install a new Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System. oceanographic and meteorological data. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. annually. the water. off. make marine transportation both safe and efficient. administrator of NOAA's National Ocean Service. effort with the Block Island Pilots Association. quality control and data dissemination. thoroughly quality controlled to ensure accuracy. accessible by Internet or phone. include port authorities, vessel pilots, shipping companies, U.S. Guard, U.S. environmental organizations, academia and surfers. using the highly successful NOAA program. and Tacoma, Wash. understanding, conserving and restoring the nation's coasts and oceans. sustaining coastal habitats and mitigating coastal hazards. resources.