UK deploys eLoran to protect shipping against GPS jamming

[Darren]

The UK will become the first country to deploy equipment to protect against the threat of GPS jamming.

Seven eLoran stations are being installed along the South and East coasts of the UK to provide an alternative, backup position and navigation service to shipping. Shipping equipped with eLoran will be able to navigate the busiest shipping lanes in the world even if GPS service has been denied through jamming.

The rollout, being led by the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the UK and Ireland, follows successful trials in two stations at Dover and Harwich. Equipment will be installed at the tow trial sites and stations in Medway, Humber, Middlesbrough, Firth of Forth, and Aberdeen.

Full operational capability is planned by Summer 2014. Martin Bransby, Research & Radionavigation Manager at the GLAs, commented, “Awareness of the vulnerability of GPS is growing, yet electronic systems at sea have not evolved at a sufficient pace to meet these challenges. Today’s announcement is a significant step towards improving safety at sea.”

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Darren Griffin

[Bigbudgie]

Whatever happenned to good old fashioned seamanship and navigation skills? Ships have been transitting the English channel long before any of the electronic gizmos were invented!

[lesliebeswick]

That is why I'm learning to use a sextant......................

[M8TJT]

[taits]

I haven't heard that tern since the 60's when I worked at a Loran Sts for A & E. Unless they totally redesigned the equipment those aren't small systems.
But then, everything had since gone smaller.
Interesting but it will be needed with all the governmental No-no's going on
there and in the USA.

[mch2qh]

And we used to drive horse and carts, have valve radios and believe the world was flat nce upon a time. Look forward, not back. Twenty years ago we had container ships csarry a few hundred containers, today they carry 15,000 containers. Not to mention the mega ferries or should we go back to those seasick inducing tubs of our youth? Accidents were more common in the "good old days" too, yet the channel was quieter. I vote for the future. Isn't this forum interested in GPS technology and evolution?

Just in case anybody hadn't realised, the E in E-loran is pretty significant. Yes, I'm in the marine navigation industry before anyone asks.

[Andy_P]

[M8TJT]

[portman]

eLoran is important because there is no back up except radar and mk1 eyeball.
All those salty sea dogs who used sextants on a regular basis are pretty much gone, the people now training the new guys are the ones who used a sextant to fulfill exams, not for daily navigation, much of that old fashioned knowledge is slipping away. No different to other walks of life where everyone depends on electronics.
Instead of having 3 people doing 4 hours on, 8 off watch, many ships are running 12 hour shifts with 2 people back to back, and rely on a watch alarm on the bridge which they must acknowledge every 12-15 minutes to stop them falling asleep, crewing is expensive! Many of the officers operating around the world have all the certificates but not the practical ability. Accidents continue to happen but its still cheaper than employing well trained crew, shipping companies Always run to minimum standards.
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[taits]

Long Range Aid to Navigation
When I was in it we had E, C and D was around but rarely seen. I was involved in E primarily but helped in C when needed.
Used by ships and planes; civilian and Mil.
Yes every one uses a computer now, I doubt they even know what a abacus or slide rule is used for. So much for evolution.

[TheQuest]

Hi taits

[taits]

I'd bet many running the web side haven't even seen one let alone used one.
I have asked teachers my age, well into senior years, if they have taught either and none have.
I think both died out in the early-mid 70's.

[AliOnHols]

I recently stumbled upon my old "four figure logarithms" book. Scary, very scary.

A few weeks ago I had my 17yr old son "helping" me do some floor tiling and wanted to set out the grid lines. Once we had established the best position for the base line I asked him to mark out a right angle from a specific point, he looked at me blankly. I said "use a 3, 4, 5 triangle", he continued to look at me blankly.

I blame myself really.
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Android with CamerAlert, OsmAnd+, Waze & TT Europe.
TomTom GO 730, GO 930, GO 940 & Rider2.
SatMap Active 10 & 20.

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