Which agency of the U.S. government issues charts of U.S. waters and Coast Pilots?

The National Ocean Service (NOS) is responsible for issuing nautical charts of U.S. waters and Coast Pilots. This agency operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and focuses on the management of marine and coastal environments. Nautical charts are vital for navigation, providing mariners with crucial information about water depths, hazards, and navigational aids.

Coast Pilots complement these charts by offering additional information about navigation in coastal areas, including conditions affecting navigation, local knowledge, and other important details that may not be represented on traditional nautical charts. This means that both resources are essential for safe and effective navigation within U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard has a role in ensuring maritime safety and enforcing regulations, but it does not directly issue nautical charts or Coast Pilots. The Geological Survey primarily focuses on earth sciences and does not deal with navigation. The Environmental Protection Agency is concerned with environmental protection and does not issue navigational materials. This context emphasizes the specialized role of the National Ocean Service in providing navigational resources critical for maritime activities.