Flotilla 21  Sayreville, N.J. Aids to Navigation

The CG Auxiliary Aid to Navigation program consists of the following activities:

• Aid to Navigation Discrepancy Reporting

• PATON Verification

• Chart & Coast Pilot Correction Reporting

• Bridge Surveys & Bridge Discrepancy Reports

The program is geared to report discrepancies to the Coast Guard / NOAA. When an aid is watching properly (i.e., it's on station and working properly), no reports are normally needed (or wanted). We observe and report problems so they can be corrected.

Aid to Navigation Discrepancy Reporting

The CG Aux AN program looks for members to report discrepant ATONS (Federal Aids to Navigation), that is, aids that are off station, missing, damaged, or not working properly. Unless specifically requested by the Coast Guard, aids that are working properly should not be reported - that would generate un-needed paperwork that serves no purpose. 

While on the water, or on shore in sight of the water, keep an eye open to watch for aids that are not performing properly. If you find a discrepant aid, report it on Form 5484, sending the report directly to the ADSO-AN-SecNY-S Jim Reznik, and sending copies to the SO-AN and FSO-AN.

PATON Verification

When specifically requested by the SO-AN, AV qualified members do PATON (Private Aid to Navigation) Verifications. This involves checking that the private aid is in position and watching properly. This program involves PATONS only, not ATONS.

The PATON verification is reported on Form 5484, sending the report directly to the ADSO-AN-SECNYS Jim Reznik, and sending copies to the SO-AN and FSO-AN.

Chart Update Reporting

While the CG reports all changes in aids to navigation to NOAA for publishing on NOAA charts, NOAA relies on reports from the CG Aux and the public to find out about other changes to charts. This is especially true for shore based features such as prominent buildings and towers or other feature that would constitute a landmark useful for navigation.

Chart corrections should be reported on Form 77-5, sending the report directly to the ADSO-AN-SECNYS Jim Reznik, and sending copies to the SO-AN and FSO-AN.

Coast Pilot Corrections NOAA depends on reports from the CG Aux and the public to find out about changes that need to be updated in the Coast Pilot. Corrections are reported on the COAST PILOT TEXT CORRECTION REPORT, sending the report directly to the ADSO-AN-SECNYS Jim Reznik, and sending copies to the SO-AN and FSO-AN.

Bridge Surveys

The D1SR Bridge Survey is a new program in which we will be working with the CG Bridge Office to conduct detailed surveys of each bridge in the AOR to verify the bridge is lit, marked and fendered in conformance with its CG permit.

This work, to be kicked off during the upcoming summer, will be done under the specific coordination and direction of the SO-ANs.  More information on this program can be found on the District 1SR ATON web page and on the district bridge page.