Navigation Systems
End of Traditional Paper Charts - In November 2019, NOAA initiated a five-year process to end all raster nautical chart production. NOAA is intent on easing the transition to ENC-based products while continuing to support safe navigation, improving data consistency, and providing larger scale coverage for the electronic navigational chart (NOAA ENC®).
New Paper Chart Product - Create your own NOAA Custom Chart (NCC) directly from NOAA’s Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA ENC®) files. The online NCC creates pdf’s of customized paper products that fall short of satisfying navigation chart requirements but are useful for training and can supplement an electronic navigation system that does comply. For more information on traditional paper nautical charts and the associated raster chart products go to NOAA Raster Chart Products.
Graphic Light List – Is a tool linking the current USCG Light List and Local Notice to Mariner corrections to provide a graphic display using Google Earth. The full documentation and training materials are located under Navigation System Links: U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary Light List and NOAA Chart Updates.
AV Assistant - Is an app being developed by the AUX and CG for reporting verifications and discrepancies of Aids to Navigation (ATON), particularly private aids known as PATONs. Training materials are being developed. See AVAssistant Tool and AVAssistant APP for more information.
NEW: COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AIDS TO NAVIGATION PROGRAM HANDBOOK, 16500.16 28 Mar 2024. - The purpose of this Handbook is to provide guidance for the employment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary by District Commanders in the Coast Guard's Aids to Navigation Program. Includes the revised Aids to Navigation (ATON) Verifier Performance Qualification Standard (PQS).
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- If you are looking for information about the Navigation Systems programs in the Auxiliary you are at the right resource. Our goal is to make this web site a one stop source for anyone who may want information about the Navigation Systems Programs.
- If you are interested in our Navigation Systems programs for Federal Aids to Navigation (ATONs), Private Aids to Navigation (PATONs), Chart Updating (CU) and Bridge Administration Program (BAP), welcome aboard!
OVERVIEW: Aids to Navigation Program
Qualified Auxiliarists and their facilities are authorized assignment to duty to support and augment the Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation program. This includes verifying the location and characteristics of private aids to navigation (PATONs), after qualifying as an AV – Aid Verifier. Auxiliarists may assist and support Coast Guard units in servicing Federal aids after receiving proper Coast Guard training. Auxiliarists may also help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers in updating nautical charts and publications. Training is available in all four Auxiliary Navigation Systems Programs – ATONs, PATONs, Bridges, Chart, and Coast Pilot Updating.
NAVIGATION SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
- Bridge Administration Program
- Chart and Coast Pilot Updating
- ATON/PATON
USEFUL LINKS
- Quick links to download new editions of NOAA Nautical Charts
- NOAA Office of Coast Survey News and Updates NOAA Chart Updates