National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Promote Safe Navigation

--A NOAA Strategic Goal--

About 3,500 ships are involved annually in accidents on our Nation's waterways--a substantial number of them carrying hazardous materials resulting in oil or chemical spills. In addition about 6,400 recreational boating accidents are reported annually. The U.S. has more than 95,000 miles of coastline and over 3.5 million square miles of open waters. In the last 50 years, ships have doubled in length, width, and draft and waterborne commerce has tripled, leading to increased risk.

Since 1807, when it was established by Thomas Jefferson, the original Survey of the Coast and now NOAA has provided coastal navigation services, revolutionizing marine transportation to help move increased cargoes and passengers safely and efficiently. While navigation can be hazardous, new electronic technologies promise to help mariners and pilots significantly reduce the risk of accidents and spills. New technologies will heighten U.S. competitiveness. They will be critical in supporting the environmental stewardship roles of coastal zone planners, hazard response teams, and researchers as they work to ensure the safe, sustainable and efficient development of our coastal and ocean resources.

Who benefits from these technologies?

What tools do we need?

• Nautical Charts and Related publications?
• Real-time data?
• Geodesy?
• Federal Agencies having authority of U.S. Waterways?
• How ports and harbors are operated?
• Professional societies involved with navigation?
• International organizations involved with navigation?
• About ships and related industry?
• On-line Library?
• Other data, information, and related maps?
• Marine Weather Information?
• Legislative Activity?

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