Publications, policies and guides

We publish a variety of reports and policies that outline our strategy as a General Lighthouse Authority. These include our Annual Report, Data Protection Policy, Carbon Management Plan, Adaptation to Climate Change Report and Maritime 2050 Navigating the Future.

They are all available to download.

Data Protection Policy Ethics and DUAA 2026

NLB is required by law to comply with the UK Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 which came into force on 25 May 2018, the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, and the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) 2021. Together they supersede the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).

Tri-GLA Marine Navigation Plan 2040 (PDF)

The Marine Navigation Plan describes the GLA plan for the overall marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) service provision mix. This plan covers electronic and visual AtoN and is a consolidated version of the separate plans that have been produced in the past.

2040: Navigating the Future (PDF)

2040: Navigating the Future is the United Kingdom and Ireland’s marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) strategy. It has been prepared by the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland for our users, partners, and stakeholders.

Aids to Navigation Review (AtoN) 2025-30 

The GLA AtoN Review follows wide-scale consultation with users and representative organisations from leisure sailors to commercial operators.

GLA Framework Document – July 2017 (PDF)

This Framework Document sets out the relationship between the Secretary of State for Transport (via the Department for Transport) and the GLAs in matters of business and finance and aims to provide a clear understanding of their respective duties and statutory responsibilities under legislation.

GLA Joint Navigation Requirements Policy

The GLA Joint Navigation Requirements Policy records in one publication the joint approach of the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) in navigational matters, to meet their statutory duties and for the purpose of planning and managing a cost effective Aids to Navigation (AtoN) service. Also provides the members of the Joint User Consultative Group (JUCG) with information regarding the GLAs’ AtoN provision.