Boston Approach 'B' Buoy Mt Hope Bridge - Rhode Island

US Coast Guard Auxiliary - America's Volunteer Lifesavers

First Northern - Aids to Navigation Team

“We verify the ATONs and PATONs, check the Bridges, and update the Charts of First Northern.” 

Narragansett Bay - Chart 13221 Boston Light - Little Brewster Island

Home
2008 ATON C-School
2008 C-S Photos
What's new in ATON
Ponaug Marina
F.A.Q.
ATONers in Action
ATON AUXData
AN Tools
Bridges
Chart Updating
Federal ATON's
Private ATON's
Tools for AN Staff
Small Craft Update
Helpful Links
Meet the AN Team


2008 ATON C-School

TCYorktown

June 6-8, 2008 - Coast Guard Training Center
Yorktown, Virginia


Quick Links

ATON C-School 2008 Information

ATON C-School 2008 Notes

ATON C-School 2008 - Schedule / Outline

ATON C-School 2008 - Instructors

ATON C-School 2008 - FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

C- School Travel Reimbursement Link

Travel reimbursement by Direct Deposit

Stand watch at Boston Light;  America's First Light Station
Open to all Auxiliarists nationwide
 


 

About the Course

This school is designed to provide training in all five Auxiliary Aids to Navigation Programs - ATON - Federal Aids, PATON - Private Aids, BAP - the Bridge Administration Program, CU - Chart Updating Program and SCF - Small Craft Facility Program.  The new Web-based Private Aids to Navigation System that is being introduced into the First District, NR will also be presented. PowerPoint training aids for most AN programs will also be introduced.  The aim of the AN –C School is to train a cadre of Auxiliary leaders who will promote the AN programs in their District and develop new and lasting programs and relationships with the Coast Guard in support of the goals and objectives of the Auxiliary Aid to Navigation / Chart Updating Program.

 

Who May Attend

Candidates must be recently assigned as a FSO-AN (Flotilla Staff Officer - Aids to Navigation),  or a SO-AN (Division Staff Officer Aid to Navigation), or a DSO- or ADSO-AN (District Staff Officer – Aids to Navigation). This training is not refresher training. Alternative training is available through District ATON program managers. COMDT (CG-5421) must approve all waivers. Only one class convening is scheduled per year. Applicants MUST have an internet e-mail account capable of receiving and downloading attachments to order to benefit most from this training. Therefore, the candidate’s e-mail address must be included in Block #22 of the Short-Term Resident Training Request prior to approval. No civilian contractors are authorized to attend.

Dates, Location, and Codes for Course

*          Dates - 6-8 June 2008.

*          Location - Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia

*          Times - 0800 Friday to 1200 Sunday  (30 Students).

*          Course Code is 501065.

*          Course Title is "C-School - Aux ATON & Chart Updating - Private Aids.”

How to apply for this C-School

*           Complete  a “School Short Term Training Request Form CG-5223”  Click here to get Form CG-5223

*           Send your completed CG-5223 form to your District DIRAUX (Director of Auxiliary) via your Flotilla Commander (your FC is required to sign the form).

*           E-mail DVC-MN, Frank J. Larkin (FrankJLarkin@verizon.net) to advise that you have applied

*           Keep a copy of the Form CG-5223.  Expect to receive travel and information about orders.  See Travel Requirements notice below.

*           To see a "tour" (pictures taken) at an earlier class click here (2 megabyte .PDF)

*           To get Directions to The USCG Training Center, Yorktown  click here

Important Travel Message:
Travel arrangements should be made through a government contracted Travel agency.  Failure to use a government contracted travel agency will result in the traveler assuming all liability for costs due to changes and cancellation in orders.  Your DIRAUX can provide information on the government contracted travel agency for your region.  A recommended government contracted national travel agency is SATO (800 753-7286).  If you use SATO, you will need to provide SATO with the Travel Orders Number (TONO) to book travel.

 


ATON C School 2008 – Notes

 The National AN Staff has been working very hard to make the AN C-School a meaningful experience for you.  You will be introduced to a lot of new AN Program material during the three days of instruction.  The AN Program Study Guides have been updated along with their associated forms and worksheets. The focus of the AN Program is on accuracy, quality, and professionalism. You will be introduced to many new techniques that support these program’s goals at this school.

 

Orders:

Your orders are cut and are sent to your DIRAUX during May for preparation and forwarding to you.  The DVC-MN receives a copy of each person’s orders.  If you are looking for status on your orders, do not contact the DVC-MN.  Your DIRAUX--Director of Auxiliary’s office staff--prepares the actual orders that you will receive.  If your Director needs a copy, the DVC-MN is able to forward a copy.  However, each DIRAUX is listed on the same e-mail that the DVC-MN receives.

 Travel:

As your orders will state, you should use SATO for making reservations for your travel to Yorktown.  SATO will need a copy of your orders in order to schedule travel arrangements.  You will have to fax a copy of your orders to SATO. The AN C School starts off briskly at 0800 on Friday, June 6, 2008, so you should plan your travel to arrive at Yorktown on Thursday afternoon.  The AN C-school will be completed on Sunday at 1200. Schedule your departure accordingly. Schedule your flight to Newport News, VA, it is the closet airport to the base then take a cab to Cain Hall. If you fly into Norfolk, VA airport take a shuttle to TRACEN Yorktown as a cab would be incredibly expensive.

 Uniform of the Day

The uniform for all classes (0800 thru 1630 daily) is Tropical Blue Long.  For the sake of uniformity, the garrison cap is required.  The uniform must be worn in a military manner at all times.  Bring extra shirts. It will be hot in Yorktown at this time of year.  Yorktown is a Coast Guard training base and there will be many recruits on base all weekend.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times and walking around in uniform with your hands in your pockets is highly discouragedSaluting is requiredIf you are saluted you must return the salute.  Also, there will be many Coast Guard officers on this post.  You are required to initiate a salute to a Coast Guard Officer and to hold it until it is returned.  If you have never been in the military, you may want to talk to your Flotilla Training Officer for instruction about how and when to salute.

 Casual attire is allowed after 1630 and for the evening workshops on Friday and Saturday evenings.  It is not necessary to salute in civilian attire.

 AN Class Syllabus

The program syllabus is attached to this communication for your information.  You will receive over eighteen hours of instruction over the weekend.  All five of the AN Programs will be presented during the weekend.

 You are required to download some forms and study guides from this site as part of this class. See the attached AN C School Syllabus for instructions. This web site is currently being updated.  Wait until May 30 to download these documents.  The latest revisions will be available on this web site on this date.  Most of the documents are currently residing on this web site, but are not to the latest revision.  Familiarize yourself with this data before arriving at the school.  These are the Guides and forms you should copy:

 

  ATON - Federal Short Range Aid to Navigation Program:

       USCGAUX Federal Short Range Aid to Navigation Study Guide"

   PATON - Private Aids to Navigation:

Program is being finalized.  You will be advised when the material is available.

AV Qualification Check Off List”

“AV Qualification Study Guide”

   BAP – Bridge Administration Program:

         “Background Information on Bridge Regulations” (11 pages WORD)

            “What to Look for when Checking a Bridge” (1 page WORD)

            “Bridge Lighting Manual – USCG Manual.

 

   CU – Chart Updating Program:

       “USCGAUX Chart Updating Study Guide.”

            “Chart Updating Worksheet.”

            “Coast Pilot Text Correction Worksheet.”

            “USCGAUX/NOAA 77-5 Cooperative Charting Form.”

            “Vertical and Horizontal Error Calculator.”

 

   SCF – Small Craft Facility Program:

            “USCGAUX Small Craft Facility Study Guide.”

            “USCGAUX Small Craft Facility Worksheet.”

 

 There will be minimal paper handouts at the C School.  It is important that you print out copies of the documents described in the C School syllabus.  Use of laptops is encouraged at the C-school.  However, there are limited wall plugs in the classroom.  Each student will receive a CD that contains all of the new Aid to Navigation Program documents, forms and study guides that are presented at the school.

 Expectations

As a graduate of the AN C School, you are expected to become a leader in the AN Program in your District.  You are encouraged to hold higher AN Staff positions in the future.  Upon completion of this course, you will have been exposed to the latest information on each of the five AN Programs.  It is important to the overall success of the National AN Program that you pass this information on to the members in your District and that you take the lead in the implementation of the new program forms and features.  You are the future of the Aid to Navigation Program.

 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at: 

Frank J. Larkin
107 Concord Road
Acton. MA 01720
978-263-3023
FrankJLarkin@verizon.net

 


AUXILIARY C-SCHOOL COURSE SCHEDULE/OUTLINE

 COMMENTS   \* MERGEFORMAT Course Title:  Aid to Navigation Auxiliary “C” School

Short Title:  ATON “C” School

Course Code:  501065

Course ID: AUX 06

 Length of Course (hours):  25

 

TIME

SUBJECT

TIME

LOCATION

INSTRUCTOR

0630-0730

BREAKFAST

FRIDAY

JUNE 6

CHART UPDATING AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY UPDATING

0800-0845

Welcome, Introductions, and Orientation.

45m

Classroom

DVC-ON &

DVC-ON Staff

0845-1000

How to check Federal Aids and Identify Discrepancies

1h15m

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

K. Blount, BC-ONP

1000-1015

BREAK - Move to the River Walk area.

1015-1100

Tour the “River,” identify and review potential discrepancies

45m

River Walk

K. Blount, BC-ONP

1100-1130

Lighthouse Museum--Lenses and history

30m

River Walk

K. Blount, BC-ONP

1130-1145

Class Photo by Buoy display in River Walk.

15m

River Walk

M. Quinn, BC-ONI

1145-1230

LUNCH

1230-1315

Overview of the new “USCGAUX Federal Short Range Aid to Navigation Study Guide.”  Students should print out a copy of the Study Guide from the AN Web Site or www.uscgann.com/, and/or download it to their PC or Laptop.  Guidelines for taking fixes and depths will be covered.

45m

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

1315-1345

Review of the proposed new version of theANSC 7054 Aid to Navigation Discrepancy Report.”  A view of what’s coming in the second half of 2007

30m

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

1345-1430

A presentation of the administrative flow of theWeb-Based PATON Systemfrom PATON application to approved PATON.

45m

Classroom

K. Blount, BC-ONP

1430-1445

BREAK

1445-1530

A presentation on how the Web-Based PATON SYSTEM works for the AV.

45m

Classroom

F. Larkin. DVC-ON

1530-1600

Guidelines for an AV Qualification Program.

30m

Classroom

F. Larkin. DVC-ON

1600-1630

AN Web Site Plan review.

30m

Classroom

M. Quinn, BC-ONI

1630-1730

SUPPER

1830-END

Discussion on what you want to see on the National AN Web Site.  AUXINFO / AUXDATA Use by ATON Verifiers.  Informal dress.

2h

Classroom

Mike Quinn  BC-ONI

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

 

 

SATURDAY

JUNE 7

CHART UPDATING AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY UPDATING

and BRIDGES.

0700-0800

BREAKFAST

 

0800-0830

Critique of First Day Program.

0.30

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

 

0830-0930

Chart UpdatingIntroduction to Chart Updating Opportunities—what needs updating.

1.00

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

 

0930-0945

BREAK

 

0945-1030

Review of the new USCGAUX/NOAA Chart Updating Study Guide Students should print out a copy of the Study Guide from the D1 AN Web Site at www.uscgann.com/, and/or download it to their PC or Laptop.  Guidelines reporting information to NOAA will be reviewed.

0.45

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

 

1030-1130

How to plan a successful Chart Updating Program in your Flotilla or Division. Use of new CU Forms will be explained.

1.00

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

 

1130-1230

LUNCH

 

1230-1300

Tips on Chart Updating report preparation How to project professionalism, accuracy, and quality to NOAA.

0.30

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

 

1300-1345

Coast Pilot review and reporting Using the Coast Pilot Worksheet.

0.45

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

 

1345-1430

Small Craft Facility Updating. Review of new criteria and new reporting form

0.45

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

 

1430-1445

BREAK

 

1445-1515

A review of the needs of the Bridge Branches for Bridge Safety / Equipment Reports.

0.30

Classroom

Kevin Redden,

BC-ONB

 

1515-1630

A presentation about the safety equipment and lighting required on Bridges.

1.15

Classroom

Kevin Redden,

BC-ONB

 

1630-1730

SUPPER

 

1800-2000

Question session on everything you ever wanted to know about Chart Updating  and idea session on how to promote the Chart Updating Program within the Auxiliary Membership to improve the program. – Informal dress.  Discussions on the Bridge Program – questions and answers.

2.00

Classroom

Ed Martin, BC-ONC

Kevin Redden,

BC-ONB

Other AN Staff

 

 

SUNDAY

JUNE 8

CHART UPDATING AND SMALL CRAFT FACILITY UPDATING

and BRIDGES.

0700-0800

BREAKFAST

0800-0830

Critique of Second Day Program

0.30

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

0830-0945

The proposed Bridge Reporting System Database.  What is it? How does it work?  How to get started?

1.15

Class Room

K. Redden, BC-ONB

0945-1000

BREAK

1000-1100

The implementation process for setting up a Bridge Database Program.

1.00

Classroom

K. Redden, BC-ONB

1100-1130

C-School GRADUATION

Presentation of C-School Certificates

0.30

Classroom

F. Larkin, DVC-ON

M. Quinn, BC-ONI

1130-1230

LUNCH, CHECK OUT and DEPARTURE FOR HOME.

 


C- SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS

Comments:  5 Instructors, Internet Access with projection facilities.

Lead Instructor Name:  Frank Larkin, DVC-MN

Lead Instructor Telephone: 978-263-3023

Lead Instructor e-mail:  FrankJLarkin@verizon.net

Assisting Instructors:

Aids to Navigation – Kevin Blount, BC-MNP

Chart Updating, Coast Pilot, and Small Craft Facility – Ed Martin, BC-MNC / NOAA

Bridge Checking – Kevin Redden, BC-MNB

AN Program Information – Mike Quinn, BC-MNI


C - SCHOOL FAQ's

Very Important!
Please read this entire section carefully

Training Center Yorktown is the training center for new CG recruits.   They are held to a high standard and are compelled to follow the rules, as such so must the Auxiliary.  BEFORE you attend the C School PLEASE know the rules listed below.  If there is any deviation from the rules on the base, Coast Guard personnel will