
In France, the "Centres régionaux opérationnels de surveillance et de sauvetage*" (CROSS) fulfill a maritime security mission.
They belong to an international network of centers, created through a SAR convention by IMO (International Maritime Organization) and recognized as MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers).
Located on the Northeastern part of Ouessant Island this radar tower was built to assist ships using the Ouessant path and implement traffic rules respect by the 54 200 ships yearly using this route (2003 figures).
Through high winds, tower's upper part may reach 1 meter oscillation.
This reinforced concrete tower was built after the disastrous oil spill caused by Amoco Cadiz sinking on march 16th 1978.
It is 82 meters high (269 feet), the main barrel has a 6 meters diameter (20 feet) and the watch room (nicknamed "camembert") 14 meters (46 feet ).
It operates on a 24/7 basis, run by French Navy teams.
* Regional Surveillance and Rescue Operational Centers
Sources Planète TP et Wikipédia
Screenshots (click thumbnail to enlarge)
 
 
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