Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signal (MRASS) Information Sheet

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England is installing MRASS at the following lighthouses in Maine:

 

•   Seguin Light

•   Cape Elizabeth Light

•   Goat Island Light

•   Burnt Island Light

•   Portland Head Light

•   Spring Point Light

•   Dog Island Light

•    West Quoddy Head Light

•   Egg Rock Light

 

What is MRASS?

MRASS enables mariners to activate the sound signal on lighthouses where the system is installed by using a VHF radio.

 

How will I activate the sound signal on a lighthouse where MRASS is installed?

Mariners will activate sounds signals by keying a VHF radio 5 times consecutively on channel 83A.

 

 

Do any other lighthouses currently have MRASS installed?

Yes. Many lighthouses around the country already have MRASS installed including the Great lakes, west coast, and New England, including Boston Light in Massachusetts.  Eight lighthouses in Maine and New Hampshire already have MRASS installed.

 

•   Fort Point Light

•    Heron Neck Light

•   Goose Rocks Light

•    Browns Head Light

•   Owls Head Light

•    Two Bush Island Light

•    Whitehead Light

•   Marshall Point Light

 

Why is the Coast Guard converting lighthouses to MRASS?

The existing VM-100 fog detection system is antiquated, unreliable and inefficient. Spare parts are also extremely limited and no longer being manufactured.

 

Will there be any changes to the light characteristics or sound signals at these lighthouses?

No.  All light characteristics and sound signals will remain the same. The only change is the way in which the sound signals are activated.

How will I know when a lighthouse is converted to MRASS?

All changes will be announced via Broadcast Notice to Mariners, through the media, and in the local Notice to Mariners at: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmMain

Who should I contact for more information on this MRASS conversion project?

Interested parties should contact the Coast Guard Sector Northern-New England-Waterways Management Staff at (207} 347-5015.