Panama is making progress in its accession process to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) following a meeting held in Monaco, the entity's headquarters. The meeting was led by Ana Helena Altamirano, Consul General of Panama in Marseille, and Alexander de Gracia, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), who held bilateral talks to finalize the details of the country's accession. Yanytzel Duarte, Second Secretary of the Consulate, also participated in the Panamanian delegation.
The legal framework for this accession was approved by Law 479 of August 14, 2025, published in the Official Gazette, which endorses Panama's incorporation into the IHO Convention (Monaco, 1967). Subsequently, the Directorate General of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries (DGPIMA) sent the official note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that the instrument of accession could be transmitted through diplomatic channels to the Principality of Monaco.
"The final procedure is streamlined: a note from the Government of Panama to the Government of Monaco is enough for membership to be automatic, without the need for additional procedures," explained the deputy administrator of the AMP.
Panama's representation before the IHO will be jointly carried out by the AMP and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).
With this accession, Panama assumes commitments aligned with the International Maritime Organization's SOLAS Convention, which guarantees navigation safety through adequate hydrographic services; and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which relates to the use of nautical charts in maritime and border delimitation. The creation of the National Hydrographic Coordination Committee and the strengthening of the National Hydrographic Service will also be promoted.
Strategic benefits
Being part of the IHO will bring significant benefits, including: high returns on hydrographic investment, strengthening of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), and contributions to the development of the blue economy.
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It is also expected to increase efficiency in port operations, reduce risks, and increase safety during maneuvers, as well as generate additional revenue through the sale of printed and electronic nautical charts (ENCs), which can be updated more frequently.
Panama will also gain high-level international representation, as countries with the largest tonnage, like ours, have automatic access to a seat on the IHO Council, strengthening its voice in global hydrographic governance.
The IHO, established in 1921, is an intergovernmental entity that coordinates the work of the hydrographic offices of the Member States. Its work includes the development and standardization of nautical charts, the publication of best practices in hydrographic surveys, and the development of technical capabilities to ensure that seas, oceans, and navigable waters are adequately charted and safe for navigation.
