In an expected notice published on January 2, 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration informed the public of its intent to make significant changes to nautical chart printing and distribution. The notice indicated that NOAA wants to expand navigation products and adjust its role in the production of nautical charts necessary for safe navigation.

NOAA is privatizing the printing of nautical charts. After April 13, 2014, NOAA-certified Print-on-Demand paper charts will be available through marine retailers. NOAA is also making nautical chart information available digitally at marine retailer facilities or by downloading charts at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/pdfcharts.

An online viewing of electronic nautical charts is also available at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ENCOnline/.

Learn more about becoming a NOAA chart provider at www.nauticalcarts.noaa.gov/pod/PODpartner.htm.