Hydrographic Surveying and Naval Cartography Learning Opportunities
The International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC) continues to uphold its mission of maintaining and improving standards in hydrography and nautical cartography, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The IBSC, a joint venture of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the International Cartographic Association (ICA), and the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), operates under its Terms of Reference, Code of Ethics, and established Rules of Procedure. Its meetings, which previously took place in person, are now conducted online.
The IBSC considers twelve courses and two certification schemes during its meetings, and it has published guidelines to help institutions implement its standards effectively. These include the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers, as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to clarify any queries.
The IBSC's Standards separate Category A and B Standards, emphasising the importance of institutions understanding this distinction. The Standards for Hydrographic Surveyors (S-5A/B) and Nautical Cartographers (S-8A/B) are available on the IHO website.
Captain Leonel Manteigas, the Assistant Director of the IHO and a recognised Category A course holder in Hydrography, has been appointed as the IBSC's Secretary. Two new members, Professor Harald Sternberg (FIG) and Dr. Arata Sengoku (IHO), have also joined the board.
Professor Sternberg's research areas include mobile mapping systems, low-cost sensors, mass data analysis using artificial intelligence, autonomous underwater vehicles, and automated analysis of underwater images. Dr. Sengoku, a consultant of hydrography and cartography at Aero Asahi Corporation, holds a PhD in Satellite Geodesy and was the Chief Hydrographer of Japan and vice chairman of the East Asia Hydrographic Commission from 2016 to 2018.
The IBSC encourages closer adherence to its Guidance to improve the general education levels of students. It believes that this will simplify the task of preparing submissions and shorten the review period. Institutions will evaluate students to ensure that they have achieved each learning outcome according to the IBSC's Standards, which describe Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO's) using verbs that are detailed under Bloom's taxonomy.
In adapting to the pandemic, the IBSC, like many international professional boards and educational institutions, has shifted from traditional face-to-face teaching and assessment to hybrid or fully online modes. This transition has presented challenges, such as ensuring strict competence standards despite remote instruction, access to practical training and hands-on surveys, technological and connectivity issues for international students, and maintaining international cooperation and standardization activities.
For the IBSC specifically, these adaptations would likely include the incorporation of digital tools for teaching theory and possibly simulated exercises, while in-person practical assessments and hydrographic training might have faced delays or required strict safety protocols.
To obtain precise and up-to-date information on the IBSC's status, including how Covid-19 has affected their operations, teaching methods, and institutional challenges, direct sources from IBSC or affiliated hydrographic education institutions would be needed.
As the IBSC continues its mission, it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in hydrography and nautical cartography, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
During meetings conducted online, the IBSC considers learning materials like twelve courses and two certification schemes, and has published guidelines to aid institutions in implementing its standards effectively, such as the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers.
Amidst the shift to online learning due to the pandemic, personal growth and learning opportunities are still available through digital tools that the IBSC might incorporate for teaching theory and possibly simulated exercises, although in-person practical assessments and hydrographic training might face delays or require strict safety protocols.
