NOAA Asks to Keep Coastal Observing Data Collection
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for approval to keep collecting info from 11 groups involved in Regional Coastal Observing Systems. They’re updating the program’s name and cutting down the paperwork time, but the info they collect stays the same. This helps improve ocean safety, protect the environment, and boost the economy, with a small time commitment of about 75 hours per response.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
75‑Hour RCOS Application Burden
If your organization applies to be certified as a Regional Coastal Observing System (RCOS), each application response takes about 75 hours. NOAA expects 11 respondents, a total annual burden of 300 hours, the submission is voluntary, and the filing frequency is once every five years.
Tort Liability Deemed Federal
When an organization is certified as an RCOS and integrated into the System through a memorandum of agreement with NOAA, liability arising from dissemination and use of observation data is considered part of NOAA, and designated RCOS employees will be deemed employees of the Federal government for tort liability. Certification and this liability treatment are part of the IOOS program guidelines under 15 CFR 997.1-997.26.
Program Name Change and Paperwork Reduction
NOAA is requesting reinstatement of the information collection with a minor administrative change to update the program name and reduce burden hours. The agency states the specific information collected has not changed while the request is described as a regular submission (OMB Control Number 0648-0672).
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Key Dates
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