US Aids to Navigation

Inland and coastal waters are particularly hazardous to groundings and sinkings due to wind, waves, rocky shoals, submerged obstructions, strong currents, tidal swings of water depth, restricted visibility from fog, rain and darkness, other vessel traffic, shore lights and more. The US Coast Guard and local agencies deploy a comprehensive array of navigational aids including buoys, beacons, lights, dayboards, racons, bells, whistles, gongs, horns and more to assist mariners in safe conduct through these areas in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions. This seminar describes the navigational aids and their meanings, sources for authoritative description of specific Nav Aids in specific locations, and how mariners can acquire the latest change information in their area of interest for use in pre-planning a cruise.