1. FERNS Status and Future
Tamotsu Ikeda
Erik Johannessen
Linn Roth

2. What is FERNS ?
The Far East Radionavigation Service (FERNS) The agreement made on the 22nd December 2000, Between
People’s Republic of China,
Japan,
Republic of Korea, and
Russian Federation
On an international program for the establishment of a joint radionavigation service in Far Eastern waters of Loran C and Chayka station

3. Coverage Okhotsk Petropavlovsk Attu Alexandrovsk Ussuriisk Helong
100°
140°
110°
130°
120°
170°
150°
160°
180°
20°
30°
40°
50°
Attu
Petropavlovsk
Alexandrovsk
Tokatibuto
Niijima
Minamitorishima
Gesashi
Raoping
Chongzuo
Hexian
Xuancheng
Rongcheng
Helong
Okhotsk
Pohang
Kwangju
Ussuriisk

4. Meeting of Experts on the Back up System of GPS
During the week of 29 Sep. to 3 Oct FERNS held the
12th session of The Council of the Far East Radionavigation Service
and as a special program:
Meeting of Experts on the Back up System of GPS

5. Council Discussion and Considerations Included:
Presentation by each country on operational status
Coordination of off airs planned for 2004
Discussion of other services (i.e. N/DGPS)
Technical matters for coordination
System enhancements
Eurofix
Need for appropriate receiver technology

6. The background
Members gave the background to the problems being experienced in the Country by the reduction of users of Loran C and explained that they were of the opinion that the introduction of Eurofix functions to FERNS chains and the introduction of a hybrid GPS/Loran C would probably attract significantly more users. The presentation also made reference to the discussion on this subject at the 9th FERNS Council Session held in 2000 and the agreement then that a decision on the matter would be made at the 10th Session

7. Meeting of Experts Sponsored by Ship and Ocean Foundation of Japan
Volpe report has given international recognition to GPS vulnerability
Goals of the meeting
Ideas on international standards and cooperation
Exchange of opinion with people related to maritime affairs and receiver manufacturers
Format of the meeting
6 full presentations
Panel discussion

8. MARITIME RADIONAVIGATION Measures taken by International Organizations
Mr. Torsten Kruuse
IALA Secretary General

9. Vulnerability Assessment of the Maritime Transportation Relying on GPS
Mr. Stewart Shoulta
Far East Radionavigation Service Council Session
Tokyo, Japan October 1, 2003

10. Ongoing Loran Evaluations at the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Coast Guard Mitchell J. Narins Systems Engineer Federal Aviation Administration Navigation Integrated Product Team
12th FERNS COUNCIL – EXPERTS MEETING
1 October 2003
Tokyo, Japan
Presented by Erik Johannessen – LORIPP Member
Original Brief July 23, 2003
AND Program Management Review - FAA Headquarters, Washington, DC

11. ”Present situation and subjects of NELS - Loran C in Europe - vulnerability of GPS”
By Kirsten Ullbæk Selvig Chairmann Northwest European Loran C system - NELS

12. Meeting of experts on the vulnerability and back up systems of GPS The French proposal
Tokyo, 29 September, 1-3 October Jacques MANCHARD METLTM-DAMGM Lighthouses and Buoys Division

13. Loran in 2003 and Beyond - Standardization of Loran as the Most Complementary, Necessary Backup to GNSS by
G. Linn Roth, Ph.D., FRIN
President

14. Panel Discussion

15. Definition of GNSS backup system
During the expert meeting held on 1st Oct concerning the vulnerability of GPS the question was raised whether there is a need for a common understanding on a definition of a backup system. The question was addressed to FERNS, USCG and NELS.
On the initiative of the Chairman of NELS it was decided to arrange for an informal discussion on the matter during lunchtime on 2nd Oct.
Vulnerability of GPS ought to be replaced by vulnerability of GNSS, in more detail the need for a backup system/the need for more than one available system, the difference between backup system and augmentation system, minimum requirements to Loran C as a backup system and additional functions, the situation in each of the countries/ organisations.
It was clear that a critical point for a backup system is the users/the lack of users.

16. The Following Definitions were Presented:
A truly REDUNDANT system provides the same functionality as the primary system, allowing a seamless transition with no change in procedures;
A BACK-UP system ensures continued operation, but not necessarily with the full functionality of the primary system and may necessitate some change in procedures by the user;
A CONTINGENCY system allows safe completion of a manoeuvre, but may not be adequate for long-term use.
Recognizing the importance of the matters covered under the discussion, the variety in the approach and the need for a more thoroughly analysis: It was agreed that to have a global approach, IALA should arrange for a meeting to provide further analysis and discussion on the matters.
It was also recognised that the analysis should be performed as soon as possible.

17. Following Activity
Agreed that a meeting addressing the “Future of Loran-C/Chayka in a GNSS environment” would be held in Korea on November 27 and 28, subsequent to the Symposium on 100 years of aids to navigation services of Korea.
NELS, the USCG, IALA and Canada would be invited to be represented at the meeting which would consider the extent of the risk to GNSS by deliberate interference, and:
What is understood by a back-up to GNSS?
Does GNSS need a back-up? If so, what is the justification?
Do Loran-C and Chayka qualify to provide the services required?