IoT-Based Lateral Buoy System for Monitoring Navigation Lights and Position

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Subehana Rachman, Haerani Asri, Oktavera Sulistiana, Andi Muh Akbar Saputra

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P115

How to Cite?

Subehana Rachman, Haerani Asri, Oktavera Sulistiana, Andi Muh Akbar Saputra, "IoT-Based Lateral Buoy System for Monitoring Navigation Lights and Position," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 216-229, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P115

Abstract:

The efficiency and accuracy of lateral buoys as visual navigational aids for ships are one of the essential factors for the safety of marine navigation. However, conventional methods for inspecting buoys are manual, expensive, and take a long time. This paper presents a new system for IoT lateral buoys designed to monitor the navigation light and position stability. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller, TSL2591 light sensor, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a GNSS board, and a SIM7600 4G LTE modem, which are all powered by a solar energy system for self-sustained and autonomous operation. The sensor data are processed and analyzed, and a cloud dashboard is updated through an HTTP POST request, which permits real-time data access and visualization for port authorities. The system was deployed for evaluation at the Port of Makassar (Indonesia). The evaluation returned 98.5% accuracy for light detection, +/- 4.6 m for GNSS location precision, and 100% data transmission reliability during 288 hours of operation. The research findings validate the proposed method to improve navigation safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability by reducing manual inspections and promoting digital transformation in the management of maritime activities. The research presents that the incorporation of IoT into aids of maritime navigation provides a prospect for scalable, sustainable digital solutions for future smart buoy networks.

Keywords:

Internet of Things (IoT), Lateral Buoy, Navigation Safety, GNSS, Real Time Monitoring, Maritime Technology.

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