From the Office of Coast Survey
National Ocean Service
NATIONAL
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
 The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is the
oldest U.S. scientific organization and is the Nation's only official chartmaker. Its
history dates from 1807 when the United States Congress directed that a "survey of
the coast" be carried out. In the ensuing years additional responsibilities were
assigned to the young agency to meet scientific and engineering needs of a growing
national population and economy. The Marine Chart Division collects marine navigational
data to construct and maintain nautical charts, Coast Pilots, and related marine products
for the United States.
By 1836, the (OCS) was called the U.S.
Coast Survey. In 1871, a geodetic connection between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was
officially authorized and the name was changed to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey
(C&GS) in 1878. In 1926, the production of aeronautical charts was added to meet the
requirements of the new air age. In 1970, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey became the
National Ocean Survey under the newly established National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and in 1982, it was renamed the National Ocean Service (NOS). Later
that year in December 1982, the Office of Charting and Geodetic Services was created
within the new National Ocean Service was created to better focus on charting and geodetic
activities, re-establishing the former C&GS acronym. In 1991, the office was renamed
to its former 1878 name of Coast and Geodetic Survey. Back
What
is a Nautical Chart? A Nautical Chart is a graphic portrayal of the marine
environment. In addition to its basic elements, a chart is a working document used by the
mariner both as a "road map" and worksheet and is essential for safe navigation.
In conjunction with supplemental navigational aids, it is used to lay out courses and
navigate ships by the shortest and most economical safe route. A chart shows the nature
and form of the coast, the depths of the water and general character and configuration of
the sea bottom, locations of dangers to navigation, the rise and fall of the tides,
locations of man-made aids to navigation, and the characteristics of the Earth's
magnetism. Back
The
United States claims 12 nautical miles for its territorial sea and 200 nautical miles
fisheries jurisdiction and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the exploration and
management of both living and nonliving marine resources. This vast area covers
approximately 3.4 million nautical square miles. OCS provides accurate and timely nautical
charts, maps, and related products for the coastal and adjacent ocean areas of the United
States (including possessions and territories), the Great Lakes, other inland navigable
waters, for the safety and efficiency of marine transportation, offshore engineering
projects, naval operations, and recreational activities. Back
The
update cycle for nautical charts is as often as every 6 months or as infrequently as 12
years for remote areas. The average revision interval per nautical chart is 2 years. The
Cooperative Charting Program involving the U.S. Power Squadrons and the Coast Guard
Auxiliary provides valuable feedback information on nautical charts. Additional contacts
are made through professional organizations, technical conventions, boat shows, and
similar activities. Marketing studies are conducted to determine user reactions to
existing products and to formulate plans for new products, formats, and coverage. Back |
Recreational boaters often
navigate without information and the tools critical to their safety. 
