capacity. The MACHC endeavors to assist the Hydrographic Services, or institutions responsible for hydrography and navigation, of the Member countries.

Documents and other information about IHO Commissions and their meetings can be found on the IHO web site under "Commissions." The Strategic Planning Working Group (SPWG) is a special working group representing the Region which is involved in the study of the IHO as an organization and how to improve its function.

Primary aims of the MesoAmerican-Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission are:

• To promote technical co-operation and training in the domain of hydrographic surveying, marine cartography and nautical information.
• To examine in its area of interest, matters with which the IHO is concerned.
• To stimulate all countries of the Region to expand their hydrographic activities and to encourage them to seek advice and technical assistance from the IHO and other organizations in order to strengthen their hydrographic capabilities.
• To facilitate the exchange of information related to surveys, research and/or scientific and technical development to assist in planning and organizing the hydrographic activities in the widest sense of the aims, but without interference in national responsibilities.
• To implement the INT Chart Scheme for the Region and to monitor its suitability.
• To carry out studies and projects through working groups of the Commission or as a working group of the IHO when deemed necessary.

The Commission generally meets in ordinary Conference in a country of the Region on a biannual basis. The Members are represented at the Conferences by the heads of the Hydrographic Authorities or their nominees or, where such services do not exist, by heads of national authorities responsible for hydrography and navigation.

Non Member Countries of the Region and the Coordinators of adjacent INT-Chart Regions are generally invited to send representatives to attend the Commission Conferences as Observers.

Additional Information and Materials:

• Committees – Section describing the major committees of the MesoAmerican Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission
• List of Meetings – Section providing information about important meetings that have occurred or are planned
• Documents – Section providing important documents and reference materials
• Training – Section providing information on training opportunities and a place to identify training needs

(top)