Torres Strait: Enhancement of aids to navigation
Maritime Safety Queensland
Completion of Maritime Safety Queensland’s $3.9 million project to enhance the maritime aids to navigation (AtoN) network in the Torres Strait is a significant milestone, ensuring improved navigational assistance for mariners and communities in this vital waterway.
Upgrades have addressed the need for more resilient AtoN and the installation of new aids in critical locations, based on extensive consultations with waterway users, stakeholders, and traditional landowners.
This substantive initiative commenced AtoN upgrades in late 2023 and culminated with the installation of the last beacon in December 2024, accommodating delays attributed to seasonal weather patterns. The upgrades involved replacing existing marine buoys with larger ones better suited to the dynamic sea conditions in the Torres Strait region.
Furthermore, the project incorporated the introduction of new aids to navigation such as:
- Landfall lights at Kubin and Mer Island.
- Additional buoys enhancing the channel demarcations at Boigu and Saibai Islands.
- Buoys indicating offshore shoals by Boigu and Saibai Islands.
- Buoys highlighting shoal dangers along the course to Hammond, Thursday, and Entrance Islands including Brady Bank near Seisia.
- A buoy designating the entryway to Injinoo’s boat ramp.
- Three buoys denoting the southern pathway to Badu Island.
- Three beacons marking the reef entry point at St Pauls.
- New beacons at Buru (Turnagain) Island and Numar Reef, marking established transit paths.
The new and upgraded AtoN are part of MSQ’s commitment to maritime safety and efficient navigation.
For mariners seeking detailed information on each of the new installations they are advised to consult Maritime Safety Queensland’s Notice to Mariners to be found on the website here:
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/notices/about
This documentation will provide specifics on the AtoN installations, ensuring that all maritime operators are fully informed of the updated navigational network available in the Torres Strait.
Maritime Safety Queensland is responsible for:
- Improving maritime safety for shipping and recreational craft through regulation and education.
- Minimising vessel-sourced waste and responding to marine pollution.
- Providing essential maritime services such as aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
- Encouraging and supporting innovation in the maritime industry.
Text here based on material kindly provided by the Director (Vessel Traffic Services) Port Operations & VTS Maritime Safety Queensland
Rapporteur: Paul Ridgway.