USCG NavCen National Navigation Systems Division NOAA-NOS
About Navigation Systems
The Navigation Systems department directly supports the U.S. Coast Guard in its responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of all Aids to Navigation on the waterways of the U.S., and NOAA, the NOS, and other Federal agencies in their responsibilities to provide navigation charts and other related information.
Programs
The District 11SR has five key programs that are focused on the coastal and inland waters of Arizona, Southern California, and Southern Nevada:
- Federal Aids to Navigation (ATON): We are tasked with looking for and reporting any and all discrepancies to Federal aids to navigation;
- Private Aids to Navigation (PATON): We execute special missions under Coast Guard orders, using certified Aids to Navigation Verifiers, to systematically visit, at least annually, every private aid to navigation listed in the Light List, in our area of responsibility (AOR), and to report any discrepancies found;
- Chart Updating (CU): We assist auxiliarists in the procedure to formally report observed discrepancies in nautical charts and publications such as the United States Coast Pilot.
- Small Craft Facility Chart Updating (SCFU): We formally survey at least annually public marinas, boat harbors, and other public marine facilities for the sake of published small craft charts and facility guides.
- Bridge Surveys: We are tasked with annually surveying all assigned bridge lighting and fender systems, and reporting discrepancies found during those surveys, or at any other time.
- Resource: Aids-to-Navigation 101 FAQ – a quick review of navigation aid parameters
- Resource: ATON TRAINING GUIDE – ATON Training Guide PDF Reference
- Resource: Auxiliary ATON PQS – ATON PQS qualification standard
- Resource: AV Process Guide – ATON Verifier Process Guide
- Resource: Form D11s-NS1 – Combined ATON Reporting Form D11S-NS1
- Resource: NS-AN01 – Federal Short Range Aid to Navigation Program Handout
- Resource: NS-AN02 – ATON Study Guide
- Resource: NS-AN03 – ATON Kit Handout
- Resource: NS-AN04 – ATON Report PDF Format
- Resource: NS-AN04 – ATON Report Excel Format
- Resource: NS-AN04a – ATON Report Field Explanations
- Resource: NS-AN05 – ATON Training Presentation
- Resource: NS-AN06 – ATON Discrepancy Review
- Resource: NS-AN07 – All About Buoys
- Resource: NS-AN08 – Everything About Beacons
- Resource: NS-AN09 – More About Beacons
- Resource: NS-AN10 – Aid Observation Worksheet
- Resource: MN-AN11 – MN-AN11 Preunderway Checklist for ATON-CU Patrols
- Resource: What To Report – What to Report About Beacons or Daymarks