You are informed of defects or changes in aids to navigation by ____?

The correct answer encompasses a comprehensive approach to keeping navigators informed about any defects or changes in aids to navigation. Local Notices to Mariners are published by district commanders of the Coast Guard and provide localized information about hazards and changes to maritime navigational aids. These documents are crucial for mariners operating in specific areas and are generally issued on a regular basis.

Weekly Notices to Mariners compile all the local notices from the past week and provide a broader overview of changes and hazards that affect navigation on a wider scale. This consolidation is particularly useful for mariners who may not have access to every local notice due to geographic restrictions.

Marine broadcasts, on the other hand, are real-time communication tools that can provide immediate updates about conditions at sea, including changes to aids to navigation. These broadcasts allow for timely dissemination of urgent information that can affect navigational safety.

Together, these sources provide a robust framework for mariners to stay updated on the status of navigational aids, ensuring safer navigation. Thus, all these means of communication are vital for mariners to receive timely and accurate information about their navigational environment.