As I have mentioned before, humans have used natural waterways to transport themselves and their goods since our beginnings. Watercraft like non-motorized rafts, canoes, and primitive sailing vessels were used long before roads and railroads were built. In modern times, barges ply rivers with heavy loads, and supertankers haul phenomenal tonnage across the oceans from harbor to harbor.
The objective for this section is simply to become aware of the extensive infrastructure and engineering expertise needed to maintain waterways for commercial and industrial transport. All I ask of you for this section is to explore the website of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one of the oldest governmental agencies in the U.S., and be familiar with their navigation mission. That is the only quiz question I will ask you on this topic.
Required Reading
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for navigation