Coast Pilot contains supplemental information that is difficult to portray on nautical charts, such as channel and wharf descriptions, anchorages and bridge clearances. Although designed for professional mariners aboard ships of 1,600 gross tons or greater, Coast Pilot contains a host of information beneficial to recreational boaters as well.

Sailing Directions (Enroute) include detailed coastal and port approach information, supplementing the largest scale chart of the area. Each publication is subdivided into geographic regions, called sectors, which contain information about the coastal weather, currents, ice, dangers, features and ports, as well as a graphic key to the charts available for the area.