NOAA to Stop Printing Nautical Charts…

By the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

NOAA's Office of Coast Survey, which creates and maintains the nation's suite of a thousand nautical charts of U.S. coastal waters, has announced major changes ahead for mariners and others who use nautical charts. Starting April 13, 2014, the federal government will no longer print traditional lithographic (paper) nautical charts.

Most mariners now use Print-on-Demand nautical charts that are up-to-date to the moment of printing. These charts will continue to be available from NOAA-certified printers.

Since 1862, those lithographic nautical charts—available in marine shops and other stores—have been printed by the U.S. government and sold to the public by commercial vendors. The decision to stop production is based on several factors: the declining demand for lithographic charts, the increasing use of digital and electronic charts, and federal budget realities.

"With the end of traditional paper charts, our primary concern continues to be making sure that boaters, fishing vessels, and commercial mariners have access to the most accurate, up-to-date nautical chart in a format that works well for them," said Capt. Shep Smith, chief of Coast Survey's Marine Chart Division. "Fortunately, advancements in computing and mobile technologies give us many more options than was possible years ago."

NOAA will continue to create and maintain other forms of nautical charts, including the increasingly popular Print-on-Demand (POD) charts, updated paper charts available from NOAA-certified printers. NOAA electronic navigational charts (NOAA ENC^®) and raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC^®), used in a variety of electronic charting systems, are also updated weekly and are available for free download from the Coast Survey web site. NOAA announced a new product as well: full-scale PDF (Portable Digital Format) nautical charts, available for free download on a trial basis.

The world of navigation is benefiting from advances in technology, Smith explained. He said that NOAA will consult with chart users and private businesses about the future of U.S. navigation, especially exploring the use of NOAA charts as the basis for new products.

NOAA's Office of Coast Survey is the nation's nautical chart maker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal sea floor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.

 

DCAPT David G. Porter, Sector NY/S
1st Southern Region

GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LEGISLATION MANDATING ALL BOATERS TO MEET EDUCATIONAL AND S

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to improve safety for boaters in New York's waterways by requiring safety classes for all boat operators.

"New York State has some of the best recreational and thriving commercial waterways in the country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they remain safe for all boat operators and passengers," Governor Cuomo said. "This legislation will make sure that those who operate any kind of boat have the necessary training and experience, and they are aware of the risks and proper protocol for handling their vessels. I thank Senator Carlucci and Assemblywoman Galef for putting together this important new law to protect all those traveling on our waterways."

The new law (A.3471-A/S.1639-A) requires all boat operators to obtain a boating safety certificate by completing an eight hour safe boating course. The requirement will be put into effect over a period of years, beginning next year with all 18-year-old boaters. Certificates can be obtained and the safety course completed with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation, U.S. Power Squadrons, or the U.S. Coast Guard.

Previous law only required the operator of a personal watercraft to obtain a boating safety certificate or be accompanied on the vessel by a person over 18 years of age who is the holder of a safety certificate. The new law extends the requirement to all motorized water vessels.

Senator David Carlucci said, "This new law will enable New York State to finally protect its waterways and save countless lives. For the first time ever, we have a framework in place that will ensure that every New Yorker will be properly educated and only the most experienced boaters allowed to navigate our waters. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law and for his leadership on this important issue."

Assembly Member Sandy Galef said, "My heart goes out to the families of those injured and killed in recent tragedies on the Hudson River, the Long Island Sound and elsewhere. They continue to experience profound anguish, which no one should have to suffer. Thankfully, with the signing of this bill into law, we will start to see the end of boating operators with no training endangering themselves, those on the boat with them, and other boaters. I have no doubt that this new law will ensure that boat operators receive an appropriate education, helping to prevent and decrease the number of boating accidents on New York's beautiful waterways. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing this landmark legislation."

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee, said: "Individuals should learn basic safety procedures, navigation, and the rules of the water before operating a powerful motor vehicle which can kill or seriously injure someone. Enacting this law is a step in the right direction which will make our waterways safer for everyone. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this legislation."

submitted by:

DCAPT David G. Porter
Sector NY - South, 1SR

for and from: New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov |