Optimization of the maritime signaling in the Venetian Lagoon

Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are supporting devices to nautical operations. They include both electronic and traditional signaling systems (e.g. buoys and lights), for which international organizations together with local authorities define operative and technical standards. Work still being finalized in the Venetian Lagoon made it necessary an assessment of the existing signals, with the aim of optimizing their position to guarantee the maximum level of safety in the waterways. This paper presents the procedures followed to reach a solution in line with the safety and efficiency standards given for the AtoN systems in terms of position and luminous characteristics. Moreover, to ensure the continuity of port operations even in poor visibility conditions, an alternative aid system has been studied and formalized for the first time in Italy. It is based on electronic and identification devices which show Virtual AtoN, AtoN that are not physically at sea.