NOAA Office of Coastal Survey (HQ Office)

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The NOAA Office of Coastal Survey is part of the National Ocean Service and provides navigational products essential for safe and efficient maritime commerce in U.S. ports.

The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) manages the NOAA nautical charting and nautical data collection and information programs. The Office manages an integrated suite of programs in hydrography and cartography. It operates interactively to help protect both life and property, support economic growth and development, and protect the environment in support of the overall mission to promote safe navigation. The Office collects and evaluates marine hydrographic and other navigational data; determines requirements for and conducts a national program of nautical charting; constructs and maintains nautical charts, Coast Pilots, and related marine products for the nation. It directs field programs for ship- and shore-based hydrographic survey units; develops hydrographic survey specifications; conducts technological development and application programs to increase efficiency in survey data acquisition, data processing, and chart production; and carries out research to develop techniques and methods for accomplishing these objectives. The Office develops long-range program plans and objectives for marine charting, data base management and utilization, data dissemination, and related marine and coastal products and services.

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