USCG AuxiliaryUSCG AuxiliaryFirst District, Northern RegionFirst District, Northern Region

Aids to NavigationAids to Navigation

Make your ATON Reports

Make a Difference!

CRITERIACRITERIA

CURIOSITY

PROBLEM SOLVING

ACCURACY

PERSISTENCE

Observe as if a StrangerObserve as if a Stranger..

Pretend you have never been on this shore before.

Look at things from different locations. Note what most impresses you or is

unique to the area. Look for changes in the skyline and

check them out from seaward.

Be very CuriousBe very Curious!!

What do you see that makes sense?

Could you navigate with the data shown on the charts and Coast Pilot?

Does the Light List agree with what you observe?

Document what is Important!Document what is Important!

The person who will read your report has never seen the area.

Imagine this person without your vast knowledge and report clearly and totally.

Never assume local knowledge.

Document as for a StrangerDocument as for a Stranger!!

Be explicit!

Include tide, currents, Lat/Lon, depths, chartlets, graphs, drawings, photographs.

Tell a complete story in a few words.

Check Local KnowledgeCheck Local Knowledge

What landmarks do the locals use when fishing or lobstering?

Are there any unreported rips and rocks?

Are there better small craft channel used by locals?

Document your DocumentsDocument your Documents

Include:

– Engineering drawings.

– Site plans.

– Building plans

– Anything signed by a registered engineer is desirable.

Include: – Heights and footprints of buildings.

– Chartlets, photos, and written descriptions.

– Chart number, Edition, and Date.

– Latitude and Longitude.

Note the date and time of every event and

verification that you perform.

In your photos, try to include a charted object in the background as a reference point.

– Reference the reference point to a specific chart or other nautical document.

Different Agencies have Different Agencies have different responsibilitiesdifferent responsibilities::

Sent a separate report for each agency or publication involved.

i.e.... One for the chart people and one for the Coast Pilot people.

AgenciesAgencies NOAA - Publishes nautical charts and the

Coast Pilot. US Army Corps of Engineers - Does

specifications and reports on navigable waters.

DOD - Defense Mapping Agency - Publishes nautical charts and Weekly Notice to mariners.

U.S. Coast Guard - Publishes the Light List, LNM, and the NAV Rules.

PERSISTENCEPERSISTENCE NOAA is chiefly concerned with

Seamarks. Landmarks are less important to large vessels.

However, if a landmark is important to the local mariner and not recognized, be persistent.

ACCURACYACCURACY Only report when you can document an item

beyond a reasonable doubt. Insure that all your supporting documentation

are detailed and accurate as possible. Know the standards of accuracy expected by

the agency. Document how you took measurements and

the tools that you used.

Lives over AccuracyLives over Accuracy Saving lives and property is our

business. Use this criteria:– Can a vessel go aground?– Will a vessel hit a rock?– Could a vessel miss the entrance?– Are there shore facilities that could

provide a rescue platform but are not charted or listed?

More CriteriaMore Criteria Possible danger to navigation?

Information is misleading?

New information is more useful?

Navigation information?

Data is incomplete?

Where to Look!Where to Look! From Seaward toward the shore. . .

– Most boating accidents happen near shore, especially a lee shore.

– Are groins changing the currents or being covered by high tides?

– Is there new shoaling near marked channels or under or near bridges?

From the Shore:

– Demolished buildings or new construction?

– Sight lines?

– Are entrance jetties being covered at high water?

Sources of InformationSources of Information Local Knowledge. Harbormasters. Commercial fishermen. Marina managers. Dock hands. Newspaper items. Legal notices

Other SourcesOther Sources MEPA “Environmental Monitor” US Army Corps of Engineers. FCC FAA Building permits. Con COMM hearings.

Tools of the TradeTools of the Trade Binoculars. Lead line. Hand-bearing compass. Nautical charts. Cruising Guides. Coast Pilot. Light List.

More ToolsMore Tools Road maps. Camera. Note book. Dividers. Plotter Pencil and pen. GPS set

ReportingReporting CG 5474 and 77-5 reports are on the

National Web Site.– Reports can be prepared on the

computer and printed locally.

Have an ATON KIT aboard for reference on how to prepare and forward reports.

The ATON Program offers:The ATON Program offers:

Adopt A Chart Program.

Federal ATON Verifications.

Private ATON Verifications.

Bridge Check Reporting Program.

Small Craft Facility Reporting.

A Year Round ProgramA Year Round Program Offers a challenge for the the boater

and non-boater alike. Provides stimulating work. Initiates immediate results and

response.

JOIN THE AUXILIARY ATON TEAMCall your FSO-AN today!