Rules of the Road
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is responsible for establishing regulations that govern nautical chart and publication carriage requirements in U.S. waters. These regulations are found in Title 33 and Title 46 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Other recent Federal Register Notices issued by the USCG and NOAA also address current policies.
Shipping
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Navigation Safety Regulations
Certification Requirements for Distributors of NOAA Hydrographic Products
Federal Register July 14, 2004: Vol. 69, No. 134
Carriage of Navigation Equipment for Ships on International Voyages
Federal Register August 15, 2002: Vol. 67, No. 158
Carriage of Navigation Equipment for Ships on International Voyages
Federal Register June 10, 2002: Vol. 67, Number 111
Identification of Items that are “Nautical Charts'' under 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
Navigational and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 01-16 (NVIC 01-16)
Use of Electronic Charts and Publications in Lieu of Paper Charts, Maps, and Publications
Additional Resources
Facts about Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements (IHO S-66)
Revised: 11/20/2020