Navigation systems

There are a range of systems to assist you in navigating around the Australian coastline. These systems reduce the risk of collisions at sea, and track and report on movement of vessels nearby.

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Aids to navigation

We look after hundreds of visual and electronic aids to navigation (AtoNs) around the Australian coastline.

Navigation services

Our range of navigation services includes marine navigation and e-navigation.

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Australia's differential global positioning system

AMSA has shut down its DGPS service as of 1 July 2020.

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Under keel clearance management

Using an advanced UKCM system will reduce your chances of running aground.

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Visual and electronic navigation tools

We manage a network of about 500 visual and electronic aids to navigation (AtoN) at hundreds of...

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Lighthouses

Lighthouses are part of the network of aids to navigation in Australia. Use our interactive map to...

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Dent Island lightstation heritage management plan

The Dent Island lightstation has a heritage management plan to protect and manage this historic...

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Cape Byron Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan

This draft plan sets out the policies and management guidelines to ensure that the Commonwealth...

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Eddystone Point Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan

This heritage management plan looks after the lighthouse and the surrounding precinct and land.

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Cape Leeuwin Heritage Management Plan

Cape Leeuwin Heritage Management Plan looks after the lighthouse as well as the surrounding...

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Summary of feedback on the discontinuation of our DGPS service

In November 2019, we advised we would discontinue the DGPS service on 1 July 2020. We have now shut...

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Navigation services in Australian waters—outlook to 2030

This document outlines the emerging trends and drivers in navigation technology and communications...

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Systems for maritime safety and distress

Our systems for maritime safety and distress provides advance warning about possible dangers in maritime areas, including changes in weather, and connects you with satellite and radio systems to call for help.

Electronic chart display and information system

You can carry the electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to meet the chart carriage requirement of the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Ship tracking and reporting systems

We manage networks of tracking and reporting systems which keep ships on course and contribute to the safety of life at sea.

Automatic identification system

The automatic identification system (AIS) is a navigation system which reduces the risk of collisions at sea.

Navigation systems

Aids to navigation

Navigation services

Australia's differential global positioning system

Under keel clearance management

Visual and electronic navigation tools

Lighthouses

Dent Island lightstation heritage management plan

Cape Byron Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan

Eddystone Point Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan

Cape Leeuwin Heritage Management Plan

Summary of feedback on the discontinuation of our DGPS service

Navigation services in Australian waters—outlook to 2030

Systems for maritime safety and distress

Maritime safety information

Maritime safety information database

Global maritime distress safety system

Global maritime distress and safety system handbook 2018

Electronic visual distress signals

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio logbook

Electronic chart display and information system

Electronic chart display and information system

ECDIS charts

ECDIS software

ECDIS standards and regulations

ECDIS record keeping

ECDIS back up arrangements

ECDIS training and familiarisation

Ship tracking and reporting systems

Modernised Australian Ship Tracking and Reporting System

Long range identification and tracking

Automatic identification system

Automatic identification system training

About the automatic identification system

How the automatic identification system works

Types of automatic identification systems

Requirements for carrying an automatic identification system

Get an automatic identification system

LED lighting found to interfere with VHF-FM radio and AIS reception

Installing an automatic identification system

Guidelines and policy for automatic identification system

Non-shipborne automatic identification systems

Automatic identification systems on offshore structures

Licensing non-shipborne automatic identification systems