The U.S. Coast Guard’s Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative—part of a broader drive to “modernize and right-size the buoy constellation”—aims to reduce the number of traditional navigation buoys in favor of modern electronic systems  . While intended to streamline navigational aids, this initiative overlooks one critical fact: redundancy saves lives.

GPS signals can be lost, jammed, or malfunction without warning. Physical buoys remain reliable even when your electronics fail. Not every mariner—recreational boaters, smaller operators, or first responders—relies solely on complex electronics. Visual markers are essential, especially in emergencies, fog, or power failures.

Critical safety equipment must continue to function without electrical power — a core principle that guides the design of life-saving systems across many industries. Boating is no exception, and physical navigation buoys are a proven, power-independent safeguard.

We call on the U.S. Coast Guard to:

1. Pause the implementation of the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative.
2. Review the safety implications of removing buoys before proceeding.
3. Preserve a balanced mix of both traditional physical aids and modern electronic systems—embracing redundancy as a strength, not a liability.

Sign this petition to protect safe navigation, uphold maritime heritage, and ensure no mariner is left stranded by a single point of failure.