INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF NOAA FORM 77-5
FOR USCGAUX/NOS COOPERATIVE CHARTING PROGRAM
1. PROCEDURES: The reporting Auxiliarist should upon discovering a discrepancy or
change, complete this form as soon as possible. Only ball- point pen or typewriter
can be used. ALL FOUR COPIES should be forwarded to the FSO-AN. The FSO-AN should
immediately review the form, correct any obvious mistakes, retain COPY 4 and forward
the remaining pages to the DSO- AN. The DOS-AN should retain COPY 3 and forward the
remaining pages to the National Ocean Service (NOS). Chart updating accomplishments
will be reported into AUXMIS by NOS on a monthly basis.
2. ADDITIONAL OBSERVERS: If more than one Auxiliarist is to receive credit for this
report, enter the requested information on the BACK OF NOS COPY. Be sure to indicate
the percentage of credit to be awarded to each member.
3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: To obtain an acknowledgement from NOS that this report has been
received, enter your complete name and address in the appropriate place on the BACK
OF COPY 2 and return it to you. (If you DO NOT want an acknowledgement, retain copy
2 for your records.)
4. SMALL-CRAFT FACILITY REPORTS: Use this form to submit Small-Craft Facility Reports.
This form will replace NOAA form 77-3. (NOAA form 77-3 can be used until the supply
is exhausted.
5. SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Any supporting documentation you can supply to verify your
report should be submitted along with this form and will result in additional credit
for you. Such documentation could include photographs, newspaper articles, Corps of
Engineers surveys, engineering drawings, etc. If you send a sections from a section
from the current edition of the affected chart with the correction noted, a
replacement chart will be returned to you free of charge.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO REPORT*
1. SUBMERGED OBJECTS: Report uncharted rocks, submerged obstructions, unmarked or
shifted shoals, wrecks, underwater cables and pipelines. Report even the simple fact
that you know or think there has been a change.
2. OBSTRUCTIONS: Report pilings, weirs, overhead cables, piers, new or misrepresented
bridges. Include a sketch if you cannot explain it properly When reporting the
nonexistance of an obstruction, state when and by whom it was removed, if known.
3. CHANNELS: Report new channels and changes to existing channels by local interests.
Include controlling depths, widths, and location of channel markers. (This
information is usually obtainable from the party who contracted for the new
dredging.) Try to obtain a copy of the "After Dredge" survey.
4. LANDMARKS: (Objects sufficiently prominent to be of help to the navigator.) Report
tall, distinctive smokestacks, towers, spires, tanks. Also, you may report an
isolated building on a hill or promontory, a distinctive clump of woods or outcroppig
of rock, an isolated strip of sandy beach or other easily distinguishable feature.
Less prominent landmarks may be reported around small unbuoyed or poorly buoyed
Harbors and and anchorages. Include sketches if possible. It is equally important
to report charted landmarks that no longer exist!
5. MARINE FACILITIES: Report new facilities not on current small-craft charts; also
discontinued facilities that are on the charts. Report any glaring discrepancies in
those facilities listed.
6. AIDS TO NAVIGATION: If you observe a discrepancy or problem with an aid to
navigation, report this immediately to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard facility. Then,
send a copy of your report to NOS, through your FSO-AN, to receive credit toward
cooperative awards. Be sure to indicate on your report form that USCG was notified.
7. ERRORS IN COAST PILOTS: Report errors and inconsistencies in latest issues of NOS
Coast Pilots. Critical changes will be published in Notice to Mariners.
*Consult "Shirt Pockets Guide" for detailed list.
HOW TO REPORT
1. REPORTING DEPTHS: Use the most accurate means available to you (Lead Line, setting
pole, depth sounder). Always include the exact time and date of the sounding so that
it can be corrected for lake stage, tide level, effect of current, etc. Do not try
to correct it yourself. When using a depth sounder, be sure to make proper allowance
for the distance between the transducer and the water line. State on the report that
you have done this. Report the fact that object may be visible at low water but
submerged at high water.
2. LOCATING AND REPORTING POSITIONS: Accuracy in reporting positions is vital. Use the
best method available to you. If you need help locating a position, check with your
FSO-AN. When plotting positions based on bearings, state clearly whether they are
True or Magnetic, allowing for deviation if Magnetic, or deviation and variation, if
True. Locations determined by crossed bearings are good. Sextant bearings are best
of all. A combination of bearings and distances (even if the distances are
estimated) can be used. Always show your method of obtaining the position on your
report.
3. PLOTTING POSITIONS: Plot your information on the largest scale chart of the area.
Where possible, cut out the pertinent section of the chart letter sixe (8 1/2 x 11),
or fold it accordingly. Include the chart number, edition, and correct date. Plot
your changes clearly and accurately. Show all bearing lines and plotting
information. Place explanatory notes or sketches in unused areas of the chart.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
UP-TO-DATE CHARTS: An up-to-date NOS chart is essential to safe navigation and chart
updating activities. Be sure that you are using the latest edition of the chart and
that you have applied the Local Notices to Mariners that were issued subsequent to
the edition date of the chart.
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