Navigation Systems
Aids to navigation and chart updating.
Summer 2026Flotilla Aid Verifiers completed a dozen PATON assignments in north Whatcom County and reported several discrepant aids to navigation.
- Spring 2026
Flotilla Aid Verifiers have been notified that 2026 PATON and bridge assignments are available, and one member completed AV training.
- Fall 2025
All bridge and 61% of PATON assignments are complete, with 17 of 44 PATONs expected to be finished by year end.
- Summer 2025
Two flotilla AVs have begun 2025 PATON verifications, completing 12 of 44 with two discrepancies reported.
- Spring 2025
The flotilla received its 2025 PATON and bridge assignments, held the annual AV refresher via Zoom, and asks boat crew to use electronic navigation systems for charting.
- Winter 2025
The flotilla verified 41 of 42 PATONs and all five bridges in 2024; an AV Workshop is scheduled at DTRAIN and the annual AV Refresher is expected in April.
- Fall 2024
Aid verifiers completed more PATON and bridge verifications, and boaters are advised of Swinomish Channel shoaling, retired NOAA raster charts, and a new way to access Local Notice to Mariners.
- Summer 2024
Flotilla aid verifiers have begun 2024 PATON verifications, and the last local NOAA raster charts are being retired in July.
- Spring 2024
Pam Chelgren-Koterba taught electronic chart sessions at the 2024 Seattle Boat Show, and the remaining Northwest District NOAA raster charts are being retired in May–July 2024.
- November 2023
The flotilla completed 23 of 38 PATONs and all five bridges in 2023, and Pam Chelgren-Koterba taught electronic navigation sessions; NOAA is retiring its paper raster charts.
- July 2023
Progress on the flotilla's 2023 PATON and bridge verifications, electronic navigation training sessions, and a notice that NOAA is retiring its paper raster charts.