New AtoN plans for British Isles

The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) Radio Navigation Plan and the GLA Visual Aid to Navigation (AtoN) Plan describe how the GLA will employ evolving technologies to provide the most cost effective service to all mariners. The plans support the GLA Strategy document ‘Marine Aids to Navigation 2025 & Beyond’.

The Radio Navigation Plan focuses on the role of radio navigation in the overall AtoN service provision mix, particularly in support of future e-Navigation services. This will assist the service user in planning deployment of equipment and manufacturers in their new business development.

Essential elements of the Plan are to:

• Support and encourage deployment of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and their recognition by IMO. These will include modernised GPS, as well as Galileo, GLONASS and Compass;
• Maintain the GLA Differential GNSS service until 2020. Its continuation beyond that will depend on user needs and alternatives that are available;
• Evaluate complementary technology to GNSS. The performance of eLoran will be proved in trials and its general adoption promoted;
• Encourage the development and adoption of a European Radio Navigation Plan, providing resilient positioning, navigation and timing across all sectors;
• Support the development and international harmonisation of AIS AtoNs, including synthetic and virtual; and
• Support an international strategy for the future of Radar Beacons (racons), taking account of changes in radar technology.

The Visual AtoN Plan sets out the GLA direction for lighthouses, beacons, major floating aids, buoys and day-marks. The document indicates the level of service the GLAs will provide to all users, taking advantage of technological and operational improvements. It shows the mariner what they can expect in the GLA areas of responsibility and gives manufacturers guidance on the products they might wish to develop.

Essential elements of the Visual AtoN Plan are to:

• Exploit developments in light sources (especially Light Emitting Diodes) to improve the performance and cost effectiveness of visual AtoNs;
• Use the most efficient means of generating optical gain to deliver the required performance;
• Model the properties of visual AtoN to select appropriate solutions for enhancing conspicuity, taking into account atmospheric conditions and background lighting;
• Continue a common, justified approach to service levels for visual AtoN; and
• Contribute to continuing national and international discussions on the development of visual AtoN, their deployment and measurement.