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The Cooperative Charting Program of the United States Power Squadrons is conducted in close coordination with the Marine Chart Division, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Program is a major public service of USPS.  Under it, members supply information to the Marine Chart Division of NOS/NOAA leading to corrections to nautical charts, small craft charts, and Coast Pilot publications. They also supply data on depth surveys, range status, and formerly, geodetic marks and aeronautical charts. The Adopt-A-Chart subprogram enables individual squadrons to adopt a chart in their location and get recognition on new editions for their work.

In 1963, USC&GS asked USPS to join them in the first “Cooperative Charting Program”. USPS would assist in the maintenance and updating of these nautical charts.  What a natural pairing.  Who better to provide accurate and up-to-date information than the recreational boater, and who better to lead the charge than an organization dedicated to boating safety. That first year, USPS submitted over 300 nautical chart reports with suggested revisions. This joint venture has expanded over the years to include small craft charts, Coast Pilot publications, and data on depth surveys.

By our participation, USPS members provide a major public service, fulfilling one of the legs of our triangle.  Accurate nautical charts, over 1000 of them, insure that our coastlines and rivers are safe for recreational boating and commerce.

HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED?

Your initial involvement in Cooperative Charting requires a minimum of effort.  After that, you can decide how much you want to be involved. However, it can be insidiously habit‑forming.

There are many people who can help you get involved, but the easiest way is to contact the Squadron Cooperative Charting Chairman.  Or, try assisting someone in the squadron who is currently involved in one of our many Cooperative Charting projects.

TYPICAL FIELD ACTIVITIES

1.     Nautical Chart Items ‑ Observing and reporting differences between charted information and that which is currently observable (see the Field Guide here).

2.     Small Craft Facilities ‑ Observing and reporting the characteristics of marinas, boat yards, and other marine facilities that service small nautical craft.

3.     Range Light Survey – Determine the accuracy of charted navigational ranges.

4.     Depth Surveys ‑ Measuring and reporting depths.

5.     Coast Pilot Publications ‑ Reviewing the Coast Pilot publications and reporting updates to the text and illustrations.

6.     Aids to Navigation Inspections - Report U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Aids to Navigation found with no problems along with those that have problems.

HOW TO MAKE COOPERATING CHARTING REPORTS

See the General Reporting Guidelines.