An Automatic Identification System, or AIS, is basically an electronic transponder that is usually installed on a boat that identifies it. This is most common in marine locations. The transponder sends out a VHF signal on a continuous basis that provides information about a ship such as it’s name, type, position, and call sign.
This VHF signal is valuable because it relays information to other ships about its direction of movement as well as well as its speed. As the VHF signals come in, the receivers are able to display all AIS-equipped vessels that are transmitting within a certain range. The system therefore provides a highly valuable service to water vessels in helping to track the progress of other watercraft in the nearby area. This decreases the chances of collision on the waterways. . The data that is received by other AIS-enabled boats is most of the time viewable on a personal computer monitor or positioned as an overlay on a chart plotter. This will help to verify radar readout.
Navigators and crew members who are on-watch depend on it to make important waterway navigation decisions in terms of course and speed. This system also is a valuable tool to help search and rescue operations. The device can pinpoint the exact position of a ship in trouble regardless of weather conditions.
It helps captains adjust their track and speed in adjusting to other vessels on the water. Ships with over 300 tons of cargo & all passenger ships are required by the International Maritime Organization to be fitted with the marine guidance system. Recreational boaters are not required by law to use the technology, but the maritime technology is increasing in demand by those users. Globally, it is thought that this technology is is used in more than 40,000 maritime vessels.
This maritime technology is used primarily to avoid collisions. The tracking does not work alone. VHF radio communications can be limited and considering the fact that every vessel isn’t required to have it, it is not the perfect solution. It is not an automated collision avoidance system as defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). In the hands of a skilled captain however, it is one of many tools utilized for safe travel.
Sea captains often need help identifying other vessels in a local area in order to make the best decisions on course. That also does not mean that all additional types of navigational observation is thrown away. There is certainly, of course, visual observation in which the captain will frequently use binoculars to see far away objects or ships. There can also be acoustic observational warnings that a captain must pay attention for such as horns, whistles, or VHF broadcast. Last but not least, there is radar or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) that can offer beneficial navigational information to enhance what the AIS is plotting. Even with all this kind of technology, incidents can even now occur. It is frequently due to time delays and limitations of radar or even just plain human error whenever this takes place. The graphical charts and all the other observational tools must be utilized if water travel is to be safe and AIS is a small part of that.
Visit Automatic Identification System and read more about AIS