1. Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS ® ) Pilots’ Perspective American Pilots’ Association

2. NOAA Larger vessels in small channels Zero tolerance for error “The greatest safety concern…is the availability of timely, accurate, and reliable navigation information.” 1999 MTS Report to Congress

3. Shared responsibility between NOAA and the local maritime community - a partnership. NOAA - Program Management, Data Dissemination (Web, Voice), Quality Control - NOAA StandsBehind the Accuracy of the Data Partner – Funds, Equipment, Installation, Annual O&M Provides real-time 24x7 quality controlled data on water levels, currents, meteorological conditions. Real-time data provided from sites selected by users. PORTS ® is a NOAA program that provides mariners with accurate information to improve navigation safety and efficiency of maritime commerce. PORTS ®

4. Narragansett Bay Delaware River & Bay New York/ New Jersey Chesapeake Bay Tampa Bay Houston/Galveston Bay Anchorage San Francisco Bay PORTS ® SITES Los Angeles/Long Beach Soo Locks Tacoma New Haven Lower Columbia River

5. TYPICAL PORTS SITE PROVIDES: 6 6Predicted and observed water levels 6 6Meteorological information including wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air temperature 6 6Currents 6 6Water density, salinity/temperature 6 6Access to the data in graphic and text format via internet, and voice 6 6All data updated at 6-minute intervals 6 6All quality controlled 1-866-SB-PORTS

6. Gerald Desmond Bridge Long Beach, CA

7. Public

8. Benefits of PORTS Improved Safety of Navigation Improved Efficiency of Marine Transportation More efficient emergency response –minimize impacts of spills –more efficient search and rescue Improved recreational opportunities and boater safety Improved efficiency and safety for commercial fishing industry Improved environmental information

9. COMPELLING SAFETY BENEFIT Groundings at Bolivar Roads decreased by 54.6% after installation of Houston/Galveston PORTS ® Groundings in Tampa Bay declined by over 50% during the first 4 years of PORTS ® operation.

10. Tampa Bay PORTS ® - Annual Benefits Commercial Shipping Grounding avoidance$1.1m – 2.8 m Increased cargo$1.1m Reduced delays$0.01m Emergency Response Improved spill response$0.2m – 0.9m Improved weather forecasts$1.5m Improved storm surge forecasts$0.5m Recreation Enhanced beach recreation$0.2m Enhanced recreational boating$1.2m Enhanced recreational fishing$0.1m TOTAL$6.81m – $9.21m

11. Where Do We Go From Here? -- A National PORTS® program Real-time oceanographic and meteorological information in all ports and waterways. Data that we can rely upon to be accurate and consistent throughout the nation. A system that the Federal Government stands behind and provides with sufficient and reliable funding.

12. National Requirements 98% of Tonnage