Letter from the Chief Executive
The 2001 terrorist attacks on the USA are now affecting marine
navigation policies in a significant way. Initiatives towards
increased regulation of shipping are moving steadily, especially in
the field of radio navigation policy.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced a carriage requirement in July 2002 for the installation of automatic identification systems (AIS) on new shipping, and the plan is to complete this new system by 2008 or earlier-possibly 2005. Although originally designed for ship-to-ship collision avoidance, the emphasis is now on information and security aspects. IALA (the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) has taken the lead in developing the specification for the system, which has been adopted by the IMO.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights' involvement at IALA continues to keep us in the vanguard of developments in marine navigation. As members of the IALA Council and of several policy committees our Service is well positioned to provide the latest innovations in the field of aids to navigation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights' differential Global Positioning System and the planned EU Galileo satellite navigation system will be key elements by providing very accurate position information to shipping around Ireland.
During 2002 light-emitting diode (LED) lights were introduced on many buoys and the response of mariners has been very favourable. Combined with solar power sources these new lights offer the potential for superior, more efficient, and reliable buoy lighting.
Our new ILV Granuaile has proved to be an effective aids to navigation service ship. Her ability to work safely and effectively in most sea states has greatly increased the productivity of our marine operations. In addition to normal service operations, work has been successfully carried out on servicing deep sea automatic scientific research buoys, on search and rescue operations, and the emergency delivery of water to Inishmaan Island. Combined ship and helicopter operations are now standard for many offshore deliveries of plant, equipment, heavy materials, and fuel.
Proposals to incorporate the Commissioners of Irish Lights Service within the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission have not progressed during 2002 due to legal and other difficulties. The North-South Ministerial Council agreed in June 2002 to ask relevant Ministers and Departments to examine alternative possibilities as a matter of urgency and report back to the Council. Despite the uncertainty caused by this situation the Board and employees of Irish Lights continue to serve the mariner with their best endeavours. Our motto in salutem omnium is well chosen.
The Board values the important contribution made by all members of the Service in meeting the high standards set by IALA. Working at remote offshore stations can be challenging and enjoyable. It can also be frustrating and lonely. We are working to address the latter by better planning, better support, and higher standards of comfort. I expect 2003 to be a year of progress in these endeavours.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2003.
T. M. Boyd
Chief Executive
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced a carriage requirement in July 2002 for the installation of automatic identification systems (AIS) on new shipping, and the plan is to complete this new system by 2008 or earlier-possibly 2005. Although originally designed for ship-to-ship collision avoidance, the emphasis is now on information and security aspects. IALA (the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) has taken the lead in developing the specification for the system, which has been adopted by the IMO.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights' involvement at IALA continues to keep us in the vanguard of developments in marine navigation. As members of the IALA Council and of several policy committees our Service is well positioned to provide the latest innovations in the field of aids to navigation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights' differential Global Positioning System and the planned EU Galileo satellite navigation system will be key elements by providing very accurate position information to shipping around Ireland.
During 2002 light-emitting diode (LED) lights were introduced on many buoys and the response of mariners has been very favourable. Combined with solar power sources these new lights offer the potential for superior, more efficient, and reliable buoy lighting.
Our new ILV Granuaile has proved to be an effective aids to navigation service ship. Her ability to work safely and effectively in most sea states has greatly increased the productivity of our marine operations. In addition to normal service operations, work has been successfully carried out on servicing deep sea automatic scientific research buoys, on search and rescue operations, and the emergency delivery of water to Inishmaan Island. Combined ship and helicopter operations are now standard for many offshore deliveries of plant, equipment, heavy materials, and fuel.
Proposals to incorporate the Commissioners of Irish Lights Service within the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission have not progressed during 2002 due to legal and other difficulties. The North-South Ministerial Council agreed in June 2002 to ask relevant Ministers and Departments to examine alternative possibilities as a matter of urgency and report back to the Council. Despite the uncertainty caused by this situation the Board and employees of Irish Lights continue to serve the mariner with their best endeavours. Our motto in salutem omnium is well chosen.
The Board values the important contribution made by all members of the Service in meeting the high standards set by IALA. Working at remote offshore stations can be challenging and enjoyable. It can also be frustrating and lonely. We are working to address the latter by better planning, better support, and higher standards of comfort. I expect 2003 to be a year of progress in these endeavours.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2003.
T. M. Boyd
Chief Executive