The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the north-eastern corner of the Indian Ocean strecthed from East Island in North and Indira Point in South Most. There are total 836 islands/islets/Rocky Outcrops as per latest statistic issued by Andaman and Nicobar Administration, starting from East Island in North and Indira Point in south. The islands in the northern part referred as Andamans and islands in southern part referred as Nicobar, these two groups being separated by a broad passage called the Ten Degree Channel.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are connected with other Islands and Mainland through the water Transport system. This transport system connects all the inhabited islands of this territory for catering the supply of food and other necessary items. Also tourism in the Islands is major economic activities and which eventually relies on safe water transportations system. 

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are highly active in fishing activities due to its vast Coastal length. The commercial fishery of the Andaman Islands has grown up very steadily with the help of Motorised and Non-motorised vessels.

Now in order to maintian the safe navigation of all such Vessels such as Passenger Vessels, Fishing Vessel, Cargo vessels or any other Water Transportation system plying among all the islands, the Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships, Port Blair provides services of various AtoNs. The AToNs under Port Blair Directorate comprises of 36 lighthouses, 07 NAIS, 03 DGPS, 01 NAVTEX, 05 RACONS, 01 BUOY.

The Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships, Port Blair is regional Directorate under Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), which is subordinate office of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.