Today is World Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Day, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is encouraging Australians to visit and appreciate our nation’s stunning lighthouses.
Australia’s AtoNs include everything from heritage lighthouses to radar transponder beacons, with AMSA managing a network of almost 500 of these critical assets.
AMSA will be joining lighthouse authorities from all over the world to celebrate World Marine AtoN Day, which has been recognised by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) since 2019.
AMSA CEO Mick Kinley said Australia has a lot to celebrate when it comes to lighthouses.
“As an island nation, Australians understand that lighthouses are imperative to the ongoing safe operation of vessels at sea,” he said.
“They are key navigational tools for seafarers, especially in the commercial shipping industry, and their ongoing operation no doubt saves lives every year.”
Mr Kinley said the AtoNs that dot Australia’s coastline occupy a special place in the national consciousness.
“Our heritage lighthouses are often incredible architectural structures, with a rich and fascinating history, that can provide us with insights into our national past,” he said.
“Many of these lighthouses are beloved tourist destinations, offering historical tours to the public, and play a vitally important role in regional tourism.
“I encourage everyone to research our network of heritage lighthouses this World Marine AtoN Day, and celebrate them for their life-saving function, historical significance and importance to regional Australia.”
This year, IALA has chosen Cap Spartel in Morocco as their Lighthouse of the Year. In 2021, Australia’s Cape Byron Lighthouse in New South Wales was awarded this honour.
You can find an interactive map of AMSA’s heritage lighthouses at: https://www.operations.amsa.gov.au/lighthouses/?_ga=2.106739011.1736237…;
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