About us

GRAD is now well recognised as a world-class centre of excellence in the fields of visual signalling and Radionavigation and its current work programme is focused on delivering strategic objectives that support existing services and prepare for the introduction of e-Navigation over the next two decades.  Moreover, the GRAD staff is recognised the World over for its significant contributions to developments in future AtoN technology, standards setting and strategic development.

Significant achievements over the last few years have been:

• Aiding the GLA to reduce operational capital and running costs, make efficiency savings and decrease their environmental impact by the introduction of an efficient, cost-effective GRAD developed LED light source
• Development of novel light and colour measurement techniques which have been promulgated on an international basis
• Conducting pioneering research in to the visual conspicuity and perception of marine signal lights
• Being the driving force behind the UK and Irish efforts in the realisation and initial operation of e-Navigation services
• Development of virtual AtoN services
• Rolling out the first operational eLoran services in the World which the GLA were providing as a back-up to vulnerable Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
• Demonstrating for the first time the ability of eLoran to automatically take over and maintain the navigational integrity of a vessel under GNSS interference conditions
• Conducting ground breaking research on the use of radar to provide absolute positioning
• Leading UK and Irish efforts in the introduction of space based augmentation systems for maritime use
• Making significant and detailed contributions to the international development and standardisation of AtoN through the International Association of Marine AtoN and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and other international and national bodies and fora
• International recognition of the GLA as leaders in the field of marine AtoN through GRAD developments
• Leading the World-renowned ACCSEAS e-Navigation project
• Development of the World’s first VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) Radios for the transmission of VDES Application Specific Messages