Blog
Marine Navigation
e-AtoN Activation
Gone are the days of the audible Bell and Gong buoys that were a part of the old Aids to Navigation (AtoN) system. Today, buoy location signals are sent electronically—for those who have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver aboard.
Notice is given to mariners that the Captain of the Port Mobile (COTP) is notifying mariners that the U. S. Coast Guard will conduct a test activation of the Electronic Aids to Navigation (e-AtoN) in the Sector Mobile Area of Operation from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The purpose of e-AtoN is to supplement the physical AtoN and provide a visual reference via Automatic Identification System (AIS). This may prove useful if the physical AtoN listed is not watching properly due to severe environmental conditions, etc. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution and exercise good seamanship as they accustom themselves to e-AtoN and update their electronic charting devices to reflect current chart updates. Any discrepancies to AtoN should continue to be reported to the U. S. Coast Guard as soon as possible. Reports of discrepant aids should be made to the Sector Mobile Command Center at (833) 662-8724 or via the online AtoN Discrepancy Report Form found on the USCG Navigation Center Website at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/contact/aton-discrepancy-report Questions may be addressed by contacting the U. S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile Waterways Management Division at 351-382-8653 or email at SectorMobileWaterways@uscg.mil
The nicest thing about the new system is the location integrity. We can now know if the buoy is on-station or if it has been moved, as is some times the case in the ICW and areas of swift current.
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