Locals Alarmed By Plan For New Foghorn

Photo/Pam Setchel
The Huntington Lighthouse, pictured, is being eyed by the U.S. Coast Guard for a new foghorn system.

By Rachel Stanislawek
info@longislandergroup.com

Local boaters, including those in maritime leadership positions, are concerned with a renewed U.S. Coast Guard plan to change the fog detection system at the Huntington Lighthouse.

The Coast Guard wants to replace fog detectors at 11 lighthouses across the Long Island Sound with Marine Radio Activated Sound Signal systems.

Locals are concerned because the technology has the potential to be easily abused by those with access to a VHF radio, said Pam Setchell, president of the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society.

The alarm, once set off, does not turn off for 45 minutes and cannot be shut off by anyone except those with clearance at the Coast Guard base in New Haven, Connecticut, according to Setchell.

Additionally, New York does not require a license for boating, causing more concern that the detector may be misused frequently, she said.

“This was first attempted eight years ago,” Setchell said. “This [new fog detection system] works well with commercial traffic, but here in this area, we only get about 5,000 recreational boaters.”

Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone said the town is similarly concerned “about whether a boater-operated foghorn is appropriate for an area that is almost exclusively used by recreational boaters.”

He added, “We look forward to working with the Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs and the Coast Guard to address the issue of a new foghorn that will increase boater safety without unnecessarily intruding on the serenity of those who live along the shore.”

Jackie Martin, executive director of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs, said the council planned to discuss the proposal during its usual monthly meeting, which was set for Wednesday night.

Speaking prior to the meeting as a private boater, Martin, of Centerport, said she has concerns with the change.

“The Sound is filled with predominantly recreational boaters, most won’t know how to operate the system, since New York does not require licensing or much boater education,” she said. “It might not be the best application for the system.”