1990-1995: A Period of International Decision Making for the Navigation Community. Is our Planning as good as it should be?

R. Johannessen

Abstract:	In the North Western part of Europe the mariner has the choice between Loran-C and Decca. Both systems transmit at LF with the transmitters located on land. The user's choice is limited in the sense that good Loran-C ground wave coverage exists only north of a line running through Denmark and southern Ireland, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea [l]. Loran-C coverage is poor in the Dover Strait and the southern North Sea, This coverage is the result of two chains, The Norwegian Sea Chain, and the Mediterranean Sea Chain which between them have 9 transmitters. In Western Europe Decca coverage is more comprehensive [ll and Decca is by far the most commonly used hyperbolic system for European marine users. There are currently 24 European Decca chains with a total of approximately 90 transmitters. Until 1987 Racal Decca Marine Navigation Ltd met the cost of operating and maintaining the UK transmitter chains from income derived by leasing the receivers. In recent years developments in technology have made it possible for other manufacturers to market receivers utilising these transmissions, and selling the receivers at a cost that by many was considered modest compared to the rental from Racal Decca. This led to reduced income for Racal Decca and in February 1987 the General Lighthouse Authorities for England, Scotland and Ireland entered into a contract with Racal Decca, under which the maintenance of the system became funded by the General Lighthouse Fund. This arrangement will remain until 25 February 1994 with an option to extend to 25 February 1997.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1990 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 23 - 25, 1990 Princess Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	15 - 18
Cite this article:	Johannessen, R., "1990-1995: A Period of International Decision Making for the Navigation Community. Is our Planning as good as it should be?," Proceedings of the 1990 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1990, pp. 15-18.
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