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Aton Operations > ATON position and SR > Flashcards

ATON position and SR Flashcards

1
Q

Lawsuits brought against the USCG beginning in the 1950s revealed inadequacies in the USCG ATON positioning program. In a particularly notable 1972 case involving the M/V TAMANO, a Federal court found “USCG ATON positioning and recordkeeping was sloppy, inaccurate, and inadequate.” It further noted that “ATON personnel were grossly untrained and lacking in experience and general knowledge.”

A

As a result, the ATON Positioning Project was commissioned to examine positioning practices and develop solutions to improve USCG ATON positioning professionalism. The first ATON Positioning Manual documenting these improvements was signed as a Commandant Instruction Manual in 1982.

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2
Q

What is Assigned Position?

A

With the exception of most buoys on the U.S. Western Rivers, aids to navigation are assigned a specific geographical location, known as an “AP.” These positions are expressed in latitude and longitude to the thousandths of a second (less than 1.2 inches). Also is authorized by the district commander for buoys and beacons.

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3
Q

what is designed position?

A

The specific geographic location of a range structure prior to construction is known as

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4
Q

as Built Position

A

Ranges shall be surveyed after construction is completed and the recorded surveyed position is known as

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5
Q

what is Automated Aid Positioning System (AAPS)?

A

currently known as AAPSilver, is a component of IATONIS. AAPSilver is an installed desktop application used by ATON field units to position all U.S. aids to navigation, with the exception of range structures.

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6
Q

What is Iatonis used for?

A

The USCG is responsible for the U.S. Aids to Navigation System and uses the Integrated Aids to Navigation Information System (IATONIS) as a program management tool for managing and reporting on Aids to Navigation (ATON) and related navigational matters.

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7
Q

What is the purpose of USAIMS

A

The application of new technology has permitted the USCG to create a system which enhances productivity, permits superior mission performance, and provides the public with the means to quickly and conveniently access important navigational information.

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8
Q

If you are missing required inputs or NMEA sentences in USAIMS can you still position an aid?

A

No Present throughout the application is an Alarms icon. An alarm will be generated anytime the application detects an issue that is preventing users from generating a found or set fix on the Positioning screen. Users cannot generate a found or set fix until all Alarms have been resolved

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9
Q

what is the job of you as an OIC for aton ashore/afloat?

A

Responsible for properly positioning buoys and beacons and maintaining accurate records as required. Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all marine information associated with the ATON under their primary responsibility (to include I-ATONIS, Hydrographic Office issued charts, Coast Pilots and Light Lists).

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10
Q

who manages Iatonis and USAIMS?

A

USCG Navigation Center (NAVCEN). NAVCEN, in addition to their other navigation projects, manages the I-ATONIS database which is used by the USCG ATON community as a management information and marine information system for tracking visual aids to navigation. I-ATONIS information is used to create the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and the seven volumes of the Light List. NAVCEN posts the weekly LNMs and annual Light List on its website (http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/ ) for reporting of marine information for public use.

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11
Q

why are buoys on the western rivers exempt from AP?

A

On the Western Rivers, because of the dynamic nature of these waterways, it is not practical to assign buoys to a predetermined AP.

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12
Q

what does GPS provide?

A

GPS provides accurate location and time information in all-weather, day and night, anywhere in the world. Positions provided by the GPS constellation are expressed in WGS-84 Datum.

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13
Q

GPS accuracy is provided on two levels, what are they?

A

SPS- standard positions system which is available for all users worldwide.
PPS- precise positioning service most accurate and also available worldwide.

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14
Q

why don’t western river buoy’s have an assigned position?

A

The Western Rivers Marking System (as defined by 33CFR Section 62.51) reflects the unique environmental conditions that characterize these waterways: constantly shifting channels due to shoaling, current, and changes in river stage levels. Consequently, it is not practical to establish permanent buoy positions marking the navigable channel. The Western Rivers Marking System concept places a great deal of responsibility on ATON units to position floating aids to meet the changing river conditions based on a continuous assessment of the river to ensure that the ATON best marks the waterway. Unit Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge must use their best judgment concerning the number and placement of aids

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15
Q

There are 5 different general Waterway type’s for AP, what are they?

A

Deep Water – Maintained. These waterways are generally restricted by nature, are assigned a project depth, and may require periodic dredging to maintain that project depth. The waterway depth is greater than 12 feet.

  1. Deep Water – Not Maintained. These waterways are generally unrestricted. The channel boundaries are not delineated; however, ATON may be established to mark a desired depth or hazard. The waterway depth is greater than 12 feet.
  2. Shallow Water – Maintained. These waterways are generally restricted by nature, are assigned a project depth, and may require periodic dredging to maintain that project depth. The waterway depth is 12 feet or less.
  3. Shallow Water – Not Maintained. These waterways are generally unrestricted. The channel boundaries are not delineated; however, ATON may be established to mark a desired depth or hazard. The waterway depth is 12 feet or less.
  4. Seacoast and Coastal Waters. ATON in these unrestricted waterways are generally used for geographic reference or to mark specific hazards to navigation.
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16
Q

USCG use the following three horizontal datum reference systems?

A

World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84)
North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83)
North American Datum 1927 (NAD 27)

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17
Q

What does World Geodetic System 1984 used for?

A

It forms the common geodetic reference system for modern Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) on which positions from electronic navigation systems (e.g. GPS) can be plotted directly without correction. All ENCs, regardless of the issuing Hydrographic Office use WGS 84 datum.

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18
Q

What is the North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83)?

A

NAD 83 is the geodetic horizontal datum for North America and datum used on all NOS issued paper charts and their equivalent electronic Raster Navigation Chart with exception of the western Pacific.

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19
Q

why do we use AP to assign a buoy and beacon?

A

The objective of positioning buoys and beacons is to ensure they are placed as close as is reasonably possible to their AP. The AP recorded in the District-controlled field of I-ATONIS is conveyed to the mariner through the Light Lists and other automated processes that produce charts and related hydrographic products. Therefore, the data integrity of the AP is paramount and its importance cannot be overstated. However, placing an ATON at a specific geographic location is secondary to ensuring the ATON’s actual location best marks the waterway and serves the purpose for which it is intended. In these cases, a detailed description of the reason for the change shall be included in the remarks section of the Aid Positioning Report (APR) along with a request to change the AP.

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20
Q

Who is authorized to change AP?

A

Changing AP to Coincide with the Most Probable Position (MPP). The MPP of an ATON is the most probable position of a buoy’s sinker or a beacon. On occasion, it may be appropriate for a Commanding Officer or Officer-in-Charge to request changing the AP of an ATON. In these cases, a detailed description of the reason for the change shall be included in the remarks section of the Aid Positioning Report (APR). The practice of changing an ATON’s AP is authorized under the following conditions:

a. When, under the premise of best marking the waterway, an ATON is intentionally not placed as close as is reasonably possible to its AP. Servicing units should not confuse slight variations between MPP and AP as a requirement to request a change to AP.
b. When, for a variety of reasons, it is necessary to place a beacon more than 3.0 yards from AP. Note: all relocations (temporary or permanent) must be advertised by a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) and in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM).

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21
Q

Can Sector ATON officer direct you to relocate ATON from AP?

A

Not without ATON order issued from District DPW

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22
Q

What methods can be used to position (find) an aid?

A

Short stay / Excursion: Hypotenuse, L Method, and Manual (Center of Watch Circle Radius)

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23
Q

What is the preferred or best way to conduct a position check and why?

A

Short stay, eliminates any guesswork or assumptions made when using excursion methods.

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24
Q

Prior to approaching any floating aid to navigation with the cutter or boat what do you want to do?

A

Verify the buoys position with relation to any hazards in the area, determine if the buoy appears to be on station. How would you make the determination? Radar overlay, acquire on radar, visual bearings, USAIMS

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25
Q

What are the 5 “core” manuals, which guide the ATON mission?

A

ATON Administration, ATON Positioning, ATON Technical, ATON Seamanship, ATON Structures

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26
Q

How long are aid folders kept?

A

For the life of the AID

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27
Q

What is NESSS and what is it used for? naval and electronics supply and support system;

A

Naval and Electronics Supply and Support System; SFLC’s Inventory Management System for accountability of ATON property.

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28
Q

What form is used to request buoys, bridles, chain, and sinkers?

A

CG-4491

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29
Q

Plastic and foam buoys shall be left on station for how long? what about steel?

A

As long as they can be maintained by the serving agent and serve as an effective aid to navigation. Steel is 7 yrs minimum.

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30
Q

What are the maximum service intervals for ATON?

A

floating = 3 yrs and fixed = 5 yrs

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31
Q

What is a “Registry of Lifting Appliances” and what should the OIC’s involvement be with it?

A

Rigging Log; Proactive oversight; Ultimately responsible. How often will you look at it? Where can you find a template for it? NATON

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32
Q

Where would you find the technical requirements for the selection, inspection, testing, and maintenance of marine cranes installed on cutters?

A

SFLC Tech Standard 589, Naval Engineering Manual COMDTINST M9000.6(series) Ch 589, Naval Engineering Technical Standard 589 Cranes

33
Q

When are you required to complete an APR?

A

Each time a buoy is visited: Shore aids when it is built or rebuilt. If the OIC doubts the accuracy of the original set fix.

34
Q

What entries are required in the APR remarks?

A

Reason for visit, if aid was found on/off station, if excursion was used the method used to determine, Light List, USAIMS, Chart verified, departure from normal procedures, any other info required by District.

35
Q

What is the purpose of the Cutter Safe to Sail instruction?

A

Establishes minimum criteria for each cutter class to be used by OPCON, CO/OIC’s and mission support elements in risk management and operational readiness decisions.

36
Q

Can you get u/w with less than the minimum critical equipment fully operational? What is the waiver request process?

A

no

37
Q

You are OIC on a 65’ Harbor Tug u/w for an Ice Breaking mission what are some precautions you want to take upon entering ice?

A

Set Material Condition Zebra below the main deck, position crew to conduct 100% space accountability, slow your speed, test steering.

38
Q

What is set? What is drift?

A

The direction your vessel is getting moved by external force away from intended track.
The speed at which your vessel is moving away from its intended track.

39
Q

who will verify the DGPS receiver is operating properly as specified in the operator’s Manual prior to positioning ATON.

A

Commanding Officers, Officers in Charge and coxswains

40
Q

DGPS receivers must (at a minimum) be capable of supplying the following National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) sentences:

A

GGA, GRS, GST, GSA, and DTM.

41
Q

When positioning ? the DGPS receiver must be set to Manual beacon selection mode. Manual selection of an operational beacon prevents the use of test beacons and beacons beyond the 260nm range restriction.

A

ATON

42
Q

? is the only authorized software tool used by ATON servicing units to ensure that each ATON is placed as close as reasonably possible to AP. Additional instructions for setup and maintenance of ? software, positioning laptop computers, and authorized positioning electronics (e.g., DGPS receivers) can be found on the NATON website.

A

The Automated Aid Positioning System (AAPS)

43
Q

what Systems Used for Determining Most Probable Position (MPP).

A

DGPS, DGPS - RAINS(Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring and GPS

44
Q

how are Soundings used for ATON positioning?

A

corrected to either Mean Low Water (MLW) or Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) using NOAA predicted tide data and is indicated on the chart.

45
Q

Buoys are assigned three levels of accuracy based on risk associated with a waterway type?

A

great, moderate and low

46
Q

what is Positioning Tolerance (PT)?

A

The radius of a circle, expressed in yards, that represents the maximum distance in which a buoy sinker may be placed in relation to AP.
deep/shallow water maintained 15 yards
deep/shallow water not-maint 25 yards
sea coast/coastal 40 yds

47
Q

what is MPP?

A

is the most probable position of its sinker based on an error of the position fix known as(2drms). MPP is located in the center of 2DRMS.
* The MPP of a buoy’s sinker is determined while the buoy is at Short Stay or Not at Short Stay. The MPP is recorded as either Set or Found. A set MPP can only be determined while the buoy is at short stay or when the sinker is released from a mechanical chain stopper. A found MPP can be determined when the buoy is at short stay or not at short stay.

48
Q

Short stay MPP determination?

A

Short stay is defined as when the scope of chain is equal to, or nearly so, the depth of water, thereby having the sinker directly underfoot. MPP is recorded as set when the chain is at short stay or when the sinker is released (e.g. mechanical chain stopper, dump board, etc.).

49
Q

Not at Short Stay – MPP Determination?

A

Not at short stay is defined as when the scope of chain is greater than the depth of water and the buoy is subject to natural forces, creating a situation where the sinker and buoy are not vertically aligned. This situation necessitates an approximation of the horizontal distance and direction of the buoy from the sinker; known as excursion. MPP is recorded as found whenever the buoy is not at short stay.

50
Q

ON/OFF Station Determination. A buoy is determined to be on station when its sinker is within the prescribed positioning tolerance. The three functions that determine ON-Off Station are:

A

AP, MPP and 2 Distance Root Mean Squared (DRMS).

51
Q

The ? of a beacon is recorded in I-ATONIS/usaims and is the position provided to NOS to depict the aid on nautical charts. The set fix obtained when a beacon is constructed must be within 3.0 yds of AP.

A

AP or assigned position

52
Q

? must be made AP if the distance is

greater than 3.0yds.

A

MPP or Most probable position

53
Q

Using a chart (paper or electronic) to extend a rangeline to
determine a DP will not yield a position with an acceptable accuracy. What are three examples of rangelines used in waterway design?

A

Channel centerline, parallel to the channel centerline, irregular channel centerline

54
Q

what program is used to find positions, distances and/or bearings given other positions, distances and/or bearings
when using a grid system with the same distance-unit-of measure in both horizontal directions (i.e. an X-Y grid). A USCG Range COGO program specifically tailored for
range calculations is posted on the CG-NAV-1 Website.

A

COordinate GeOmetry (COGO

55
Q

what can’t be used to provide an acceptable level of

accuracy for ranges and shall not be used to position a range structure.

A

DGPS positions

56
Q

what is Focal Plane of a range light? what is the height of the light measured accordingly to?

A

its a critical component in the range design process.

The height of the light is measured in reference to mean high water. surveyors refer to heights as elevations.

57
Q

Surveyors in the United States usually

express elevations using what?

A

North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).

58
Q

what is an Aid Positioning Record (APR) document?

A

an APR records the relevant and necessary information used to determine the position of an ATON. The purpose of the APR is to document observations made, environmental data, and actions taken when
positioning an ATON. The APR is also used to communicate information to the district office. All relevant information shall be recorded to allow verification or validation of an aid’s position at a later date.

59
Q

how often shall you complete an APR? who should you send it to after completion of work?

A

an APR is completed after each establishment, dis-establishent or maintenance of an AID. After completion the report shall be submitted to district (DPW) within 10 days …
Primary Servicing Units will retain a copy in the unit aid folder until the original APR has been reviewed, signed, and returned to the Primary Servicing Unit by the District (dpw). The original APR will be retained in the official aid file.

60
Q

How long do you keep APR’s on file?

A
  1. Copies may be destroyed after ten years.
  2. Originals may be destroyed three years after discontinuation of the aid.
  3. APRs with historical or legal significance shall not be destroyed unless microfilmed, or stored on other digital media, for future reference.
61
Q

what is WCR watch circle radius?

A 
function of ocean engineering requirements used to keep a buoy to the seabed. Used to help calculate excursions from MPPs that are recorded as found when not on
 short -stay.
62
Q

what is (DRMS)- distance root means squared?

A

represents the radius of a circle of probable error where the MPP will be located.

63
Q

DRMS is extended out to 95% which is twice which is called 2DRMS.

A

The 2DRMS for a fix equals 2 times the square root sum of the squares of the standard deviation of latitude error and the standard deviation of longitude error, both obtained from the GST.

64
Q

what is HDOP HORIZONTAL DILUTION OF PRECISION?

A

a measure of geometric quality of a GPS satellite configuration in the sky is a relative factor of determining accuracy of a horizontal position. Smaller the DOP the better the geometry.

65
Q

what are the 8 light list categories?

A
  1. LL #
  2. name and location
  3. position
  4. height
  5. range
  6. structure
  7. characteristics
  8. remarks
66
Q

two range lights are?

A

RL 14 and RL 24

67
Q

DGPS receivers must (at a minimum) be capable of supplying the following National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) sentences:

A

GGA, GRS, GST, GSA, and DTM. Additional NMEA strings such as gyro compass heading input are authorized.

68
Q

GPS provides Lat/Long positions in WGS 84 datum. DGPS Stations convert the Lat/Long into NAD 83 datum,

A

therefore to avoid double conversions; the DGPS receiver’s datum must be set to WGS 84.

69
Q

When positioning ATON, the DGPS receiver must be set to Manual beacon selection mode.

A

Manual selection of an operational beacon prevents the use of test beacons and beacons beyond the 260nm range restriction.

70
Q

The 2DRMS reading must be greater than zero (0).

A

A reading of 0 indicates that the system is not functioning properly.

71
Q

Excursion. The preferable method for determining a sinker’s MPP is while at short stay. Recognizing that circumstances may not allow this on every occasion, the calculation and assessment of excursion shall be used to determine the sinker’s MPP.

A

acting on or applied to the buoy and is expressed in degrees true from the sinker to the buoy. The length (horizontal distance) of excursion is determined by using the following methods:

72
Q

(1) Hypotenuse Method. Excursion using this method is determined by extending the mooring to its maximum length and using Pythagorean’s Theorem to calculate the distance.

A

Classically known as the Watch circle radius.
Excursion Hypotenuse method
= square root (Chain length)2 - (water depth)2

73
Q

L method: Excursion using this method is determined by an assessment of environmental factors to determine the direction (bearing) of the buoy from the sinker and subtracting the observed water depth from the total length of the mooring

A

(consider buoy draft and bridle length for larger buoys) to determine the horizontal distance between
the sinker and buoy.
Excursion L method
length of mooring - observed water depth

74
Q

Watch Circle Radius. Watch circle radius is a function of ocean engineering requirements used to keep a buoy moored to the seabed. Watch circle radius is used to help calculate excursion for MPPs that are recorded as found when not at short stay.

A

Watch circle radius does not influence or contribute to the determination of On/Off Station. Care should be taken to appropriately design a buoy’s mooring while considering the watch circle relative to the channel width and any other limits of the waterway.

75
Q

2 DRMS of MPP cannot exceed what?

A

9.8 yards

76
Q

can you take a fix if greater than 9.8?

A

No, us aims will not allow you take a fix greater

77
Q

what is PE?position exact in USAIMS

A

when MPP to AP is 3yds or less

78
Q

what is PER? position exact - relocate?

A

when MPP is greater than 3 yds from AP

79
Q

Wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is know used in aton for what?

A

Federal aviation administration support lateral and vertical navigation. US CG units to use GPS from the DGPS or WAAS for navigational use. WAAS has reached operational CG ENAV equipment.

Aton Operations (7 decks)

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