Sagar Sampark DGNSS

SAGAR SAMPARK DGNSS (Differential Global Navigation Satellite System) was inaugurated recently. It is an indigenous digital initiative in the maritime sector. Read here to learn more about the system and the significance of the initiative.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is committed to innovation, building the best infrastructure, and strengthening the Indian Maritime sector.

The ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’ Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) to Strengthen the Maritime sector was inaugurated recently for the same.

DGNSS is a terrestrial-based enhancement system that corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information.

Sagar Sampark DGNSS

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways have given high priority to the safety of Navigation, primarily due to the considerable increase in shipping volume in the recent past.

The launch of ‘Sagar Sampark DGNSS’ at 6 locations under DGLL (Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships), will enhance the capability of the DGLL in the field of Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.

DGNSS is a terrestrial-based enhancement system that corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information.

• The DGNSS service will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbor areas.
• This will lead to the safe and efficient movement of vessels through national waters.

The latest DGNSS system can transmit corrections of GPS and GLONASS.

• The DGNSS significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift, and other factors.
• This is achieved with the help of modern state of art technology receivers and the 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.

Differential GPS or GNSS can use a network of fixed, ground-based reference stations to send the difference between the positions broadcasted by the GNSS satellites and the known fixed positions.

• DGPS/DGNSS can refer to any type of Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS).
• There are many operational ground systems in use throughout the world.

Significance of Sagar Sampark DGNSS

DGNSS is an important Radio Aid to Navigation towards the fulfillment of international obligations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the 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.

SOLAS

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 is generally regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships.

• The main objective of the SOLAS Convention is to specify minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships, compatible with their safety.
• Flag States are responsible for ensuring that ships under their flag comply with its requirements, and several certificates are prescribed in the Convention as proof that this has been done.

IALA

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), previously known as the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1957 to collect and provide nautical expertise and advice.

• IALA is also known by its French name Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime (AISM).

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a worldwide system that enables positioning, navigation, and timing services.

It uses a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to provide accurate and reliable positioning information to users on the ground, sea, and air.

The most well-known GNSS is the Global Positioning System (GPS), developed and operated by the United States. GPS consists of a satellite constellation that transmits signals to GPS receivers on Earth.

• These receivers use the signals from multiple satellites to determine the user’s precise location, speed, and time.

In addition to GPS, other GNSS systems are either fully operational or under development. These include:

• GLONASS (Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema): This is the Russian GNSS system, similar to GPS. GLONASS provides global coverage and is fully operational.
• Galileo: Developed by the European Union and European Space Agency, Galileo is Europe’s independent GNSS system. It aims to offer a high level of accuracy and reliability and is intended for civilian and commercial use.
• BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS): China’s GNSS system is known as BeiDou. It started as a regional system and has expanded into a global system. BDS provides positioning, navigation, and timing services primarily to users in the Asia-Pacific region.
• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): This is the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). NavIC provides positioning and timing services over the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions.

These different GNSS systems work by transmitting signals from satellites that are received by GNSS receivers on the ground or in vehicles.

• The receivers use the information from multiple satellites to calculate the user’s position, velocity, and time.
• GNSS technology has numerous applications in various sectors, including aviation, maritime navigation, road transportation, surveying, mapping, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.
• It has become an essential tool for precise positioning and navigation worldwide.

Indian Initiatives for Coastal Security

• SAGAR Vision: In 2015, India unveiled its strategic vision for the Indian Ocean i.e., Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to improve relations with its maritime neighbors on the economic and security fronts.
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
• Maritime India Vision 2030
• Integrated Coastal Surveillance System (ICSS) is a coastal surveillance system operated by India to protect its coastline, ensuring regional security, and assisting friendly navies by quickly detecting, locating, and monitoring maritime activity in the Indian Ocean.
• Setting up of Joint Operation Centres (JOCs) at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Port Blair under the charge of the existing Naval Chiefs.
• Formation of the Sagar Prahari Bal of the Navy comprising 80 Fast Interceptor Craft and 1000 personnel.

Read: Satellite-Based Tolling System

­-Article by Swathi Satish