THIS CIRCULAR LETTER REQUIRES YOU TO VOTE
IHO File Nos. S3/8151/HSSC-S3/0104 CIRCULAR LETTER 64/2017
16 November 2017
CALL FOR APPROVAL FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE ADOPTION PROCESS OF HSSC
AND IRCC RECOMMENDATIONS
References:
A. IHO Resolution 2/2007 as amended – Principles and Procedures for Making Changes to IHO
Technical Standards and Specifications
B. IHO CL 55/2017 dated 31 October – Outcome of the 1st Meeting of the IHO Council
C. Convention on the International Hydrographic Organization
D. General Regulations of the IHO
E. Rules of Procedure of the IHO Council
F. Rules of Procedure of the IHO Assembly
Dear Hydrographer,
1. As reported in Reference B, the first meeting of the IHO Council (C-1) reviewed the general tasks,
responsibilities and scope of empowerment of this new organ of the Organization in the light of the Basic
Documents (References C, D, E and F). Recognizing the intent of the revision process of the IHO
Convention to gain flexibility and responsiveness, it was recommended that the subsidiary organs, namely
the Hydrographic Services and Standards Committee (HSSC) and the Inter-Regional Coordination
Committee (IRCC), should continue to work as it was before the establishment of the Council to prevent
an additional delay in the procedure for adoption of technical standards and recommendations. The
Council identified the need for clarification to be brought to the 2nd Session of the Assembly (A-2)
regarding the operational control of subsidiary organs, in view of the routine approval process for their
respective proposals (See Reference B, Action C1/05).
2. Meanwhile, the Council agreed to propose to the Member States to pursue until A-2, the procedure
that was in force before the establishment of the Council, for approving the recommendations made by
HSSC and IRCC. This applies in particular, but is not limited to, the standards and publications listed in
Appendix 1 of IHO Resolution 2/2007 as amended (See References A and C – Decision C1/03). It is
noted, however, that some flexibility in the process was requested by the Council. As a consequence, it
will remain the prerogative of the Chairs of HSSC and IRCC to appreciate and determine the need to
approach the Council for recommendations on issues of strategic relevance.
3. Member States are now requested to consider the proposal of the IHO Council as described in
paragraph 2 above, for the continuation of the adoption process of HSSC and IRCC recommendations by
providing their reply on the Voting Form in Annex, at their earliest convenience and no later than 31
January 2018.
On behalf of the Secretary-General
Yours sincerely,
Abri KAMPFER
Director
Annex: Voting Form
Mapping our Seas, Oceans and Waterways - more important than ever
Annex to
IHO CL 64/2017
IHO File No. S3/8151/HSSC-S3/0104
APPROVAL FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE ADOPTION PROCESS OF HSSC AND
IRCC RECOMMENDATIONS
Voting Form
(to be returned to the IHO Secretariat by 31 January 2018)
E-mail:
[email protected] - Fax: +377 93 10 81 40
Note: The boxes will expand as you type your answers.
Member State:
Contact:
E-mail:
Do you approve the continuation of the adoption process of HSSC and IRCC recommendations (tick
the appropriate box)?
YES NO
If you answer ‘NO’, please explain your reasons in the comment section below.
Comments:
Signature :
Date :
A-1
Dear Hydrographer,
Please find attached herewith :
CL 64/2017 : CALL FOR APPROVAL FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE ADOPTION
PROCESS OF HSSC AND IRCC RECOMMENDATIONS.
Kind regards
Lorene Chavagnas
Office Assistant
International Hydrographic Organization
BP 445, 98011 Monaco
Tel : 00377 93 10 81 00