‘Sagar Sampark’ Will Make Marine Navigation More Accurate

The indigenously developed DGNSS will enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation

Padmesh Prabhune

Following the many digital initiatives in the maritime sector, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ‘Sagar Sampark’, in the presence of Shri Shripad Y. Naik, the Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS Secretary, MoPSW, and other senior officials from the ministry and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships on Wednesday July 12^th.

DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information, and will help seafarers in safe navigation to reduce further the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in port and harbour areas, thereby leading to more safe and efficient movement of vessels.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, ‘The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is committed towards innovation, building best infrastructure, and strengthening the Indian Maritime sector. The launch of ‘Sagar Sampark – DGNSS’ at 06 locations under DGLL, will definitely enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation”.

Naik said “DGNSS is an important Radio Aid to Navigation towards fulfillment of international obligations of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).”

After recapitalization with multiple satellite constellations like GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), DGNSS further increases the availability and redundancy as per International standards and helps the mariners to improve their positioning within 5 meters.

The latest DGNSS system is now able to transmit corrections of GPS and GLONASS, which significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by the atmospheric interferences, satellite clock drift, and other factors. This is achieved with the help of modern state of art technology receivers and latest software. The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.

–Marex Media