The Bahamas Formally Recognised as Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization

For Immediate Release – 18 May 2026

NEW PROVIDENCE, The Bahamas — The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has been formally recognised as a Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), participating in the Opening Ceremony and Flag Presentation of the 26th Session of the IHO General Assembly, held recently [20 to 23 April 2026] in Monaco.

The flag ceremony, a tradition that formally acknowledges new IHO members before the full General Assembly, marked a milestone in The Bahamas’ international maritime engagement, symbolising the nation’s integration into the global hydrographic community.

The IHO General Assembly is the Organisation’s principal decision-making forum, convening Member States to advance international cooperation in hydrography, marine geospatial information, and maritime safety. This 26th session, hosted in Monaco, brings together nations from across the world to address ocean mapping, navigational safety, and marine governance.

 


L to R - Albert II, Prince of Monaco; Kimberley Lam, Head of MOAB; and Mathias Jonas, outgoing Secretary General of IHO


L to R – Albert II, Prince of Monaco; Kimberley Lam, Head of MOAB; and Mathias Jonas, outgoing Secretary General of IHO

For The Bahamas, an archipelagic nation with one of the largest maritime zones in the Western Hemisphere, membership in the IHO represents a natural and strategic extension of its ocean and maritime policy commitments. Participation directly supports the nation’s interests in safe navigation, hydrographic and geospatial capacity development, and the sustainable governance of its coastal and marine spaces.

The Bahamian delegation attending the Opening Ceremony comprised:

  • Mr. Duane Miller, Director, Bahamas National Geographic Information Services Centre (BNGIS)
  • Ms. Kimberley Lam, Head of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ms. Gabrielle Hudson, GIS Analyst, Bahamas National Geographic Information Services Centre (BNGIS)

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas looks forward to engaging constructively with fellow Member States throughout the 26th session and to contributing meaningfully to the IHO’s ongoing work in support of safe navigation, shared marine knowledge, and the sustainable use of the world’s oceans.

 

For media enquiries, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau. The link to the ceremony’s video is provided: https://youtu.be/y30IA3vBoKg?si=teQwUSJ86_uA7z5M