GLA 2010 Aids to Navigation Review
09 June 2009
In accordance with best international practice, the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the United Kingdom and Ireland regularly undertake reviews of the levels of service provided to our user communities. This occurs on both a continuous basis, and also as a more formal and wide ranging public consultation basis at 5 yearly intervals.
The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) requires the
provision of sufficient aids to navigation as the volume of traffic
justifies and the degree of risk requires.
The previous Aid to Navigation (AtoN) Review was published in
2005 and is available on our website at www.cil.ie The
recommendations within that Review have largely been implemented by
the GLAs. During the intervening period a number of significant
changes have occurred in respect to the marine navigation
environment, including:
- The development and strategy to implement the e-Navigation concept by IMO
- The continuing adoption of low maintenance LED light sources
- The development of AIS AtoNs
- Improved Loran coverage following the commissioning of the GLA transmitter site at Anthorn
As a key part of the review process, the GLAs are now inviting comment on all aspects on the AtoN service provision within our waters. We would specifically request comment as to whether the current provision of individual AtoN or the mix of AtoN is considered adequate and appropriate, and whether there are geographic areas where the level of provision is either too high or insufficient for the needs of users. Organisations or individuals are requested to submit comments to myself by 31 July 2009, at the following address:
Following consideration of all responses, it is intended that draft review recommendations will be available for discussion at the Irish Users' Consultative Group meeting scheduled for 24 September 2009. The Review will be published in May 2011.
Capt. Kieran O'Higgins
Head of Marine