Formal discussions on establishing standards for hydrographic surveys began at the VIIth International Hydrographic Conference (IHC) in 1957. Circular Letters to Member States in 1959 and 1962 reported on the views of Member States and the VIIIth IHC in 1962 established a Working Group (WG) comprising 2 members from the USA, 1 from Brazil and 1 from Finland. The WG communicated by mail and held two meetings in conjunction with the IXth IHC in 1967 and prepared the text for Special Publication No S-44.