We have 50 Members globally and are always looking to welcome new Members.
Bilateral Arrangement and Statement of Intent to Join
The method of joining IC-ENC is normally through a Bilateral Arrangement. This covers the services which will be provided, and how the costs of these services will be covered. As operator of IC-ENC HQ in Taunton, the UK Hydrographic Office supports IC-ENC with the Bilateral Arrangement process.
However, the joint signing of a Bilateral Arrangement between two HOs can be a lengthy process, and this can introduce delays in the issuing of ENC coverage to the mariner. In order to address this, IC-ENC has the option of a 'Statement of Intent to Join' document. The signing of this document by both IC-ENC and the HO means that the HO can benefit from the full range of IC-ENC services whilst the process of signing the Bilateral Arrangement continues to completion, ensuring that the ENC coverage can be in use as soon as possible.
Cooperation Arrangement
IC-ENC focuses its cooperation activities around a multi-lateral arrangement known as the 'Cooperation Arrangement', or CoA. The purpose of the CoA is to provide a framework for strengthening international cooperation between HOs in the production, quality assurance, promotion and distribution of ENC data.
The CoA sets out the terms of reference of a Steering Committee whose role is to help to define IC-ENC policies and direction, and to oversee and review the activities of the IC-ENC offices in line with these policies.
Each member is invited and encouraged to participate in the IC-ENC Steering Committee.
