Panama will participate for the first time in the Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (OHI), after formalizing its membership in this organization. This was announced this Friday, April 17, 2026 by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) in a statement.
The assembly will be held from April 19 to 23, 2026 in Monaco, where the Panamanian delegation will deliver the national flag to Albert II of Monacoin an act that marks the incorporation of the country to this international organization.
The accession, approved by the Law 479 of 2025will allow Panama to contribute to the safety of navigation, the protection of human life at sea and the conservation of the marine environment. In addition, it strengthens its role as one of the main flag States and key node of global maritime trade, highlighted the AMP in the statement released this Friday.
Meanwhile, the director of the IHO, Luigi Sinapi, highlighted that the incorporation of Panama will contribute to improving the quality of nautical charts, the safety of navigation and the resilience of maritime trade, in addition to promoting international technical cooperation.
As a member, Panama will be able to participate in the development of global hydrographic standards, such as the S-100 model, and integrate into initiatives such as Seabed 2030, aimed at mapping the ocean floor worldwide.
As detailed on its website, the OHI is an intergovernmental body that works to ensure that all of the world’s seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and mapped. Established in 1921, it coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices and promotes uniformity in nautical charts and documents.
