Canadian Coast Guard Innovates and Enhances Safety of Navigation on St. Lawrence!
Experts of the Canadian Coast Guard in Quebec are currently developing a prototype of a new generation of 4-season light buoys. These buoys will help mariners confirm their position more easily in difficult conditions, further reducing the risk of grounding and collision on the St. Lawrence River.
The Government of Canada recently announced a $7.8 million investment over 5 years to modernize the Coast Guard aids to navigation service. A total of 185 4-season buoys designed to withstand severe ice conditions in the St. Lawrence will be deployed between Québec and Montréal in the coming years. The Coast Guard is also continuing its tests to adjust the buoy’s components to river conditions, including improving the buoy’s hydrodynamic behaviour and its battery, and making some of its parts more resistant to wear by ice. At the cutting edge of technology, this new generation of buoys will be adapted to the specific conditions of the St. Lawrence River.
Two prototypes
The first “long” model is characterized by 1.3-metre diameter steel buoys that are 10 metres long, with a minimum 2.5-metre air draught. These buoys will be installed between Grondines and Sault-au-Cochon (Côte-de-Beaupré) The second “short” model is characterized by 1.3-metre diameter steel buoys that are 9.2 metres long, with a minimum 2-metre air draught. This model will cover the area between Montréal and Grondines.
This initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen Canada’s world-class tanker safety system. The Canadian Coast Guard says it is proud of this achievement which will also contribute to the safety and security of Canada’s coastline.
Canadian Coast Guard aids to navigation are devices or systems, external to a vessel, provided to help mariners determine their position and course, warn them of dangers or obstructions, or advise them of the safest route.
Aids to Navigation Program
Canadian Coast Guard – National Website
Hicham Ayoun
Canadian Coast Guard
