Pacific Services Center

Marine Navigation

In the last five decades, the average size of ships has doubled and seagoing commerce has tripled. Half the cargo transported through U.S. waters consists of hazardous materials. The NOAA Pacific Services Center (PSC) provides the region with information, tools, and services to support safe, efficient marine navigation. These include local surveying, updated shoreline information for nautical charting (electronic, paper, and raster), improved regional height modernization efforts, and the National Spatial Reference System. With the growth of the shipping industry and growing concerns about homeland security, PSC products and services contribute to the efficiency and safety of the region's ports and waterways.