Nominations sought for FIG/IHO/ICA-recognized hydrographic science MSc
The IHO Secretariat is inviting nominations for the next intake of the Category “A” MSc in Hydrographic Science at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a flagship programme within the IHO’s wider capacity-building agenda. As the sector increasingly depends on highly trained specialists to support safe navigation, coastal resilience and the expanding blue economy, strengthening professional expertise in hydrography has never been more essential. Nominations for the 14th cohort of this FIG/IHO/ICA-recognized course should be submitted by 11 January 2026.
The two selected candidates will follow an intensive curriculum covering the full workflow of modern hydrography. The programme provides in-depth training in the planning and preparation of hydrographic surveys, data acquisition, processing and analysis, and the application of rigorous quality assurance procedures aligned with international hydrographic standards. Participants also gain hands-on experience in electronic navigational chart production and a wide range of additional subjects central to contemporary hydrographic practice.
Strengthening hydrographic capacity
Beyond academic instruction, the opportunity includes financial support intended to remove most barriers to participation. Tuition fees are covered, and students receive funding for travel, accommodation, medical insurance, learning materials and a living allowance, enabling them to focus fully on their studies and practical training.
According to IHO Director Luigi Sinapi, the programme equips emerging hydrographers with the ability to generate, validate and deliver accurate hydrographic data – skills that underpin science-based, resilient decision-making in coastal planning, maritime navigation and the sustainable use of marine resources. He notes that today’s hydrographers are entering a global community that plays a critical role in ensuring safe navigation, supporting sustainable development, informing marine policy and enabling future scientific advancement.
The growing complexity of maritime environments underscores the value of such training. Climate change, rising sea levels and rapid technological evolution are redefining the demands placed on hydrographic services worldwide. As reliable, high-resolution ocean data becomes indispensable across sectors – from infrastructure and offshore energy to environmental management and national policy – the discipline’s relevance continues to rise. Hydrography offers a broad range of career paths, whether offshore, onshore, technically oriented or focused on international cooperation and policy, making it an increasingly attractive field for the next generation of ocean professionals.
For more information, see here.
