CH Regulatory Framework & Compliance 3

Question 1

Which federal law requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for major federal hydrographic projects that may significantly affect the environment?

Accepted Answer

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Answer

NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts through an Environmental Impact Statement for major actions with significant environmental effects.

Question 2

A hydrographic survey is planned within a National Marine Sanctuary. Which additional regulatory layer must be satisfied beyond standard federal permits?

Accepted Answer

NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries authorization

Answer

Work within a National Marine Sanctuary requires authorization from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, which may impose additional restrictions.

Question 3

In the context of tidal datum compliance, which datum does NOAA use as the primary reference for chart soundings in US waters?

Accepted Answer

Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)

Answer

NOAA uses Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) as the tidal datum reference for sounding reductions on US nautical charts.

Question 4

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) extends federal jurisdiction for hydrographic regulatory purposes to what distance offshore?

Accepted Answer

The outer edge of the continental shelf or 200 nautical miles, whichever is greater

Answer

OCSLA extends federal authority over the OCS to the shelf edge or 200 nm EEZ limit, governing resource extraction and infrastructure in those waters.

Question 5

Which IHO order applies to surveys of harbors, berthing areas, and critical waterways where the underkeel clearance is critical?

Accepted Answer

Special Order

Answer

IHO Special Order is designed for the most safety-critical areas where even small undetected features could pose serious navigation hazards.

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test

(CH) Certified Hydrographer Practice Test

CH Regulatory Framework & Compliance 3