T&T: Aids to Navigation NOT

[Todd Mains]

Mike writes:  "Aids to navigation which have become hazards to navigation
should be reported immediately. Notices should be broadcast by vhf regularly
to notify mariners operating in the area of these anomaly's. These notices
are not always done and some hazards are not reported timely."

There are three issues here.  First, the Coast Guard does broadcast a report
of any and all aids to navigation that are off station or otherwise not
working as shown on the chart, light list, or Coast Pilot.  This broadcast
is made immediately when the report comes in and the complete list is read
every day at the same time.  A time is assigned for each Coast Guard station
to read this broadcast daily.  This is called the RMIB, or Regular Marine
Information Broadcast.

A hazard to navigation (regardless of whether it is a Nav. Aid) is read
immediately when it comes in, and then on a schedule determined by the
Operations Controller until the hazard is removed.  This is called an SMIB,
or Safety Marine Information Broadcast.

The Coast Guard is grateful to mariners that report problems with aids and
hazards to navigation.  Please call the Coast Guard via cell phone, if
possible.  You will not only be asked about what you observed, but where you
were when you observed it, the time of day, the direction you were
travelling, etc.  Try to call when you are on scene, and expect to be on the
phone for 10 to 15 minutes.

Safety depends on mariners working with the Coast Guard.  When in doubt,
give your local Coast Guard unit a call and tell them what you see.

Todd Mains