Recent research undertaken by OceanGrafix, based on dozens of individual surveys of actual NOAA paper charts users, shows that the awareness of the importance of keeping nautical charts updated, and awareness of LNMs and Editions, is very low.

LNMs are Local Notice to Mariners, which are issued weekly by the NGA, the National Geospatial Agency, and are essential to be noted as changes on a nautical chart to ensure safe sailing. LNMs are constantly promoted by NOAA as essential for safe sailing. Editions are complete NOAA chart updates including critical and non-critical cartographic data.

In the commercial mariner world, Notices to Mariners and Editions are closely followed, as they are critical to updating NOAA nautical charts, and are essential to safe sailing. But these updates are apparently not well known in the recreational boating community.

Statistics uncovered by OceanGrafix are conclusive so far. Recreational mariners are in general not aware of Editions and LNMs, and don’t take advantage of their availability:

-- There is a very low awareness among recreational boaters of the availability (and importance and need for) updates on their NOAA charts.

-- 42% are not aware of LNMs, with an additional 39% being somewhat aware but do not use LNMs, so, 77% do not pay attention or do not know of LNMs

-- 79% are not aware of NOAA Editions, with an additional 31% somewhat aware but do not get regularly new editions

OceanGrafix is considering a more thorough study to confirm its findings.