FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

No change in this approach is envisaged. It is, however, quite likely that GALILEO, which
will be mainly operated on a commercial basis, will levy fees for its use.
6.3.9.2 System Longevity
Some users and manufacturers have questioned the continuing requirement for DGNSS
with the ending of SA, post May 2000. Much of the investment in the UK and Ireland has
already taken place, but in spectrum terms it is appropriate to review the need for
DGNSS.
The continuing need for DGNSS is very much application dependent. Although GPS
without SA provides an accuracy of approximately 15-25 m (95%), there remains an IMO
requirement for 10 m accuracy in the harbour entrance and approach phase of
navigation, which can only currently be met by DGNSS. Leisure craft were well-served by
the 60-100 m (95%) accuracy of raw GPS; the removal of SA has improved that accuracy
even further, although not to the extent afforded by DGNSS. Aside from accuracy, the
other main benefit of DGNSS is the enhanced integrity of the navigation solution.
Commercial vessels negotiating restricted channels could easily justify DGNSS on
grounds of integrity monitoring alone. Specialised positioning applications such as
dredging and hydrographic survey and in particular buoy positioning by the lighthouse
authorities themselves will continue to benefit from the improved accuracy and integrity
afforded by DGNSS, whereas much of the fishing industry probably needs no
improvement on GPS without SA. The emerging reliance on automatic positioning
systems using ECDIS, automatic pilots and AIS also impose greater requirements on
positioning accuracy and integrity.
It is anticipated that DGNSS will remain a core navigation service for maritime safety and
efficiency for about the next 10 years.
6.3.9.3 International Agreement
The General Lighthouse Authorities’ or GLA’s (Trinity House, Northern Lighthouse
Board and Commissioners of Irish Lights) DGPS facility is an integrated British Isles
system and is the newest element of the mix of visual, audible and electronic aids to
navigation provided by the three GLAs of the UK and Ireland under their MNP.
The MNP resulted from widespread consultation with the maritime community on the
requirement for Marine Aids to Navigation into the 21st century. The plan was devised to
ensure the ongoing provision of a satisfactory, economical and reliable ‘aids to navigation
service’ to meet the changing requirements of all classes of mariner.
DGPS, which became operational on 1 July 2002, is a network of 14 ground-based
reference stations providing transmissions with coverage of at least 50 nautical miles
around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is an open system - available to
all mariners - and is financed from light dues charged on commercial shipping and other
income paid into the General Lighthouse Fund.
Dependent on the conditions of the UK and Irish MNP, the UK may not have too much
scope for spectrum changes whilst the DGNSS is seen as a key element of the ‘aids to
navigation’.
Furthermore, whilst DGNSS is not subject to mandatory IMO carriage requirements it is
clear that DGNSS services have been implemented around the globe and provide an
important service for maritime safety.
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