AIS Aid to Navigation
Abbreviation: AIS-AtoN
AIS station fitted on a buoy/light/synthetic mark broadcasting position and identity for ECDIS/radar overlay.
In practice
Bridge officer overlays AIS-AtoN onto the ECDIS during passage planning. Mismatch with charted aid is reported to the Hydrographic Office.
Regulatory detail & full definition
AIS Aid to Navigation — an AIS station fitted on a buoy, light, or 'synthetic' (virtual) mark, broadcasting position and identity for overlay on ECDIS and radar displays. Real AIS-AtoN units are mounted on the physical mark; synthetic AIS-AtoN units are broadcast by a remote shore station to mark the position of an aid that does not itself carry AIS, or to mark a temporary hazard. IALA Recommendation A-126 covers technical specifications and operational use. Mariners verify AIS-AtoN against charted aids; mismatches may indicate a damaged or moved aid.
Authoritative source: IALA Standards ↗
Related
Source: IALA Recommendation A-126
High confidence
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