The Coast Survey's Marine Chart Division (MCD) produces nautical charts and related publications for navigation in the coastal areas of the United States and the Great Lakes. The Nautical Data Branch, a vital component of MCD, acquires and manages all mapping and charting data used in the compilation of nautical charts. The areas of chart coverage include the total area covered by the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (generally the 200-mile seaward limit) which measures over 11,000,000 square kilometers. A Nautical Charting Plan has been developed, identifying chart coverage for priority areas.

Available chart coverage is depicted in a set of four paper chart catalogs or an on-line chart catalog to assist in identifying charts of interest. You may also search and view nautical charts on-line by visiting Maptech's Mapserver.

The nautical chart is the most fundamental of navigational tools required for safe passage of waterborne commerce. Charts are available from authorized sales agents located in many U.S. ports or directly from the National Ocean Service Distibution Division. In addittion to the paper product, all charts are available in raster (RNC) format and some are available in vector (ENC) format.

New editions of charts are issued periodically (See Dates of Latest Editions), but require constant updating due to man-made or natural changes. Many such corrections are identified during chart updating activities. Such Critical Chart Corrections of recently identified hazards to navigation or information regarded by Coast Survey to be essential for safe navigation, e.g. channel conditions, bridge and cable clearances, regulatory changes are made available.

However, the prudent mariner will also refer to "Notices to Mariners." Local Notices are available through the Coast Guard Navigation Center in Alexandria, Virginia. NIMA Notices are available through the Marine Navigation Department, National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). Canadian Notices are available from the Canadian Coast Guard Navigation Services.