Policy

Visual Aids to Navigation Plan
The General Lighthouse Authorities launch their Visual Aids to Navigation Plan
On the 14 May 2008 the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) launched their GLA Visual Aids to Navigation Plan (VANP). The Plan focuses specifically on the visual aids needed for safe navigation in the changing marine environment and presents the GLAs’ plan in respect of lighthouses, beacons, major floating aids, buoys, day-marks and other forms of visual aid required for safe navigation in their areas of responsibility. This plan reflects the level of service the GLAs will provide to all users, taking advantage of technological and operational improvements forecast in AtoN service provision.

Joint Navigational Requirements Policies 2007
The joint Navigation Requirements Policies (JNRP) of the three GLA relating to navigation policy and aids to navigation have been comprehensively revised (December 2007). Each policy will be updated as required as web documents.

2020 The Vision – Marine Aids to Navigation Strategy

The Marine Navigation Plan to 2015 was published in 1997 and is now superseded by 2020 The Vision. User consultation has clearly indicated that position fixing using GNSS is prevalent and that radar and visual aids are seen as the terrestrial backup to satellite systems as well as providing clear physical marking of wrecks, shoals and other hazards. This back-up role has been further emphasised by the known vulnerability of GNSS and the ease with which signals can be subject to interference from jamming, spoofing or natural influences.

2020 The Vision affirms that the mix of visual and electronic aids provided by the GLAs is essential to the safety of the mariner; and further concludes that:

· LIGHTHOUSES will have decreasing significance over time and some may be discontinued. Those that remain will provide platforms for additional services.

· UNLIT BEACONS will normally be discontinued or lighted.

· MFAs will be replaced once the operational performance of buoys meets navigational requirements.

· No significant change in BUOY numbers is envisaged, although they may be used as platforms for additional services.

· FOG SIGNALS have limited application in hazard warning.

· RACONS are an integral part of an AtoN system and will continue to be provided.

· LORAN C, as a terrestrial system, should be adopted as the maritime radionavigation backup to GNSS.

· AIS Technology will significantly enhance and complement existing AtoN.

· DIFFERENTIAL GNSS service will continue to be provided.