In
order to kick off the new Nautical Know How Coastal
Navigation Course we thought it might be appropriate
to give some information on the nautical chart. The
following information has been compiled from U.S.
Government web sites for the Office of Coast Survey, the
National Ocean Service and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Even as a recreational boater,
you should always carry onboard charts of the area in
which you are operating and you should know how to read
them.
Capt. Matt
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
Boating
--Using
NOAA Tools for Safe Navigation--
  Recreational
boaters often navigate without information and the tools
critical to their safety.
Increasing
numbers of recreational vessels on the waters of the U.S.
are competing for the use of those waters with commercial
vessels. It is imperative that the recreational boater
learn to read charts and navigate safely.
- Between
1970 and 1996, the number of recreational boats owned
by Americans nearly doubled - from 8.8 million to 17.5
million.
- Although
the number of fatalities from recreational boating has
decreased over the last thirty years, accidents and
injuries have steadily climbed, and the reported
property damages have increased sevenfold to $35
million.
- Because
recreational boaters have limited storage space, they
often navigate without essential information and basic
tools critical to their safety.
- The
U.S. Coast Guard receives numerous calls each year
from recreational boaters in distress who don't know
where they are. Often, even when in sight of land.
- Although
new technologies can help recreational boaters
navigate safely by providing electronic charts and GPS
positioning information in a simple and inexpensive
manner, it is the obligation of a boater who is
navigating to do so by all means available, which
means checking that electronic fix the old fashion
way, using a nautical chart. Back
Related
Articles:
Nautical
Chart Reading 101
How
to use Dividers and Parallel Rulers
Identifying
Aids to Navigation
Regulatory
Markers
Nautical
Miles and Statute Mile
Update on NOAA
Also see the
Basic
Boating Safety Course
and The
Coastal Navigation Course
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