Federal Aids to Navigation Service Standards

The U.S. Coast Guard provides navigational positioning signals and aids that mark channels and harbors. Our customers can expect the following:

• LORAN Navigation (decommissioned)
• Precise Differential GPS and GPS navigation signal availability greater than 99.7 percent of the time
• A system of short range aids and buoys for U.S. coastal and harbor navigation, with individual aids performing to advertised characteristics 99.7 percent of the time

For questions about a specific aid to navigation or waterway, click here to contact the Northwest District Coast Guard District WAMS Manager.

Federal Aid Assignment List

The Federal Aid Assignment List (PDF, 100kb) provides a complete listing of federally maintained marine aids to navigation located within Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

It identifies which Coast Guard field unit has primary responsibility for each aid, which unit is secondary, and the Group or Sector area of responsibility for each aid to navigation.

Reporting Damaged or Malfunctioning Federal and Private Aids to Navigation

Federal and private marine aids to navigation are protected by law. Individuals who accidentally or intentionally damage an aid may be held liable for repair or replacement costs.

If you become aware of a damaged or malfunctioning aid, contact the nearest U.S. Coast Guard office using the phone numbers provided below. Be ready to provide the following details:

• Name of the aid if known
• Light List Number if known
• Waterway name, river mile marker if applicable, and nearest point of land or landmark
• Number or letter on the aid and its color, along with a brief description
• Description of the issue such as light out, missing buoy, displaced buoy, or damaged structure

If you know how the damage occurred or who caused it, include the following details if available:

• Name of the responsible individual, including mailing address or phone number if known
• If a vessel caused the damage: vessel name, make, model, color, and registration or documentation number
• If a vehicle caused the damage: make, model, color, and license plate number
• Date and time the damage occurred
• How the aid was damaged such as vessel strike, vehicle strike, vandalism, or natural causes

Federal ATON Damage Claim

Coast Guard ATON units needing to submit a Federal ATON Damage Claim should contact the Federal ATON Damage Claim Manager.