The Canadian Hydrographic Service is responsible for surveying Canadian navigable waterways and for producing a number of nautical publications, including nautical charts, sailing directions, bathymetric maps and tide and current tables. The Government of Canada charts its territory because charts are a benefit to the nation as a whole. The production of a chart by a government is seen as a form of guarantee or certification to permit the safe and efficient conduct of marine transportation. The production of charts provides the Government with direct support to control and regulate marine transportation safety.
Charts also control fishing by delineating where it can take place.
The Government of Canada produces charts as an assertion of sovereignty. The CHS provides the Department of Foreign Affairs with technical advice on sovereignty and maritime boundary affairs. Products and Services Clients Purchase of Products Nautical Charts Protect Lives, Property and the Marine Environment.