AtoN (Aids to Navigation)

Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are signals, markers, or devices used to guide mariners safely through waterways, especially in challenging or congested areas. They include lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and electronic systems that indicate safe routes, hazards, or port entries. AtoNs help prevent accidents, ensure efficient navigation, and improve maritime safety by providing consistent, reliable information about a vessel's surroundings. They are maintained and managed by maritime authorities to assist ships in avoiding dangers and reaching their destinations safely.