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The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) produces nautical charts for United States waters, including its possessions and territories. OCS is an office within the National Ocean Service, NOAA, a United States Government Agency. It is, in fact, the oldest U.S. scientific organization dating back to Thomas Jefferson who established the office in 1807 to encourage commerce and to support a growing economy in a safe and efficient manner. Accurate, reliable, and up-to-date nautical chart information is more important today than at any time in the past. As margins of safety narrow, consequences loom greater as cargo capacities are pushed to the limit. To meet this challenge, more current and precise information is required. New electronic navigation systems can meet the demands for greater protection of life, property, and the environment, as well as significantly improve the efficiency of maritime commerce. Today the Coast Survey manages the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's nautical chart data collection and information program to Promote Safe Navigation, a NOAA strategic goal.
Revised Monday October 04 2004by OCS Webmaster |