Fog Signal Changes

M

marathon man

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Have some of you seen the new regs for sound (foghorn)producing ATONs. I think there are two different cases but essentially we will have to radio in to an ATON when in the area to cause the sound signal to be generated. One method is called MRASS and one is called RRASS. They also are trying to get charts updated with a new "RA" or "C" note to indicate areas where these devices will be used.
This may make running in the fog even more challenging.
It sounds like Mr Ass has decided to put R(our) Ass on the line.
I thought maybe this was an April fool thing when I read the names of the two systems, but I believe it is a real change in the system.
 
Running in fog is never smart. I've seen the best radars miss a small boat, this was in good weather.
 
Running in the fog is never smart? If you know what you re doing and pay attention i dont see why not...

As to sound signals on ATONS, nowadays with redundant GPS and a good radar it s really not that critical
 
I take it the *rass ATON use a powered signal. If so, that ain't too bad an idea since it's usually calm in fog., The Bell, Gong, Whistle and Horn buoy sound signals are all mechanical, powered by wave action. Quiet when you need them most.
 
Long away and far ago, in our sailboat, we passed under the GG bridge in the fog. No radar or gps back then but we had some idea where we were by depth and that we had not yet hit the shore. DR piloting all the way or maybe it was just D.
In any event the first real confirmation that we were under the GG bridge was when the fog horn blasted off. That sucker was loud.

Horns, bells and depth finders have saved my a$$ for a long time and non electronic navigation is always the backup. Mostly simple too.
 
Several fog signals in New England will be activated by keying the mic on a specific VHF/FM frequency ala general aviation activating the lights at a small airport. I will make residents nearby the fog horns, much happier.

Gene
 
Presumably the fog signals-on-demand will only activate when conditions warrant signal availability.
And hopefully they will have some kind of directional radiowave shielding in areas where mischievous people (teens?) with h/h vhfs may be driving close by.
 
Hell, Sandy, they may have to keep ME from playing with them. I routinely go a few miles out of my way to set off the local racon just because I like to see the morse code on my plotter.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

Presumably the fog signals-on-demand will only activate when conditions warrant signal availability.
And hopefully they will have some kind of directional radiowave shielding in areas where mischievous people (teens?) with h/h vhfs may be driving close by.

Click to expand...


There's one in my area. It doesn't. It sucks. People get bored and set it off, and there's no way to silence it. I hate it.
 
How long until nobody is working in North America? now I have to turn on the fog horn? huh, people used to do that, right? or am I dreaming?
Anyone been to Europe lately, try gas stations where there are no people... you drive up, throw in your debit card, fuel and drive off... nobody there, nada... very creepy the first time you experience that one...
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

As to sound signals on ATONS, nowadays with redundant GPS and a good radar it s really not that critical

Click to expand...

Don't forget AIS which has become very affordable lately. I installed a receive-only unit that interfaces with my chartplotter for $300. Works great.
 
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