Cooperative Charting
The Cooperative Charting program is a major public service program of the USPS-Americas Boating Club. For half a Century the program was conducted in a partnership with NOAA. During that time, the program was recognized by our partners as one of the most effective user-participation programs in the Federal Services. Approximately 5 years ago NOAA revised their priorities because of technological advances and diminishing resources. NOAA did not renew their Memorandum of Agreement with USPS and the Cooperative Charting National Committee began revising the program and seeking other partners. Currently the National Cooperative Charting Committee sponsors two programs, the Geodetic Marks Program and the Nautical Program. Effective January 1, 2020 the Committee will reestablish the marina reporting program. Details of the Marina reporting program will be available in January 2020.
The Geodetic Marks Program is conducted in cooperation with NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey Division (NGSD). In the Geodetic Program members “verify the accuracy of reference points established on the surface of the earth by local, State and National agencies”. Many valuable Geodetic Marks are destroyed by erosion, construction, and new roads. Locating these marks and reporting their condition together with any changes in the directions for locating them is very helpful for the various agencies.
The Nautical Program is conducted in cooperation with the Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The program includes inspection of Aids to Navigation and Bridge Inspection. In the Nautical Program members inspect an area to verify that Aids to Navigation and other features are consistent with the information provided in the latest chart of the area and the current Light List. If no discrepancy is observed a Verification report is prepared and submitted to the National Cooperative Charting Committee. If a discrepancy is observed a Discrepancy Report is prepared and submitted to the Committee and to the Coast Guard or USACE as appropriate.
The Cooperative Charting program of the Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron was very active during the past decade. It was regularly included on the National Honor roll and was recognized as the top program in our District. I hope many of you will be interested in being involved in the Cooperative Charting program. You will find details about the Program on the Cooperative Charting Committee site on USPS.org, you need to login on the site with your member information. Contact me by phone or email if you have any questions. PC Mark Casteel and I plan to go out on Sea Nile to survey the Aids Navigation near the Island. If you are interested in joining us, please let me know and I will provide you with the details of our cruise.
PDC Mahmoud Abdel-Monem, SN
The Geodetic Marks Program is conducted in cooperation with NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey Division (NGSD). In the Geodetic Program members “verify the accuracy of reference points established on the surface of the earth by local, State and National agencies”. Many valuable Geodetic Marks are destroyed by erosion, construction, and new roads. Locating these marks and reporting their condition together with any changes in the directions for locating them is very helpful for the various agencies.
The Nautical Program is conducted in cooperation with the Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The program includes inspection of Aids to Navigation and Bridge Inspection. In the Nautical Program members inspect an area to verify that Aids to Navigation and other features are consistent with the information provided in the latest chart of the area and the current Light List. If no discrepancy is observed a Verification report is prepared and submitted to the National Cooperative Charting Committee. If a discrepancy is observed a Discrepancy Report is prepared and submitted to the Committee and to the Coast Guard or USACE as appropriate.
The Cooperative Charting program of the Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron was very active during the past decade. It was regularly included on the National Honor roll and was recognized as the top program in our District. I hope many of you will be interested in being involved in the Cooperative Charting program. You will find details about the Program on the Cooperative Charting Committee site on USPS.org, you need to login on the site with your member information. Contact me by phone or email if you have any questions. PC Mark Casteel and I plan to go out on Sea Nile to survey the Aids Navigation near the Island. If you are interested in joining us, please let me know and I will provide you with the details of our cruise.
PDC Mahmoud Abdel-Monem, SN
