Many of us receive and even read the USCG's Local Notice to Mariners. Most people tend to just glance over what is presented. This is especially true of  notices were there is a request for comments from the public.

Below is an example of a request for public comment that was recently hiding in plain site. If you have, currently use or anticipate using controlling depth information from paper charts, click on the link below with your comments. The link takes you to a NOAA comment page just reference the title in your comments.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS
District: 1 Week: 04/19
COASTAL WATERS FROM EASTPORT, MAINE TO SHREWSBURY, NEW JERSEY

NOAA ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHART (ENC) FOR NAVIGATION IN U.S. WATER

NOAA recommends that mariners take advantage of the most recent chart updates by using the NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) for navigation in U.S. waters. ENCs provide the most up to date information, whereas paper and raster nautical chart updates may be up to one month behind the corresponding ENC coverage. Over the next few years, mariners will see continued improvement in the extent and detail of ENC coverage, while there will be a reduction in RNC and paper chart coverage and service. ENCs will include routine changes between editions that are not published through notices to mariners. One significant change to the RNC and paper charts will be the removal of controlling (minimum)depth information from many maintained channels. Controlling channel depths will still be provided on ENCs. Comments or concerns can be addressed through ASSIST, NOAA’s Nautical Inquiry and Comment System. https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/customer-service/assist/.  LNM: 51/18

Do not miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard.

This entry was posted on January 29, 2019 by John Stanton.