AtoN is a shortcut for --->'Aids to Navigation'.
AtoN are devices or systems used to help ships navigate safely and avoid hazards in the water. Examples of AtoN include:
- Lighthouses: towers with powerful lights that help guide ships to shore or warn them of nearby hazards.
- Buoys: floating markers that indicate the location of channels, hazards, or other navigational information.
- Beacons: fixed structures on land or in the water that emit signals to help ships determine their position and avoid hazards.
- GPS: satellite-based systems that provide precise positioning information to ships.
- Radar reflectors: devices that make a ship more visible on radar, making it easier for other vessels to avoid collisions.
AtoN systems are critical for safe navigation, especially in low visibility or difficult weather conditions. They are typically maintained by national or local authorities responsible for maritime safety.