NR-HQ-00-23E

Dhaliwal declares New Coast Guard Satellite Navigation System fully operational

May 25, 2000

OTTAWA -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, today announced that a new precision navigation system known as the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is now fully operational and available to mariners navigating in Canadian waters.

Declaring Full Operational Status (FOS) marks the end of a period of extensive testing of the system and the beginning of what is now a fully operated and maintained service of the Canadian Coast Guard.

"The Differential Global Positioning System is a great example of how the Canadian Coast Guard is applying valuable new technologies to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible use of Canadian waters," said Mr. Dhaliwal.

DGPS is a satellite-based, marine navigation system capable of providing users with unprecedented accuracy in the determination of their geographical location. The differential element makes DGPS much more accurate than the better known Global Positioning System (GPS), already used widely by boaters and mariners on Canadian waterways. DGPS can give mariners greater confidence in safely navigating their way through confined waterways or in low visibility conditions. This reduces the risk of collision with marine hazards or other vessels and goes a long way towards protecting life, property and the marine environment.

The DGPS service is an important component of the Canadian Coast Guard’s ongoing Marine Aids Modernization (MAM) project that involves the assessment and application of new technologies to improving marine safety. DGPS is being implemented in consultation with user groups and assists the Coast Guard in enhancing the delivery of such highly valued services as search and rescue, icebreaking and buoy placement.

User guides and an information brochure on the use of DGPS may be obtained through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard website at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca, or by calling or writing to the CCG regional offices.