UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating 2.0: User Guide

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1 UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating 2.0: User Guide Royal Yachting Association September 2016

2 RYA UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating 2.0 Contents 1. Overview What is it? Why do we create it? Who licenses it? Previous datasets ( ) New dataset (2016) Outline AIS data Overview Method Comparison with previous datasets Coverage and limitations General boating areas Overview Method Comparison with previous datasets Offshore Routes Overview Method Comparison with previous datasets Clubs and Training Centres Clubs Training Centres Marinas Overview Method Comparison with previous datasets Dataset Availability and Usage Formats Coordinate System Attribution Updates Summary Acknowledgements References Page 1 of 15

3 1. Overview 1.1. What is it? The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating is a GIS dataset of recreational boating activity around the UK, comprising spatial data including indicators of intensity of use, general boating areas, offshore routes, as well as the locations of clubs, training centres and marinas Why do we create it? It is important that recreational boating activity is given due consideration by the Government when it balances competing interests in commercial, environmental and leisure sectors around the UK coast. This dataset is a powerful tool utilised by the RYA on behalf of its members to help protect areas of importance to recreational boaters, and is taken into account by developers in designing new development proposals and in discussions over navigational safety Who licenses it? The dataset is licensed by those involved in marine planning, coastal and offshore development, and to improve marine safety. This includes the Government and its agencies (including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency), local authorities and renewable energy developers. 2. Previous datasets ( ) The RYA has been collecting recreational boating information since 2004, to gain a picture of the areas most utilised for sailing, racing and passagemaking in the UK, and the distribution of clubs and marinas. The first dataset was released in 2005, with updates in 2008 and The previous (2012, Figure 1) dataset comprised: Cruising routes (polyline data) General sailing areas (polygon data) Racing areas (polygon data) RYA affiliated sailing clubs (point data) RYA affiliated training centre (point data) Marinas (point data) This dataset is now out of date and needed to be overhauled to create a more visually useable product. This has been done utilising a variety of new data types and methods, as outlined below. Figure dataset Page 2 of 15

3. New dataset (2016) 3.1. Outline The new coastal atlas (Version 2.0, Figure 2) takes a different approach to mapping recreational boating use from our previous datasets.

4 3. New dataset (2016) 3.1. Outline The new coastal atlas (Version 2.0, Figure 2) takes a different approach to mapping recreational boating use from our previous datasets. A new format of boating behaviour representation has been created utilising a heat map type approach around the coast, rather than line data for cruising routes. We are focusing on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data for the majority of our boating areas coverage, with supplementary inshore data supplied by RYA clubs and other sources. Boating activity further offshore is symbolised by indicative routes. The new 2016 dataset comprises: AIS data (polygon data) General boating areas (polygon data) Offshore routes (point data) RYA affiliated training clubs (point data) RYA affiliated training centres (point data) Marinas (point data) This dataset gives a clearer picture of recreational boating activity in the UK, making the data more visually indicative. Each data type is outlined below in more detail. Figure dataset 3.2. AIS data Overview The new RYA dataset utilises Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to indicate the intensity of boating activity in coastal waters around the UK. This is to replace the cruising routes and general sailing areas in the previous datasets within 12 nm of the coast. The identity, position, speed and course of any vessel with an AIS transponder are continuously transmitted to all other AIS equipped vessels and shore stations within range, utilising VHF and GPS technology (Figure 3). The range is similar to that of a VHF radio (Digital Yacht, 2008). These data provide key safety and navigation benefits, as well as enabling further analysis of vessel behaviour. Figure 3 AIS (International Maritime Organisation, 2016) The RYA conducted an AIS use survey of its members in Of the nearly 1300 respondees, 70% use AIS, with over half of these AIS users having the function both to receive and to transmit (RYA, 2014). Page 3 of 15

5 A study by Marine Scotland (2012) indicated that only 17% of the recreational vessels surveyed transmit on AIS, but noted that the number of recreational vessels carrying AIS is increasing. A later survey (2016) showed a similar percentage to the RYA survey of recreational boaters utilising AIS, and of these, 26% were transmitting as well as receiving data (Cork Institute of Technology, 2016). Class B transponders are often used by recreational vessels, due to lower costs (Digital Yacht, 2008). Restricted transmission power (2 Watts) to prevent bandwidth overloading reduces the range from these transponders (Marine Management Organisation, 2014) Method For this new RYA dataset, AIS data from recreational vessels are used to determine the density per unit area of boating in UK coastal waters, to give a picture of the most utilised routes and areas by leisure boaters. The AIS data covers the coastal region up to 12 nm offshore, currently utilising data from the summers of 2011 to The limit of 12 nm is used as this is regarded as a reliable limit due to VHF range, particularly for Class B transponders, as described in section At the time of data procurement, terms of acquisition included it being processed by Anatec to preserve vessel anonymity. Anatec s method (Anatec, 2014), included: 1. Collation of AIS data for May to September of each 2011, 2012 and Extraction of all recreational vessels identifying themselves as Sailing or Pleasure Craft. 3. Verification of any vessel over 24 m in length using external databases, while those under 24 m were assumed to be recreational. 4. Removal of vessels with a Port Letter Number (PLN), as these were assumed to be fishing vessels. 5. Removal of vessels with the strings survey, fish, wind, farm, or prawns in their destinations. 6. Verification with external databases of any vessels with irregular tracks. 7. Use of their AIS Analysis Toolkit to calculate the number of AIS tracks within 1 x 1 nm cells to obtain a relative density for each cell. Figure 4 UK AIS with a standard scale Figure 5 UK AIS with a log 10 scale Page 4 of 15

If a regular scale is used, locations such as the Solent, with significantly higher absolute values than other areas, obscure the details of use in other regions (Figure 4).

6 For this dataset, the total count of AIS intersections over the three summer periods were used. Zero values were eliminated and then a log10 taken of the relative density counts to give what we are referring to as the intensity of use. If a regular scale is used, locations such as the Solent, with significantly higher absolute values than other areas, obscure the details of use in other regions (Figure 4). Therefore we use a log10 scale to give a clearer visualisation of the areas utilised for boating (Figure 5). The difference between these two scales can be seen in more detail in Figure 6 (original scale) and Figure 7 (logarithmic scale). The data were clipped to the High Water line from the OS boundary line dataset (Ordnance Survey, 2016). Figure 6 AIS with a standard scale Figure 7 AIS with a log 10 scale This new dataset is based on tangible passages and accurately portrays the behaviour of recreational vessels regardless of differing weather conditions, providing a robust picture of UK cruising activity Comparison with previous datasets a b c Figure 8 AIS comparison with previous cruising routes The AIS heat map approach, indicating a range from light to heavy vessel activity, provides a very useful data source for those considering recreational boating activity when mapping proposed offshore developments and areas for conservation. The data improves on our previous datasets, Page 5 of 15

where vessel activity was indicated by individual lines, as recreational activity no longer appears to be confined to distinct routes with no activity in the gaps between lines.

7 where vessel activity was indicated by individual lines, as recreational activity no longer appears to be confined to distinct routes with no activity in the gaps between lines. Almost full coverage is now provided. The new AIS data matches well with previous cruising route data (Figure 8), indicating that this new dataset provides a fuller picture of recreational boating activity in UK coastal waters while maintaining the information provided by the previous line datset Coverage and limitations The AIS data generally provides good coverage of the UK s coastal waters (Figure 9a, b). There are however some data gaps, particularly in estuaries (Figure 9c, d). a b c d Figure 9 AIS coverage examples It is assumed that areas close inshore and in many estuaries are frequented by vessels that are small, and may not carry AIS transponders. Vessels under 10 m are less likely to carry AIS equipment than those over 10 m (Marine Scotland, 2012). The dataset is limited in that it only represents vessels that carry AIS transponders, which may exclude a large proportion of recreational craft. Marine Scotland (2012) note in their survey that only one in six vessels transmit AIS information. In areas where there is no AIS data coverage, we recognise this does not mean no recreational craft visit the area. For this reason we also provide a further polygon dataset of general boating areas, described below, to complement the AIS data General boating areas Overview To provide a more complete picture of recreational boating activity in UK waters, a layer of indicative general boating areas has been included in this dataset. These polygons utilise information from clubs and other sources, as well as racing information from our previous dataset. These data aim to reduce Page 6 of 15

gaps in data coverage where AIS data are limited, and provide more detail of activity in inshore and estuarine regions in particular. 3.3.2.

8 gaps in data coverage where AIS data are limited, and provide more detail of activity in inshore and estuarine regions in particular Method In 2015, relevant charts were sent out to all RYA clubs in the UK, asking them to provide spatial information as to their boating activity. Data gained included racing and training areas. Of the 604 clubs asked, responses were received from 201 groups. The charts were georeferenced using control points from each corner and the club information digitised by Fugro EMU Ltd, then clipped to the coastline (Figure 10). Racing and training areas provided by clubs during the survey were then amalgamated with racing areas from previous datasets and all the areas dissolved to create a polygon layer of general boating areas (Figure 11). The general sailing areas from previous versions of the dataset were excluded as they are replicated and improved on, by the new AIS data (Figure 12). The data were clipped to the High Water line from the OS boundary line dataset (Ordnance Survey, 2016) to ensure that all data fit to the same boundaries. Figure 10 Digitised example chart data Figure 11 Digitised and dissolved chart data Comparison with previous datasets Figure 12 AIS data overlain by 2012 general sailing areas The general sailing area polygons indicated in previous datasets have mostly been superceded by our more detailed AIS intensity data (Figure 12). The areas identified as general sailing areas in the Page 7 of 15

smaller areas that are regularly utilised. The new general boating areas (Figure 14) indicate mainly club racing and training activity in smaller patches, adding detail to the new dataset as a whole.

9 2012 datset cover large expanses of the coastline (Figure 13), and give less information than the AIS data as they indicate no intensity of use. The racing areas from the 2012 datset have been retained and included in the new dataset as they fill some gaps in dataset (such as where clubs did not respond to our 2015 survey), and tend to be smaller areas that are regularly utilised. The new general boating areas (Figure 14) indicate mainly club racing and training activity in smaller patches, adding detail to the new dataset as a whole. Figure dataset sailing areas Figure dataset boating areas The combination of the AIS and general boating areas data gives good coverage of most of the UK coastal waters, and the new general boating areas often provide information in areas of sparse AIS data (Figure 15 and Figure 16), although some data gaps do still exist. Together they give a clear visual spatial representation of recreational boating activity within 12 nm of the UK coast. Figure 15 AIS and general boating areas Wales Figure 16 AIS and general boating areas NW The AIS data and general boating areas do not extend beyond 12 nm from the UK coastline. However, sailing and boating activity does not terminate at this point and may extend globally from some locations. For this reason, we determined a further layer was needed to give an indication of boating originating in the UK, but continuing further afield, as described below Offshore Routes Overview To ensure that boating activity and cruising route information from past datasets further than 12 nm from the coast are still represented in some way, route indication points for boating activity continuing Page 8 of 15

further afield are determined and visualised on the 12 nm line.

Method Previous versions of the dataset used lines for routes (Figure 17).

lines intersect with the 12 nm limit of the AIS data (Figure 19).

data corresponding with these, to enable easy symbolisation (Figure 18). These points are indicative of likely routes only, and are not meant as an exhaustive list of routes from the UK. 3.

10 further afield are determined and visualised on the 12 nm line. This further route information is provided by approximate directional information as to where routes are expected to carry on further offshore Method Previous versions of the dataset used lines for routes (Figure 17). In this new dataset, route markers are placed by eye at each location where the AIS data terminates but an obvious linear trend of use continues (Figure 18), with particular focus where old route lines intersect with the 12 nm limit of the AIS data (Figure 19). Figure 17 Original cruising routes Figure 18 New offshore routes Figure 19 Old and new routes Points are given a general direction based on eight compass points, and a rotation value included in the data corresponding with these, to enable easy symbolisation (Figure 18). These points are indicative of likely routes only, and are not meant as an exhaustive list of routes from the UK Comparison with previous datasets Figure 20 AIS, offshore route markers, and 2012 cruising routes These new point direction data give a good indication of routes offshore from the 12 nm limit of the AIS, giving a similar picture as the previous route data, but are less visually confusing (Figure 20). They complement the AIS data well without losing information from the previous datasets further offshore Clubs and Training Centres All RYA clubs (Figure 21) and training centres (Figure 22) located in the UK are included in this dataset, correct as of August The information comes from our constantly evolving database. Page 9 of 15

11 Those with no location have been given geographic coordinates if possible. Aside from obvious errors, individual Clubs and Training Centre locations have not been quality controlled for accuracy in this dataset update, as Quality Assessment is carried out centrally by the RYA. Figure 21 RYA Clubs Figure 22 RYA Training Centres Clubs RYA clubs are membership organisations affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association. Each tends to specialise in certain types of activity (for example dinghy racing, sail cruising, power-boating), but all are normally open to passing visitors. The facilities provided usually include both alongside berths and swinging moorings but shore facilities are not normally expected to be to commercial standards. Activity takes place throughout the year, and is expected to peak in summer Training Centres RYA Training Centres are teaching institutions that provide practical and theoretical training in sailing and power boating to recognised Royal Yachting Association standards. Those located on the coast will often have marina-type boat berths attached, and may be in use throughout the year Marinas Overview The marinas dataset encompasses marinas in coastal and inland waterway locations, as well as some harbours and port authorities. Many are commercial marinas with space for both long-term berth-holders and visitors, and have a range of facilities. In some areas including the North and West of Scotland and the islands, marinas tend to be smaller with fewer berths and facilities, or are simply wharves that give shelter or a place to moor for visiting yachts, but are nevertheless important ports of call and destinations Method The marinas point dataset is compiled from sources including marinas from previous RYA datasets, those supplied by British Marine, information from almanacs, and evidence from marina websites. Locations have then been visually checked and updated against satellite imagery. Page 10 of 15

12 Figure 23 UK marinas 2012 (red) and 2016 (blue) Figure 24 Poole marinas 2012 (red) and 2016 (blue) Comparison with previous datasets This part of the dataset has been completely overhauled with an increase from 346 marinas in the 2012 edition to 664 marinas in the 2016 dataset. It is a dual purpose dataset created for use in the coastal atlas and also for the RYA SafeTrx app service (RYA, 2016), and so provides contact details for the marinas wherever possible, including websites, addresses, telephone numbers and monitored VHF channels. As well as being a much more comprehensive dataset, locations have been much improved (see Figure 23 and Figure 24), giving a clearer picture of marina provision across the UK. 4. Dataset Availability and Usage The new RYA UK coastal atlas of recreational boating is available under licence from the Royal Yachting Association. It is licensed annually as a UK-wide dataset, and is provided digitally Formats The data are available as a file geodatabase format, as part of a layer package to utilise the same symbology as the RYA. The User Guide is also contained within the layer package. Further formats may be available on request. Metadata is provided in line with the INSPIRE profile of ISO Coordinate System The UK coastal atlas of recreational boating is in WGS84 geographic coordinate system (EPSG 4326) with all coordinates in latitude and longitude. Page 11 of 15

13 4.3. Attribution Figure 25 Example with legend The RYA GIS Data Licence Agreement governs the use of this dataset. As per Clause 4.4 of the Licence Agreement, this supplementary document provides details of how the data should be attributed and displayed on maps. When reproducing the Copyright Material, the RYA must be acknowledged as the source of the data in all Reproduced Material, including where a third party is engaged to assist in the creation of the Reproduced Material. The data must always be attributed on the map/figure in which they appear as follows: Data reproduced under licence from the Royal Yachting Association. The AIS data should be labelled as AIS intensity and given a scale from low to high, such as in the example in Figure 25. The other data supplied should be labelled as General Boating Area, Offshore Route, RYA Club, RYA Training Centre, and Marina as appropriate. Please note, the marinas are not RYA marinas, so should not be labelled as such. In accompanying text, the dataset should be referred to as the RYA UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating or RYA recreational boating dataset. 5. Updates In the future this dataset is aimed to be updated annually, with further AIS data adding to the picture of the intensity of use of UK waters. It is thought that the number of recreational boaters utilising AIS is increasing (Marine Scotland, 2012), which would enable more accurate portrayal of boating behaviour when further AIS analysis is undertaken. The annual update will also include our most current marina dataset, and the latest version of clubs and training centres from our database. The latest dataset will be provided when licences are issued. Dataset updates will be provided when licences are renewed. Page 12 of 15

6. Summary Figure 26 2012 dataset Figure 27 2016 dataset The new 2016 RYA UK coastal atlas of recreational boating gives a visually clearer indication of boating activity than previous datasets

Figure 28 Southwest detail of 2012 dataset Figure 29 Southwest detail of 2016 dataset In summary the new RYA dataset includes: AIS data (polygons) general intensity of recreational boating in UK

14 6. Summary Figure dataset Figure dataset The new 2016 RYA UK coastal atlas of recreational boating gives a visually clearer indication of boating activity than previous datasets (Figure 26 and Figure 27), particularly when considered on a regional rather than UK scale (Figure 28 and Figure 29). Figure 28 Southwest detail of 2012 dataset Figure 29 Southwest detail of 2016 dataset In summary the new RYA dataset includes: AIS data (polygons) general intensity of recreational boating in UK coastal waters General boating areas (polygons) club racing and training areas Offshore routes (points) indicative information of passage routes from 12 nm offshore RYA affiliated training clubs (points) RYA affiliated training centres (points) Marinas (points) Page 13 of 15

15 The dataset takes a new approach to visualising data on recreational boating activity, whilst aiming not to dilute or lose any of the information previously available. In particular, the heat map approach, indicating a range from light to heavy vessel activity, gives a clear spatially visual indication of key areas of recreational boating in UK coastal waters. 7. Acknowledgements Development of this dataset has been the result of contributions from numerous individuals and organisations. The information is based on the expertise of individuals and their knowledge of boating activity around the UK. It is part of ongoing work in creating a comprehensive set of data layers about recreational boating and which will continue to be developed in the future. The RYA is pleased to have been able to collate this information and present it for use in coastal and offshore planning and management. The primary data comes from the RYA, RYA affiliated clubs and associations, RYA recognised training centres, and the RYA s specialist committees over a number of years. Secondary sources included all relevant nautical almanacs, regional pilot books, sailing guides and similar publications, and data collated by other organisations including British Marine. Page 14 of 15

16 References Anatec. (2014). Royal Yachting Association UK Recreational AIS Density Map Method Statement. Anatec Ltd. Cork Institute of Technology. (2016). The Cool Route Cruising Preferences Survey. Digital Yacht. (2008, January). AIS Made Simple: A layman s guide to AIS. Retrieved from Digital Yacht: International Maritime Organisation. (2016, July). AIS Transponders. Retrieved from International Maritime Organisation: Marine Management Organisation. (2014). Mapping UK Shipping Density and Routes from AIS. Marine Scotland. (2012). Shipping Study of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. Ordnance Survey. (2016, May). OS Boundary Line Dataset. Retrieved from Ordnance Survey: RYA. (2014, November 27). Royal Yachting Association AIS survey results. Retrieved from Royal Yachting Association: RYA. (2016, August 25). RYA SafeTrx App. Retrieved from Royal Yachting Association: Page 15 of 15

EBA Position Statement AIS Virtual Aids to Navigation

EBA Position Statement AIS Virtual Aids to Navigation Document date: 17 October 2015 Latest update: 9 December 2015 Executive Summary The European Boating Association 1 (EBA) recognises the value of Automatic