NEWS & INFO

NEWS & INFO

HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Charleston Area Harbor Safety Committee (HSC) provides a public forum to address Marine Transportation System (MTS) issues with particular emphasis on navigation safety-related matters involving the ports and waterways of Charleston, South Carolina, and nearby regions. As a vehicle facilitating communications between and among public and private sector entities, the Committee draws upon regional expertise and insight to address such issues as vessel traffic management, anchorage management, communications, security, significant/heavy weather preparations, maritime traffic disruption/restoration, process improvements, and any other related topics dealing with the MTS.

Please view our Events Calendar to view the next occurrence of the Charleston Area Harbor Safety Committee.

Please review the minutes from our most recent meeting here: HSC Mtg. Minutes April 18, 2024, and join us for our next meeting at the Harbor Safety Committee meeting on July 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Ports Authority – 200 Ports Authority Drive, Mt. Pleasant.

*If you have a topic you’d like to address at an upcoming meeting, please submit your request via the form below*

HSC Partners

SECTOR CHARLESTON

View the most recent alerts and bulletins provided by the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security containing up-to-date information and alerts, such as MARSEC level info, Port Status, contact info, Area Contingency Plans, and other pertinent information.

CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION

CBP, is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

TWIC

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC®, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential.

NOAA

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

The Charleston District’s mission is to deliver comprehensive solutions through exceptional customer service, collaboration and commitment to quality.

Civil Works programs include water resource development activities including navigation safety, hurricane and storm risk management, ecosystem restoration, beach nourishment, environmental conservation, hydropower, and recreation

NOAA WHALE WATCH

Collisions with ships are a major source of injury and death of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. In an effort to reduce the number of ship strikes, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) developed and implemented Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems.

NOAA NAUTICAL CHARTS

View NOAA’s collection of helpful nautical charts.

Commercial and recreational boaters alike know that nothing replaces the peace of mind that comes from having a reliable paper chart onboard. But to be effective, nautical charts must be updated regularly.

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS

Check and find hydrographic surveys courtesy of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. See the plans, current status, and more for the upcoming dredging for the Harbor.

These maps have been created to provide boaters and other users with general channel condition maps that are easier to read than the standard hydrographic survey maps.

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

The National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for the stewardship of our nation’s ocean resources and their habitats. They provide information on safe and sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of the ecosystem.