UFC 4-150-06
12 December 2001
5-7
NAVIGATION AIDS. Aids to navigation are the markers and signals
vessels require to safely use a navigation project. The navigation safety of a project is
directly related to the clarity and visibility of aids to navigation. Channel design must be
planned so that the layout, dimensions, and alignment facilitate clear marking. A
reduced width may be possible in a well-marked channel as compared to a poorly
marked channel, so a tradeoff between channel widening cost and aids to navigation
costs should be considered in design; additional information is available in CEM Section
VI-3.
5-7.1
Jurisdiction. Where aids to navigation, such as lights, daybeacons, or
buoys, are required, consult the District Office of the USCG or, in the case of areas
where no district office has jurisdiction, the Commandant, USCG. This organization will
advise as to requirements for aids to navigation. The aids, which conform to USCG
specifications, may be purchased from the USCG. Structures for supporting the aids
(towers for lights or daybeacons and moorings for buoys) shall be provided by or under
the cognizance of the NAVFAC. The USCG has specific jurisdiction over all aids to
navigation in the continental United States and in all outlying territories and
possessions. Refer to Code of Federal Regulations, Title 33, for information relating to
establishing aids to navigation. In foreign countries, the regulations of local agencies,
where such agencies exist, govern in lieu of the USCG, but the USCG will assist, when
requested, in establishing aids to navigation, even in foreign countries.
5-7.2
Types of Aids. The following general data on aids to navigation are given
to assist in preliminary layouts and as a basis to discuss requirements with the
regulating agency. Aids to navigation include, but are not limited to, lighthouses (light
stations), range lights, directional lights, minor lights, lighted and unlighted buoys,
daybeacons, and sound signals. Other types of aids to navigation that are not under
the primary cognizance of the NAVFAC include lightships, radio beacons, radar
beacons, and loran stations. Several types of navigational aids are illustrated in Figure
5-25 through Figure 5-29.
5-7.2.1
Lighted Aids. The placing of lights is a function of local navigation
requirements and topography. General rules are not applicable. Height of the lantern
and type and candlepower of illuminant shall be specified. For daytime use, light
structures shall be distinctively marked or painted in order to provide easy identification.
Primary Seacoast Lights. These lights, which may be attended or
automatic, are established on seacoasts, bays, sounds, and lakes for the
purpose of marking landfalls and coastwise passages from headland to
headland, and in harbors where powerful candlepower is necessary. The
light source is designed to obtain the maximum geographic range.
5-74
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