Cooperative charting is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons® and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA is responsible for the production of
up to date charts used by commercial shipping and recreational boaters. The combination of
an enormous US coastline, constant coastal feature changes due to wind, tide and man and federal
cost cutting makes the publication of current, accurate charts difficult at best.
The United States Power Squadrons® assist in this effort by training it's members in
the skills necessary to read charts accurately and compare existing charts to real
features found on the US coastline. Corrections to charts such as water depth, buoy location
and man made features are reported to NOAA by squadron members during routine boating and
specially designed cooperative charting cruises. Estimates on the cost savings to the US government
range in the millions of dollars every year.
For information on the Cooperative Charting program within the Ventura Sail and Power Squadron please contact our Executive Officer or Commander
United States Power Squadrons® Cooperative Charting Program
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