We Saved the "B" Buoy - For Now!

 

Save the "B" Buoy!

Thanks to comments by thousands of boaters and with the support of elected officials across the Commonwealth and around the region, the Coast Guard has delayed the plan to "discontinue" hundred of aids to navigation including the Boston Lighted Whistle Buoy B LLNR, better known as the "B" Buoy.

Though we understand the need for modernization, removing these aids to navigation - including the "B" Buoy - is a bad idea. Mariners rely on them for safety and guidance. Though traditional GPS and navigation apps are terrific, we are all just a dead battery away from relying on paper charts, magnetic compasses, buoys and other navigational aids to make it back to our home ports safely.

Moreover, one severe solar storm or electromagnetic pulse could wreak havoc with marine GPS navigation systems and cellular networks, putting both the commercial fleet and recreational vessels at risk. 

 

  

The proposed buoy discontinuation summary can be viewed through a smartphone or tablet by scanning the QR code above, or for more Proposal details with other navigation information, through the Coast Guard’s Local Notice to Mariners interactive tool on the NAVCEN web page at: Maritime Safety Information Products | Navigation Center here using follow the following steps.

1. Position the electronic chart to the area you wish to see. You may zoom in and out to view more detailed or expanded area. (Note: It’s recommended not to zoom too far out to help limit your selection, so the appropriate data is rendered)

2. At the top right of the page, left click the layers icon and select the Proposed Notice of Change layer, by checking the small box to the left. Once selected any current Proposal running in the LNM should appear, on the chart. The aids to navigation will be highlighted on the chart.

3. To view the proposed aid to navigation, left click on the highlighted buoy and an information box will appear with more detailed Proposed Notice of Change information. 

We expect the Coast Guard to come back with a revised plan in the coming months, and will let you know when the public comment period begins. 

To stay informed on this, follow bostonharbor on Facebook