Enhancing maritime safety: Aids to Navigation reviews

What are the benefits of reviewing vessel and traffic navigational aids, and what makes a quality review?

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In port operations, safety and efficiency are key. Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are devices, systems or services external to vessels, designed to enhance the safe and efficient navigation of vessels and traffic, such as lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.  

Harbour Authorities (especially including Statutory Harbour Authorities) bear the responsibility of maintaining navigational aids crucial for vessel safety within their jurisdiction. Under the Merchant Shipping Act and Port Marine Safety Code, Harbour Authorities are usually also designated as Local Lighthouse Authorities who must review their AtoN every five years. This review aligns with a need to conduct Formal Safety Assessments to enhance port operations.

For these authorities, maintaining effective AtoN is not only a regulatory duty, but a critical aspect of safeguarding maritime interests. In an era of evolving regulations, policies, and increasing maritime traffic, optimising AtoN has never been more crucial.

In light of the duty and importance of undertaking regular AtoN reviews, what are the benefits of a quality review, and what makes a quality review?

Benefits of a quality AtoN review

Optimising AtoN offers significant cost-saving potential. By repositioning or decommissioning redundant aids, authorities can reduce maintenance costs and allocate resources more effectively. Enhancing AtoN accuracy and reliability minimises the risk of maritime incidents, leading to savings in accident mitigation and response.

Maintenance reduction

Strategic repositioning or removal of unnecessary AtoN reduces the frequency and scope of maintenance activities, leading to significant savings in labour, equipment, and resources.  This occurs as AtoN locations are gradually built-up overtime if the system as a whole is not reviewed, meaning that previously placed AtoN such as special marks, channel buoys, or lateral marks on infrastructure, may no longer serve their intended purpose from when they were originally commissioned.

Operational efficiency

Improved placement of AtoN reduces vessel incident risks and associated costs of vessel repairs and environmental cleanup efforts. In some ports, especially those in estuarine environments, there can be significant shift in the bathymetric properties of the navigable water, outside of the main channels which are usually dredged. These shifts can result in the original placement of AtoN becoming less helpful over time, and in some cases, the AtoN can start to impede the passage of vessels.

Optimised resource allocation

Redirecting resources from redundant AtoN to critical areas enhances navigational aid effectiveness and optimises resource utilisation. In some cases, it may well be better to consider the use of a single isolated danger mark, rather than relying on a series of cardinal marks which can confuse mariners as to where the danger is relative to the shore or areas of shoaling.

Lifecycle cost reduction

Strategic assessments allow informed decisions on investments in new technologies or infrastructure upgrades, minimising lifecycle costs associated with AtoN maintenance and replacement. In some cases, ports initially opt for a sector light, which tends to require more maintenance than AtoN, which are structurally simpler. In this case, some ports find that well positioned leading lights can significantly reduce the costs they incur in place of using sector lights when guiding vessels through their main navigable channels.

Avoiding penalties

Adhering to best practices and regulatory requirements mitigates the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal liabilities, ultimately leading to cost savings.

Enhanced stakeholder confidence

Proactive AtoN assessments and improvements build stakeholder confidence and trust, leading to indirect cost savings through improved reputation and increased support for funding initiatives.

Ensuring a quality AtoN review

There are a number of considerations to ensure an optimised, efficient AtoN review that will fully reap the benefits explored above.

A quality AtoN review should:

• Be guided by industry-leading standards, including the Trinity House Guidelines on AtoN Provision and Maintenance (which are published in conjunction with the Northern Lighthouse board and Irish Lights)
• Be integrated with Formal Safety Assessments of port operations, to ensure efficiency as part of a functioning Marine Safety Management System
• Be assessed based on traffic volume, hydrological features, and environmental conditions, ensuring a thorough understanding of the prevailing navigational challenges
• Meticulously consider geographical and hydrographical features, traffic patterns, weather conditions, and environmental considerations to assess risks accurately in consultation with key stakeholders of the harbour
• Be in close collaboration with the General Lighthouse Authorities to foster consensus on proposed changes, facilitating smooth implementation
• Adhere to the &#;ALARP&#; principle, ensuring that risks as reduced As Low As Reasonably Practicable
• Result in a succinct report or risk assessment that can be taken to the General Lighthouse Authority to discuss intended changes to AtoN within your area of authority

ABPmer&#;s AtoN consultancy service

Optimising Aids to Navigation is a strategic opportunity for Harbour Authorities and Local Lighthouse Authorities. Ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing operational efficiency enables authorities to confidently navigate the complexities of maritime safety.

ABPmer&#;s maritime specialists regularly assist authorities in unlocking the benefits of compliance and efficiency, charting a course towards safer seas and more cost-effective operations.

Our consultancy delivers a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the stringent requirements set forth by regulatory bodies such as the Port Marine Safety Code and General Lighthouse Authorities, providing quality insights and recommendations to empower Harbour Authorities to make informed decisions to help reduce maintenance costs, promote efficient vessel passage, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Prepared by Tim Aldridge, ABPmer Senior Maritime Consultant

Contact us to discuss your requirements of marine navigational aids company. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

As specialists in maritime risk assessment, we recognise that zero risk is rarely achievable. However, through careful examination and risk control measures, such as AtoN provision, our experienced consultants work closely with you to reduce or maintain navigation risk at acceptable levels, supporting safe, efficient operations at your port.

 Ready to discuss your requirements? Get in touch.

As an island nation, the UK relies on maritime trade for up to 95 per cent of its imports and exports. With any industry, success is inextricably linked to the people employed in it &#; meaning their welfare should be of paramount importance.

In addition to supporting the mental health of seafarers, tackling maritime safety issues is a key concern. The harsh realities of the marine environment mean there is an ever-present risk for seafarers. Fishing, in particular, remains the most dangerous industry in the UK.

These risks have only increased over time due to the sheer size of ships today and the growing complexities of operations. Ensuring seafarers are safe and healthy at work is, therefore, a fundamental component of a thriving maritime sector.

Safe lines of passage

For all seafarers &#; whether they are leisurely yachtsman or sailing large cargo and passenger vessels &#; rivers, coastal waters and open oceans are inherently dangerous places.

Waterways are constantly changing and demand a high level of skill, attentiveness and adaptability. Even the most experienced navigators must keep their wits about them and remain alert for potential dangers.

Marine aids to navigation, such as buoys and lights, are essential to mark safe lines of passage and help mariners determine their position with respect to land. The guidance and aids to navigation in place in the UK help to enable safe and effective decision making and minimise navigational risk and preventable accidents, ensuring that our waters are some of the safest in the world.

That being said, evolving traffic patterns, the intensification of developments like offshore renewable energy and the proliferation of larger vessels have all placed new demands on aids to navigation. In the future, changes in shipboard practices, training, skills and experience could also affect the design and use of navigational aids &#; meaning manufacturers must continuously review the level of requirements and delivery to ensure the continued safety of seafarers.

Understanding conditions

Of course, safe navigation is only possible with accurate and current information. Out at sea, there are countless variables to contend with &#; from gale-force winds to strong currents and gigantic waves. Closer to shore, conditions can be equally treacherous without adequate aids to navigation and up-to-date information that allows seafarers to make informed and safe decisions.

Emerging technologies such as data buoys and monitoring and control systems are rapidly changing and improving the way ships navigate waters and ports. For example, the Port-Log data system provides live data on wind speed and direction, which can then be shared with any incoming vessels to ensure maximum safety in the harbour area.

In many locations, such as the north coast of Scotland where conditions are often extreme, this type of remote, real-time monitoring is key to ensuring the safety of seafarers navigating surrounding waters as well as harbour masters and onshore workers.

Combined with visual aids to navigation like buoys and lights, these technological advances provide a comprehensive solution for maritime safety.

Upgrading mooring standards

However, the safety of seafarers is not just a concern when they are sailing. Mooring can also be a perilous task, especially in rough conditions &#; causing problems for both large vessels and smaller boats. According to the European Harbour Masters&#; Committee, 95 per cent of personal injury incidents are caused by ropes and wires, and 60 per cent of these injuries happen during mooring operations.

As a result, mooring standards and practices need to be upgraded &#; driven by crucial changes in the industry such as larger ships, innovative materials and new dynamic mooring solutions. With the current COVID-19 crisis and restrictions on fleet operations, safe and robust lay-up mooring solutions have also been necessary to support out-of-service ships.

Automatic mooring terminals also have the potential to enhance mooring safety by reducing mooring time and human involvement. Many harbours are now starting to implement this technology; however, in the short term, it will not be possible to eliminate the need for shipboard mooring equipment completely.

Hydrosphere is the UK and Ireland&#;s leading supplier of aids to navigation, providing high-quality, reliable and cost-effective solutions to improve the safety of seafarers and all those working in the maritime industry. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

For more information, please visit mooring products.