Levels of Certification
The International Hydrographic Certification Scheme (ACLS IHCS) has three levels of certification:
- Certified Hydrographer (CH)
- Certified Hydrographic Technician (CHTech)
- Certified Hydrographic Executive (CHE)
Candidates enrolled in a first-year post-secondary education program can apply for a Level 1 or 2 certification and be designated as “in training”.
Candidate Application Documentation
Certification is open to both ACLS-commissioned and non-commissioned offshore surveyors and hydrographers, in Canada and abroad. Certification at each level is attained through multiple structured pathways, each grounded in recognized hydrographic competencies, operational experience, and educational attainment. There are paths available in both Level 1 and 2 for non-holders of IBSC-Accredited Category A or B training.
To learn more about what is required for certification, please download the Candidate Handbook and visit the Forms Page to download and complete all documentation required to apply for certification.
Renewal of your Certification
The first year of your certification is valid for the year in which it was conferred.
Beginning January 1 of the subsequent year, you will be required to renew your certification annually, to demonstrate that you are maintaining certification level competence.
Once your renewal fee has been paid, and the renewal documentation has been submitted and approved by ACLS, you will receive a renewal sticker to affix to your IHCS certificate, for the appropriate year. The required documentation and fee for renewal are due on 01 January, therefore we recommend submitting your renewal request 30 to 45 days before the due date, to remain in good standing.
Renewal Forms:
ACLS IHCS Renewal Form (WORD)
ACLS IHCS Experience Logbook for Certificate Renewal (WORD)
Please refer to the Certification Renewal section of the ACLS IHCS Candidate Handbook for more information and requirements for renewal of your certification.
Frequently Asked Application or Renewal Questions
What happens after I submit my application for certification?
Once your application is submitted through the online application form, you will receive an automated confirmation of submission receipt to the email address provided in your application. For new applications, the Registrar contacts the International Hydrographic Certification Panel (IHCP). The IHCP will assign a sub-group of 3 panel members to review the qualifications of the applicant. Using transcripts from educational institutions, experience via logbooks, references and the mandatory completion of projects and project reports, the IHCP will receive an evaluation report from the sub-group with recommendation(s) regarding certification of the applicant. The IHCP then either accepts, rejects or amends the recommendation(s) and the decision is provided to the candidate by ACLS. Processing of a new application may take between 2-6 weeks.
Where do I enter my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) information?
All certified individuals shall be required to ensure that their continuing professional development has been entered via the GeoEd website prior to 01 January for the previous calendar year (01 January to 31 December). This information will be scrutinized by the ACLS Registrar during the renewal process.
I studied hydrography during my post-secondary education. Are there any exemptions for me?
A graduate from an IBSC-recognized Category S-5A (Cat A) or S-5B (Cat B) academic program, with relevant hydrographic experience, may submit a request to ACLS to become a Certified Hydrographer at the CH, CHE, or CHTech level, depending upon their qualifications. An individual who did not graduate from a Cat A or Cat B program but has a degree or diploma from a geospatial educational program from anywhere around the world, plus relevant hydrographic experience, may also apply to become a certified hydrographer at the CH, CHE or CHTech level, dependent upon their qualifications.
I have a CLS Commission. Am I exempted from renewal within the IHCS?
No, you are not exempt. As a CLS, you will be required to complete most of the renewal requirements for your Hydrographic Certification; however, you are exempted from the requirement to provide a completed ACLS IHCS – Experience Logbook for the previous calendar year. Please refer to the Certification Renewal section of the ACLS IHCS Candidate Handbook for more information and requirements for renewal of your certification.
