The U.S. Coast Guard has the responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of all Aids to Navigation on the Waterways of the U.S. This is an all-inclusive responsibility, and it includes the coastal waters and inland waters of the U.S. This responsibility is affected in conjunction with NOAA, National Ocean Service and other Federal Government agencies, State and Local Government elements and Private entities. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, in its overall supplemental supporting role, provides specifically authorized assistance to the Coast Guard in its Aids to navigation missions and National Ocean Service in its Chart Updating missions. This Auxiliary support effort is provided through the Aids to navigation and Chart Updating (ATON/CU) Program.

District 11 North Navigation Systems Department which is a part of the Marine Saftey (Prevention) Department focuses geographically on Northern California, Nevada and Utah waterways. Our mission is to insure the safety of both commercial and recreational boaters supporting them in their navigation efforts through five major roles; Federal Aids to Navigation (ATON), Private Aids to Navigation (PATON), Chart Updating (CU), Small Craft Facility Chart Updating (SCFU)  and Bridge Surveys (BAP).

Federal Aids to Navigation (ATON)

As a member of the USCG Auxiliary we are tasked with looking for and reporting any and all discrepancies to Federal Aids to Navigation. Assisting ANT units and other Aids to Navigation request for assistance as needed. All members of the USCG Auxiliary should be on the watch for any aids to navigation discrepancies they see and report them.
 

Private Aids to Navigation (PATON)

As a Qualified & Certified Aid Verifier we are tasked with checking all Private Aids to Navigation assigned by District Eleven (dpw) on an annual basis. Always Looking for unauthorized and report all private aids that have been put in our federal waterway without a permit. Report any private aids to navigation that become or are hazards to navigation.
 

Chart Updating (CU)

As a member of the USCG Auxiliary we are tasked with looking for and reporting any and all discrepancies, correction's, & additions to our Navigational Charts & Coast Pilot. This work helps make sure that our chart's are accurate for the maritime public and keeps the environment safe from pollution.
 

Small Craft Facility Chart Updating (SCFU)

As a member of the USCG Auxiliary we are tasked with surveying on an annual bases all public marinas, boat harbors and other public marine facilities. We check for and report any and all discrepancies, correction, & additions to our Small Craft Navigational Charts. This work helps make sure that our Small Craft Navigational Charts are accurate for the maritime public looking for the best location to get the needed supplies while on a boating or fishing cruise.
 

Bridge Surveys (BAP)

As a Qualified & Certified Aid Verifier we are tasked with surveying all assigned Bridge Lighting & Fender Systems by District Eleven (DPW) Bridge Section on an annual basis. We also assist D11(dpw) Bridge Section with information about waterways where new bridges may be planned. All members of the USCG Auxiliary should be on the watch for any bridge discrepancies they see and report them.

Want More Information?

If you are looking for more information contact your Flotilla's FSO-NS officer and he or she will be happy to assist you.  If you are the FSO-NS you can contact your Divisions SO-NS and once again if your the SO-NS then contact Jim Duncan () the District 11 North DSO-NS.