This is the single most frequently asked question. Regretfully, the quick answer is no. Official government nautical charts are not available free over the Internet from the Office of Coast Survey or any other Government office at this time. This office has been tasked with the compilation and maintenance of charts for the safety of marine navigation and to support marine commerce in the United States.
Charts are available from a variety of sources.
A primary source is the network of authorized NOS chart sales agents who stock the latest available editions. This means that part of the cost of compiling the chart, printing and distributing the product must be recovered by the Government. Revenues from sales of these products are deposited in the general treasury of the United States. Digital versions of these charts are available through a cooperative agreement with BSB Electronic Charts. These raster charts can also be purchased from selected sales agents.