Outcomes of the MACHC-18 meeting

The 18th Meso American & Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC-18) hosted by Cuba is, as always, a very fruitful meeting for the IALA World-Wide Academy (WWA). Several countries informed on how they implemented the recommendations of an IALA WWA mission. It was found to be an important step in the preparation of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme. Several of these countries decided to share the IALA WWA report with sister organisations (IMO&IHO) and Primary Charting Authorities. This is an important step to avoid duplication of work done by organisations. United Kingdom Hydrographic Office expressed to find it very valuable information and these reports would be used to further update nautical charts. The WWA invites all countries who received a mission to follow this good practice and for the governments to consider sharing the reports as well.

The WWA plans to conduct a technical mission in Cuba. I could start preparing for this mission on the spot as Cuba presented the new charts produced by Edimar. I want to thank Cuba for hosting this meeting very professionally and look forward to future cooperation.