🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between agencies that survey and maintain channels versus those that publish charts • Role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in dredging and channel maintenance • Who provides real-time or changing controlling depth information for navigation

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Which agency is directly responsible for dredging and maintaining federal navigation channels, not just drawing them on charts? • Which organization would have the most current data on how deep the channel actually is today, after shoaling or dredging? • Consider which agencies mainly produce charts and publications versus those that physically manage the waterways.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which organization has the legal responsibility for maintaining federal navigation projects and channels • Separate the agency that collects and maintains hydrographic survey data for channel depths from those that only publish cartographic products • Verify which agency mariners are advised to contact for up‑to‑date controlling depths in major channels, especially after storms or dredging operations