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International Bathymetric Chart of the Western Indian Ocean

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IBCWIO - project specifications

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Annex to Resolution EC-XXI.9 Terms of Reference for the Editorial Board for the International Bathymetric Chart of the Western Indian Ocean

The IOC Editorial Board for the International Bathymetric Chart of the Western Indian Ocean Shall:

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS

Supervise the preparation and publication of the IOC International Bathymetric Chart of the Western Indian Ocean (IBCWIO) using all available bathymetric data as input to the series, taking into account, in particular, the holdings in the World Data Center for Bathymetry (IHO) and World Data Service for Geophysics, and subsequently consider the preparation and publication of overlay sheets of geological and geophysical parameters.

2. PROGRAMME DEVELOPEMENT

2.1 PLANNING

Prepare a detailed plan of action for carrying out the project, to be submitted to the IOC Consultative Group on Ocean Mapping (CGOM) for its consideration.

2.2 PROMOTION

Promote the IBCWIO and related supporting activities in the Member States of the IOC Regional Committee for the Co-operative Investigation in the North and Central Western Indian Ocean (IOCINCWIO) and in their marine scientific communities.

2.3 CO-ORDINATION

Identify the participating entities (institutions, individual scientists and experts), keep them informed of the actions that each of them is expected to undertake in the implementation of the IBCWIO and on activities being undertaken by the other participating entities, so as to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and to optimize results.

2.4 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVICE

Advise the participating entities, as appropriate, of the methods and procedures to be used in carrying out the work related to the agreed project and activities and on any methodological questions falling within the Editorial Board's competence.
Advise the Member States of the Regional Committee of IOCINCWIO on the requirements for Training, Education, and Mutual Assistance in the Marine Sciences (TEMA) related to the IBCWIO and advise the IOC of these requirements.

2.5 COLLABORATION

Collaborate with the IOC Consultative Group on Ocean Mapping concerning the technical specifications for the IBCWIO, taking into account the specifications for "International Bathymetric Charts" produced under Regional Mapping Projects (Annex IV to Document IOC/CGOM-II/3) and, when appropriate, with similar Editorial Boards and other expert groups active in the field of ocean mapping.

2.6 EVALUATION

Evaluate progress in the implementation of the agreed project and activities, with a view to proposing new approaches or new directions in the light of results achieved.

3. OTHER FUNCTIONS

3.1 TECHNICAL POLICY

Advise the Member States participating in the IBCWIO on technical requirements for the effective implementation of the agreed project and activities for the achievement of the Editorial Board's objectives in this field.

3.2 REPORTING

Present a report on its activities and progress to each session of the Consultative Group on Ocean Mapping and inform the Regional Committee for the Co-operative Investigation in the North and Central Western Indian Ocean (IOCINCWIO) on scientific and technical aspects of its activities.

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