Coop Charting

 
The Cooperative Charting Program of the United States Power Squadrons is conducted in close coordination with the Marine Chart Division, National Oceanic Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Program is a major public service of USPS through which USPS members supply information to the Marine Chart Division of NOS/NOAA leading to corrections to nautical charts, small craft charts, and Coast Pilot publications. They can also supply data on depth surveys, range status, and formerly, geodetic marks and aeronautical charts. The Adopt-A-Chart subprogram provides for individual squadrons to assume responsibility to keep a chart or a portion of a chart in their local boating area up to date and get recognition on new editions for their work. We have been told that the Cooperative Charting Program is recognized as the most effective user-participation program in all of the Federal services.

Within the Golden Isles Squadron, Cooperative Charting is one of our key service activities and is of particular importance in areas like the Golden Isles where we have the potentially dangerous mix of commercial shipping, military traffic and recreational boating and fishing. Charting errors can have disastrous results in that complex environment. Our squadron has won awards for our COOP Charting activities but there are opportunities for so much more to be accomplished.

Key Benefits of the COOP Charting Program:

  • Members gain experience in chart interpretation and triangulation while finding and accurately recording and submitting corrections.
  • The program helps to improve the accuracy of navigational charts used in our region to further enhance boating safety.
  • The program provides enjoyment and social experience while members work together for a common and valuable goal.

To learn more about COOP Charting within the Golden Isles Sail and Power Squadron, contact our Executive Officer, Larry Jefferis at larryjefferis@bellsouth.net or our COOP Charting Committee Chair, Pat Rodgers, AP at pat.rodgers@rodgers.org.

More information and the COOP Charting Manual are available at the United States Sail and Power Squadron website, and Further information is available at the US Sail and Power Squadrons website at http://www.usps.org/national/coch/.