1	The Marine Reporting Guide 2007. What was MAREP ? What is MAREP now ? MAREP is a coined word, short for MARine information REPorting. Originally MAREP encompassed Weather and Hydrography. Weather across Canada varies from Coast to Coast. Automated lighthouses and weather stations have all but replaced the on water MAREP weather program. This is not to imply that we should not participate with CCG on our VHF radio, should weather conditions worsen for a predicted time and in a geographical location.
2	The MAREP HYDROGRAPIC Program. Until recently the MAREP Hydrographic Program has been on the decline. The Hazards to navigation are still out there. An uncharted rock. A buoy out of position. A lighted aid not functioning. A recent wreck that poses a hazard to navigation.
3	Why is MAREP important?
4	A wreck that Covers and uncovers at Chart Datum is a hazard to navigation. Once you have found and positioned the hazard, “Latitude and Longitude” you have made the initial step.
5	The New MAREP Form: The New and improved MAREP form is now in both English and French versions. Paper and Electronic versions. Important Information. Your name, the date reported, your address and phone number. Your E-mail address.
6	What to report. The Observation date. The time- AM / PM / Standard time or Daylight. Geographical position – Land marks and features. Coordinate position Latitude/ Longitude. Position method. DGPS- Differential Global Positioning System. GPS, RADAR / other. Horizontal Datum used. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. WGS 84 North American Datum (NAD 83) or NAD 27.
7	What to report. Description of feature and corrective action taken. Shoals, rocks and obstructions. Wrecks. Aids to Navigation. Conspicuous objects. Facilities.
8	What is important. I hit bottom. What time did I hit bottom? Was it AM or PM. What was the chart datum? Which chart Datum was I using, NAD 27 or NAD 83. What was the chart number. Was it the largest scale for the area that I was navigating ? Was I referring to CHS tide tables? Had someone previously discovered this rock or shoal? Should I take down my CPS and Country of origin flag?
9	Positioning a buoy. Did the buoy get knocked out of position? Was their damage? Take a fix with a Hand held GPS.
10	Do I Need a boat to report a hazard and take a position. NO you do not require a boat !!! Taking a three bearing fix from ashore is quite acceptable. No mater how insignificant your report may seem, report it to your Squadron MAREP Officer.
11	Obstructions that create a hazard to navigation.
12	Man made uncharted obstructions create a hazard to all unwary mariners. Placed at the entrance of a busy harbour they could cause considerable damage for night navigation and the unwary.
13	Charted Aids to Navigation. Silva Bay on the West Coast Of Canada. Notoriously known as the 9^th worst harbour on the West Coast of Canada, Silva Bay stands out year after year for the reported and un reported groundings on Ship Yard Rock.
14	Charted Aids to Navigation. Although charted an additional aid to navigation would greatly improve departure and arrival to this busy harbour.
15	Notice to Mariners. NOTMAR. Upon notification and confirmation, a Notice To Mariners is issued. This can apply to an Aid to Navigation out of position.
16	Sailing Directions: Your safe ports and passages guide.
17	Sailing Directions: Find Supplies, Moorage, Fuel, Restaurant's.
18	Photographic Skills Are frequently of considerable use. Photographs support documentation and allow CHS staff to verify and make the best chart presentation possible.
19	Lead line Most survey lead lines are marked in increments of 0.5 meters. Lead line is dropped vertically and read with the line taut and weight resting on the bottom.
20	Depth Sounders Type of Depth sounders found on most pleasure craft
21	GPS - Global Positioning System DGPS - Differential GPS GPS accuracy is variable, horizontal datum may be a concern. DGPS is a more accurate version of GPS. When used in positioning on large scale (especially harbour) charts, positions should be confirmed by other methods.
22	Conclusion With your participation through your squadron MAREP Officer CPS can further boating safety on the water. This will help CHS & improve safety for all boaters and shipping. It is our responsibility as safe boaters to report anything that is not represented on current large scale charts.
23	The MAREP Guide. This guide is a guide only and was created for reference with regards to the MAREP Program. Len Burton MAREP. Vancouver Island South District.