Description: An anchorage area is a place where boats and ships can safely drop anchor. These areas are created in navigable waterways when ships and vessels require them for safe and responsible navigation. A variety of designations refer to types of anchorage areas or restrictions, or even to alerts of potential dangers within an area. Every boater and captain should be aware of the various types of areas. These data are intended for coastal and ocean planning. Not for navigation.
Description: This layer shows coastal channels and waterways that are maintained and surveyed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). These channels are necessary transportation systems that serve economic and national security interests. The possibility of silting is always present. Local authorities should be consulted for the controlling depth. NOS Charts frequently show controlling depths in a table, which is kept current by the US Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners.
Copyright Text: Office of Coast Survey, 2020: Coastal Maintained Channels in US waters, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/39972
Description: Various shipping zones delineate activities and regulations for marine vessel traffic. Traffic lanes define specific traffic flow, while traffic separation zones assist opposing streams of marine traffic. Precautionary areas represent areas where ships must navigate with caution, and shipping safety fairways designate where artificial structures are prohibited. Recommended Routes are predetermined routes for shipping adopted for reasons of safety. Along certain zones of the East Coast of the United States, ships are required to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less over ground during seasonal periods within designated endangered species areas, such as the North Atlantic Right Whales. Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas need special protection because of their vulnerability to damage by international maritime activities. Areas to be avoided are within defined limits where navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and should be avoided by all ships or certain classes of ships.
Copyright Text: Office of Coast Survey, 2020: Shipping Fairways, Lanes, and Zones for US waters, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/39986