Thomas Jefferson established the Survey of the Coast in 1807 to support safe transportation through our new nation's uncharted waters. Two centuries later, the Office of Coast Survey, now part of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, continues to provide navigation products and services that ensure safe and efficient maritime commerce on America’s oceans and coastal waters, and in the Great Lakes.

    Today’s OCS mission also helps the nation meet the challenges of a changing environment. Applying the newest technological advancements for survey and detection, OCS data adds to our scientific knowledge of the coastal seafloor. With this knowledge, we can simulate sea level effects on coasts and ecosystems, identify sensitive marine habitats, select alternative energy sites, identify geological hazards, and predict the impact of environmental conditions on species and habitats.

Providing the nation's nautical charts
Accurate nautical charts play a critical role in ensuring safe passage in U.S. waters. Coast Survey cartographers produce over 1000 nautical charts of the 3.4 million square nautical miles of U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and some U.S. territories. These charts are available in both paper and electronic format. Coast Survey also produces a number of nautical publications including, most notably, the U.S. Coast Pilot ® .

Surveying the coastal seafloor
Climate change, sea level change, bigger ships, and busier waterways are some of the pressures facing today's marine transportation system and our coasts. OCS surveys the seafloor, generating data that helps mariners, scientists and communities with economic and environmental stewardship decisions in this constantly changing coastal zone. 

Responding to disasters
OCS mobile response teams work to re-open ports to maritime traffic following hurricanes or other maritime disasters. These navigation response teams survey ports and near-shore waterways, searching for hazards or changes in the seafloor that pose a danger to navigation. The teams also respond when national emergencies or vessel groundings require underwater investigations.

Helping to protect coastal communities and marine environments
OCS provides the scientific expertise, data and tools that support marine spatial planning and coastal protection projects. OCS scientists use the latest marine mapping and modeling techniques to develop operational forecast systems and sea level change simulations that support effective coastal and marine habitat management.