The Coast Guard is starting the process of looking at its 125 radar beacons (racons) and determining of they should be retained or replaced by AIS units. There are some advantage to the Coast Guard making the switch. AIS units would be less expensive to purchase and to operate. The Coast Guard would be able to retire some underwater cables that are currently supplying power to racons.
How often do you use racons? What is your reaction to seeing them replaced with AIS transponders?
