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2008 - News - Plan for the future of Visual Aids to Navigation

14 May 2008

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.

Notes to Editors

The General Lighthouse Authorities

The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the United Kingdom and Ireland are Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Together, they have the statutory responsibility for the provision of marine aids to navigation (AtoNs) around the British Isles. The GLAs are funded by "Light Dues" charged on various classes of shipping calling at ports in the UK and Ireland. The Secretary of State for Transport sets the level of light dues to be charged in the UK and the Minister for Transport sets the levels of light dues to be charged in Ireland. The GLAs' joint mission is the delivery of a reliable, efficient and cost effective AtoN service for the benefit and safety of all mariners.