Business Plan - Canadian Coast Guard

Services by PAA Sub-ActivityAids to NavigationThe Aids to Navigation program provides marinenavigational aids such as short-range marine aids —including visual aids (lighthouses and buoys), sound aids(fog horns), and radar aids (reflectors and beacons) — aswell as long-range marine aids, such as the DifferentialGlobal Positioning System (DGPS). The program’sservices ensure access to a reliable navigation systemand support a safe, accessible, and efficient environmentfor the commercial marine transportation sector andpleasure craft operators. As such, it is the cornerstoneof Canada’s navigation system and an enabler to manygovernment priorities.What we do…The program helps mariners navigate safely andefficiently by:• Operating a system of floating, fixed, and electronicaids to navigation;• Monitoring the reliability and relevance of theCanadian aids to navigation system;• Ensuring the application of national standardsfor aids to navigation; and• Providing and distributing safety informationin the form of Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR).Looking Forward…Section 4: What We Do Every DayCCG’s Aids to Navigation program continues to evolvein a world of constant technological change. Thanksto CCG’s AtoN21 initiative, the program now benefitsfrom a lighting system relying almost exclusively on LEDtechnology. In addition,where practical, buoys arenow made of plastic, whichgreatly reduces reliance onlarge vessels and maintenancecosts for their tending.Work is also under way tointroduce a new four-seasonlighted buoy that will reducemaintenance and providemariners with enhancedcapabilities, especially inthe winter. CCG is nowfocusing on updating its292008-2009 AccomplishmentsAids to Navigation Services• Designed and reviewed aids tonavigation systems according to theestablished cyclical review process.• Continued the publication anddistribution of safety informationand various aids to navigationpublications.• Continued the development andimplementation of four-seasonlighted spar buoys.governing directives for aids to navigation to ensurethey reflect the new technological realities. The adventof the e-Navigation concept and its many possibilitiesis also being monitored for potential impacts andopportunities, such as the introduction of virtual aidsto navigation systems.The Aids to Navigation program is delivered withthe support of…• CCG Fleet, which is the principal asset used byCCG’s Aids to Navigation program to tend buoys —a significant activity within the program;• Various contractors, to complement the buoy servicework performed by CCG Fleet;• CCG Integrated Technical Services, which ensuresthat our aids to navigation assets, both electronic andtraditional, are capable, reliable, and available throughthe implementation of a lifecycle managementsystem; and• Consultation with stakeholders at the local level,which precedes changes to any aids to navigationsystem to ensure that local users’ input is takeninto account.Pacific29 major lighthouses1,301 fixed aids488 floating aids7 fog horns4 DGPS20 racons 2 Central and Arctic50 major lighthouses2,440 fixed aids4,663 floating aids11 fog horns2 DGPS41 raconsQuébec36 major lighthouses620 fixed aids1,205 floating aids1 fog horn4 DGPS24 raconsNewfoundlandand Labrador51 major lighthouses747 fixed aids849 floating aids66 fog horns4 DGPS10 raconsMaritimes80 major lighthouses951 fixed aids3,980 floating aids73 fog horns5 DGPS10 racons2 Racon is an acronym for RAdar beaCON. It is a type of radar transponder commonly used to mark a marine navigational hazard.BUSINESS PLAN 2009-2012