Through an agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Power Squadrons (USPS) we assist NOAA by correcting Nautical and Aeronautical Charts, Coast Pilots and recovering Geodetic Survey Markers. 

This is a public service whereby we contribute our time to do this work which is of great value to the agencies responsible for the upkeep and publishing of this valuable data.  We utilize our knowledge of piloting, navigation, positioning, measuring and logical skills to contribute to these databases. The government allows us to deduct all of our Cooperative Charting expenses from our taxable income as a section 501 (C)3 deduction.

Specifically, we look for discrepancies in any of these Nautical, Aeronautical or Geodetic documents and verify physically the problems with of any features or characteristics shown.  We also look for hazards to navigation that could endanger a mariner in the vicinity.  We deliver our findings routinely to the agencies by preparing printed or computer submitted reports.  When immediate action is required to correct a dangerous hazard we report by radio or telephone directly to the Coast Guard or responsible agency.

Each year, usually in June, the Catawba Squadron arranges for a group of members to take boats to the SC, NC or GA coasts and spend several days cruising and correcting data on the Nautical Charts in our chosen area.  We have been to Charleston, Hilton Head, Edisto Island, Georgetown, and Beaufort in SC and Southport, NC in recent years.  A member can, at any time, do Cooperative Charting work.  Contact the Squadron Cooperative Charting Chairman to get started.                                                       

This is a voluntary activity where we do valuable work and have a good time doing it.  Points are awarded to members for their work and the USPS recognizes us individually and our Squadron for these points and a competition is encouraged throughout USPS.  The Catawba Squadron has ranked very high for our work both in District 27 and nationally over the years. In the year 2000, Catawba was 1^ST in District 27 and 10^TH nationally in Cooperative Charting.

P/C Gene Stutz, SN,  Cooperative Charting Chairperson of CPS, received another award during the 36th  COW on 02 February 2001

For more details or to answer any questions you might have about this subject, feel free to contact P/C Gene Stutz, SN at (803) 831-8252 or send him an e-mail.