The Meadow Point Buoy

Understanding what an Aid To Navigation (ATON) means and looks like from just the symbol on the chart can be very difficult for many boaters.

This is a narrated PowerPoint introduction  to U. S.  Aids to Navigation.  Individual chart symbols are shown with a picture of the Aid and the context of the Aid is explained.  Examples and pictures are from the Shilshole Bay area of Puget Sound, Washington.

A copy of the instructor notes are at the bottom for those wanting the “executive summery” and a quick review of ATON’s.

The instructor notes are an executive summery of the presentation with a picture of the slide and extra notes on the particular ATON.  One caution on the instructor notes is that each ATON slide has all the inset pictures showing, the presentation sequences through from a view of the chart and ending with a picture of the ATON, that sequencing is not shown in the instructor notes.

Instructor Notes For PowerPoint Presentation (PDF 775k)

Other articles you may find helpful:

Introduction to U.S. Aids to Navigation – More examples of Aids to Navigation from the Seattle area.

Puget Sound Area Marine Training Charts:
Selected Puget Sound Charts with prominent marine points highlighted. Use as a training aid to learn the area or to find points on a chart quicker.

Marine Sound Signals – PowerPoint presentation  covering Sound Signals.

Thanks for your interest in and support of boating safety.  I hope you and your crew find this presentation useful.

– c/m –