Ocean Stewardship & Philanthropy: Charting the Unknown

At Indo-Pacific Solutions, our commitment to ocean stewardship extends beyond legal and operational excellence — it is about giving back to the very environment that sustains our maritime world. One of the most meaningful ways we contribute is through the support and advocacy of crowdsourced bathymetry (CSB) — a collaborative initiative to map the ocean floor and enhance global marine safety and understanding.

The Challenge: Uncharted Waters

Despite centuries of navigation, over 70% of the seabed remains uncharted. This lack of data affects everything from safe navigation to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Crowdsourced bathymetry bridges that gap by empowering vessels — including superyachts and private explorers — to contribute valuable depth measurements during their voyages, particularly in remote and uncharted regions.

The Superyacht Advantage

Unlike commercial shipping routes, where seabed data is relatively comprehensive, superyachts often operate in areas few others reach. By sharing bathymetric data collected through onboard navigation systems, yacht owners and captains can play a crucial role in building a more complete picture of our oceans — enhancing safety, supporting scientific research, and protecting marine ecosystems.

Global Coordination Through the IHO

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) coordinates this global effort through its Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB), which aggregates and makes freely available this growing repository of ocean data. The technology required is accessible and cost-effective, allowing vessels to participate seamlessly in this philanthropic and scientific mission.

Aligned with Our Mission

Supporting initiatives like CSB aligns with Indo-Pacific Solutions’ broader mission — to advance maritime excellence through collaboration, innovation, and responsible leadership. By helping to chart the unknown, we contribute to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable ocean for future generations.

Get Involved

To learn more or explore participation opportunities, visit the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry Initiative at https://iho.int/en/crowdsourced-bathymetry.