The Dublin Bay Digital Diamond (DBDD) is an e-Navigation demonstrator project for the Dublin Bay area, the purpose of which is to provide an opportunity for users across the maritime sector to explore the potential of e-Navigation services.

The project will take advantage of existing Irish Lights and partner organisation infrastructure to provide platforms for the core communications network required. The proposed primary stations shown on the back page of this newsletter are at Kish Lighthouse, Baily Lighthouse, Dublin Port and Irish Lights Dun Laoghaire. These locations can provide effective digital communications coverage across the Dublin Bay and its approaches.

The primary objective of the project is to demonstrate and develop e-Navigation services that improve the safety and efficiency of maritime transport.

The precise outputs and their timing may change as the project develops, based on partner input and available technology. However, it is considered that there will be three phases to the project with short, medium and long term deliverables.

A key objective throughout the project will be communication of the potential of e-Navigation to the maritime community and the public so as to encourage optimal use of the services provided.

Phase One

of the project will concentrate on engaging the maritime community and demonstrating the benefits of e-Navigation across the maritime sector.

At the end of Phase One it is envisaged that the project will have established a firm user base, identified potential key sectoral requirements and delivered the identified demonstrator services.

Phase Two

of the project will build on the earlier work to deliver some of the more challenging aspects of the communications network and more advanced services.

At the end of Phase Two it is envisaged that the systems will be capable of providing broad band coverage across the target area and that demonstrators for more advanced user services will be available to the identified partner groups such as shipping companies, regulators, ship agents, forwarders, shippers, receivers and safety and environment interests.

Phase Three

of the project will be in the area of longer term follow on benefits.

We will test:

• Wi-Fi coverage over Dublin Bay
• Feasibility of  Ranging Mode using AIS Base stations
• A Smart Phone App that transmits AIS data via Wi-Fi
• Camera coverage of the Dublin Bay anchorage/ approach channel
• Virtual AIS AtoN marking the Vessel Traffic Services gates or other points for special arrivals or events
• Virtual AIS AtoN to mark Radio Navigation Warnings in the test area
• Met/Hydro sensors on the Dublin Bay Buoy, providing wind /current /wave height data for the pilot boarding area
• Port traffic recorder that will record traffic passing North Bull and Poolbeg inbound
• Wind Speed and Direction read out at a height of 20 metres from Kish lighthouse