Captain David MacFarland, PORTS Program Manager
NOAA National Ocean Service

Dave MacFarland is the manager of NOAA’s Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS), a real-time ocean observing system designed to make marine transportation in ports both more safe and efficient. Prior to becoming the PORTS Manager, he served 33 years in NOAA’s Commissioned Corps the last 5 years as Director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey responsible for the nautical charting and hydrographic surveying of our national waters in support of safe navigation. As the United States Hydrographer he was tasked by the Department of State to lead several national delegations to address topics related to safety of navigation.