By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager
In May the United States Coast Guard announced plans to remove a number of Aids to Navigation (ATONs) across the Northeast. These ATONs — buoys, markers and beacons — are essential tools that guide boaters safely through our nation’s waterways. The Coast Guard cites modernization and shifting resources as the rationale for the removal, stating that the “current buoy constellation predates global navigation satellite systems, electronic navigation charts and electronic charting systems (ECS), which are widely used by today’s mariners.”
Despite this rationale, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), alongside several state marine trades associations, expressed serious concern about the potential impacts this decision may have on recreational boating, public safety, and local marine economies. This proposal also got the attention of various members of Congress, who worked in tandem with the MRAA and state marine trade associations to highlight these concerns to the United States Coast Guard.
Why ATONs Matter to Boaters
For generations, ATONs have provided boaters with the critical information they need to navigate safely. From warning of hazards to marking channels, these physical markers offer reliability in ways that technology, no matter how advanced, cannot fully replace. GPS, chartplotters, and mobile apps have become important tools, but many boaters, especially those new to the water, still depend on the Coast Guard’s physical markers as their primary source of navigational guidance.
The Northeast is home to some of the most iconic and challenging waterways in the country. From shifting shoals and strong tidal currents to heavy commercial traffic, safe navigation requires every available resource. The removal of ATONs risks creating confusion, increasing the likelihood of accidents, and undermining confidence among recreational boaters.
Safe, accessible waterways fuel the recreational boating industry. Each year, thousands of Northeast families depend on the boating season not only for recreation but also for jobs, tourism and small business growth. When navigational safety declines, marinas, dealers, boatbuilders and service providers — the backbone of coastal economies — feel the ripple effect and impact.
That’s why the MRAA, our partners in state marine trades associations, and members of Congress have submitted formal input to the Coast Guard outlining our concerns. We urged them to carefully weigh the economic and safety consequences of removing ATONs and to seek broader engagement with stakeholders before making final decisions. To read our comment, click here.
Comments
The Coast Guard’s mission to modernize and allocate resources efficiently is understandable, but it cannot come at the expense of safety and accessibility for America’s boaters. Physical ATONs remain an irreplaceable part of the navigational landscape, especially in the Northeast where waters can be unpredictable and unforgiving.
During the comment period, the MRAA led a coalition of state marine trade associations from the Northeast that ultimately provided input to the Coast Guard regarding the proposal. The state marine trades associations also shared the proposal with their members, local harbor masters and other local stakeholders. Ultimately, the comment period resulted in nearly 3,000 comments to the United States Coast Guard, providing input and insights into the proposed removal. In addition to the input from the MRAA, state marine trades associations and other stakeholders, a delegation of senators from the Northeast also expressed concern with the proposal. To read their letter, click here.
Congressional Input Updated Regulatory Timeline
Ultimately, this outreach resulted in Michael D. Emerson, Director of Marine Transportation Systems for the Coast Guard, sending a letter to Senator King outlining the Coast Guard’s updated plans to revise and extend the comment period. The letter states, “I appreciate your concern that the Coast Guard slow down the effort to ensure that the needs of communities and mariners in your states are understood. Accordingly, the Coast Guard will modify and extend the process. The Northeast District will review first round comments, asses feedback and re-advertise with any changes to the current proposal.”
Furthermore, before the Coast Guard issued their response, Representative Seth Moulton put forth an amendment to the Coast Guard reauthorization bill that would require the USCG to conduct a study on the use of buoys before they can be removed. The hope is that the study will provide additional data and insights that can help the Coast Guard as they decide which ATON’s to remove.
Moving Ahead
As the Coast Guard continues their efforts to remove ATON’s the MRAA will continue to monitor this situation and ensure that our members and other recreational boating stakeholders provide important input. We encourage you to stay on the lookout for any updates and comment periods so you can help provide important input as to which aids to navigation are crucial in your area. The MRAA will remain engaged with the Coast Guard to advocate for a solution that prioritizes safety, supports local economies and keeps our waterways navigable for generations to come. If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.
