WAMS
The United States' waterways are marked by over 100,000 federal and private aids to navigation (ATON). The Coast Guard is tasked with maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient waterway system, and the WAMS is a key tool used to achieve this mission.
A WAMS study assesses whether existing aids are necessary and effective. Based on these findings, the Coast Guard may modify, add, or remove aids to navigation to adapt to the evolving needs of the waterway.
Southwest District WAMS Units
- USCGC George Cobb
- USCGC Alder
- Sector San Francisco
- Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach
- Sector San Diego
- Sector Humboldt Bay
WAMS Completion Tools
A completion guide is available for units completing a WAMS assignment. This guide offers instruction on the background of the WAMS, recommendations for thorough analysis of waterways, and direction in drafting the final written report.
To assess the criticality of a particular waterway, a criticality worksheet is available for assistance use the criticality determination guide. A waterway may be Navigationally Critical, Environmentally Critical, Militarily Critical, a combination of the three, or non-critical. Depending upon the criticality, the more important the results of the WAMS review for safe navigation of the mariner.
If you are completing an assigned WAMS or have questions concerning waterways or the impact of particular aids to navigation, please contact the WAMS Officer for assistance. Please check the NAVCEN website under the Local Notice to Mariners tab for any ongoing studies.