Encl. (1) to COMDTINST 16577.2
USCG DGPS CONOP
4. SUMMARY
___________________________________________________________________________
The fact that the level of awareness and effort devoted to marine DGPS radiobeacons must increase
cannot be overstated. The resources needed to maintain DGPS are in place. District funding
requirements in support of radiobeacons are not expected to increase. Actually, the number of
radiobeacons requiring support have been reduced. Technicians from the Groups will continue to
respond to radiobeacon casualties as required, however, this level of support will decrease. The
reasons for this are that DGPS makes use of the latest technology at the organizational and
intermediate level. The preventive maintenance work load is minimized due to black-box
technology. Redundant systems are in place so that the failure of one side of a transmitter will not
have an immediate adverse effect on the DGPS service. And, integrity monitoring and control of
each site will be done electronically by the East and West Control Stations. The U.S. Coast Guard
will continue to fully cooperate on international fronts with the International Association of
Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to achieve
global DGPS commonality. Nationally, the U.S. Coast Guard is consulting with other agencies to
adapt the DGPS service to meet their needs. U.S. Coast Guard representatives are participating
within a RTCM Special Committee 104 working group. This group is developing commercial
standards for Reference Station, Integrity Monitor, and user equipment specifications. Through
significant enhancement of maritime safety and the inherent water transport efficiency increase, the
DGPS service will be a high value navigational asset.
7