A key finding of 2020 The Vision is that widespread reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has encouraged mariners to navigate closer inshore and at night and in reduced visibility, conditions which they are not used to. The GLAs must provide additional AtoN within such areas to mitigate risk. Increases in traffic bring increased risk of grounding or collision and AtoN must be used to minimise risk to vessels and damage to the marine environment through pollution.

The GLAs envisage that Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology will significantly enhance and complement existing AtoN. The GLAs will apply AIS technology to selected AtoN during the period of this strategy.

With concerns about the vulnerability of GNSS, the GLAs consider the provision of a terrestrial radio navigation back-up is essential. LORAN-C is considered the only back-up system currently operational which could fulfil these requirements but further investigation and analysis is required.

Lighthouses will have a decreasing significance over time and some may be discontinued.

Those that remain will have an enhanced role with value added services, including a platform for DGPS, Racons and AIS, directional and sectored lights, and meteorological data.

To deliver this strategy, the GLSa will continue to cooperate with each other and consult with all users to continuously review all AtoN. They will continue to participate in IALA to ensure continuous representation of national interests and will search for new cost effective technology that can deliver a more efficient service. The GLAs believe policy could change substantially if significant progress is made at national or international levels in areas such as LORAN-C being adopted as the terrestrial back-up to GNSS in Europe and integrated receivers (GPS/Galileo/LORAN/ DGNSS) being mandated for carriage by all SOLAS Convention vessels. The carriage of integrated receivers by non-SOLAS vessels could also be considered over the strategy's time frame, ensuring that all mariners have a position fixing capability without the need for radar or visual AtoNs.

MJ Information No: 19942