The U.S. Hydrographer Certification program, administered by the NSPS-THSOA Hydrographer Board, provides professional recognition for hydrographers who meet established education, training, and experience standards.

The program has two certification levels:

• Level 1 - Certified Master Hydrographer (CMH)
  
  
• Level 2 - Certified Hydrographer (CH)
  
  

Both levels require documentation of education, training, and experience, as well as ongoing professional development.

Certification Levels

Level 1 – Certified Master Hydrographer (CMH)

• Highest level of certification
  
  
• Qualified to manage hydrographic surveys to IHO S-44 and U.S. standards (NOAA, USACE)
  
  
• Requires strong theoretical education and ability to oversee specifications, quality systems, and problem resolution

View CMH Certification Flowchart

Level 2 – Certified Hydrographer (CH)

• For hydrographers not seeking or not eligible for Level 1
  
  
• Fully capable of managing surveys to IHO S-44 and U.S. standards
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree not required, but education/experience must meet IHO S-5B Learning Standards

View CH Certification Flowchart

How to Apply

Applicants must use the current application materials and follow the process outlined in the U.S. Hydrographer Certification Program Book.

Application Forms

• Applicant Guide to Log Book Forms (pdf)
  
  
• Engagement Summary Form (excel)
  
  
• Education Engagement Detail Form (word)
  
  
• Project Engagement Detail Form (word)
  
  
• Competency Forms (excel)
  
  
• Project Report Requirements (pdf)
  
  
• Project Report Approval Form (word)
  
  
• Fillable Application Form (pdf)
  
  
• Fillable Reference Form (pdf)

Maintaining Certification

All Certified Hydrographers must complete 30 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every two years.

• PDH must be submitted at renewal with the renewal fee
  
  
• Excess PDH may be carried over once to the next cycle (beyond the required 30)

Professional Development Hours Organizational Form (pdf)

Completed forms should be emailed to trishm@nsps.us.com

Questions?

Contact the NSPS-THSOA Hydrographer Certification Board:
📞 240-439-4615, ext. 19
✉️ info@nsps.us.com