A version of this paper was presented at ENC-GNSS 2007, Geneva. Its reproduction was kindly authorised by the ENC-GNSS 07 Paper Selection Committee.

The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK & Ireland commissioned an assessment of the impact that the integration of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) would have on the aids to navigation (AtoN) services currently provided, and those to be provided in the future. There is concern about the vulnerability of GNSS, and the provision of complementary and backup systems is seen to be of great importance. The integration of INS could provide an independent and self-contained navigation system, for a limited time period, invulnerable to external intentional or unintentional interference, or the influences of changes in national policies. The study included an analysis of the potential use of GNSS-INS in three of the four phases of a vessel's voyage: coastal, port approach and docking. The project consisted of a technology assessment, looking at the different inertial technologies that might be suitable for each phase. This was followed by a technology proving stage, evaluating suitable equipment using simulation and field trials to prove that the claimed performance could be achieved in practice. The final stage of the project was to assess the effects of the availability of such systems on existing and planned aids to navigation services.