Coast Guard issues safety alert on Loran-C termination

The following is a marine safety alert issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
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.

By Professional Mariner Staff