Speaking of Nav Limbo - for you coastal navigators that still have a Loran C

[Tim Gardner]

United States Coast Guard Headquarters
Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship
Washington, DC

January 7, 2010

SAFETY ALERT 01-10

TERMINATION OF THE LORAN-C SIGNAL


Consistent with the Administration's pledge to eliminate unnecessary Federal programs and systems, the USCG broadcast of the Loran-C signal is going to be terminated.

Federal broadcast of the Loran-C signal will cease at 2000Z on 08 February 2010 with some exceptions, including the following five sites that are bound by bi-lateral agreements with either Canada (Caribou, ME; George, WA; Nantucket, MA; Shoal Cove, AK) or the Russian Federation (Attu, AK).

Mariners or other users of Loran-C are encouraged to shift to GPS navigation and plotting systems as soon as possible and not later than the termination date.

Questions regarding the information presented in this alert may be addressed to Bill Cairns of the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters e-Navigation Division at 202.372.1557 or William.R.Cairns@uscg.mil.

Rgds, TG

[newt]

RIP- for a system that has helped so many sailors....

[mrb]

Well folks that is one less electronic gadget we have to worry about. One down lots to go

[HenryC]

I remember when LORAN-Alpha was replaced by LORAN - Charlie.  That hurt, I was a really good LORAN A operator (it took skill and experience to use it in areas of fringe reception) and it was sad to see something I was skilled at suddenly become obsolete.  GPS is also going to result in the cut back of many aids to navigation, such as lighthouses and beacons, many of which are now being shut down.

Are buoys and paper charts next?.  I hear the Naval Academy is no longer teaching cadets celestial, and perhaps even the Nautical Almanac and WWV Time Service will be eliminated.  I suppose its only a matter of time before all pubs, light lists, sailing directions, Notice to Mariners, Tide Tables, Coast Pilots etc will only be available online.  And the Navy is supposedly phasing out the Quartermaster MOS and giving the job to Electronic Technicians.

Pretty soon sailing a boat will be like flying a plane.