United States Power Squadron
Nautical Program
Standard Operating Procedures
This document describes the four basic natural cooperative charting programs sponsored by the USPS. Included with each program outline is a description of the program's purpose and its reporting frequency. Suggested preparations and the materials for conducting these programs have presented so you will be well prepared for the survey.
The requirements for conducting a survey are described in detail. After the survey is completed you will want to complete the appropriate form and worksheets that make submitting a report a rewarding experience. All reports that show an error to a chart shall be submitted to the controlling agency. Coast Pilot updates and depth surveys are to be submitted to NOAA through their Discrepancy Reporting system. Problems with Aids to Navigation should be reported to the Coast Guard. All reports should be submitted to the Cooperative Charting Committee using the submittal form on the Cooperative Charting website. The data for the report is to be provided on the appropriate form which will be uploaded along with any pictures, chartlets or other associated documents. A member of the Cooperative Charting Committee will review the submitted reports and assign the appropriate number of credits if approved. If errors are found or the information is incomplete the submitter will be advised via email of what actions are needed to gain acceptance.
The programs and the total credits for each report are described in below:
| Reports to NOS | |
| Discrepancy Report/Nautical Item | 50 |
| Coast Pilot Update per report | 50 |
| Reports to USACE | |
| Discrepancy Report/Nautical Item | 50 |
| ATON Reports to USCG, USACE or other waterway management | |
| ATON Discrepancy per ATON | 25 |
| ATON Verification per ATON | 25 |
| Reports to USCG | |
| Bridge Light Discrepancy/Bridge | 50 |
| Bridge Light Verification/Bridge | 50 |
