Final answer:
You are informed of defects or changes in aids to navigation by Local Notice to Mariners, Weekly Notice to Mariners, and marine broadcasts—option D, all of the above. These resources provide essential information for safe and efficient maritime navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option D. all of the above. Mariners are typically informed of defects or changes in aids to navigation through multiple avenues to ensure that the information is distributed widely and reaches those who need it. Local Notice to Mariners (LNMs), issued by local Coast Guard districts, contain important information about changes to aids to navigation, as well as other pertinent information, such as new hazards to navigation, construction, or marine events in a specific geographic area.
Weekly Notice to Mariners is a more comprehensive collection of navigational information published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for a global audience. Marine broadcasts also provide timely updates through automated radio broadcasts, ensuring mariners receive current navigational information. These measures are crucial for maintaining maritime safety, allowing mariners to plan and navigate their voyages safely and efficiently.