IBSC Category B program

S-8B Marine Geospatial Information

Nautical cartography & chart production build the competencies for modern chart compilation and production workflows.

Online Sept–April4–6 wk cartographic project6 Core Areas
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Marine geospatial information training at IIC Academy

About the program

Charting the future of navigation

Nautical cartography supports safe navigation, marine resource management, and national maritime development. The S-8B program equips students with the competencies required for modern nautical chart compilation and production workflows, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Recognised by the FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence (IBSC) as a Category B program, S-8B combines instructor-led online theory with guided practical exercises and a Comprehensive Cartographic Project that simulates real operational chart production.

Graduates gain competencies aligned with IHO S-8 Category B standards, prepared for operational roles in chart compilation and marine geospatial production worldwide.

8
Months theory

Instructor-led online modules, typically September–April

4–6
Weeks CCP

Comprehensive Cartographic Project

6
Core areas

The full S-8B marine geospatial competency framework

IBSC

Recognised by the FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence.

Curriculum

Six core competency areas

01

Foundations of Marine Geospatial Information

Core principles of marine geospatial data, nautical charting fundamentals, and the role of geospatial information in maritime safety.

02

Data Assessment & Compilation

Working with S-57 data, assessing source quality, applying production tools, and compiling geospatial datasets for chart production.

03

Chart Production & Validation

End-to-end chart production workflows including compilation, symbolisation, validation, and quality assurance.

04

Marine Environment

Oceanography, geology, and Law of the Sea as they relate to marine geospatial data and nautical chart content.

05

Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure & S-100

Foundational S-100 concepts, spatial data infrastructure principles, and the future of digital nautical charting and ECDIS.

06

Remote Sensing for Marine Applications

Principles of satellite and airborne remote sensing and how they support marine geospatial data collection.

Program delivery

How the program is delivered

Instructor-led theory
September — April

Instructor-led online or on-site theory

  • Live webinars introducing each module topic
  • Guided practical exercises using real geospatial datasets
  • E-learning modules with structured assessments
  • Foundations of marine geospatial information and nautical charting
  • Data assessment, compilation, and chart production workflows
  • S-57, S-4, and foundational S-100 concepts
Comprehensive Cartographic Project
May — August

Comprehensive Cartographic Project

  • Apply all theory to a real chart production workflow
  • Assess and compile source data for chart production
  • Produce nautical chart products meeting IHO standards
  • Validate and quality-check all outputs
  • Prepare and present a final cartographic report
  • Simulates operational chart production environments
Blended delivery
Blended delivery

Designed for working professionals

  • Study online while maintaining your current role
  • Structured schedule with clear milestones and deadlines
  • Instructor support throughout theory and CCP phases
  • Access to professional cartographic software and datasets
  • International student cohorts from diverse backgrounds
  • Region-dependent CCP scheduling for flexibility

Program schedule

A typical program year

All dates are tentative and provided as a general guide only. Actual dates vary by intake, region, and scheduling — the CCP phase timing is region-dependent. Contact admissions for confirmed dates.

1
August

Students gain LMS access and begin familiarisation — review introductory materials, explore the platform, and prepare for the theory phase.

2
September — April

Instructor-led theory: live webinars, e-learning modules, guided exercises, and formal assessments across all six competency areas.

3
April

All theory modules and assessments finalised. Students confirm eligibility to progress to the Comprehensive Cartographic Project.

4
May — August

The CCP commences — apply theory to a real chart production workflow producing IHO-standard products. Timing is region-dependent.

Prerequisites

Who the program is for

This program is designed for

  • Early-career cartographers looking to formalise their skills
  • GIS and geospatial professionals moving into marine cartography
  • Hydrographic and maritime staff involved in chart production
  • Candidates seeking certification in nautical chart production
  • Professionals preparing for S-100 and digital charting standards

To apply you will need

  • Current CV outlining your professional and academic background
  • Academic transcripts or diploma from a relevant field
  • Two professional references from supervisors or academic contacts
  • English language proficiency sufficient to follow technical training
  • Background in GIS, geography, cartography, or geomatics preferred
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