Every year we report how busy we all are in Irish Lights. This year is no different and, at the risk of tiring our readers, I will do so once again. Ensuring that the level of service we provide is appropriate for the changing patterns of marine traffic and trade, and is reliably available, is a never ending process.

Navigation Review
In 2005 we completed the Navigation Review where every aid to navigation provided by the General Lighthouse Authorities was examined for its navigational purpose and specification to ensure that it is fit for function within the context of the local area, traffic requirements, mix of aids to navigation, risk and navigational dangers. The Review received the endorsement of the Irish Lights' Users Committee in September, and will be used as the blueprint for improving and changing the level of service we provide, to keep up with and anticipate changes in navigation technology and the needs of mariners.

Local aids to navigation inspection and superintendence
Significant improvements to aids to navigation systems were completed by Local Lighthouse Authorities in 2005, including River Barrow to New Ross, Caherciveen River, Sligo, and Belmullet.
The recorded number of local aids to navigation continues to grow, resulting from the Commissioners' improved superintendence and management effort. This reflects increased awareness of the need to improve safety at sea, including the provision of reliable local aids to navigation. Inspections and audits continued at the required high level throughout 2005, with increasing focus on audits of records and procedures, particularly where the Local Lighthouse Authority shows good compliance through quarterly reporting.
Improved cooperation with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the sharing of their aquaculture database facilitated a survey of licensees in August 2005. The results of this survey will form the basis for a full examination of aquaculture marking in the coming year. Work with a number of Coordinated Local Area Management Schemes (clams) will also see improved marking of aquaculture developments.

Automatic identification system (AIS)
AIS improves safety at sea by providing real time information on a ship's position, course, speed, and other information automatically to other ships and shore stations. The carriage of AIS is mandatory for all Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) ships over 300 tonnes. The Irish Lights commitment to AIS relates to its use as an aid to navigation and for aid to navigation monitoring, and for traffic pattern analysis. A number of trial AIS stations has been established and AIS constitutes a key element in the recommendations of the five year Navigation Review.
The largest of our AIS projects is funded by the EU Interreg IIIA programme. This project, which will provide AIS for buoys of primary navigational significance on the north and north-east coasts, is now well advanced, and a user consultation and information programme will commence in 2006. As part of this project leisure and fishing users, and others not required to carry AIS, will be given information on its benefits and be encouraged to fit AIS on their vessels. Lower cost AIS units (termed Class B units) for the non-mandatory sector are now becoming available.
AIS is a significant positive development in the safety of navigation. It offers the potential to bridge the gap between conventional and radio aids to navigation, contributing to a more reliable and efficient aids to navigation service.

Ship operations In addition to the routine duties of servicing fixed and flo

ating aids to navigation, ILV Granuaile's work commitment in 2005 included close platform support for major station renovations, and the inspection and maintenance of beacons and perches.
The biggest job was the solarisation project for Blackrock Sligo Lighthouse which was a combined Marine-Engineering effort, including helicopter logistical support in shipping and installing the new energy efficient light, solar panels and batteries.
Work on beacons and perches required the ship's personnel to develop new expeditionary-like skills in trekking over some very rough rock and island terrain, often encumbered with DGPS survey packs, ladders, cans of paint and man-helps. (The latter is a sailor's name for an extension handle or pole to which can be attached a paint brush or roller in order to increase reach).

Kish Seabed Survey In April 2005 Granuaile carried out a survey of the seabed around the Kish Lighthouse to determine the extent of any erosion around the base of the tower. This is a routine survey which for the first time was carried out by Granuaile using the onboard multibeam echo sounder equipment. The survey was planned and executed by the Master and officers with quality assurance and quality control oversight by Sean Cullen who is a professional Hydrographer with the Geological Survey of Ireland.
Granuaile commercial work
Among other commercial operations in the course of 2005, September saw Granuaile undertake a structural survey of the Kinsale gas production platforms. A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) was deployed from the ship in very close quarters to the platforms. This involved the most intensive use of the vessel's dynamic positioning (DP) system since her commissioning. For a week the ship was in almost continuous DP mode round the clock, while teams of specialist ROV operators engaged in manoeuvring the vehicle underwater and viewing and recording the video images relayed onboard of every strut and leg of the rigs.
The vessel's own differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) was backed up by a Fanbeam positioning system using directional laser light reflected from the rigs. This was a necessary backup precaution, not only in the event of failure of the vessel's own position reference system, but also in case the vessel's GPS receivers view of the satellite constellation was interrupted or suffered signal bounce from the production platform which towered over the ship.
Tall ships
In July 2005 Granuaile participated as start line vessel at Waterford for the Tall Ships Race. Granuaile arrived in the Port of Waterford on the evening before the start of the race. Because of a shortage of alongside berths, the ship was required to moor in the centre of the river on fore and aft anchors. This turned out to be the best position possible not only for viewing the tall ships berthed in Waterford but also to see the spectacular fireworks display later in the evening. The best of our summer weather was experienced for the event, which was wonderful for the huge crowds, especially for the young children and families which attended.
The Parade of Sail began soon after first light next day and while passing Dunmore East the vessels received a cannon salute. Regrettably, the good weather also meant a lack of wind. All day long the proud sailing vessels lay becalmed about the starting line off the Hook Lighthouse.
Eventually alternative race start arrangements had to be made. Nevertheless it was a wonderful sight to see at close hand, and a wonderful event for the Port of Waterford.
 

Isle of Man visit
A short visit by Granuaile was made to Douglas in August to mark the 175th anniversary celebrations of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. It is thought that this is the oldest continuous trading ferry company in the world. This is a remarkable record of service to the community of the island and we wish them continued success for the future.

Saltees fishing vessel disaster On a sad note, in December 2005 Granuaile assisted the Irish Coast Guard in the search for the fishing vessel skipper and diver who tragically lost their lives following the sinking of the Rising Sun off the Saltee Islands. Our sympathies go to the families of the bereaved and to the whole South Wexford community who mourn their loss.

Glandore Beacon
After some delays, the contract for rebuilding the lighted beacon at Glandore was awarded. At the time of writing considerable work has been done but progress has been frustrated by unfavourable weather. It is hoped that the Danger Buoy will be permanently discontinued and the new Sunk Rock Buoy established before Christmas and that the beacon will be completed in early January 2006.

Sale of ALF Skua
In 2004 the Board approved a recommendation to dispose of the spare automatic lightfloat. ALF Skua was advertised for sale in December 2004 and after keen interest was sold in March 2005.
The lightvessel Skua was launched in 1960 and was converted to an automatic lightfloat in 1981. The vessel gave excellent service on many of the Irish lightship stations.
We wish her new owners well and hope that they will find a new and fulfilling career for her that will ensure her preservation.

Helicopter Service Contract
Last year I reported on the helicopter scheduling trials which were being carried out in order to test and inform us of our future requirements for the renewal of our helicopter service contract, due in 2006.
During the year, working with our colleague services of Trinity House and Northern Lighthouse Board, work was undertaken through a Helicopter Study Group, to develop a coordinated statement of requirements and combined invitation to tender for the helicopter needs of the three General Lighthouse authorities.
The award of the Irish Lights contract has not been finalised at the time of writing. However, it is planned that all current or prospective GLA helicopter contracts will be scheduled to terminate in November 2008, at which point it is hoped to seek a single contractor for the three GLAs.

Helicopter operations
In 2005 training of staff involved in helicopter operations continued. A training programme was devised in consultation with our current service provider, Irish Helicopters Limited, and new techniques for preparing and lifting external loads were introduced. Targeted training has been applied to the civil engineering coast operatives, Dun Laoghaire personnel, Lighthouse Attendants, Granuaile crew, and management. Training sessions were carried out at Baily Lighthouse and Helipad, and on board Granuaile with lectures on theory in the classroom, and practical preparation of loads, underslinging, and marshalling at the helipad.
A major contribution to the training was provided by Capt Colm Martyn, Irish Helicopters' Pilot, and Henrik Bishop, Irish Helicopters' Ground Crew Manager.
Because of the decision to convert to radio marshalling as the primary means of communication for all underslinging operations with the helicopter, the new training programmes introduced and practiced radio protocols and radio marshalling techniques for all personnel.

Fastnet memorial
On 25 June 2005 the Chairman completed the centenary celebrations of the building of the new Fastnet Tower by unveiling a memorial dedicated to the memory of those who built this masterpiece of lighthouse engineering for the safety of all mariners.
The memorial consists of a granite replication of Course No 20 of the Fastnet tower, laid into the ground. The design emphasises the keying of each block and how they interlink to complete the complex construction. Two seats are replicas of two of the actual individual cut stones.

IPT
As discussed elsewhere, the Integration Project Team has completed its work and presented a comprehensive agenda for change in the Service for the future. Captain Robbie McCabe, Assistant Inspector, was a member of the team and played a vigorous role in the process in representing the mariners' view.
This process represents the planning for a major voyage of change upon which the Service is now embarked. At the end of the voyage we will have a 21st century single-site building in Dun Laoghaire, matched by a modern organisational shape and a modern ship. I believe that this Service will then be in a stronger position than it has ever been in to meet the needs of the mariner for the future.
Marine Department personnel can be relied upon as always to lend their shoulder to the wheel to safely achieve our destination. I wish them and their families a challenging New Year for 2006.