Public Discussion Forum

I was reading the USCG is looking for comments on an idea to remove buoys around, at least, the Northeast. I just read a piece written in OnTheWater magazine and the attachment, with this post, explains the program in more detail. In the attachment is a QR code to open a map to look at the proposed buoys to be removed. The article can be read here:

https://onthewater.com/us-coast-guard-plans-to-remove-hundreds-of-navigational-buoys-in-northeast

I see a lot of navigational good from this but it is comforting to look up and see a buoy as well as seeing on my mfd and radar. My bigger concern would is with security of the system. If a transmitter is legitimately sending out dozens of virtual positions of channel markers, it would easy for a rouge transmitter to do the same with alternate positions. The confusion could result in intentional groundings. There is currently nothing in the AIS signal that verifies the identity of the sender or the legitimacy of the position reporting. We just assume it's coming from the correct source and giving the correct position. There are many known cases of fisherman spoofing their position to fish protected waters while looking like there miles away.

I'm curious how others feel about this. The end of public opinion date is soon so if you feel strongly about it either way, get you opinion in. The article has the links to submit your comments.

Joe

401Play

Selene 5578

Many thanks Joe. This is an excellent post and at first glance seems to be a pretty scary proposition. But I will let it sink in a bit to make sure that my initial reaction is not just a reflection if my resistance to change.

As a former OPS officer on a USCG buoy tender, I can see the USCG perspective for sure. Takes a lot of money to maintain the physical aids and the administration has decided to cut costs everywhere possible. The USCG “might” receive a plus up because they are by-law, “officer’s of the customs” in addition to their own statutory responsibilities and with border patrol plus-ups, they might get more. No way the CG will apply that to ATON though! In my day, we set buoy’s using only sextant’s. They were not placed as accurate as even the electronic charting on my iPhone and they always have a swing circle. Back in the 80’s we eliminated most “gated pairs” of buoys except where the Navy insisted upon them. Also in the 80’s, someone had the awesome idea of private-izing the placing and maintenance of the buoys in part of the Gulf of Mexico. Sure, they bid lower than the USCG could do it… A hurricane came through and wiped them all out and the companies said, “I’m out!” Catastrophic replacement was not in their pricing. We get what we pay for.

Corey
Leizu

Thanks for the information Corey.

I see both good and bad in the proposal. It certainly will save money, so that's good. It may also speed the adoption of AIS onboard recreational vessels; also good. That said, your concerns of malicious actors - and the relative ease of those acts - does represent a cause for pause and consideration.

Thanks for sharing!

Steve

Kallisto 5369

This is certainly a complex issue. My primary concern is 2-fold:

1 - Once they are gone, they will never be replaced.

2 - What starts in one region, often spreads to others.

If there is ever any problem with electronic navigation, physical AtoNs are all that is left. Not too many of us are able to break out the sextant and dividers...

Public Comment Opportunity: Proposed Removal of Northeast Buoys

 

For anyone concerned about the Coast Guard’s proposal to remove navigational buoys in the Northeast, you have until June 13 to submit your comments.

 

Email your input to D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil and be sure to reference Project No. 01-25-015 in both the subject line and body of your message.

 

You’re encouraged to share your observations, concerns, or support for specific markers to help inform the Coast Guard’s decision.

Stick and CJ Higginbotham

M/V Trilogy

2001 Selene 4311

Currently docked in Stuart, FL