Baltic Sea International Charting Scheme
The Baltic Sea International Charting Coordination Working Group (BSICCWG) is a vital subsidiary body of the Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission (BSHC), dedicated to maintaining and coordinating the Baltic Sea International Chart Scheme (BICS). This scheme, a coordinated system of standardized nautical charts and publications covering the Baltic Sea, ensures up-to-date and harmonized navigation information across Baltic states.
The BSICCWG was established in 1983, following a proposal at the first BSHC meeting in Helsinki. Mr. Jarmo Mäkinen, who has been working at the Finnish Hydrographic Office since 1988 and holds a University Degree in Geography from the University of Helsinki, currently chairs the group.
In April 2014, the second meeting of the BSICCWG was held in Helsinki, Finland. During this meeting, various issues were discussed, including guidance for using names on INT chart titles, the review of Baltic Sea ENC harmonization recommendations, and the status of gaps and overlaps in the Baltic Sea. Revisions to the Baltic Sea INT Chart Scheme were noted, and the possible use of 5 digit INT chart numbers was proposed.
The BSICCWG is tasked with developing and maintaining an integrated international chart scheme for the region, in accordance with various IHO guidelines and standards, including S-57, S-11 Part A, S-4, and S-?? (when published). The group also coordinates the allocation of production responsibilities for paper and electronic charts (INT charts and ENC).
Cooperation between neighboring Chart Coordinating Groups should be increased, especially in ENC harmonization actions between working groups and other Regional Hydrographic Commissions (RHCs). Analysis of depth contour intervals in use was conducted, and additional 15m depth contours on ENCs were discussed.
The plans for developing a IHO RENC/WENC concept could mean the possible expansion of tasks for International Chart Coordination Groups. The BSICCWG is required to provide advice on chart schemes to individual Member States, in order to encourage adherence to IHO charting regulations, specifications, and standards.
The BSICCWG work is done in collaboration with the Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission, which focuses on developing and maintaining official nautical charts for the Baltic Sea region, in both paper and digital formats. The development of the IHO GIS database, including INT chart Schemes, is seen as a crucial aid for maintaining the Baltic Sea INT Chart Scheme.
The role of the BSICCWG is crucial in supporting safety of navigation and marine environmental protection in the Baltic Sea through consistent, high-quality nautical charts aligned with international standards. The group's main activities include coordination and harmonization of Baltic Sea charts among countries, promoting regional cooperation in hydrographic data acquisition and chart production, updating and maintaining the Baltic Sea International Chart Scheme to ensure it meets current maritime safety and environmental requirements, and providing a platform for communication and collaboration between Baltic hydrographic offices and related stakeholders.
- The BSICCWG, through nautical charting and the use of data-and-cloud-computing technology, is striving to maintain a harmonized and up-to-date Baltic Sea International Chart Scheme, thereby enhancing navigation safety and marine environmental protection.
- In line with IHO guidelines such as S-57, S-11 Part A, S-4, and future S-?? standards, the BSICCWG is tasked with developing an integrated international chart scheme for the region, leveraging technology to coordinate the allocation of production responsibilities for both paper and electronic charts.
