Hydrographic Survey Category B Course

recognized by the FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC)

Summary

CIDCO offers a professional Category B Hydrography Training Program that complies with the S-5 Standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
This program is recognized by the International Board on Standards of Competence (IBSC) for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (FIG/IHO/ICA).
The training is delivered in a flexible hybrid format : 33 weeks of online theoretical training, followed by 7 weeks of hands-on fieldwork in Québec, Canada.
The program covers all key aspects of hydrography, including : geodesy, positioning, underwater acoustics, bathymetry, tides and water levels, and hydrographic data management.

Next cohort (2025–2026 session)

Application deadline	August 31 2025
Start of Online Training	October 2025
Field Phase	Summer 2026 (Québec, Canada)

✅ Why choose this training program?

Internationally Recognized Certification

Accredited by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), and the International Cartographic Association (ICA), this program meets the S-5 standards of competence for hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers.

Bilingual Training

Available in both French and English.

Official Certificate

Upon completion of the program, you will receive an official certificate confirming your status as a Category B Hydrographic Surveyor recognized by the IHO.

A Borderless Career

The maritime industry is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for hydrographic surveyors for offshore, coastal, and inland water surveys. Career opportunities include:

Port and dredging operations
Coastal construction
Oil and gas industry
Private hydrographic survey companies
Government agencies and public institutions

Stay Home Longer

The theoretical portion of the program is delivered remotely through our learning platform. With guidance from our instructors, you can learn at your own pace—no need to travel—until the field phase begins.

Applied Final Project

You will complete a full hydrographic survey based on a real-world project, using professional-grade equipment and following current industry standards.