Coast Survey has released an update of our NOAA Custom Chart (NCC) tool! While we're still not at our final version, based on user feedback we've made a number of improvements to simplify the process and make it easier to use. For those not familiar with NCC, it allows users to create their own printable charts directly from the latest NOAA electronic navigational chart data. This will be how mariners can print their own charts after our paper chart production ends in ~2025.

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) for Western Alaska has implemented the Operating Guidelines for Ice Conditions for the Lower Cook Inlet, effective February 1, 2021. All vessels arriving in Cook Inlet destined for a port with an active ice condition must file a voyage plan with the COTP by email: Sector.Anchorage@uscg.mil or by fax: (907) 428-4114, no less than 24 hours prior to arrival at or abeam the Kachemak Bay pilot station. Please direct questions regardi