Recent advances in Coastal Ocean Forecasting Systems (COFS) are discussed. Emphasis is given in the integration of the observational and modeling components, each developed in the context of monitoring and forecasting in the coastal seas. These integrated systems must be linked to larger scale systems toward seamless data sets, nowcasts and forecasts (from the global ocean, through the continental shelf and to the nearshore regions). Emerging capabilities include: methods to optimize coastal/regional observational networks; and probabilistic approaches to address both science and applications related to COFS. International collaboration is essential to exchange best practices, achieve common frameworks and establish standards.