Permission to Deploy, Change or Remove Aids to Navigation

What is this licence?

This consent is known as a statutory sanction. It's required to establish, alter, or disestablish a local aid to navigation in a:

• Port
• Harbour
• Coastline in the area of a Local Lighthouse Authority

Aids to navigation

Buoys (including data acquisition buoys) are considered an aid to navigation. These buoys are special navigation marks, displaying a yellow cross. Their position must be accurately marked on nautical charts to prevent collisions from passing vessels.

How to apply

Statutory sanctions are given by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, under the Merchant Shipping Act. You must complete your application in advance of works. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Timelines

Irish Lights welcome early engagement about the statutory sanction process. They advise at least a 4-month lead in time for any proposed applications. This allows for appropriate assessment screening if required.

What if my application is rejected?

Irish Lights will help you to try and find an alternative solution.