NS (Navigation Systems) within the Department of Marine Safety/Prevention. (Formerly: AN Aids to Navigation)  http://www.auxmdept.org/latest_navigation_systems_division.htm

14 D9ER members completed Aid Verifier (AV) Training at the District Conference March 27, 2010 

Contact the DSO-NS for a current copy of the Aid Verifier PQS.

PATON (Private Aids to Navigation) verification list will be available in early 2010.  Distribution will be through the Chain of Leadership. The list will be e-mailed or mailed to all SO-NS, FSO-NS and current Aid Verifiers. Distribution of the PATON forms will be through the SO-NS to the FSO's for NS, based on the work requested. Return of completed work will follow the chain from Aid Verifier to FSO to SO to DSO/ATON Buffalo for processing.  Aid Verifiers and FSO-NS officers that have any problem contacting their SO-NS in their Division should contact the DSO-NS for assistance.  

Training will be one of our major goals with emphasis on all aspects of our ATON Missions including: Private Aid Verification, Chart Updating, Small Craft Facility Program, Bridge Inspection, ATON C-School attendance & Verifier Training.

Contact your Division Officer for any questions specific to your AOR (Area of Responsibility). LLN (Light List Numbers)

Division 1 - Jack Gonzales SO-NS, biscpilot@crnet.net                                                                  

Division 2 - Stephen Bollenbacher SO-NS, sbollenb@oswegoboces.org  Cape Vincent Breakwater East End Light to Fairhaven Breakwater Light 1 (Lake Ontario) LLN 1700 - 2140

Division 3 - Paul Leuchner SO-NS, frog2327@verizon.net  Thirtymile Point (Lake Ontario) to Lower & Upper Niagara River to Barcelona (Lake Erie) LLN 2395-3335

Division 4 - John Buzzelli SO-NS, johnbuzz@rochester.rr.com Lake Ontario, 4-2 Rochester LLN 2271-2337, 4-4 Sodus Point LLN 2145-2270, 4-5 Braddock's Bay LLN 2340-2355, 4-8 Hamlin LLN 2356-2390, 4-7 Seneca Lake, (NYS inland waters)

Division 5 - Gordon Keenan SO-NS, gogo.keenan@gmail.com

Division 6 - Thomas Raszka SO-NS, flybuoy2@yahoo.com Avon Point to Vermillion Ohio, LLN 4270-4451, Chart 14826

Division 7 - Daniel Mikes SO-NS, dmikes@att.net

The District 9ER PQS (Personnel Qualification Standard) for AV (Aid Verifier) can be signed off by qualified Active Duty Coast Guard Personnel or current Aid Verifier.  This brings the ability of current AV's to train at their local level. Contact the DSO-NS for a current copy of the Aid Verifier PQS.   

Do not hesitate to contact Mike Grabecki, DSO-NS with ideas or concerns in relation to PATON missions and this web page.

The ATON Kit and other resources listed below are excellent.  

ATON KIT - Examples and directions for underway ATON observation and reporting. This handy guide is a must for all Auxiliary members while on patrol. Requires color printing of pages 1-4 due to content & B&W for pages 5-13.

The Local Notice to Mariners, Light List, and Summary of Corrections are posted weekly and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. You can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader at:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html