Note **: "The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be utilized when available as the primary means of conducting these verifications (visual only). These verifications may be done during the course of normal operations and are intended simply to verify that the aid is displaying the published characteristics." (CCGD8 SOP)

• The Auxiliary is formally missioned to visually verify Class I private aids:
  Which requires night verification without entering private property
• The Auxiliary plays an important role by augmenting the scarce resources of our customers -- the Coast Guard Aids to Navigation teams and Cutters
  The Cutters are required to inspect any Class I private aids not verified by the Auxiliary -- not a good use of Coast Guard resources!
• These customers rightfully expect thorough, timely and accurate (100% defect-free) verifications and reporting.

• All Auxiliarists should observe all aids to navigation whenever passed and report discrepancies using Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Report form CG-5474 (ANSC #7054).
• Private aid verification results should be reported by Auxiliary Aid Verifiers (only) using the Private Aid Verification Worksheets developed and provided by the District 8(oan) Private Aids Branch or the DSO-AN.

These worksheets, one for each Class I private aid, are printed by the DSO-AN prior to the beginning of the boating season.

The DSO-AN is responsible for packaging and distributing the Private Aid Verification Worksheets to each Aid Verifier for the AV's area of responsibility (AOR).

If no Aid Verifier is designated for an AOR, the worksheet packages are sent to the SO-AN for the AOR.

• Is the aid defined and located as described in the Light List?
  Bank, River Mile, Business Name (if applicable), Structure
• Do private aids show the published characteristics?
  For lighted aids: Lens color, number of flashes per minute (see separate topic on "Verifying a Light's Characteristics"). Also, shape and color of dayboards, buoys
• Is the aid visible upstream and downstream?
  Lamp is good -- Not dim or extinguished
  Lens is clean -- No bird fouling, no heavy condensation, no cracks
  Light is in focus -- Fixture not leaning more than fifteen degrees
  Not obscured by trees or brush
  Dayboards and signs -- Not peeling, not faded
  Retroreflective material is good

• Private Aid Verification Requires Night Verification Mission
  • To reasonably establish that lighted aids are showing proper characteristics for the distance and the arc (upstream to downstream) expected
  • To check retroreflective material on buoys and dayboards
  • To verify readability of signs
  • Which is usually performed in conjunction with day visit to check condition of structure (tower, pilings, etc.), board lamination, etc.
• When Verifying Private Aids, Auxiliarists Must:
  Never touch an aid to navigation
  Never enter private property (trespass)
  Never contact (verbal or written) a private aid owner.
• Auxiliarists Should:
  Report unauthorized aids
  Identify Class I private aids that may no longer be required
  Recommend establishing new aids
  Direct all questions to the District Commander (oan)
• Verification of Private Aids by the Auxiliary is a Volunteer Activity
  However, once an Auxiliarist has committed to verify an AOR, that Auxiliarist is responsible for performing the verifications or for notifying the SO-AN or DSO-AN that the verifications cannot be performed. The notification must be made in sufficient time to reassign the AOR to (and possibly train) another Aid Verifier.