Today is World Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Day, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will be joining lighthouse authorities from all over the world to celebrate it.
Established by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in 2019, this day highlights the vital role that AtoN play in ensuring safe navigation for mariners worldwide.
AMSA manages a network of about 480 critical AtoN assets including heritage lighthouses, navigation markers, and radar transponder beacons.
AMSA CEO Mick Kinley said AtoN were key navigational tools for seafarers, especially in the commercial shipping industry, and their ongoing operation no doubt saves lives every year. Keeping ships safe also protects our marine environment.
“Shipping is the engine room of the Australian economy, with over $200 billion worth of goods coming into Australia by ship every year, so it is vital we keep shipping moving and safe.”
Read more about AMSA’s AtoN network management here: http://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigation-systems/maintenance-delivery-aids-navigation-aton
“Today, I encourage everyone to get to know our heritage lighthouses, and celebrate their life-saving function, historical significance and importance to regional Australia,” Mr Kinley said.
“Our heritage lighthouses are often iconic landmarks of maritime heritage, with a rich history, that can provide us with insights into our national past”.
To mark World Marine AtoN Day, AMSA has launched behind-the-scenes self-guided virtual tours of two heritage-listed lighthouses: Cape Cleveland Lighthouse and Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) Lighthouse. These virtual tours offer a unique glimpse into the history and operation of these essential navigational aids.
This year, IALA has chosen Faro di Genova 'Lanterna' in Italy as lighthouse of the Year, a prestigious honour previously awarded to Australia’s Cape Byron Lighthouse in New South Wales in 2021. This international recognition highlights the global significance of preserving and celebrating lighthouses.
In October, AMSA will also be co-hosting a 5-day Workshop on AtoN Engineering with IALA. This workshop will feature expert speakers sharing the latest news and advancements in AtoN engineering, providing a glimpse into the future of emerging AtoN technology. All AtoN authorities, manufacturers, consultants, engineers, and experts are encouraged to attend.
Join us in celebrating World Marine AtoN Day 2024 by exploring Australia’s lighthouses and joining our virtual tours.